The Writer, a Model, and a Dark Alley
I’ve never been to a photographer meetup, only for one reason: I don’t “get” them. Now before I get crucified by everyone who does, (and that’s ok, go ahead, I can take it) let me say one thing, I “get” that other people “get” them, so they must be helpful for a lot of people. So, I’m trying to come from a constructive place here, help me “get” it.
I don’t “get” them the same way I don’t “get” it when a busload of tourists pull up to a spot and take the exact same photo in front of the exact same place as everyone else on the bus. I’m more inclined to hire a moped, and just drive and see what I see.
Or the same way I don’t “get” people who write articles filled with other peoples photography. I mean, I’m glad you agree with eveyone else that they’re fantastic, but what’s the point really?
So back to photography meets. What do you get by all putting in for the same model(s), going to a predecided area like a busload of tourists and taking the same shot as everyone else from perhaps a different angle? Yeah you get to meet some great people and all, and maybe swap techniques blah blah, but isn’t that why someone invented the internet?
I would like to know what I’m missing, so I welcome comments from people who “get” why photography meets are so great.
Until then, I’m gonna grab a model, go out on my own and DO SOMETHING!
(You can view my setup shot for the above series here)
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Photographer based out of Currumbin, QLD Australia.
I specialise in Environmental Portraits for marketing or advertising clients.
When I'm not taking photos I'm surfing and fishing around home.
Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/_kennysmith_ 
Love the photo Kenny. I didn’t know you were that good.. There was obviously at lot of planning and knowledge going into that shot. Forgivr for asking but is it as shot or were there two images put together (don’t hate me for asking).
No worries David, it’s all one shot. You can view the set up shot on the link. It’s also my first modeling attempt ha!
Sorry David, I didnt correctly read your first post. To answer your question, it is one shot, as in it is NOT a composite. However, the effect was created in photoshop using layers and masks, so this image is obviously not straight out of the camera. I’m gonna get deeper in depth in an upcoming article, however, I will say that in order to achieve this effect the lighting is key, and it has to be done in a way that would not be flattering in normal circumstances
Looking forward to the upcoming article then.
Hi Kenny,
Regarding photography meets and the like…
I’m with you 100% when it comes to the busload approach.
Personal creative expression is the greatest reward in photography, or any art form, not to mention life in general.
Hand in hand with our unique perspectives, for better or worse, go inequalities pertaining to degrees of resourcefulness, education, freedom of thought, etc.
For some people, group activities satisfy nothing more than a social need. Others, I’m guessing, need a kick-start, perhaps even before realising the process might lead to individual expression. The dangers of this include group (as opposed to individual) thinking and dependent attitudes.
On articles filled with other people’s photography, I beg to differ. They alert people to subject matter they might otherwise miss out on. Not much different to internet search engines.
Alex Harrison’s posts here serve to broaden horizons for all parties including the photographer whose work is featured.
The busload approach may or may not achieve the same.
With the topics in question though, there are definitely instances of sloth and exploitation. No excuses for either.
BTW, Kenny… that’s a great image you provided to demonstrate your own creative expression. It’s one thing to achieve technical results. It’s another to tell a story with one image. Thanks!