Archive for July, 2008

A few weeks ago I wrote about submitting my work, in portfolio form, for an opportunity to be a part of a really great group of photographers at the Fine Art Photoblog. Today the newest additions to that group were announced. I was not chosen, but I’m not disappointed. The three people they chose are outstanding. In fact, I think they are far better than I am. I’m not just saying that because I’m a gracious loser (that little green monster rears its head in my world far too often for comfort), but because I really think it’s true.

Each of these photographers have found a niche. They have a specific subject matter or style that they photograph in and they do it well, really well. I don’t know if I have that. I’ve had people tell me that they can look at a page and pick out my photographs in an instant, because they know my style, but I’m not sure if that is true.

I was also looking at Kate Hutchinson’s photographs today. She has three distinct series here that are incredible. She focuses on one subject matter and shares that in a series. I think I sometimes do that. In my archives my images are separated by place, because that’s how I associate them. But maybe I should be putting all of my bridges together, all of the canyons in one category, all of the ruins in another. Would that make it more powerful?

I’ve been thinking about a few series that I want to do. I want to photograph the roadside accident markers. I was especially amazed by the ones in Mexico. They were so incredibly ornate and intricate. I’m also interested in a series of photographs of the artifacts of grad school: books, people, paper, computers, buildings, late nights, early mornings, teaching, students, etc. And, of course, travel. There is something about trying to claim a piece of the earth in each image, to hold close, to look at time and again, that really gets to me.

Would this make me a better photographer or have I reached the pinnacle of my skills in this area? Should I just enjoy it for what it is, something I love to do, rather than try to attain something that may not be attainable for me? I mean, I do have this really serious project coming up that will last for the next 4 or 5 years and I will be concentrating on that. But I will need a release. If I’m focused on attaining some sort of status within photography, will it diminish the enjoyment I get out of it?

I don’t know the answer to that. I do know that I began this because I loved taking pictures. I think I have improved since my first photoblog posting, but not much else has changed. I have a small, faithful audience, I respect. I still am relatively unknown in the photoblogging circles, despite my activity in them. Is that enough? Should it be? Can it be?

Will it be?