Angelic photography? © 2007 David Toyne

The Seven Contrary Virtues (Of photography...)

Humility, kindness, abstinence, chastity, patience, liberality, diligence

I discovered that the Contrary Virtues were derived from the Psychomachia ("Battle for the Soul"), an epic poem written by Prudentius (circa. 410). Practicing these virtues is alleged to protect one against temptation toward the Seven Deadly Sins: humility against pride, kindness against envy, abstinence against gluttony, chastity against lust, patience against anger, liberality against greed, and diligence against sloth. I am lead to believe it is Prudentius that gives us the word prudent in our vocabulary.

In the spirit of Prudentius my next series of 'sins' articles will cover the seven contrary virtues of photography. That is things you should do to improve and develop your photography and avoid the pitfalls of the seven deadly sins.

The next series will focus on the positive. The things you can do right, rather than the things people tend to do wrong. I'll begin with kindness the contrary virtue to envy.

Kind·ness (Noun)

• The state or quality of being kind: - kindness to animals.
• A kind act; favour: - her many kindnesses to me.
• In behaviour: - I will never forget your kindness.
• Friendly feeling: - liking, feeling kindly towards.

Quote is from the Random house unabridged dictionary...

How is kindness involved in photography? Has he lost it has he stretched the metaphor too far I hear you cry!? I really don't think I have but I do think this is a piece of advice for later in the development of your photography. I mentioned the unkindness and cruelty of the envious photographer when I was initially learning about photography. What I should mention is that you will also encounter many generous and giving photographers in your development.

These are people whose generous help will accelerate your learning and development. I have met many people along the road. Some are people like me just trying to help by writing online. Others I have met and become friends with over the years. Some go really over the top putting great information and thoughts out there. People like Chase Jarvis and Alec Soth who are at the top of their game but take time to show some kindness to the little folk.

When I first encountered the really talented photographers I had nothing to offer in exchange for their help. I was just hassling them and asking for help all the time. Fortunately they were patient and gave me time and advice. Many years on I was dwelling on this as I wrote to answer some questions for a college photography student. They who wrote to me asking for some information. I suddenly realised the wheel had come full circle. I was the one giving something back. When you get to that stage please spare a moment, remember what it was like when you started out and be kind and generous with your time.

The best bit is as you try and explain something you know in terms someone else can understand you end up understanding it better than you did before. So ironically you help yourself as you help someone else. Also you never know when you will meet the person you helped again. You may be asking them for work in a year or two. Stranger things have happened!