Photographs by Ed Hamlin at Believe Fotografie

From the Blog

Mar
11

Defining Moments — How Well Do You Know Yourself

Posted by Ed Hamlin at 4:23 pm
I have taken some time away from writing and other activities to search out some answers I needed to find on my own. During that time, I have had some experiences that confirm what I have known about myself for some time. I don’t like to blend in. I think everyone should know who they are, what makes them tick, happy, sad, what they are all about before they choose a career to pursue.

I have to start out with the short personal statement – I will not apologize for my faith as a Christian. I find that my pursuit of art and business are founded on what God’s desires for our lives. In turn, you will find that what I have to say is based on a foundation of faith. I am not a perfect man and have many flaws. So, if you find that my faith precludes you reading the remainder of this article or any others, I still wish you well.

I began saying that I realized some truths about myself. I definitely have outside influences, which have helped define my artistic voice. I do not like the standard off the shelf approach to portrait photography. I also like the influences of various types of music when I am working. It could be jazz, classical, opera, rock, you name it, and music has influenced how I have shot something. Then there are classic artists whose work I find inspiring, not only in subject but in sound and words too. I wrote a brief article “The Value of Monet, John Donne, and Puccini” that gives a brief thought on the influences. I find influences of others beneficial. Influences have help define who I am, what I like dislike, and hopefully brings a unique quality to my work.[singlepic id=882 w=520 h=440 mode=watermark float=left] (more…)

1 Comment | Read more
Feb
24

Sadly It May Be A Lack Of Their Own Creativity

Posted by Ed Hamlin at 7:03 pm

Lately there has been a lot of comment and additions to the article at PDN regarding the similarities of a several photographers work. I have chimed in previously on this with a post about my thoughts on the subject. I decide to do a little bit more research on the subject and it has some varied viewpoints by those commenting and authors.

When you consider copyright law and the possibility of a rights violation, it just doesn’t apply.  None of the photographers are using previous works as their own. If you look at some of the images in question, you see similarities but then again each is unique. There is a question about the possibility that it may be plagiarism.  I again don’t see any legal standing from my lay viewpoint since I am a photographer.

 [singlepic id=477 w=420 h=340 mode=watermark float=center]

First off if you look at things from a viewpoint of when Monet and Renoir sat side-by-side painting the same scene with very different results. Yes if you look at the paintings, they are similar but the colors are different. I can be seen how each artist or in this case a photographer (sorry not all are artists) definitely has a different eye for the scene than other photographers.

I find it sad that outside of, learning or influencing a photographer’s voice and artistic eye that they would use a similar work (that is similar to another photographers publish or displayed work). I find that is shows a lack of creativity and originality. If that means taking it to the next level as it should be, then why not do it? Instead, it seems being lazy is the way to go.

You can read more at Photo Ramblings,  The Online Photographer or  Chris Combs . I want to thank Jörg Colberg and his attention on the subject at his blog Conscientious.

No Comments | Read more