Photo of the Week 2019-10-07

Specialist or Generalist Photographer ? Does it matter ?

I've been checking out the work of a few new photographers lately. While searching places to photograph in Scotland for an upcoming trip (in 2020), I discovered Thomas Heaton. Watched some of his videos on YouTube, he introduced me to Simon Baxter and then a few others.

Looking at their galleries and you tube videos it quickly became obvious that these guys focus their photographic eye primarily in one direction. Heaton bills himself as a Landscape and Outdoor Photographer, Baxter more narrowly as a Woodland Photographer and their work is beautiful.

Studying their work and approach got me thinking about being a specialist vs a generalist when it comes to photography. I can see why those trying to make a living from photography would benefit from specializing to develop an identity, working to become known for their work.

I'm not sure I could specialize, limit myself to one genre of photography. I don't think it matters. I enjoy capturing a variety of subjects, though a lot of my work includes landscapes and nature scenes. That doesn't stop me from learning from those photographers that specialize. Simon Baxter's work has me revisiting the trails and woodlands around home, scouting prospective locations and thinking of what season, time of day and conditions would be optimum.

And while scouting out a local backroad that I've shot in fall before, I didn't think conditions were optimum, but they were close ...

rainy fall road

DJE