[Leica] if i can't understand it, i think harder

[Guy Bennett <guybnt@idt.net>]

>In any event, personally knowing a number of dedicated and active
>photographers, they seem to fall into two camps.  Some, perhaps like me,
>simply don't feel the need for intellectual discussion about the theories of
>the work of others because I'd rather devote my thought to my own work or
>spend time studying the photographic work of others and simply being moved
>or not.
>I've spent several hours recently studying and absorbing the photos in
>William Albert Allard's book 'Vanishing Breed'.  I would not , however,
>spend five minutes intellectualizing and ascribing theories of photography
>to this work.  Just don't feel the need.
>
>A few, for sure,  take the option B: If I can't understand it, it's garbage!
>Mike Gardner


mike,

i'm not disputing your or anybody else's right not to find "intellectual
discussion" about photography via email or through any other medium
worthwhile or necessary. what i do have a problem with is the overblown,
childish reactions from those of us who get nothing out of such stuff. to
say simply, as you do above: "i'd rather be out taking pictures," is one
thing; to respond: "that's a bunch of shit, it makes me want to puke,
anybody that believes that is an idiot, etc.," is another. and we've had
comments like that here on the lug on numerous occasions.

i guess what i'm trying to say is: if you (and i don't mean only you
personally here) don't like talking/reading about photography, photographic
theory, art photography, etc., don't. if you feel your time is better spent
out shooting/printing, fantastic. just don't be so quick to dismiss and
rebuke those who do find value in such things; there's no need to be
condescending about issues that you obviously have no interest in.

the rest of the world has determined that susan sontag (just to quote the
latest "hot" thread) is a significant writer on photography, in spite of
what a handful here on the lug may think. that alone should make folks
think a bit more about her work before condemning it out of hand.


guy