How does a photographer choose their own favourite photographs? I’m not sure how to even go about starting the process. Should I choose based on technical details, composition, lighting, one-off’ness’, location…….
The list of criteria could go on and on!
Looking to the future? I’m always drawn to this type of image as I imagine what the individual must be pondering.
Stanage Edge, Peak District National Park
But, hang on! Let’s rewind a little……
There is a photography show on which I am set to guest soon as a ‘feature’ interview. The show, which will air in a couple of weeks, is recording in a few days and I am currently sat here looking through the questions that will be used to help the show flow (I will link through to the channel at the bottom of this blog where you can watch previous episodes and subscribe).
One of the questions is which two landscape shots of mine are my favourites…….
I’ve never even considered this before. It’s probably too extreme to liken it to choosing a favourite child……maybe a favourite toe - yes a toe is a great analogy.
Toes???
You see, I like all my toes. Not a single toe has any preferential treatment from me. They all do their job and on occasion I may look at them and think ‘great job toes - you’re all right by me’ and then I move to the floor ahead and know that those toes will help me move across it (I may have gone off on a tangent!!! But on the plus side, if anyone ever searches for favourite toes and photography on Google, this blog is right up there.).
And that is kind of how I have always viewed my photography. ‘Great job photos, you’re all right…..but what’s next?’.
I am very much a shoot and move on kind of guy. Not at a location of course, but once I have finished processing and publishing etc I move on. ‘You’re never happy to sit still, you’re always chasing what’s next!’ my father used to say to me as a kid, and as I reflect (seemingly) that is still fairly relevant. Now that I think of it, my teachers used to mention it in school too ‘pay attention to what’s happening now Laffan! not later’ But that was always me. ‘What’s Next'?’.
The path ahead. I wonder whether this guy was thinking about his toes?
Luds Church, Peak District National Park
Artist or Creator
In 2020 the term ‘artist’, seems to have been replaced by ‘creator’, whatever the genre. And that sits fine with me. In fact, it probably defines me a little better. I seek to create. That is when I am happiest. Over the years it has been music, photography, stories, films, songs, poems; my wife pointed out to me just last week that I make up a new pet name for my children almost daily. Creating is what I do.
The fact then, that I have chosen to write this blog rather than actually look at some shots and choose my favourites should be of no surprise. The choice of looking at the creation, or creating something new, was an easy decision for me to make.
Upon Review
A few years back I heard a sentence that resonated with me and whenever I am faced with the thought of review, it immediately springs to mind
‘…..you can look back, but don’t stare….’
It was actually a line from a song. But it sums up how I tend to view my work as a photographer. Even with the six or seven pieces of my own that hang around my office, I don’t look at them longingly thinking about what a wonderful shot it was. More that they serve as a reminder as to what was learnt by taking them. How they moved me forward as a photographer, how I can use that as inspiration to create again, improve again, move forward, must keep moving forward.
In fact as I look at them now, I can honestly say that each piece is up on the wall for that reason alone. I’m never truly happy with my shots, there is always something I find to make me think ‘next time I will….’
Because if I was to be happy with all that I have done, why keep on doing it? Why keep moving forward if I am content with where I am? And that can only be the ‘create’ influence coming from my brain (is it left brained?….maybe); that constant nudge of ‘keep moving forward’….’keep finding improvement’. And on the very rare occasion that the kind of decision that requires reviewing previous work comes up I
‘Look Back…But Don’t Stare’
Dave Laffan
November, 2020
Link to PC3Photos You Tube Channel - ‘Behind The Lens’: https://www.youtube.com/c/pc3photos/videos