To The Pretentious Go The Spoils

[HarmDogg]

If a tree falls in the woods and there is no photographer to take pictures of it, is it a waste?

I was watching “We Were Soldiers” last night (Vietnam War flick), and I noticed something I never really paid much attention to before: at the end of the movie, when all the other photographers show up at the battleground and see a tiny flag stuck into a tree, they ALL (20-30 of them) start taking pictures of this flag like crazy. There were 30 little lenses focusing on this flag from a few feet away while the soldiers carried away the dead, wounded, and prisoners among other things.

I get it: there’s symbolism there. However, I think we can agree that it’s a little too much. Photographs, except in some cases (Napalm Girl), are not parables.

From my observations, inanimate object photos get branded symbolic over the contrary. I believe this is partly because of some justification a photographer feels is necessary for “capturing” something less dynamic. Not everything is going to be Pulitzer material. Taking pictures is fun; that’s why it’s such a popular hobby. There’s nothing wrong with a little practice, trying out a new lighting technique, etc., but let’s not paint stripes on these pictures and call them zebras.

Plus, someone has to take pictures of these watches, earrings, and knives that people are selling. Kudos to the professional photographers; you’re getting paid for what millions of others do as a hobby.

The sunset picture on your wall is art, but not artistic. You found a nice place for a sunset, you stood there, the Sun set all by itself, and you snapped the picture. Oh, you used a tripod and messed with a few settings on your camera; what talent! Again, there’s nothing wrong with these pictures. Everyone does it, but let’s call it what it is and not add, yet, another level of pretentiousness to photography—it’s got enough already.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, we take pictures and capture a moment in time. Please. I don’t care what you say; the crying widow next to her husband’s coffin photo is cheap. Some of you out there are better than that.

While this website teaches you how to be a better photographer, I will be covering a few areas that our haughtiness has seemed to interfere with.

[hibou]

Originally Posted by HarmDogg

Yeah, yeah, yeah, we take pictures and capture a moment in time. Please. I don’t care what you say; the crying widow next to her husband’s coffin photo is cheap. Some of you out there are better than that.

Heh. Interesting that you say that.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by hibou

Heh. Interesting that you say that.

Jesus.....what did I do today? At least I'm creditable not like you two never will be's or gonna be's. Hey hibou, since you're so good...let's see some your pictures posted somewhere. So far...you're all talk, now back it up!

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by hibou

Heh. Interesting that you say that.

you and harmdogg but be related.

[RichardTaylor]

Quote:
"If a tree falls in the woods and there is no photographer to take pictures of it, is it a waste?"
No that is nature - and sometimes the tree is used for firewood.

Quote:
"I was watching “We Were Soldiers” last night"
You were watching a Hollywood interpretation!

Have you read the book? A very, very, different ending.
Some ISBN's here:

We Were Soldiers Once… And Young - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


My view is that the post [Quote] "To The Pretentious Go The Spoils" has just added [quote] "yet, another level of pretentiousness to photography".

[hibou]

At least I'm creditable not like you two never will be's or gonna be's. Hey hibou, since you're so good...let's see some your pictures posted somewhere. So far...you're all talk, now back it up!

lol sorry Jim, I forgot how sensitive you are. I just thought it was funny that OP derided exactly the kind of photo Our Great Leader's professional reputation hinges on. Calm down. Bask in your glory. There, doesn't that feel nice?

I don't think I've ever actually commented on your photography or my own for that matter, but as far as being all talk, I've posted pics on this forum as well as links to my website, if you haven't seen them... try google?

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by hibou

lol sorry Jim, I forgot how sensitive you are. I just thought it was funny that OP derided exactly the kind of photo Our Great Leader's professional reputation hinges on. Calm down. Bask in your glory. There, doesn't that feel nice?

I don't think I've ever actually commented on your photography or my own for that matter, but as far as being all talk, I've posted pics on this forum as well as links to my website, if you haven't seen them... try google?

Sorry, you caught me at a very bad time. But still I didn't catch that as funny.

[junglebear]

Issues. You have some.

That is all.

[Dennismc]

I found it hilariously ironic!

A guy with 6 posts to his name, in one little swoop posts enough slander to encompass the vast majority or the great ones here, the main being Jim.

Going to sit back now and watch someone else get run thought the coals for a bit... Kinda refreshing seeing it isnt me!

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by HarmDogg

(words)

You're complaining about "pretentiousness" and yet are doing so in a pretentious manner. Irony deficient, or just plain ignorant?

Im sorry but every single post you've made here has been inflammatory in some respect. If you're gonna troll, go bother the guys at DP Review. They welcome it.