Have we lost our focus?

Question

Are we only interested in selling our photos because we want to become rich and famous? You say you want exposure. Sure. I may be the first one to say that I am not going to sell my photos. There. How do you like that? It's not about the money people. You probably won't believe me. I don't care.

Answer 1

First of all I feel that the question is quite appropriate, it is a question that most fine art photographers ask, though not so much commercial photographers (with the exception of fashion photographers). I believe you as I am one of those people who just refuses to look for any exposure in my work. It is not as if I am shy, or refuse to listen to people critique my work, it is just that I refuse to compromise my work for the sake of a gallery director or for what my audience expects me to do. Sure it would be nice to grace the cover or Artweek or perhaps have an exhibit at The Whitney, I have friends and collegues who have accomplished such, and have been encouraged to proceed with my outward career, but I don't think I could handle it, nor do I feel that my work relates well to the general public. I'd rather live and die penniless and obscure like EJ Bellocq, or Eugene Atget. Maybe after I die someone can find my work, and perhaps it will make them happy and rich.

Answer 2

Even a man with high standards can be bought for a certain price.
It just goes to show that the man of today's society have no standards.
I do my art for the fun of it.
Not just for the fun of if though, for money, just like every one else does.
You need money, I need money and every one else needs money.
Money is the society.
When some one works in a area of employment that fits in what they love to do, it just makes their job so much better then the rest of the worlds.
Hell all artists that take pictures and draw pictures will never sell all of their art, but when they sell anything by the time they do they will need that money.
When your talent is all you have left on the plate, it is about the money.
If you don't have money your standards are lower then any one else's, that's just how it is.
What is happening in society even now the rich have low standards.
If you are rich that does not mean you are famous.
Thousands upon thousands of people are rich, but millions upon millions are living in poverty.
The artist of america and other nations do what they have to do for money, even if they have money.


To bad though like you said "You don't care," but I do because I have never lost focus.

Answer 3

That's an interesting question for the photography section. I normally hear this discussion from painters and musicians.
Most photographers don't consider photography a pure enough art form to get uptight about artistic integrity and selling out. And they rarely see photography as a means to becoming rich and famous.
When you say that you won't sell your work at all, what does that mean? That you just take pictures as a hobby? Good for you... I hear fly fishing is fun, too.

Answer 4

of course we have lost our focus. It is about the art. It is not about the money, but..... on the other hand. Being rewarded for one's work is a wonderful thing especially if it pays the rent. Such a contradiction, I want my work appreciated because it is art and i have something to say. My work is appreciated and it makes money. Money is good but then with success it becomes all about the money. So if you can make money with your art, be grateful. Don't let money be the focus and don't let detractors get to you either. Jealousy will make people say, it's all about money. Just be sure that you always let it be the art no matter how much success follows and always remember to be grateful for your success.