Why Unpopular Choices Can Lead to Unique Photography

Choosing your own path in photography isn't always easy, especially when popular opinion often points in a different direction. This video is a thoughtful reflection on how your personal tastes can influence your photographic journey, even if those tastes aren't mainstream.

Coming to you from e6 | Craig Roberts, this introspective video explores the idea that what you like in music might reflect how you see the world—and how you photograph it. Roberts discusses three albums that, while unpopular among fans and critics alike, have become his personal favorites. He uses this as a metaphor for photography, suggesting that the images you create don’t need to be universally loved to be valuable. It's about finding beauty in what others overlook, much like enjoying an album that most people dismiss.

Roberts argues that this willingness to see things differently is key to developing your own style in photography. He explains that, just as he appreciates certain albums for their distinct approach, he seeks out unconventional subjects in his work. He’s not interested in shooting the typical "pretty views" that flood social media. Instead, he gravitates toward scenes that challenge the norm, capturing moments that others might find dull or unremarkable.

The video also touches on the importance of experimentation in photography. Roberts mentions how traditional rules of composition and exposure can sometimes make an image feel stale. By stepping outside these rules, you might discover new ways of seeing and capturing the world. This approach is similar to how certain artists took risks that weren’t immediately appreciated by everyone. Yet, these risks are what make their work stand out, much like how your unconventional images could set your work apart from others. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Roberts.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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