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Why Photograph People?

If you desire to make immortal photos, photograph people.

Download PDF: Why photograph people


Why I love to photograph people

Dear friend,

A simple thought I had today:

Why photograph anything besides people?

Which means:

Photos of people are always the most interesting.


What types of paintings last?

When I look at all this old-school Renaissance painting– the only ones that really last are the paintings of people.

For example, Mona Lisa. Sistine Chapel (full of people/angels).

The photographs that generally last are the ones of people as well. For example, the photos of Henri Cartier-Bresson which involve people. The portrait-photographs of Richard Avedon. The people in Diane Arbus‘ photos.

Everyone still likes to look at landscape photographs and paintings (they give us a sense of ease and relaxment), but I think the photos, paintings, and pictures people are truly interested and impressed of are of people– our fellow human beings.


There is nothing more fascinating than (another) human being

 

Why are human beings so interesting to other human beings?

To me it is simple:

We depended on other humans to survive and thrive.

Humans weren’t designed to appreciate or make art. Humans evolved certain faculties (sight, smell, movement) which have been “hijacked” in order for us to create and appreciate art.

The interesting thing about pictures, paintings, and photographs of people:

At least in the next 3,000 years– humans will still look (relatively) the same.

Humans will always admire and prize other human beings much more than anything else in the world.

No human would desire to be alive if they were the last person on planet Earth. All humans desire other humans.

No matter how many iPhones, Lamborghinis, Gucci Wallets, or gold-money you give another man– they would not care, if they had no other humans to appreciate these things with (or show off to).


Make humans your focus

Thus as a simple idea:

If you want to make photographs that will stand the test of time, focus on photographing humans.

Shoot street photos of people, photograph portraits, photograph fashion, photograph documentary projects, photograph other humans in any way.

Of course you can photograph other stuff. But if your desire is to make immortal and legendary photos,

Photograph people.

BE STRONG.
ERIC


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