If you’ve heard me speak at a seminar or meeting you may have heard me use the expression “own the image”. I use it when I stress to photographers that in order to excell at their craft they must learn and practice until they truly do “own the image”.
I first heard it used in the context of piping, better known over here as bag-piping. Several years ago on a dark and stormy night (sorry couldn’t resist that) as I was quietly sitting in the background half listening to my youngest son’s solo tutor preparing him for his first competition. Mark, the tutor explained that it was not simply enough to have learned to play a piece of music exceedingly well but that the piper must “own the music”. Meaning that he, or she, must be in absolute control of himself and his pipes, reeds, drones, bag and all the other elements that make up a set of bagpipes. Not only that but also he, or she, must be oblivious to anything else, the weather, the judges or a parent in the audience.
I dropped the book I had been reading, listened, wrote down what the tutor had said and thought long and hard about his words. I believe it is the same for photographers. I believe that in order to produce excellent images on a consistent basis the photographer must “Own the image”. He, or she, must know not only all the ins and outs of the equipment but must also be completely focused, pun intended, on the subject matter. The professional wedding photographer must also have an acute awareness of the space, events and others around himself/herself and work quickly and quietly without becoming a distraction. One arrives at this point only after many, and by many I mean thousands, hours of practice.
Last month I practiced some more myself 
Ulster Scottish, the pipe band my son plays with, recorded some of their music. I was given permission to photograph the event. I have to say that I was absolutely flabbergasted and struck by their level of competency and by their dedication. These folks do “Own their Music”.
Pipes
Practice
Practice makes perfect
Ulster-Scottish Pipe Band
"This isn't their first rodeo!"
As I watched I whispered to the pipe-major, Dave Hall, “This isn’t their first rodeo, is it?” Dave quietly chuckled and shared with me just how long and hard they practice. I could see and hear how they “Own their music”, some of which you may enjoy in this short show.
