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What is a trophy photograph? It’s your version of a photograph made from iconic viewpoint. Usually this is the province of large format photographers that dutifully line up to photograph at Point Lobos, or nature photographers standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon. I cannot take credit for coming up with that great appellation, but I think it does clearly define the early levels in photographic evolution – making a photograph from the same vantage point one that is admired by many photographers. It’s one that you will print (or have printed) big, frame and hang proudly on the wall.
There’s nothing wrong with cloning the masters. The activity has its purpose; to provide practice with the technical aspects of photography, to “knock the rust off” your photographic wheels when you’re in a creative slump, or to provide the visual proof that you had great views when you were out photographing. I like to think of it as “warm up” photographs you make until you’re ready to “get serious” about photography.
I have a bunch of large format clone classics at home in a “memory box.” That’s where they belong. As much fun as they are to make, they are not the photographs that will make you a better photographer or a better person.
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