Sunday Photo/Art Quote – Leonardo Da Vinci
Today we’ll use the quotes of a couple of art contemporaries from around the 1400-1500’s. Both men are inspirational to me. We’ll start with a quote from Leo.
“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough. We must apply.
Being willing is not enough. We must do.” – Leonardo da Vinci
I guess the short word here would be practice. A regular theme here on Successful-Photographer. I feel Mr. da Vinci says it in a more powerful, in-depth way. “…impressed with the urgency of doing.” I’m trying to extend my vocabulary and writing skills to be as succinct and powerful with words as these.
Thought to be a Leonardo self-portrait, Man in Red Chalk and his Virtuvian Man.
Many photographers, including myself, have the knowledge but have not put it into practice enough. If I may suggest that when you go to a seminar or program and you see, for example, a new lighting idea that you immediately upon returning from the presentation try to replicate the lighting. Can’t tell you how many times I thought I ‘knew’ about a technique because I had seen it performed but when trying to create it on my own at a future date found that, well, I didn’t.
I try hard not to make that mistake anymore. If I see a lighting technique that interests me.
I try to recreate it.
In a PRACTICE session.
NOT on a paid client.
Doing is the secret.
There’s another quote out there from Benjamin Franklin, “Tell me, I forget. Teach me. I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Involve yourself when trying to master any new techniques.
Which brings us to the quote from Mr. Buonarotti
“If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it would not seem so wonderful at all.”
– Michelangelo Buonarotti
Do you hear the echoes of these words? One of the greatest artists of all time lets you know he had to work his butt off to achieve the things he did.
Words to the wise, eh??
Yours in Creative Photography, Bob
