Making something unique in photo- graphy may be done in a few different ways. The ones that come to mind are technique, ways of seeing and access.

Technique, of course, would be any new way of using the craft, including digital or analog manipulation or new ways of using light capture. Man Ray is a classic example with his non-traditional (now quite traditional) use of film.

Ways of seeing would include an individual's personal perspective as shown by his body of work. The way someone looks at something may describe him, for example Guy Bourdin's harsh look at both women and fashion.

Access is what I want to talk about now. Much memorable photography comes from special access to the subjects. In the latest PDN there was an article about a guy who did aerial photography from an experimental plane he hauled around in a trailer, which was also equipped with digital lab and living quarters. He could pretty much launch and land anywhere then deliver images via a satellite dish on the trailer. He effectively has access to airspace anywhere in the U.S.

Memorable images also come from war zones, where active or passive support of the military is required. From hospitals, crime scenes, bedrooms, and other places where one may not simply wander in. Access to celebrities at private functions, access to the inner workings of industry, of politics, of fire departments. To the back stage of Cirque du Soleil.

Seems to me that once a photographer can reliably make pictures, the single thing that will increase interest in his work is if he has access to places and people that other photographers don't.

This photo of Phelanie (probably not her real name) isn't a very good example, but it was handy.