The Photographer...

Quite frankly, I'm somewhat hesitant to call myself a photographer. Perhaps it's because the works of giants like Adams, Avedon and Cartier-Bresson seem so unattainable. Maybe it's the fact I have no studio to call my own. Probably, its the fact I have no work published in National Geographic or hanging in a gallery in New York or Paris. I'm a techie by vocation, but a creative person by avocation (in the best possible sense).

What I do have is an undying love for creating images of the things I care about. For the better part of four decades, I have found myself spending a lot of time behind the lens, learning by doing. I've taken a large number of classes on photography, but I consider myself to be largely self-taught.

The most important technique I've learned is this: take lots of photos, and take the time to understand each and every one. There are no better teachers than a poor photograph you took. After each roll of film, or these days, full memory card, take the time to do a post-mortem on each and every photo. Hammer on them. Have your friends hammer on them. Post them to quality photo web sites for critiquing. That is what I have done, and I consider it the greatest learning tool of all.

In addition, I constantly study the work of great photographers, trying to understand both the techniques and the aesthetic values represented in each photograph. Photo magazines like American Photographer and web sites like photoSIG and Photo.net are some of the places I go to see quality work.

Lastly, I've spent time understanding photography as a technical science, from the physics of optics to the mechanical, electrical and computer engineering involved in the design and construction of cameras. A solid background in these disciplines has helped me to understand the physical aspects of photography.

My philosophy is that photography is 5% equipment and 95% work. Fun work, but work nonetheless. A lot of beginners think that once they get their hands on some great gear, their photography will instantly become great. That's a trap I've fallen into and I can attest to the fact that buying that cool Nikon, Canon or Hasselblad will only turn you into a Nikon, Canon or Hasselblad owner. Not a great photographer. That being said, I always try to buy the best lenses I can afford.

This web site is the confluence of my technical and creative sides. I hope to grow as a photographer in part, from the process of creating and nurturing this site. Sharing my photos and receiving feedback on them is my motivation for creating NeufeldPhoto.com. If you've read this far, I thank you for your time and attention. Enjoy looking at the photos!

Bruce W. Neufeld

Web address: http://NeufeldPhoto.com/
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