I am one of the guys who enjoys reading written or video articles related to photography; I am just one of the zillions out there, who follow other photographers, accomplished, less known or whatever. Many times I simply enjoy listening to other people, discussing things related to photography, either as professionals or amateurs. To be honest, it’s like socializing in a meeting, where everyone has their say, and the listeners are polite, more or less part of the discussion, implicated by either knowledge or passion or both.
As a reader (and obviously, viewer) of Ted Forbes of The Art Photography articles, I have always enjoyed his take on this photography thing, although at times, I may not fully understand the intricacies and professional subjects he delves into. Mind, I am but an amateur and by no means what one may be called accomplished or knowledgeable, perish the thought. I could probably say that he is one of the people who shaped a bit what little skills I may have, and made me understand a bit about working with film, light and so forth.
So, in a video post (lower on this page), I was surprised to hear him say that nobody really cares about my or anyone else’s photographic activities and results. Well, obviously he never meant “me”, no less for the fact that he is not aware of my existence. But what he said seemed to me a bit on the blunt side.
However, after watching this video for the second time, I somehow picked up a feeling that Mr. Forbes is ironic, because it would seem to me he does not really believes what he says. I got the feeling that he is doubting what his friend once said, and he does not look like he is approving. And that put my mind at rest.
Of course people are interested in one another’s photography; otherwise how could they discern between their results and yours? Otherwise how could they say “mine’s better than yours” ??