Wow! A full 60% of my last few posts, 3/5, have included my photo. Narcissism? Inflated ego? Nah. I just have a few that I liked that Debra took of me. Usually, as you know, I’m on the other side of the camera.
I read an excellent post by Ken the other day, Does Style Change? And, as am I wont to do, I started thinking about my personal photography, such as it is today. Sometimes, when I look at the work of others who are doing fantastic landscape photos (Mark), exceptional equine photos (Anita), or beautiful photography on historic locations (Earl), I think: Wow! They really know what they are doing and know what they like! I’m all over the frickin board!!!
This is not to single out anyone in particular and exclude others. Those were just some names that popped into my head. There are many others, to be sure. To throw one more in the mix, I just love Tom Dills eye for architecture. We shot side by side, and this is always interesting, at the same location and I was impressed by what he got. I didn’t ‘see’ any of the same stuff. 
So, back to Ken’s post: As I read it, I thought of my style and I’ve come to no conclusion. I’m still not sure what style is, truthfully. Perhaps it is your personal way of shooting/portraying your chosen subject. It seems to defy definition. In cruising back through my blog, looking at my photos, I see some that I think are pretty impressive, others, not so much. It’s the nature of the game, I suppose.
Regarding subjects: At one point, I fancied myself as a landscape/nature photographer and between 2004, the beginning of this blog, and about 2007, perhaps 2008, most of my photos portrayed that thought. Around 2008, my tastes started to drift more towards people, then events, now it seems to encompass everything. LOL
I’ve become The Journalist and I like it. I had fantasies of becoming a newspaper photographer when I first started shooting, among other types, too. Just this week, I’ve been asked a couple of times for photos from last year’s Peaceful Dragon events. In going back through the photos, I realized that I was at nearly every event and no matter what they asked for, I could provide it. It’s a good thing that I read The DAM Book. It gave me some good ideas for keeping things where I could find them.
As a final note, a photo of mine was published the other day in The Lake Wylie Pilot. So, in retrospect, I guess that I am a journalist!
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Congrats on the published photo. It’s always nice to see your work in print, isn’t it.
I see your blog as more of a record of your life and the photos reflect it.
Thanks for the link to the DAM BOOK. I work on DAM at the Museum so I’ll have to check this out.
Well, Ken, in a way, it is a journal or perhaps: The Chronicles of Paul.
I didn’t really realize how much I enjoy it this way. Sometimes, I’ll just take a trip back through memory lane and look at pictures and read posts of ‘days gone by’. It’s a great tool of nostalgia!
Paul, first, I think you make a fine photojournalist. Second, I’m glad you could come up with a round hole where the often square peg of Earl the Photographer could fit. I sure have a hard time trying to place my own work but upon reflection you were spot on that I’m attracted to history. It’s interesting how we often have the most trouble clearly seeing ourselves.
In addition, Debra took some good photos of you and congrats on the “Pilot” publication!
Thanks, Earl! As for the round hole, I’m sure that you fit into many, not just a single one; however, that said, I do enjoy your trips around Salisbury and all of the historical photos and associated writings. As a matter of fact, when I happen through there, I often wonder where are these cool places that you talk about, but then think: Ah, heck! I’ll just experience them through Earl’s blog and get the story to boot!
First, thank you for the mention and congratulations on being published. Then, why would a photojournalist limit himself to a particular type of subject matter, if the photos are for personal enjoyment and not destined for the market place? I am totally convinced that marketing experts are dead on when they tell all sorts of artists that they need to specialize if they want to succeed—in the market. On the other hand, if you aren’t interested in selling your work, why limit your interests? I don’t see anything wrong with identifying your intent and letting that determine your course. You work for your living and enjoy photography as a hobby. Bravo! I can vouch for the fact that, as a follower of your blog for a few years, the variety is extremely entertaining.
Thanks, Anita: I’m glad that you find me entertaining.
I enjoy the journalism stuff, there’s a certain amount of freedom in it.
Yes, in my humble opinion you are a photojournalist! I do not say that just because of your technical skills on the street but I think you connect easily with people and are therefore able to attain images others would not. I also read Ken’s post and had spent some time reflecting on my photography. I find not word to define my own style as it seems to be all over the “frickin board.” I often wonder if style is a reflection of who we are as individuals? If so then your photos are an example of you. You are a diverse individual and over the past few years going through a metamorphous.
And, congratulations on being published! Looks like Debra’s not too shabby of a photographer.