I could shoot that with my eyes closed...

(C) 2007 Teshon Christie Photography

(This is kind of long, but worth it.)

I listen to a ton of podcasts. Considering my love for learning and the fact that podcasts make it easy to dip the proverbial toe into the waters of lifelong learning, I indulge. I also benefit from a 30-40 minute bus ride one way Monday through Friday. One of the podcasts I listen to fairly often is Shutterbug magazine Radio with Jack Warren. On the show was an interesting interview with a Photographer by the name of Douglas Kirkland. Douglas Kirkland is a prominent photographer who started in the 60's and has an impressive portfolio of candid celebrity shots taken from movie sets and private engagements. So Doug (I get familiar with my podcast presenters) said something that validated a conviction that I have had for some time.


Jack Warren asked the question "What other types of photography (other than celebrity) did you dabble in?"

Doug replied,

'Today young photographers are often told to specialize. In the 60's most of the large publications wanted you not to specialize. They wanted you to be challenged all the time. Which I think was very healthy for me because you had to keep landing on your feet.'

Doug finished with,

'If theres a picture that needs to be taken, I will take it whether or not it's a wedding, a baby or whatever it is...it's all photography. It's all for the love of what the camera can bring us.'

I know it's not the 60's but there is a very good point there that sticks with me. 'Landing on your feet'.

A lot of contributors to pro photography forums I participate in and a lot of the articles I read confirm the same thing Doug alluded to. An overwhelming drive to specialize. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of knowing your strengths and weaknesses and working around them. I'm a bigger fan of putting in time to strengthen your weaknesses. In my opinion specialization doesn't allow that. The funny thing is this applies to more disciplines than just photography. We've all heard the phrase ' A mile wide but an inch deep.' or my personal favorite 'Jack of all trades, master of none.'

I'm dedicated to becoming an excellent wedding photographer in every way that I can. That also applies to being an excellent portrait photographer, sports photographer, editorial photographer or whatever else I choose to photograph. Digital photography hasn't changed the fact that skills in one photographic discipline can and will translate to others.

Does that make me a bad person?

I'll tell you how it goes.

TC