Recognizing Mediocrity

“I realize that we all do express ourselves, but those who express that which is always being done are those whose thinking is almost in every way in accord with everyone else. Expression on this basis has become dull to those who wish to think for themselves.” ~ Harry Callahan

I recently perused the Instagram feed of a certain well-known and highly regarded contemporary landscape photographer. I was already familiar with their work, having seen their presentation a few years back. I was largely unimpressed then and continue to be now. The images are beautiful, the craftsmanship impeccable. However, that’s all they are: beautiful and well-crafted photos of spectacular scenery. Most of the compositions followed the standard templates. Strong foreground element, near-far relationships, leading lines, fill the frame, etc. Yawn. Where is the individuality or creativity? Where is the courage? Ironically, they spoke of courage during their presentation, which I found disingenuous. Honestly, how much courage is there in making a photo in the Dolomites or Torres del Paine in Argentina? Who wouldn't find those images beautiful? Sadly, their Instagram feed looked no different from dozens of other popular contemporary landscape photographers. Conformity abounds.

As we all know, talent alone does not guarantee success. For the professional photographer, marketing and business acumen often play a bigger role. The landscape photography community today is rife with those who are better marketers than photographers. How else to explain someone with only 5 or 6 years of photography experience leading a workshop (they’re out there) or being a presenter with Out of Chicago? (Not that the latter is any great shakes, but that’s a discussion for another time.)

Despite my somewhat disparaging tone, I have nothing against those who travel to exotic locales and rely on the spectacular for their photography (although the argument could be made that they contribute to the exploitation of said places, but again, that’s another matter). They’re doing what they love and making bank at the same time. Just don’t make them out to be something they aren’t. Don’t be seduced by photographs that rely on obvious and inherent beauty into thinking that the photographer is automatically “great“. With today’s technology, it is relatively easy to make a beautiful image of beautiful subject matter. We are rewarding mediocrity and ignoring those striving for something deeper.

Okay, enough with the harping. I strive to be positive in my writing, so I will leave the negativity there, lest I appear bitter (too late?). Instead, I will focus on the implications for the creative photographers among us. For those who seek something deeper than aesthetically pleasing images of benign beauty, it can be frustrating and dispiriting to see photography documenting the obvious and spectacular be lauded. It’s one thing when the public falls for the low-hanging fruit, another when it is praised within our own community. What is the creative, personally expressive photographer to do? 

A friend and fellow photographer and I have spoken at length about this, and we both agree it’s important to keep your head down and go about your business and not concern yourself with the actions of others. The latter can be nearly impossible in the age of social media, which, as it turns out, is a fantastic reason to quit those platforms. There have always been artists whose work is more commercial and accessible than creative. We can't help that, but we can focus on our work and strive to make personally expressive, authentic, creative photographs that connect with those who share similar sensibilities. It can be difficult when you see those who shout the loudest with their photographs getting the attention. That’s okay. Whereas others shout, I prefer to whisper.

The most important thing is to realize that the most fulfilling and long-lasting rewards come from within. Popularity and outside validation are all well and good, but in my experience, they pale in comparison to the internal feelings of satisfaction when creating something challenging and meaningful. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment in one’s work. These are the rewards that are derived from the work itself. As we all know, the greater the risk and challenge, the greater the reward. For those of us who routinely photograph the ordinary and mundane close to home rather than traveling to the latest hotspot where stunning imagery awaits, the challenge in elevating the mundane offers an astounding sense of accomplishment, even if the work is largely unrecognized. Extrinsic rewards place the power in the hands of others, whereas intrinsic rewards rely wholly on you. There is a sense of autonomy and control.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will return to keeping my head down and bask in the rewards that come from doing the kind of work that inspires and fulfills me. And wait for Out of Chicago to come calling.

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A Perfect Circle