Photo by Scott Diussa
Five Things I Know!
Have you ever gone on a great photography trip and then returned home to sit at your computer to review hundreds or even thousands of images from your grand adventure? Over the past few months I’ve reviewed many countless thousands of images from the great adventure of a 44-year career as a photographer! As Mark Twain once remarked, “Garrulous old people climb up on a soap box and tell the rest of us how they got there!” I’ll go ahead and plead guilty now for what I'm about to do, but I hope these things I'm sharing will have some lasting value for you, because these are five things I do know to be trueâ¦
1. The truth of Rod Planck’s quote: “Technique trumps equipment every time!”
The specific camera and lens used for any given photograph may be one of the least important factors that determines the success of your images! Far more important is the clarity of the subject, the effectiveness of the light, the arrangement of elements within the frame, (composition), and the specific conditions at the time of the exposure, all of theses factors carry much more weight! Even more important than even those factors is the story or message your image conveys! I believe a great image leaves the viewer moved, raises questions, or provides answers! No camera can do that, only you. We all love the gear, collecting it, and using it is so much fun, but cameras are only tools, tools for building things, building images.
The images above were all made with cameras that cost less than six hundred dollars. Top, glasses on the Bible with an Fuji X-10, middle, hubcap with pine needles with an iPhone 4s, and bottom, lines in a slot canyon, a Nikon P7000.
2. The true secret to becoming the photographer you always hoped you could be, only requires three things: years of study, years of practice, and perseverance when you fail (and you will fail, many times)!
In other words, when you fail, get back up, dust yourself off, and try again! Few people want to hear this, but hard work is the key that opens the door to photographic success. The rewards are far greater than the price of the hard work though. Jay Maisel said, “We only take pictures for two reasons⦠I want to show you something or I want to keep this for myself…” I’ve found very few of the images I’ve ever made that don’t fall into these two categories! When we share our images and the response is one of amazement or pleasure from the viewer, we've shown some one else our vision, and sharing our vision is always worth the effort. No amount of hard work is too much to allow you to enjoy this amazing craft!
Top, NFL game action shot, middle, sunset light rays Great Smoky Mountains N.P., bottom, single fall leaf on the forest floor.
3. Giving truly is better than receiving!
If you have been so fortunate to have received great talent, and then, keep it for yourself, you have missed a great blessing! I’m not sure that I’ve been gifted with great talent, but I’ve happily shared whatever I’ve been given with others seeking to learn! I can only speak from personal experience, but my greatest joy is seeing others share my passion about photography, and the wonderful subjects we have the opportunity to try to capture. I believe some of the most talented shooters we have today get their greatest joy in sharing their vast knowledge! There are many that meet that description, but Scott Kelby, Joe McNally, and Jay Maisel certainly are at the top of my list! If my name were ever mentioned anywhere close to that list, I would be proud indeed, but truthfully, that is not necessary for me. My joy comes from holding a camera in my hands, and attempting to capture the things that interest me! In giving the gift of photography, I have received the greater gift of sharing in others joy. When I look at the work of Jim Begley, Zack Arias, Richard Small, Matt, Moose, Brad, RC, and many, many other fine photographers, I share in their joy!
Top, Aerial photograph of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky, middle, Hudson name plate in Old Car City, GA, bottom, spices in a Paris market.
4. The truth is, in the end, it will be the relationships that matter most!
Faithful believer, husband, father, grandfather, friend, teacher, these are my most important roles. I’m proud of my body of work, but some day when I’m gone, I’m one hundred percent sure that my relationships will be far more important than any of my photographs! A few years ago a very close friend died at too young of an age. He was a great photographer and I and all of his friends wondered what would become of his life's work, which was considerable; he had authored over 26 photography books! That led to my considering what would become of my work! After some time and a lot of thought, I came to the realization that my photography has been a means to an end. It has helped support my family and been a source of great happiness for me, but in the end will not be housed in a college library somewhere preserved for the ages. It's been great fun making the images, but they are just photographs. It will be the people that matter the most in my life.
Top, stream in Great Smoky Mountain N.P., middle, air cleaners Old Car City, bottom, my grandson's snow covered bicycle.
5. Some people make more than a career out of their work… They make a difference.
That was on the cover of congratulatory card sent to me by a dear friend upon my retirement from Nikon. He wrote a personal note saying I’d made a difference in his life. I certainly hope that is true. My most important goal in life has been that I leave situations, and people, in a better place, than I’ve found them. How can a mere human being do that??!! Only by living with faith in someone far greater than yourself. Having the peace that comes from knowing how much God loves us! Then we must share that love with others who come into our lives⦠and, that my friends, is the greatest truth of all.
Top, aluminum skinned airplane tail, middle, Mesa Arch, Canyonlands N.P., bottom, medals on a red military jacket.
It is a great honor for Scott to share you guys with me, I hope something I've shared here will be helpful for you! Don't worry about what others think of your work, enjoy the process and rewards of being a photographer, there are many! Don't keep this craft for yourself, share it! I will only be truly successful, when my students exceed my abilities. My hope is that your photographic life be as rewarding as mine has been for me! Blessings!
Bill Fortney
You can see more of Bill’s work at BillFortney.com, check out his classes on KelbyTraining.com, and see him live at Photoshop World Vegas!
Great post Bill, Thank you for your Faith and heart felt words of wisdom.
Thanks Scott, happy to share.
I know Bill Fortney. I’ve learned from Bill Fortney. I’ve shared with Bill Fortney. I get inspiration from Biil Fortney.
Bill Fortney, thanks for all of that and for sharing the images and thoughts above to ponder.
