The idea of not being labeled as a “street photographer” but being labeled as your own name completely opened my eyes! I think John’s comment about being a generalist photographer is powerful too. Whatever it is you do brother you got my support and always will, so happy to see fellow photogs growing alongside! Congrats on 1K!!

I find it interesting that very few photographers want to be known as generalists. It seems to indicate that a photographer doesn't have a specific style. But in my mind, being a good generalist means you can produce good images in almost any style. That only comes with years of experience of shooting all types of photography: street, landscape, portraits, weddings, commercial, product, travel, lifestyle, food, etc. Don't limit yourself to a single genre if you really want to improve as a photography. If you've never shot in a studio setting, give it a try. If you've never shot with off camera flash, give it a try. Study, practice and improve.

Your point about not being described as one kind of photographer or another hits home with me. I can't claim to be any kind. Although my "archive" is out-of-control (both in size and in organization), it would be difficult to describe my photos in any way except bad or good-I fear far too many of the former and precious few of the latter. One note: around 2'45", you talk about Life magazine in the present tense. Unfortunately, although Time Life Corporation endures, Life Magazine (and all those fantastic photos) terminated in 1971 (or was it 1972?). In any case, Life doesn't exist.

People need categories so they can categories. Humans are desperate for identity. If you can't identify, or stereotype someone, it's unorthodox. That's why we are all desperate to label someone as a street photographer or a landscape photographer. I can very much relate to how you're feeling. I think the key is not to worry about how about other people feel about your work or how they label it, but how you feel about your work. I think it's a trivial concept, but it's something that needs to be talked about. So good stuff on making this video! And thanks for the mention man :D I'm curious as to how your style develops over time, i've certainly been enjoying seeing lots of "garth murphy" shots :)

I take photos of whatever i like in any genre. Main thing for me is to have an idea an objective a goal to give me focus.

Nice Video you made there. I too started filmphotography in november 2017 with the intention to remember where i was and with who and so on. Its sometimes hard to hear from people, that youre just the hipster photographer and its just a phase and so on. So i kinda know how this makes you feel.

Such a valid thought Garth, definitely I love the way that your u are seeing your self and I believe that it’s the way that many of us should see each other, not to limit our growth ... great video! #mylifephotographer

what a dope video, really insightful video. we limit ourself so often thanks for sharing this with us, really enjoyed watching this

Labels schmabels, they're just something somebody else puts on you, you do your own thing and its great, personally I try and let that stuff go, it is what it is. Lovely new Leica by the way ! Not seen you down town for a while, need to meet up :)

How did I not know Jason Lee was a photographer 😅 nice one for that man haha! I understand what you mean though. I do love street photography but I like the term "life" photographers. Fits well in what I tend to do... Well try haha. Keep it up man. Catch you soon🤙

Come on Garth, you put Matt Day in with Elliot Erwitt, what are you smoking. Matt Day photographs dogs, his mangy dogs while Elliot Erwitt also photographs dogs but there is a world of difference in the two.

Good content... me I’m just Freddie the founder of @excellentshotindeed cheers

Do I take it you do not want to be pigeon holed as a specific type of photographer? ;)

GET A LEICA LENS

Totally agree with the whole labeling thing. As soon as you get labelled a "street photographer" any picture you take gets scrutinised to such a large extent. When in reality most of us just take "street-like" images for a bit of fun and to play around with new film/ cameras. On another topic, where do you buy your Leica cameras from in the UK? I've bought hundreds of film cameras from eBay but I was wondering if you have any other sources (I also live in the uk btw). Insta: blackburn_morb