Shifter: Dear Photographer 2

Never in my wildest dreams did I think my first installment of "Dear Photographer," would have any impact. But apparently, it did. Happy to hear. Now, before you go hating let me repeat my opener from the first installment. These bits of advice are things I wish I had known back in the day. Not all of them mind you but many. The rest are things I encounter on a regular basis, things that make me ponder my existence, the meaning of life, and the sheer craziness of this thing called photography. Agree, disagree, no matter. Just putting it out there. Now, go shoot something will ya.

1. 6:00, contact information
2. 8:30, build an archive
3. 11:00, Edgy and authentic
4. 12:55, all that hate is gonna burn you up
5. 15:28, original work
6. 17:52, don't worry, quit and be happy
7. 20:30, soul over cinematic
8. 23:00, speak when you have something to say
9. 27:00, doom scrolling and hate reading
10. 29:54, act free
11. 33:00, take workshops, keep learning

[cornelius_b]

I am officially the one person now that is asking for a third part of this series

[photom]

It’s not just photographers that need this. Many of these things apply to other creative endeavors.

[jpmcgarrell]

I’ve always loved those lines in that movie.

[MTimWeaver]

I’m a little older than you, and totally remember the Izods and parachute pants. I’m convinced that was the fashion equivalent of today’s folks scheming to create the next Tide Pod challenge bullsh*t. We are doomed as a people.

I’ve loved your videos…so while nobody has asked for them, at least one person has found value in them.

But to your point about ‘act free’:

I’m a copywriter by profession, and photography is a hobby. I once turned a hobby into a business, which destroyed my love of the hobby for more than a decade. So, photography was never going to be a business for me, which has/had allowed me to “act free.”

Nevertheless, I pigeonholed myself based on the desires and expectations of others, so much so that I’m currently “on hiatus” (3.5 months now). I miss photography a little, but the longer I go without doing it, the less I seem to miss it.

That tells me something…what, I’m still not sure.

I want to create again, but then remember those things I loathe (editing, mostly), so I don’t even consider it.

But one of your videos about film have got me thinking of taking the rolls I’ve got in my fridge, loading up one or two cameras, and just experimenting.

The challenge is, however, I love (individual) portrait photography, but have no desire to photograph anyone at the moment. I’ve tried other genres (architecture, landscape, pets), but felt no passion or desire doing them.

In the meantime, I’ll enjoy your videos, read, and pet the dog. Perhaps even in that order. Thanks for ‘listening.’

[carolwatts]

I stayed with you through your whole video. And appreciated every bit. Learned a lot, received MUCH food for thought, and chuckled often. Awesome stuff!

[jayeads]

These videos are essential, and I come back to them regularly. Thank you for putting yourself into them.

[DragonEye]

Stayed for the whole enchillada. Continue doing this, Dan.

[davidrichards]

you just kept me company whilst I was punching holes in some leather for a project that's running late. 40 plus years in photography, I wish I had heard you talking back then. I still dabble in photography, digital for the majority, and large format film trying to find my mojo or whatever. Like your videos, always something new, obviously you always recommend printing a book or zines, that's to be expected, and it's also a good idea

[lagazettedesfrancais]

It's not that the days of Salgado have gone, it's that the days of a public understanding and appreciating Salgado's work have gone, cheer up !

[kimpagel]

Be the best person you can, don’t be like Dan! You always put a smile on my face! Thanks for your awesome content.

[sarasings]

I'll say it again. Deleting Facebook was the best thing I've ever done in my life. It's been a year and I don't miss it one bit. You are absolutely correct. If you spend any time on social media you do not have any original thoughts anymore. I am just about detoxed from having been inundated by 2300 people's opinions. I'm even starting to forget their names, thank God. I love my real life with real people. There's no way to even describe it to people who are still on Facebook and Instagram.

[dollhausenx]

To paraphrase Bukowski, "It's not so much that I hate the internet, as that I feel better when it's not around."

[BackFocus]

“You gotta walk the walk kid.” Sums this up. Thanks Dan

[bradrandel]

What a great story I am laughing my ass off…
You are a bad ass I can’t wait to meet you…
Great work!

[MunirRahool]

That cinematic point is so true for the "Army of the Dead", 100%. But it is also true to many other recent productions as well.

[badgerag]

I would love to hear a Dear Photographer part III, unleashed hard truth edition please. I loved the two main stories, terrifying indeed, and thank you for sharing Dan.

[johnlaw]

Okay, i must always look for an exit in every room i enter LOL i'm an old dog but learning a lot from your Tubes. Thank you

[marklevine]

Your films are spot on every time. No b-roll, no fluff, no bs! The fact that they're black and white makes them feel even more honest, no manipulation through color grading. Just facts and opinions from someone in the business. If I'm going to watch a YouTube film instead of reading a book, I don't feel as guilty when it's one of yours.

[damlandberg]

Wow! That was a good one - and I am not even a pro photographer - or aspiring to be - just a happy snapper.
This was just good advice in so many other aspects. Well spoken, Dan! 👍🏻

[diforbes]

Great opening story! Brings back a memory when I had to take a photo of Charlie Manson in the Vacaville prison on his way to a parole hearing. The bars were the police tape.