Twins, St. Louis, Missouri. Photo by Erik M. Lunsford

Heaven sent, there are so many great comments on photography and life these last few days. As I juggle multiple personal commitments at the moment, please enjoy.

Alex Majoli at The F Blog.

“I say: “take some pictures.” And they reply: “of what? why?” So I’m taking a picture of it and they like it and say: “No! but you’re a good photographer!”. My answer is: “No I’m not! I’m just taking pictures, while you don’t!” It’s always like that! They need to have a big story, they need to go to Iraq to take a pictures. C’mon take a picture here!”

and more Alex:

“We should think of a photographer as a Samurai who makes rituals, moves and gestures in order to develop his techniques and his instinct.”

Matt Slaby on Luceo’s blog.

“I’m writing this as I’m about to step outside to do my gardening.  Which is turning into an interesting Holga project, slides of all the plants I’ve been growing in my yard over the past few years.  The thing about all this technology that kills me is that you gotta draw a line between your real life and reporting on your real life.  This stuff makes for an interesting lens on our lives but, all things said and done, I’m doing my best to keep it balanced.”

Alec Soth at NYTimes.

“I’m famous for sweating when I photograph people, which doesn’t seem to happen when I’m photographing landscapes,” he added. “My own awkwardness comforts people, I think. It’s part of the exchange.”

Carl Kiilsgaard on Facebook

“Fuck a digital SLR…my p/s now owns my world.”

(I agree, I love keeping a Canon G10 around my neck)
Michael McNamara on Sportsshooter

“Nobody got into photojournalism for the money…it’s something we do because we love storytelling and photography. But like any relationship, that love is not unconditional, and when you don’t feel it coming back, it gets harder and harder to put forth the same effort you once did.”

Jörg Colberg on his Tumblr page.

“A book publisher telling me they’re now charging for formerly free review copies. Should I write back and tell them I’m now charging for formerly free reviews?”

David Carson at Pictures:

“My job is better than yours….most days.” (note inflection)

Max Bittle on Whimsical Whatnots:

“confusion is fun, but at the same time drives one insanely mad.

what makes someone good?

is it the quality of work? maybe

their attitude? maybe

their friends? maybe

their awards? maybe

their looks? maybe

so so so confused……….

i don’t get the system, like at all.”

and the best of all, the JLP bible, courtesy of Aphotoaday.

“If you are not having fun then what is the point. Surround yourself with good people, work hard, and keep things personal.” (many more where that came from)

His recent post, “Wear Good Shoes: Advice to young photographers” is outstanding. And it’s outstanding because Alec collaborated with his colleagues to produce the article and because it’s in a convenient PDF download to print out and keep in your pocket for easy reading during that next story budget meeting.

So, which photographer’s advice plucks your strings? I like Thomas Hoepker’s advice for young photographers the most because I followed — heedless at the time — a similar path. Thinking back, earning a non-photography degree was the best decision I made, not because I think photography schools twist your mind, but because I developed my own sense of style and vision by finding great photographers and great artists to study on my own terms.

Avoid all photo schools and courses. Most will give you lofty ideas and twist your mind in one direction. Find your own way to photography, nobody will ask you later if you have a diploma. Visit as many museums as you possibly can. The images you see (painted, drawn, etched or photographed) will stay with you for the rest of your life. They will help you to discover good pictures in real life. Suppress any silly ambitions of becoming a great artist. Being a good photographer is difficult enough. -Thomas Hoepker

Now, the responses for wearing good shoes can’t be emphasized enough. Every six months I wear out two pairs of shoes — one pair of New Balance tennis shoes and one pair of Doc Martens. My feet hurt and the soles are thin by the time I walk in the shoe store. It tells me I’m working hard. It would be better if I wore them out in three months. That would say I’m working even harder.