When discussing art and photography, the term originality is frequently mentioned, but what does it truly mean? Originality is a more nuanced concept than it may initially seem. The path to achieving originality often involves facing challenges, including misconceptions and controversy. In the current, oversaturated landscape of photography, understanding originality becomes crucial. I believe that art should either be hated or loved, but it should never be ignored. Let’s explore the concept of originality and some inspiring quotes on the topic.
Originality Is More Than Just A Buzzword
“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” – Herman Melville.
“Good artists copy, great artists steal.” – Pablo Picasso.
Originality often comes with the price of marginalization, at least at some point. Resisting conformity also means facing skepticism and criticism. It’s essential to recognize that originality shouldn’t be pretended or forced but should be the result of what Edward Steichen said: “It is the artist in photography that gives form to content by a distillation of ideas, thought, experience, insight, and understanding.” Art shouldn’t be linear; it’s essential to evoke strong emotions, whether it’s admiration or critique. Taking inspiration is a good practice as long as it leads to creating something uniquely yours.
The Risk Of Originality
“It is an illusion that photos are made with a camera… they are made with the eye, heart, and head.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson.
“Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth, you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.” – C.S. Lewis.
Originality comes from your unique perspective and often a different view can cause people to raise their eyebrows. However, if your photography can raise a discussion, then it definitely matters and is able to spark its own light and be seen. My approach to photography and the curation of fine photography prints involve seeking something that is different and authentic, even if it’s not linear or safe. Admiration and critique are welcome, but not indifference.
Crafting Your Own Style
“It takes a lot of imagination to be a good photographer… in photography, everything is so ordinary; it takes a lot of looking before you learn to see the extraordinary.” – David Bailey.
Creating your own photographic style requires extensive exploration, observation, and practice. Both milestones and failures are equally important in shaping your photographic voice. Avoid the illusion of quick recognition by chasing trends; instead, remember that originality stands the test of time.
Originality Is A Scarce Resource
“You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” – Ansel Adams.
“Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.” – Imogen Cunningham.
I believe that what is authentic and distinctive is easy to recognize amidst a saturated scene of copies. Originality is rare and valuable. Your views and life experiences contribute to shaping your own photographic style in an organic way, allowing for a spontaneous creative process without pretension.
Originality Wins
“The principal mark of genius is not perfection but originality, the opening of new frontiers.” – Arthur Koestler.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Originality also means being brave enough to see and portray the world in a different way. The original thinker might face negative responses, but the goal of originality doesn’t aim to please everyone. In the photo above my nurse is the drug dealer injecting the deceptions of a world that wants to make us something else like Ralph Waldo Emerson said in a famous quote. To understand and embrace the concept of originality we need to detach from certain beliefs and sit aside as an observer with the goal of capturing reality rather than following illusions.
Trusting Your Unique Process,
Sal
