When starting out in photography, it can be tempting to try and become a master of all types of photographic technique. Even committed enthusiasts can often delve into several areas.
And, there is nothing wrong with this approach, at least in the early stages. There are so many areas of photography to savour: landscapes, action, portraits, candids, still life, studio; and so the list goes on.
Then theres the issue of our individuality we are all attracted to different things. And the variation between humans is what makes the world tick.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with experimentation. In fact, it is good and can be one of the ways we learn our techniques and the limits of the abilities both of our equipment and ourselves.
But, sometimes, it can be frustrating. Having several different areas of concern can dilute your commitment to individual areas. Time melts away and jobs get done hurriedly at best and not at all at worst. This can lead to de-skilling in areas of interest and can sap the energies and commitment of even the most ardent of us.
You can avoid this by seeing diversity in photography as a tool rather than a goal. By all means delve into specialised areas. Try new things and experiment in order to see if you are suited to the topic areas and to monitor your growth and interests. When you are ready, you should find that you naturally concentrate on certain facets of your photography whist still being able to enjoy and use the tools of your experimentations.
In this way you will become less concerned with the outcomes of you experimental areas and more convinced of your skills in areas of true interest to you.
Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com.