Oh yes, and thanks Scott for inviting Bill to Guest-Blog.
Jim, it was my honor to meet you, you’re a great shooter, and fun to hang out with out west!
Thank you for your “Message!”
You bet!
Great post! I’m saving this one!
Thank you.
Thank you. I really appreciate you taking time to share with us.
My pleasure Kathy!
Bill, wonderful post and truly inspiring for me! I took up photography later in life, but the joy I’ve gotten from it is fantastic! Your five points have really been my progression in photography. I didn’t put them into 5 points … but your post made me think of them that way now! Thanks for your inspiration and your love of Christ! Your photos in the post are awe inspiring!
God Bless,
Dennis
I’m thrilled that you’re on the Five Point Path!
Bill, as usual you break through all the mumbo jumbo technical stuff and get right to the important stuff. You are certainly making a difference and playing for the winning team (and I don’t just mean the Kelby team or His Light Workshops team). Love ya, my brother!
Yes, that is “the” team, thanks my friend!
Thanks for the post, I enjoyed it and it helped me remember the talk at PSW in April. This moved me as much as your talk did there.
Thanks Fred, I really enjoyed that time with such a great group of photographers ! I’m really looking forward to the Photoshop World conference this next month in
Las Vegas !
Bill, from our past time together I had sort of figured out you were a pretty special person. This eloquent post just confirms my suspicions and illustrates what a truly outstanding individual you are. In this day and age where the focus is too often on “what can you do for me” it is great to see that there are still a number of individuals that are dedicated to “how can I help you”.
Thanks for the words in this post and a reminder of what is truly important. It is too easy to forget that in this hectic world. I plan on giving this post to those folks I meet that are new photographers as it is something they should take to heart.
To me you represent all that is right with this world — please keep it up for a very long, long time.
Thank you for the encouragement, as to longevity, I’ll work for Him until I get the call that the train is pulling out…….
Bill – Your name is definitely on my short list of inspirational people and wonderful teachers! I have been blessed to be in a class with you (Dury’s in Nashville) and have benefited from your online classes at Kelby Training. As a man and a photographer, you have influenced my life in positive ways. Thank you and God Bless!
You are too gracious, I enjoyed our time with you too!
As always Bill, you remain a gentleman, a scholar, a historian, a teacher, and a fine, fine photographer. Also, speaking for both Annie and I, you remain close to our hearts.
You know I feel the same and more about you guys! One promise? Let’s try to get five minutes in Vegas for a hug I’m saving for you and just a few minutes to catch up! Love you man, hug Annie for me, and a belated happy birthday!
Powerful, simple, honest…one of the best guest blogs.
Well, I’m definitely simple! Thanks for the kind words!
Great post!
Thank you Julie!
This is far more about life than photography and worth more for just that reason. Thank you and really well said.
Thank you Tim, after many years doing this, I’ve come to realize that photography is about life as well!
I re-energized my love for photography about 12 years ago at a major crossroads in my life. I know wonder why I had not pursued it more. Rather now I am truly grateful at the people and experiences and knowledge that I have gained these past years. Listening to you and seeing your work not only inspires me but leaves me with the realization that I have so much learn. That journey is what is so enjoyable now and the people that I meet.
Thank you Bill from the great white North here in Ottawa
Ed
Same back to you from the muggy, rainy south! Embrace it, and it will pay you back ten fold!
Always a good story and wisdom from you Bill. I’m honored to have spent time with you and to call you a friend. Look forward to seeing you soon.
Brian
And me as well Brien, Wes send his best too!
“The true secret to becoming the photographer you always hoped you could be, only requires three things: years of study, years of practice, and perseverance when you fail.”
Really wise words… so many people want instant gratification; just doesn’t happen in the arts.
Beautiful images, thanks so much for sharing.
The first step to a long journey is a map, and the knowledge of how far you have to go, the rest is just the joy of getting there! Thanks Tom, for getting it!
Some real words of wisdom there Bill that change ones perspective. I often feel there’s heaps of better photographers bombarding the internet with incredible images so why bother. But if you do it because it makes you look and appreciate the beauty around you I guess that’s good enough.
It’s better than good enough! Once you come to grips with the fact that you will see an endless parade of spectacular work, and realize you can learn from the wonderful work of others, your joy will come rushing back! If you’re having fun and getting better, it really doesn’t matter what the rest of the photographic world does! At least that has worked for me, and I once felt much the same way. Remember you work doesn’t determine your worth!
Should have been “your”. I can’t type on an iPad to save my life!
Bill – These were great thoughts and wanted to say thanks for enlightening us with your life’s experiences. I totally agree that the relationships you build with people will outweigh any photo that you take or the equipment that you use. In the end, it’s all a gift from God that we share while we’re here on earth. Cheers to a great post, and looking forward to seeing more of your work in the future.
All the best!
Thanks John.
Your a blessing brother!
He is my brother, HE is!
That’s what I meant, brothers in HIM!
Bill, thanks for sharing your wisdom! Beautiful words AND beautiful pictures.
Thanks for sharing your faith!
Thanks my brother,
Thanks to all of you that dropped by and made my Wednesday really special, God Bless!
Wait, Bill, Scott, this has nothing to do with photography!! :)) And I love it!!!
Well said brother!!! You are a blessing!!
You too Ken!!!!
Great post, Bill! You always inspire and teach me a lot, my friend! Thank you!
Thanks for your friendship buddy, can’t wait for future adventures, and I’m sorry I missed doing the last few weeks weekly reports!!! Hey that’s right I retired! Never mind……….
Great post, Bill! You always inspire and teach me a lot, my friend! Thank you!