Picture Maker Manifesto

Once a upon a time there was a Manifesto of a Picture Maker

• Photographers are picture makers.  Picture makers are story tellers.
• Take your time, observe and record.
• A picture needs to speak to the observer, capture the emotional.
• The world is your canvas.  Start with your little corner of the world first.
• There should always be a fire inside of you and if it goes dim change what you are doing.
• Explore the unknown to keep the fire alive.
• The camera is not only your eyes, it is the paint and the picture is your voice.
• Rules are like tools, and tools can be broken.  But if you break them without reason or thought, then you are best to throw them out.
• You can never stage a missed event; it would be a lie if you did.
• A picture lacking technical skill is like ironing starch on your flannelette pj’s.
• A picture that is too technically correct is also like ironing starch on your flannelette pj’s.
• You may only have one shot at it, paint it carefully in your mind and perform with your eyes through the camera.
• Treat every moment like you are getting paid.  Be professional, but have fun too.
• Perform like you are getting paid top dollar even if you are not, dream a little, and pretend you are on a top model set.
• There may not always be a happy ending, not everyone will get your story.  Don’t let this discourage you, only you can create a happy ending for yourself!  Believe in yourself!

© Melissa Thorburn Photography 2011, All rights reserved.