Sunday Edition: Jim Westphalen

PHOTOSNACK #179

Every Sunday, I reach out to photographers previously featured on PHOTOSNACK and ask them to send me their spontaneous thoughts, observations, reflections, or advice.

Today, I’m sharing with you the message I got from Jim Westphalen.

This is a free preview version of PHOTOSNACK Sunday Editions. Please consider supporting my work (and getting all future Sunday Editions!) as a paid subscriber.

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Jim Westphalen

MAKING A LIFE AS A FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHER

Three years ago, I drew a line in the sand. For decades I was fortunate to make my living as a commercial/architectural photographer, but yearned to create "art" that would move people on a visceral level. Although my "day job" and all that goes with running a photography business kept me extremely busy, I was very intentional about getting out any chance I'd get to create imagery that excited me on a personal level. It took me the better part of 10 years before I had built what I considered to be a cohesive body of photographs that I believed was strong enough and unique enough to approach art galleries.

My encouragement to those who want to create/sell their art is this:

1) Study other artists' work (not just other photographers) that speaks to you. Dissect what it is that moves you about their work. Use that excitement as a springboard to stimulate your own imagery, but be careful not to mimic or copy.

2) Be true to yourself. Photograph only what you're passionate about, the "thing" that excites you. Don't waste your time chasing other artists' passions/visions. Everyone is a "photographer" these days. You must have something very unique to set you apart from the masses.

3) Shoot, shoot, shoot. Be willing to put in the time to hone your art (aesthetically and technically) and study your results very carefully. Learn what works and what doesn't. Be willing to take risks. Remember, no image is a failure if you learn what not to do.

4) Do you have a creative block? Think out of the box! Take your subject and a) turn it upside-down, b) light it on fire, c) hold it underwater, and d) turn it inside-out. etc., etc. Get creative!

5) You're only as good as your weakest image. Edit your portfolio carefully.

5) When approaching galleries, do your homework. Study the other artists they represent and make sure you are a good fit and a compliment to their stable. Be persistent, and don't be afraid of rejection. You will indeed be rejected (as I have been many times).

6) Be organized and professional. This bodes very well with gallerists. Have your act together and remember, you are also running a business.

Making a life (not just a living) as a fine art photographer is indeed a blessing. Although I can unplug from the "business" any time I choose, as the artist, it permeates my very being - how I see, where I go, what I do, and very much informs (not dictates) my life as a whole. There is something very special and unique in each one of us, so get pumped, get out there, and create and share your unique vision!

Jim Westphalen was featured in PHOTOSNACK #147.

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Sunday Editions connect you with photographers whose work you previously explored through PHOTOSNACK.

I want to reveal some authentic parts of the people behind the cameras.

I don’t ask them any specific questions. I ask them to share whatever pops into their mind when thinking about YOU - the readers of this newsletter.

It makes their responses genuine and personal.

I hope you enjoyed today’s Sunday Edition.

Until next time,
Tomasz