A Vision of Becoming an Artist, or Something

 There’s all kinds of information out there regarding “portfolio worthy” images. And if you’re anything like me (which I kind of doubt) it might have you wondering what the critieria is for such an image.

I think that photography for folks who shoot for fun, again, folks like me, is a completely subjective art. Which brings me to another matter – is photography an art? 

I should make a list or a chart or guidelines or … or … something to refer to when I’m out with my camera. On the other hand, I’d probably never refer to it. I never think before I shoot. Take the image below. I saw a couple of doves hangin out, I thought they were pretty, I made a photo. 

A couple of years ago I joined a photography group on the internet. Members pay a yearly subscription fee and I did my homework before signing up and it’s been a highly beneficial investment. It’s teaching me how to be an artist, or rather, the founder of the group has given us permission to call ourselves artists. 

 He’s also created many courses on all things photography related that are available to members. I’ve competed several and they have helped me become a better artist. 

One of the courses I completed is “Discovering Your Vision.” It’s been the hardest course for me to comprehend and I’m hoping to retake it soon with a another member of the group. I’m uncertain if I’ll ever discover my vision within the timeframe I have left on this Pale Blue Dot. 

And if I don’t, and you happen across a photo or a piece of music with my name associated with it, I’d appreciate it if you studied it a while and created your own vision for it. Because I probably didn’t.