a little danger goes a long way

No great art has ever been made without the artist having known danger.
Rainer Maria Rilke

The other day, I stumbled upon this quote and immediately jotted it down. It made me think about how I approach my photography and how I can elevate it to the next level, maybe even call it ‘a-r-t’.

Real danger lies right in there for me. In fact, if I catch myself trying to make “art”, not to mention “great art”, I freeze. What I love about Photography is actually the opposite of that. I fell in love with the medium, because it freed me. It distracted me from the greater goal and allowed me to simply get lost in the wonder of capturing a moment.

Still though, who am I to challenge Rilke, right? :) And when I think of it, the fact that Photography is an experience of ease for me is what allows me to face the risks I constantly need to take, in order to get those shots that come to me in my dreams. Danger is still there. It is in the thrill of taking on a new client, in producing and shooting an assignment, in the boldness of approaching strangers, and in how I climb on the fence or lay across the cement floor, just for the sake of a better angle. My best memories and results are truly from times when I took a risk, when I faced a little danger, when I went in with abandon and conviction, trusting that it was worth working through the fear, in order to get the mighty shot. (Above: first time shooting fashion with animals!)

So, can you share with us today, what danger looks like for you? Whether it is taking a risk with your equipment, your angle, your technique or even your personality, show us how you work it!

Comments

[Carrie Hasson]

I just can't tell you how timely this is for me. Perfect timing. There is a reason we as photographers, as artists, are constantly challenged to face our fears through the use of our medium. There is such a freedom in laying it all on the line, following your passion and curiousity to the very brink...the reward is so great.

[giftsofthejourney (Elizabeth Harper)]

I tend to like the physical risk involved sometimes in getting the shot.

http://giftsofthejourney.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/my-changing-perspective-on-finding-community/

[Kathryn Dyche Dechairo]

Danger for me is usually crafting in general, he, he, he. It's good to push ourselves and I'm often amazed at the results when I do.

Have a great holiday weekend.

[ally]

Wow! I can certainly understand where this is going. I'M THERE!! I am such a stinking rule follower but when I take a chance and do something that is out of my "comfort zone" it amazes me. Why is it so hard to take risk? Thanks for sharing this post I so needed it today:)

[Hannah]

I think the danger for me is in speaking and directing clients/models. I have always been more on the quiet and shy side, and speaking up and taking charge of things doesn't come naturally for me.

[nikkole]

For me there is danger in shooting in public.
SP from awhile ago right off of a busy road.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/_nikkole/3520220848/in/set-72157605284394257/#/photos/_nikkole/3520220848/in/set-72157605284394257/lightbox/

[Tracy]

This post is so perfect for me right now! I am starting a photography project and it definitely feels a bit dangerous, definitely scary.

Here is a link to my photo with a description of my plans. http://www.flickr.com/photos/31417716@N00/4756917484/

[Stephanie]

Sometimes, for me, the risk involves doing things that would otherwise be uncomfortable. It was cold, windy, and pouring rain the day I visited Venice but I knew there were good shots to be had. Despite the flooded sidewalks and cold wet feet/legs, that day ended up producing the best shots of my trip to Italy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephaniecourt/4753174040/in/set-72157624401583896/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephaniecourt/4753175482/in/set-72157624401583896/

[Dorean Beattie]

The danger for me is in the possibility someone is going to see my work and judge it, and therefor me (in my own mind, at least) as "bad". Or "not good enough". When I'm alone looking at my work it impresses me. as soon as I put it out there to be seen, it no longer looks good to me, because I have so much fear of the rejection I'm just sure is coming. I have issues... :-)

[cigi]

I tend to gravitate towards the urban landscape where I have very little problem venturing into sketchy parts of town for a good shot. What really scares me though? People!

http://instamaticgratification.wordpress.com/2010/06/29/178365/

[humbird]

Yet all of this allows the camera to be the buffer between the Danger, and our desire to capture latent beauty and the drama(s) of life.

No one was harmed in these photos, but you've got to ask "they call this fun?"

http://humbirdhum.wordpress.com/2010/04/11/motion/
http://humbirdhum.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/sliding-stop-jkduffy.jpg

[Jen at Cabin Fever]

Danger for me and my work is where I put myself. I've gotten stuck in electric fences, stood in the middle of roads, embarrassed myself publicly, faced thunderstorms dangerously close with a metal tripod (virtual lightning rod) in my hand, and ignored signs that say "Keep Out". Is any of that advisable? No. Do I end up with awesome photos? Yes.

The real danger in our work is being afraid of it.

http://www.nekphotography.blogspot.com

http://www.cabinfeververmont.com

[Maddy]

Gorgeous photos.

I always try to live with no regrets -- just lessons learned.

[deea]

For me it is shooting something that if I screw it up it is lost forever. Like the wedding I am shooting for a friend this next weekend... I'm scared out of my gourd!

[Jessaca]

my danger right now with photography is people...example I may see a sweet older couple and think what a great shot this would be if I could just capture the moment without being disturbed or letting them know that I am photographing them, or making it come off as me being creapy or weird.I will say I have done this as of recent.The wife seemed to be a bit courios of me constanly looking over her shoulder at me. Good thing I had my daughter with me so I made it look like we were watching the birds. LOL.
Great post!!!

[Kate.S @ Little House]

Besides having children this may be the most dangerous (and exciting) thing I have ever attempted.....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30297021@N02/4758693061/

[Andi Schreiber]

I love that quote and it is one I will carry with me along the way.

I posted recently to my own blog on the subject of Stranger Fear - - about street photography and making pictures of people previously unknown to me. Honestly, if I am not in out of my comfort zone than nothing good happens creatively.

Even the blog itself has been a way for me to put myself out there in images and words. I feel like I am taking a risk every time I post. The experience has been cathartic.

http://www.andischreiberphotography.blogspot.com/

[Petite Portraiture]

I love thinking outside the box and I'm so thrilled when clients trust me!!
http://petiteportraiture.wordpress.com/2010/07/05/mama-k-part-2-tires/

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