I subscribe to Splat Photo by Aaron Hockley. His most recent email asks:
Is photography a numbers game? Is it about quantity or quality? Is it better to produce one good image each month or a dozen each week?
That’s a good question. I have been being more selective, publishing fewer, better photos. But I don’t always.
For example, yesterday I posted my first time-lapse video. It isn’t that good, especially in light of the incredible time-lapse videos we see on the web.
So, why would I post it? Maybe for a couple of reasons:
- I am on a journey of learning. I don’t feel the need to present myself as having arrived. I just want to be moving in the right direction. Trying something new and telling people how I did it is a success for me. I want to learn and have my next one be better.
- If I will only publish something if it’s better than everything else out there, I’ll never publish. Probably, neither will you. Create. Stick your neck out. Share. Maybe you’ll inspire someone else to try.
How about you? How would you answer Aaron’s question?
2 responses to “A Creative Learning Journey”
Lately I’ve been practicing what I call “slow photography.”
Eric, that’s amazing. I’ve thought using a view camera would be a lot of fun. I think the cost and time associated would naturally result in “slow photography.” Those of us old enough to remember film photography also used a form a slow photography, though not to the levels you’re taking it.
Do you distinguish between your art photography and other types of photography to get around your limit? In other words, do you not take pictures of receipts, addresses, etc., that you want to remember and not count them in your limit?
As I think about it, I’m thankful that photography is now cheap, quick, and easy. I’m amazed how much I learn from experimentation and the instant feedback as to how the shot worked (or didn’t). Sure, I could carry charts with me so I’d know how long a shutter speed gets the motion blur I want. Or I could take a few test shots to see. Or, how low do I want the camera to get the perspective I want? A couple shots makes it clear.
You’re absolutely right, though: I have found my final picture is much better if I take the time to think about what I’m trying to accomplish before I push the shutter button.