Draw or photograph

[DWThomas]

I think each of the two can complement the other, but I'm not very convinced the original statement is true.

(And my opinion plus $3.50 will get you a latte at the local coffee shop.)

[Old-N-Feeble]

I think it means don't take a cheap shot just because it's relatively easy so "why not". If it isn't worth the effort to spend hours drawing it, regardless of drawing abilities, then it's probably not worth photographing either. Take a longer look and ask "why" instead of "why not". I think the expression has merit.

[Jeff Kubach]

I'm not very good at drawing, but good at photography.

Jeff

[lxdude]

Dumb expression.

I don't know WTH it means. I suppose it could refer to investment of time in making the picture, something like that.

But immediacy is a characteristic of a lot of photography. Who would spend time in the thick of battle to make drawings of it?

[lxdude]

I'm not a very good drawer

I only make drawings of bedroom furniture and theater wardrobe managers.



Yep, a dresser drawer.

[David Brown]

I once heard the expression "if you are not prepared to draw it don't photograph it". I think this statement sometimes holds some good advice for photographers, ...

And what would that advice be?

[Old-N-Feeble]

And what would that advice be?

Don't waste time on so-so images. Move on and find something really worth your efforts and expenses. IMO, that doesn't infer "grand imagery" it means "good imagery".

[blansky]

The whole problem with it is it's kind of elitist bullshit. And probably has to do with seeing.

It's also elitist in that it refers to photography of objects and not people. Because expression is fleeting. In fact very few can even draw expression very well and even if they could someone cannot hold an expression that is real long enough for someone to draw.

I know someone is gonna say "yeah well what about the Mona Lisa" which is to some some sort of a revelation. It's not. It's portrait 101.

Moving on...

[cliveh]

Don't waste time on so-so images. Move on and find something really worth your efforts and expenses. IMO, that doesn't infer "grand imagery" it means "good imagery".

Yes, I think I would agree with this.

[blansky]

To attain impact, photograph the most common thing in the most uncommon manner.