as we meander along our journey in life, camera in hand….the road twisting & turning…we, as photographers, learning our craft & nurturing our creativity, and learning the value of our images….somewhere along the way as we honor & maintain the ever important “copyright” to our photographs….there is a little tiny problem….”copyright” does not mean “copycat”….so i implore you, especially young photographers, trust in yourself & your own vision…it is the one thing absolutely unique & special to you…in a world full of “inspiration” & “ideas” i imagine there is a certain allure to aspire to create images that are reminiscent of ones we’ve seen & been moved by….in fact, in the spirit of full disclosure, when i began my journey as a photographer, i was mesmerized by SALLY MANN’s work…it spoke to my soul…it moved in ways i had no language to describe…my sister gave me the book IMMEDIATE FAMILY (if you have not seen this book, you must…its wonderful)….the book is full of SALLY MANN’s photographs of her three children…..i would say her work has influenced me greatly….although i too now am the mother of three children (i swear i didn’t mean to “copy” SALLY MANN on that) & i love, as many of you know, to photograph my children….i suppose i understand more now how poignant SALLY MANN’s images are….how being a mother changes you in ways that are ever-changing & beyond the scope of any human language…when i photograph my children i am drawn to the unique & special beauty they each possess….i capture what is in front of me…what they reveal to me…it is an awkward dance of caught moments & missed moments, crowns & birthday cakes, it’s our life…so yes, i was touched by SALLY MANN’s images of her life….i have never tried to “copy” a specific images of hers….what would be the point?? the beauty of an image lies somewhere between a proper exposure & some modicum of authenticity….my point is, don’t try to copy another person’s work….everyone knows….and the saddest part about it, is that you are missing the most amazing opportunity to create special meaningful images…each human, each photographer has something special to offer, if you are “copying” others, you never really discover or reveal what is special and amazing about yourself….i do believe in inspiring each other…and let’s face it, it’s not like we can re-invent the wheel….there will always be overlaps & similarities between photographers & their work…but really when you outright “copy” another photographer you are only making yourself look bad…& truly missing the point, because you were probably drawn to the amazing image you are trying to copy because if felt authentic in some way…& the minute you copy it, you have lost any sense of authenticity….art is in your heart…so instead of looking outside, try looking inward…you might be surprised how much inspired beauty you will find inside…xoxo
and E, although i have yet to meet you in person, i wanted you to know that i visit your site whenever you update because you are so incredibly kind. your images are amazing, don't get me wrong...but i like connecting with people more than images. and you are one of the sweetest out there! xx oo
On another note, Sally Mann was and is he first photographer who I truly feel deeply in love with. The lighting, the medium & large formats, the beauty and raw innocence of her kids, landscapes & life.
Your work and portraits are INSANELY inspirational! Can't wait to meet you at WPPI :)
I am with you, find yourself and let that come through in your work. Only then will you feel complete. I assure you, these "copy cats" can try to copy everything from what you shoot with to how you shoot it, with like subject matter and they still will not be Elizabeth Messina. It is sad they don't understand that.
I have come across this coping in my work too, and it breaks my heart....i love the way you have expressed yourself here...it shows not only what a gorgeous photographer you are but also what a wonderful soul you must have.
Emma x
Laurie