IDP: Vincent Versace

Scott Shepard over at Inside Digital Photo has a great interview with photographer, author, and trainer Vincent Versace about the differences between a photographer and an image maker and reasons for breaking the photo rules for the sake of the image.

Hear Vincent’s insights and philosophies about the techniques he uses to capture the moment and angle of the image rather than just a record of an object...

the difference between a picture and capturing the moment lies in the eye of the photographer. Using the right equipment for the assignment, being prepared for anything, and having the confidence in your vision are all concepts that impact your ability to take outstanding images...

Vincent is in process of writing an in-depth new book that hopes to teach photographers and enthusiasts to train their eye and mind to become a better photographer. An image maker can capture a shot, and utilize a range of available digital editing and image modification applications to enhance their story and vision. His philosophy begins behind the lens and feels that too many photographers today end up relying on the adage “I’ll fix it in PhotoShop” rather than strive to take better composed images at point of capture.

One of my pet peves that Vincent seems to share is when people will do something in Photoshop simply because they can and they think that it will show that they "Photoshopped" it. They use the tools and filters because they are there, not necessarily because an image will benefit from their use.

The mark of an artist, of any kind, is making the complex seem effortless. You see the results of the time and skill without seeing the effort. It's a lot like watching pairs figure skating or ballet. You see the grace of the dancer/skater lifting his partner in the air for a particular move but you don't actually see the strength that it takes (you don't see him straining). It's the lightness and smoothness that makes the difference; it's the skill and training that goes into it.