Often, in photography, we find ourselves at our wit’s end. There are so many things that we have to learn, not only about our gear or photography theories but also how to navigate the industry. As a beginner or a serious enthusiast, we may wobble, lose our way, or hit a photography block. But despite it all, what we need to do is carry on. To help us forge a better path, photographer, curator, and educator Charles Traub has listed a few important do’s and don’ts that can aid your career.
Charles Traub’s Golden Rules
Before we understand what the photographer said, let us tell you a little about Charles Traub. Born in 1945, Charles has numerous achievements under his belt. He founded the Chicago Center for Contemporary Photography, which became the Museum of Contemporary Photography; was responsible for creating new curricula at Columbia College, Chicago; and served as director of the Light Gallery in New York, curating numerous showcases. That’s not all; he was a part of multiple exhibitions, his works are in permanent collections of multiple museums, and he currently serves as the president of the Aaron Siskind Foundation.
Considering his achievements, he is perhaps the best person to ask for advice. It just so happens that he published an article on his website that helps photographers with the do’s and don’ts of the medium. We have attached a picture below.
What Does Charles’ ‘The Do’s List Mean
Some of the things on his ‘the do’s list are quite self-explanatory, for instance, networking, editing, or simply observing. However, the first four points are a bit confusing. From our understanding, Charles Traub is urging photographers to change their perspective and try things that they may simply not do to stick in their confirm zones. Sometimes, you may find a new genre, but pairing it with something you are already comfortable doing, such as portraits in the comfort of your home, can give you exceptional results. However, you can pass it off as fine art when your images are fuzzy or out of focus. This is certainly a dig at the genre, as he has a documentary and street-style approach to the medium.
Similarly, if you can develop your images on the computer, stick to that instead of going to the darkroom. This rule is given because Charles Traub was one of the first few photographers who rallied for digital photography. Then, if you manage to make 50 good images, you can get yourself an exhibition. Similarly, if a picture doesn’t look good as it is, perhaps rotate it and see if it works for you. Another thing he highlights is shooting images from different angles, which means bending your knees, going lower, or standing up taller to make the scene engaging.
Charles also highlights the importance of celebrity shoots, which I think can be skipped. Not everyone wants to photograph a celebrity. However, he also adds the importance of reading and watching movies beyond photography. This is important for beginnings as it will urge them to see the world differently. Movies like Citizen Kane and The GodFather are cinematic masterpieces, where each frame is a captivating photograph, and they have been arranged carefully. The use of light and shadow can also improve your knowledge of lighting.
Color photography is often underrated in a world that wants to use black-and-white and high contrast to sell an average picture. That’s why Charles suggests that if you are shooting in the real world, do yourself a favor and work on your compositions in color. At the same time, when you push boundaries and are self-centered in a medium that centers around “taking” rather than “giving,” you are likely to dig your grave.
Analyzing His Don’ts
Charles Traub is pretty clear that a project should not focus on yourself, your friends, or your family. Again, we disagree with this. Sometimes, working on a personal project can be liberating, especially when it is cathartic, so you may ignore this.
As for photographing nudes or using alternative processes, even coloring on them is nothing something you should avoid. However, when you think of an experimental approach, you also have to ponder over what makes your photographs/project stand out from the rest. You simply can’t join the fray because that’s what other photographers are working on. You must consider how a certain approach is useful in your visual narration. If you find yourself getting over and over, it is best you give it a rest. Instead, focus that energy on achieving the story in another way.
However, his less is more approach is the best. If you are a beginner, look at the works of great masters, whose subjects may be simple, but their compositions are so strong that they blow your mind. In the world of AI, it is easy to get swayed by the noise. This is why take your time and don’t complicate the process. Shoot how you feel.
Many photographers also dabble with video. However, they do so as an expectation of their story, which may or may not encompass all elements in stills. In that vein, Charles is correct when he states you shouldn’t abandon photography because you are going through a tough time.
We also agree that you should not photograph people in foreign lands because you are likely to romanticize the place and its people, which harms many. You can read more about it here. Last, but most importantly, you have to produce. Sure, please take the necessary breaks for your mental health. However, do not quit. As it is said, you have to do your 10,000 hours to be the best. If you leave halfway, you will never know your full potential. And you certainly don’t want that.