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Photographers don't have to think about their work.
Cindy Sherman, at least early in her career, didn't think much about what she was doing.
I was feeling guilty in the beginning; it was frustrating to be successful when a lot of my friends weren't.
Also, I was constantly being reminded of that by people in my family making jokes, like "Oh, yes, she's still just dressing up like she did when she was a kid,” or "It doesn't take any brains to be doing what she's doing."
So I guess I was thinking, maybe I am still just dressing up, because I don't theorize when I work.
I would read theoretical stuff about my work and think, "What? Where did they get that?"
The work was so intuitive for me, I didn't know where it was coming from.
So I thought I had better not say anything or I'd blow it.
Cindy Sherman
Art Photography Now
Susan Bright, Editor, p. 25
Cindy Sherman began photographing herself in many guises, beginning with a series of sixty-nine photographs called Untitled Film Stills.
Scroll down, or click here.
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| Untitled Film Still #3, 1977 | Untitled Film Still #6, 1977 |
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| Untitled Film Still #7, 1978 | Untitled Film Still #14, 1978 |
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| Untitled Film Still #35, 1979 | Untitled Film Still #50, 1979 |
However, most photographers can benefit from writing down what they and their photography are about.
What you write doesn't have to be long.
One sentence may be enough.
If you cringe at the idea of creating one of those flowery or precious artist statements that you've encountered—don't.
Write it for yourself—as a tool for you to use.
Keep it clear and concise.
Let it rest for awhile.
It will evolve over time.
If you're using the artist statement for a contest or gallery submission, be sure to have someone check the spelling, grammar, content, and the style/personality of the voice with which you’re writing.
Answer the following questions, the Five W's, that are often used by journalists.
The who includes yourself, of course, and others, such as a teacher who influenced your work.
The what included the subject, genre, materials, presentation, and so forth.
Time, place, venue, historic period, and ?
The when includes what you’re doing now, where you’ve been, and future goals.
One reason why photographers do photography is for the recognition they get when they show their photographs to someone.
There are many other reasons.
The Creative Energy Questionnaire and PATH: Ways-of-working in Photography can help you to answer the above questions.
Read what other photographers have written.
I was born in Hoboken. I am an American. Photography is my passion. The search for truth my obsession.
Alfred Stieglitz
My approach to photography is based on my belief in the vigor and values of the world in nature—in the aspects of grandeur and of the minutiae all about us.
I believe in growing things, and in things which have grown and died magnificently.
I believe in people and in the simple aspects of human life, and in the relation of man to nature.
I believe that man must be free, both in spirit and society, that he must build strength into himself, affirming the "enormous beauty of the world" and acquiring the confidence to see and to express his vision.
And I believe in photography as one means of expressing this affirmation, and of achieving an ultimate happiness and faith.
Ansel Adams