A couple of weeks ago I wrote about how photography has become easier than ever and touted the ways and benefits. I was a bit wrong. Yes, photography has become easier, and for the most, it is a good thing, for the most part. What is difficult is to take good photographs and harder yet to create art. No, to me, just because you claim a piece to be a work of art doesn’t make it so. Just because it is easy to take a photograph doesn’t make you ready to become a professional photographer.
I also believe we have, at times, become too nice for fear of offending others. It has become easy to give a thumbs-up, heart emoji, or type “nice photo” on what may be a mediocre, at best, photograph. “We all have different likes”, I get it but that has become an excuse for giving the aforementioned thumbs-up, heart emoji, or typing “nice”. Our attempts to not discourage others has evolved into praising poor or mediocre work, in my opinion.
Some might say I’ve become a grumpy old photographer who believes everyone has to pay their dues, well I’ll tell you that is far from the truth. I believe the best way to encourage beginning photographers is to help them learn and progress not give them a participation trophy. Sometimes the truth is harsh.
Photographer Clay 
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