The more I look around at successful artists, the more I see the common thread of their success. Maybe it's a secret, and maybe it's not. To me the secret IS, there is no secret.
But really, it all lies within that. The secret is "SEEING", which essentially is having a strong refined vision for. Definitely in your craft as an artist, but in other facets of life and business. If you can't see quality, details, and all the little elements that fit together to make a great photograph then maybe it's time to rethink. Success starts from the top. It starts from the decision maker's "Vision" because every decision that is made to execute that vision gets filtered down to the team that comes together to create it. You see this all the time in corporate companies. Look at the successful companies and the CEO's that have taken them there. Apple and Steve Jobs. He has a strong vision for the products and company, therefore that strong vision gets imprinted and controlled into everything the company puts out, including it's branding and advertising. Hulu & Jason Kilar. This month's issue in Fast Company talks about how Fox hired Jason Kilar to revamp what is now known as Hulu.com. He came in with a strong vision and turned the company around. Fired and hired a new crew. Implemented his vision, took risks and now Hulu is rapidly growing and successful. Nike & Phil Knight: Nike is one of the strongest brands in the world. Phil Knight created a great well designed product and had the vision to create a brand that matches and elevates the product. The vision to venture into new medias and try new things, but everything aligns with their vision.
How does this parlay into photography? It has everything to do with it from taking pictures to the business. You have to be able to see a good photograph to be able to make it. The WAY you SEE is WHAT you are hired for as a photographer. Seeing photographs is just one facet of the business, and if you want to make money at photography, you must build a business around it. You have to be able to "SEE" what it takes to have a successful business, so you can make the decisions and execute the elements of that. You must have the vision to hire people that are the best at what they do to make your business better. That especially goes for executing a photograph. Hiring people that do amazing work, only makes the photograph better and close that creative gap between what you "SEE" and what you produce. Seeing also comes into editing and retouching. Choosing the right images and having a vision for retouching is also key.
I have to admit, my technical knowledge is just now catching up with what I envision in my photos. Even at that, I'm constantly working on "SEEING" at a higher and higher level. If you can "SEE" at a high level and produce what you see, you'll get hired for those types of jobs. If you feel you have a hard time "SEEING", then practice. Practice by looking at magazines and good photography. Break images down to the details of what goes into them.
"SEEING" in business is similar. It's a learning and growing process. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to take a business class or connect up with mentors. This field is probably 80% business and 20% photography, that is if you actually want to make a living off of it. You have to be able to "SEE" all assets of the business, especially branding and marketing.
amen... one feels better about the images they take when what comes up on the lcd is the same as what they wanted to capture in the first place. a "professional" can get the picture in his/her head consistently! here's an interesting question what is the difference between knowing what works and keeping it fresh? i have my opinion, but i'm interested in yours nick! try to take a few pictures today!! ;)
Posted by: Derek Green | November 11, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Can I get a hallelujah?!?!!?
Posted by: eliesa | November 11, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Nice work Nick. I always appreciate your perspective.
Posted by: Michael | November 11, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Thank you!
Posted by: Jamie Wade | November 12, 2009 at 12:34 AM
good stuff.
Posted by: Candice | November 12, 2009 at 08:01 AM
Thank you. Always love your posts.
Posted by: therese | November 12, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Thank you for all of the work you put into this blog. It is one of the top blogs on photography, hands down.
PS - I love your photographs!!!
Posted by: Brandon | December 10, 2009 at 10:00 PM
great post! love your work:)
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