I’m still traveling. Still! Seeing lots of great old friends, doing some work, and thinking on what to say this week.
Part of my personality is that I’ve always been an “achiever”, striving to accomplish things. For that element of my being, simply making photographs that I know will never be shown is actually unsettling. It’s one thing if it’s unlikely. I’ve got no problem with that. But I go into most situations attempting to make something that can be used, somehow. Whether I’m successful or not, I enjoy the challenge. I’m also comfortable knowing the product will be unused by design when I’m attempting to learn things. Either way, I’m easily at peace when I don’t achieve, so long as I attempt (thank you again perfectlight for doing this little interview about me!). So long as there’s a distinct purpose.
But when I’m not doing either one? Shooting for no particular reason and making something that I know in advance will never be used, that I already know how to do? That’s different. Then I’m disinclined to participate. This self-imposed limitation might sound ridiculous to you. It probably is. But it’s not who I’ve been.
So. I’m now trying to set that limitation aside occasionally, trying to get comfortable with shooting for no reason at all. It’s been interesting. I’m still not quite there.
But this week I’m showing an example of that kind of image, where there isn’t an expected utilization nor a learning purpose. Here are some things that are unlikely to ever be used anyplace else, and I knew it when I made them:
As you know by now, I like music. One thing that I especially enjoy is viewing musicians that are not well known. I just sit back and take it in. I love to experience other creative people doing their thing. It feels sort of like I’m hitching a ride on their experiences when I’m close by as they play. Whether they’re performing the work of others in their own way, or (even better) presenting their own work. Sometimes they’ll do it boldly, sometimes shyly, but either way I feel like I connect when I’m in their presence.
If I bring a camera with me, normally I’ll make a few images and try to get something the performer can use. In this case I knew that it would be difficult, and I considered keeping the camera in the bag. But I shot anyway. I just tried to feel his music through my lens and ignore the concept of usage.
I suppose it’s just a different kind of traveling.
I’ll have something different next week.
Until next time,
Limited Edition Prints for Sale
Another channel of my photography. Oof. But as promised, I’ve got this new set of Limited Edition prints available for purchase. Any unsold African wildlife images from last fall, as promised, have been retired from circulation.
Each edition consists of ten Numbered Prints and two Artists Prints, 16x24” silver halide, with certificate of authentication. As before, these are limited both by number and duration of the offer. If you’d like one or more for that special person, don’t hesitate. You wouldn't want to become he who is lost!
Is there something here you like or dislike? Questions? Have anything else to say? Let us all know by clicking on the Comments button below, and express yourself. Don’t be shy, now.
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it's been my pleasure and i just hope by "presenting" a bit of a photographer will help this community to grow
I really like those photos, especially the third one.