When it comes to posting photos, where do you you draw the line? Do you carefully curate your images and post only the ones that make you look good as a photographer? Do you worry about your “image” and reputation? I remember someone telling me once that the true sign of professionals is that they present only their absolute best work to the public.
I am proud to say that I am not a professional by that definition and I post photos that I find interesting, cool, or quirky, irrespective of the supposed quality of the images. I do not really care all that much about my personal image and have never had a goal of attracting a large audience of “followers.” I post images that appeal to me in some way and hope that some viewers will have a similar reaction
My photos (and my blog) are a reflection of the way that I see the world and my simple objective is to use my images and words to share my perspectives with others, i.e. to help them to see the world through my eyes. For me, the natural world is full of endless wonder and unlimited beauty, a place to explore and channel my curiosity and creativity.
I have gone off on a bit of a tangent in this posting, but I woke up this morning in an introspective mood and wanted to share some of what is going on in my head at this moment. The three images below are ones that I have taken over the past two weeks at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and are a bit more “artsy” than my usual images, which tend to be more detailed and close-up.
The first image shows a pair of Hooded Merganser ducks (Lophodytes cucullatus) flying away from me over the water. I really like their shadowy reflections and the parallel lines of the water. The second photo shows a Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps). Although I captured the details of the bird pretty well, it is the rippled reflection that really grabbed my attention.
The final photo is a minimalist environmental portrait of a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). Silhouettes work best when the shape of the subject make it immediately recognizable, which I think is the case here. I like the way that the angular protrusions of the branch match those of the bird. The image is mostly black and white, but I really like the way that you can see a bit of the blue sky peeking through in the upper right corner of the frame.
So what do you think? Would you have thought to capture these images? Would you have been willing to share them with others? Where do you draw the line?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Mike, I’m not a professional “anything”. I enjoyed reading your words. As someone who likes to be here and enjoy your pics when I’m able, I’m very happy you chose these. Much like you, I see these beautiful animals “reflect” in their environments. I enjoy artsy. My style of writing won’t appeal to masses, but I blog in part for myself. It was healing. I enjoy how you view life and nature around you. Thus, I always enjoy your pictures! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much for sharing your reactions and your very personal views about life and art. For most of my life I believed that I was more analytical than creative, but as I have gotten older, I have become increasingly convinced that these two traits are not polar opposites. In fact, I would posit that they can be complementary. Like you, I blog in part (and it’s a large part) for myself. 🙂
You’re welcome, Mike. I hesitated sharing so I’m glad I did now! What you said hit me straight in the heart and soul (and between my ears!). I HAD to be analytical. I’ve been told by my twin and others, I analyzed TOO much. Creativity as complementary–that’s wonderful! I’ve never thought of it that way before. When I left education I was so focused on creative projects. It all makes sense to me now. I’m quite a dreamer too. Thank for sharing this wisdom and insight! It’s shifted something for me today that needed it! I appreciate it so much! 😊
The simple answer (my opinion) is yes. It’s your web site, and your choice. Which happens to be interesting, informative, and have good photography.
Thanks, Ted. I really enjoy hearing (well, actually reading is technically more correct) your perspective. You and I often are kindred spirits in our approaches, though at times I seem to be a combination of your approach and that of Ellen. 🙂
After this much time out together Ellen’s and my work certainly overlap 😁. Though at least we make an effort to split up when walking out in the boonies.
Love the photos, keep them coming
Thanks, Brian, for your very kind and encouraging comment.
That’s good to know where you draw the line… that’s why I follow. I feel the same way about images. I mostly like to study creatures, sketch and paint them for my own field studies. I am not a professional but enjoy living things and how you see life through your lens. Thx for posting and sharing your perspective with us all.
They are wonderful, Mike. I’d take a shot of any of those given the chance.
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Mike I don’t doubt that there are many people who think a blog should be ‘professional’. Personally I would question why. It is a weblog. A personal log or journal that records an individual’s reflections and or journey. You can keep it as professional as you like. Whether that be very much so or very casual. Now how did you get that kingfisher to sit still ? They have a sixth sense to dodge out of the picture when they are being watched !
Mike, I love your work, and in my opinion, all your photos are stunning. Thank you for sharing your work with us.
Mike, I follow your blog because it is similar to mine in just a very different location! (Virginia & Costa Rica) I agree with your approach to both photography and blogging! Nature is not always “perfect” but it is always creative and inspiring! And it is what gives me the “Pura vida” of living “Retired in Costa Rica!” (My blog title.) Keep doing what you are doing! The heck with trying to be “professional! 🙂
I draw the line in what appeals to me. Some days I’ll pass by an image that I think might be average or below and the next month or year I find something in it I like and will use it. I’ll probably never be a professional and while I try to use my best work I’m not adverse to using something that might not be the best possible. I’ve been afraid most of my life to share my work. No more.
I often capture images that other people would consider quite ordinary. I always enjoy your photos, Mike. I think you should continue to photograph things that catch your eye, and share them with us!
Thanks, Michelle, for your words of encouragement. I thought it was useful to lay out my thinking regarding the photos that I post to forestall comments like “that photo was not up to your usual standard.” In many ways I create for my own personal pleasure and share my creations with others without necessarily seeking their permission or even their approval. To a significant extent my sense of self-worth is not tied up in the number of “Likes” that I get on my social media postings. As I have aged, I have removed many of my inhibitions and have cared less and less about what others might think of me.
I am trying to become a professional, but I don’t feel that my blog is necessarily the means to accomplish that. Like you, I blog because I enjoy doing it and sharing my thoughts and experiences with people. I love it when I can get a great photo of something and I enjoy sharing those, but I also share some of my not so great images if I like them or they help to illustrate what I’m talking about. I have an artist’s website to post only my very best work on. I know that not all bloggers post daily, but many of us do. I don’t know anyone who can have a perfect shot to post every single day (at least no one who shoots wildlife and nature). Besides, I really like all three of those images that you posted. All for different reasons, but I most definitely would not call any of them bad. Artistic isn’t a bad thing in photography, and it’s not easy to do, especially with wildlife.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful response. I agree that a blog is not the best way for a photographer to display his/her best photos. It is probably better to have a gallery site that highlights your absolutely top photos for potential clients. It sounds like you and I have very similar approaches to blogging and to how we look at our photos. I rarely if ever post a photos that I think is “bad”–I like all of the photos that I post for one reason or another. You final comment rings so true–when it comes to most of my wildlife photos, my primary objective is to capture a recognizable image and if I can manage to do so in an artistic way, that is a bonus. Some of the artistry of the image may come afterwards in processing the image, most notably by cropping to improve the strength of the composition.
Nothing wrong with any of them. You caught an action shot, a still with detail and reflection and a quirky shot 😁 I post for me mainly, if people dig my photos cool. If not so be it.
Thanks. You and I definitely think alike in our approach to posting photos. I totally agree with your last sentence.