Werner Herzog : 24 advice for the perplexes of photography

The German director Werner Herzog is considered by some (including me), as one of the greatest directors of our time.

I recently read a book, published by writer and filmmaker Paul Cronin, entitled "Werner Herzog: A Guide for the Perplexed, and in which Herzog gives 24 tips to help photographers in their artistic endeavor.

Many of them are simple to apply and can help you to be better image artists.

1. Know how to take the initiative when it is necessary. 2. There is nothing wrong with spending a night in jail if it allows you to make the photo you want. 3. Try everything possible to make a project a success, it will eventually work. 4. Do not wallow in your troubles, move quickly to the next step. 5. Learn to live with your mistakes. 6. Develop your knowledge of music, history, literature. 7. That roll of unexposed film you have in your hand could be the last of your life, so make something impressive. 8. There is no good excuse for not finishing a movie. 9. Always have a sharp object with you. (note: a little extreme, no?) 10. Oppose institutional cowardice. 11. Ask forgiveness if it is necessary. 12. Take control of your destiny. 13. Learn to read what a landscape can offer you. 14. Explore unknown territories. 15. Walk straight ahead and go after your ideas. 16. Always deliver the goods. 17. Do not be afraid of rejection. 18. Develop your own style. 19. Once you have started a project never give it up. 20. Those who fail in photography are worthy of a medal. 21. Luck is part of this business. 22. Guerrilla tactics are the best. 23. Come on if necessary. 24. Get used to danger.

Certainly, the spirit of revenge and rebellion is very present in the Herzogian thought, but if we except these facts, this book is full of tips, instructive and full of common sense, in the context of photojournalism in particular. Either in the face of danger, continuing to advance without compromise, information and image not waiting, or concerning our relationship with others.

For the more curious, Werner Herzog offers courses in videos (for $ 90) to learn the staging. This is where it happens.

Source : kottke.org

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