Hate this part: Bio and Statement

[another view]

I'm working on a website - actually plan on using artspan.com who is one of the advertisers here. It's a pretty good deal to get up and running although I plan to do a custom site someday.

Two things I'm a little stuck on: the Bio page and Artist's Statement page. It's mostly a fine art site that includes photographers, but I don't want to limit myself to just that. So far I've got: "Steve is blah blah blah...". I don't think this is going to cut it.

Anybody have any ideas on books or websites that show how to write these?

[Sebastian]

First, ditch the third "blah," it's a bit pretentious.

Seriously, if you hate the bio and statement, why not just write that? "I hate statements, this is what I do and why I do it...blah..."

Basically, imaganie that someone asked you "Why are you doing this?" I think your answer is the statement.

-Seb

[Asylum Steve]

I don't believe that you totally hate this bio and statement stuff. If you're like most of us, it's more of a LOVE-HATE kind of thing. Once you have something that sounds good, it's kinda cool. It's getting there and writing the darn thing that causes all the headaches.

The problem is it's a fine line between something well written that has intelligence and meaning to it, and completely pretentious bs that we often see in a lot of these things.

Like Seb said, the key is to sound as if someone else is writing the words. Your bio should read as if someone is giving a brief rundown of SOME of your life, education, and career details. Brievity is the important word here.

An artist's statement, yes, is your own words, but reads as if you are being asked what motivates you to do this for a living (or a serious hobby, whatever). IMO, the best ones dig a little into the emotion and philosophy of art, but don't pile it on too thick.

Now I'm not condoning plagiarism, but as there is VERY little that is completely original anymore, I would look at other artist statements and take notes of the elements or wording that appeals to you. You can always mix things up a bit to give it a fresh spin.

BTW, just last week I agonized for a few days over a new 300 word bio/statement combo that I had to submit for a mag that listing me in an upcoming Central Fla Photo Showcase. I'd be happy to reprint it here if you want...

[another view]

Once you have something that sounds good, it's kinda cool

OK, busted! This is exactly what I'm thinking, something that explains who I am and why I do this, but keeps it straightforward and to the point. If you don't mind posting it here - or sending me a link, whatever is easiest - I'd appreciate it!

Seb - good advice, I guess this is the important thought behind it all. Part of selling yourself, I guess.

By the time I get this going, I'm gonna owe you two - and Peter!

Thanks for the help!!

[mtbbrian]

You couldn't have asked for better advice..
I know both Seb and Steve, helped me out too..
Did I say that? ;)

Anyway...
Take a look at my "Statement", see if it helps you out any..
You'll find it on the upper left corner on mysite.
Good Luck!
Brian

[Kokopeli]

Somehow I've managed to never go to your site. Until today, that is...

You have some great stuff there Brian. I especially liked the "Moments" gallery, with the shot of the ROTC cadet swimming through the water being my favorite. I also liked your little Kokopeli riding a mountain bike.. I might have to steal that from you some day! ;)

~Brian

[another view]

Thanks Brian, I'll check it out. And I agree - nice work!

[mtbbrian]

I am very disapointed and crushed! ;)
Thanks for finally getting to my site, and commenting as well.
That photograph is probably one of my all time favs too, a lot of people comment on it.
I was actually in the pool when I made it, in water chest deep, doing my best to keep my F3 from getting splashed.
Don't you steal my Bikeopelli! I use it for my avatar on mtbr too.

Keep us updated another view!
Brian

[Janie]

I'm working on a website - actually plan on using artspan.com who is one of the advertisers here. It's a pretty good deal to get up and running although I plan to do a custom site someday.

Two things I'm a little stuck on: the Bio page and Artist's Statement page. It's mostly a fine art site that includes photographers, but I don't want to limit myself to just that. So far I've got: "Steve is blah blah blah...". I don't think this is going to cut it.

Anybody have any ideas on books or websites that show how to write these?

Yeah, i'm working on this too. Mine is all jumbled up right now but if I get my crazy thoughts down, I can send it to my friend who is a romance novelist and she makes a story out of it - which is the style I need for my site: Fabled Photography! Now, when I start writing this stuff, it starts out sounding really corny and I'll give you my crazy start of a bio - I warn you, it's super corny so far!

My statement:
“Photography captures an illusion that can be both striking and haunting... imprinting the scene directly into a person’s memory.”
Jane Haas

Take 1 (A Jumbled up Mess):
Who I Am…
Jane E. Haas, owner of Fabled Photography
Why am I doing this?
I have learned to look with a camera’s eye at people, animals, flowers, and landscape… see things that are not usually seen through the naked eye, an alternate reality that lies within the realm of photography. I chose the name Fabled Photography for my business because I believe that every picture should tell a fascinating story. Every person who looks at the picture can relate to it and has their own story to tell about the picture. A good picture looks pretty but a fascinating picture delves deep into the soul and stays with you, haunting you, speaking to your eyes, your heart, your mind.

Take 2:
There once was a girl who lived in her own little world. She loved this world and wanted to open it up to other people, so she grabbed her camera and started showing people what they were missing. Everything she looked at, she saw through her camera’s eye… where some people saw objects, she saw legends and myths and haunting memories that she wanted to capture and share. She saw beauty in everything around her and wanted to tell the beautiful fables as only she could. She wanted to share her eyes with the world. She wanted to share her fabled photography.

[Irakly Shanidze]

You don't need any books for that. Just write what you feel. When you are taking pictures, you shoot what you feel, and that's how real art comes out Writing is the same way. When you write what you feel, the reading becomes interesting. Bio is even easier, just follow your life, but remember not to be dry and formal.
May be my statement at http://www.shanidze.com/en/portfel.php can serve as an example...
Good luck,
Irakly

I'm working on a website - actually plan on using artspan.com who is one of the advertisers here. It's a pretty good deal to get up and running although I plan to do a custom site someday.

Two things I'm a little stuck on: the Bio page and Artist's Statement page. It's mostly a fine art site that includes photographers, but I don't want to limit myself to just that. So far I've got: "Steve is blah blah blah...". I don't think this is going to cut it.

Anybody have any ideas on books or websites that show how to write these?