This is such a good idea. I use ig as my work board but I’d be terribly happy to move it out here. I agree it would work out bettter. Only caveat- I have a whole network of editors and peers whose opinions matter to me and they’re not here, yet
I'm amazed, as usual, by your knowledge & perception. Another thought provoking yet enjoyable article. I'm definitely taking the need to use the delete button on board - in all aspects of my life!
I highly discourage using the delete button.. we need to keep 89% of our work. Believe me it’s a good practice. You never know what you will find in your archive when you’re older if you delete a number of images now because they simply won’t be there to be known by you later. Look I took this philosophy from Dan Milnor a rather famous photojournalistic YouTuber whose work is really good. My only regret is not knowing his philosophy earlier in my career. When it comes to amassing a large collection of photos, indeed all of them from here on out.. is really good. Our work reveals itself as good sometimes only years later. I fear I’m not making my point very well but also that I’ve spent a long time trying to say this. Haha.. so I will see myself out! Bye! Don’t delete!
(I realise that Dina's post has now been paywalled here is a quick excerpt):
"What I didn’t anticipate when I was deleting my archive is how much a photographer’s vision can be transformed with time, enabling a new look at old work. Digital has a bad rep (especially with art students) because of its tendency to overshoot, thus making each photo less precious. But in overshooting lies a gift — allowing ample room for accidents that can become the building blocks of a new direction. A lot of my work has been a direct result of what was initially a mistake. Sometimes such mistakes are recognized as tiny breakthroughs on the very first edit, but in most cases, time is needed to isolate them from the original idea and see them with fresh eyes. By deleting my outtakes, I took that opportunity away from myself."
Ok, first of all, I have read “Art and Fear” more times than I can count and I had no idea about Jerry Uelsmann being the instructor. That certainly puts a different light on this whole story.
Also, I had no idea about your WIP project and I am amazed at your dedication and consistency. I will certainly check it out.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts with us and your images!
There us a fundamental element in this “versus” discussion. If you are not producing, then you are not what you say you are. Also production matches income (hopefully). The word “dilitante” hovers around unsaid in this subject. Observing newspaper photographers through mist of my life, I was never surprised at their ability to lead or be directed.
These are all good points and subjecting all creativity to market forces would likely remove most of the dross. Yes, dilettante is the right word for much of what I do, but I grew up in an era of zines and internet blogs so it still seems natural to me.
I missed you and your newsletter here. And I understand the dilemma of quantity vs. quality. I never thought that you fall into the category of quantity though. I wish, I would see you sharing this section of your newsletter more often..
Thank you Susanne. Fingers crossed I'll get back to a more regular schedule but its easy to burn out when one adds a lot of extra commiments. That said, having a self-imposed deadline makes a massive difference to actually getting something done.
Love this WIP
This is such a good idea. I use ig as my work board but I’d be terribly happy to move it out here. I agree it would work out bettter. Only caveat- I have a whole network of editors and peers whose opinions matter to me and they’re not here, yet
I'm amazed, as usual, by your knowledge & perception. Another thought provoking yet enjoyable article. I'm definitely taking the need to use the delete button on board - in all aspects of my life!
I highly discourage using the delete button.. we need to keep 89% of our work. Believe me it’s a good practice. You never know what you will find in your archive when you’re older if you delete a number of images now because they simply won’t be there to be known by you later. Look I took this philosophy from Dan Milnor a rather famous photojournalistic YouTuber whose work is really good. My only regret is not knowing his philosophy earlier in my career. When it comes to amassing a large collection of photos, indeed all of them from here on out.. is really good. Our work reveals itself as good sometimes only years later. I fear I’m not making my point very well but also that I’ve spent a long time trying to say this. Haha.. so I will see myself out! Bye! Don’t delete!
Thank you. Yes @Dina Litovsky had a great post about exactly this. https://dinalitovsky.substack.com/p/the-biggest-regret-of-my-photographic?utm_campaign=posts-open-in-app&triedRedirect=true
How cool that you know about that post.. I read that one! Actually, you could probably find my comment in that post’s comments section.. 🤣😅🤣
(I realise that Dina's post has now been paywalled here is a quick excerpt):
"What I didn’t anticipate when I was deleting my archive is how much a photographer’s vision can be transformed with time, enabling a new look at old work. Digital has a bad rep (especially with art students) because of its tendency to overshoot, thus making each photo less precious. But in overshooting lies a gift — allowing ample room for accidents that can become the building blocks of a new direction. A lot of my work has been a direct result of what was initially a mistake. Sometimes such mistakes are recognized as tiny breakthroughs on the very first edit, but in most cases, time is needed to isolate them from the original idea and see them with fresh eyes. By deleting my outtakes, I took that opportunity away from myself."
Loved the photo's Neil. Thanks!!!!!
Thanks Rui! Looking forward to hearing the new songs
Ok, first of all, I have read “Art and Fear” more times than I can count and I had no idea about Jerry Uelsmann being the instructor. That certainly puts a different light on this whole story.
Also, I had no idea about your WIP project and I am amazed at your dedication and consistency. I will certainly check it out.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts with us and your images!
Thank you Manuela! Art and Fear looks great. It has inspired me to read it properly.
I did NOT accuse you of being a dilitante, you are far too far down the line for that and there’s probably no return. Struggle is next.
Ahhhhh .... oh dear.
There us a fundamental element in this “versus” discussion. If you are not producing, then you are not what you say you are. Also production matches income (hopefully). The word “dilitante” hovers around unsaid in this subject. Observing newspaper photographers through mist of my life, I was never surprised at their ability to lead or be directed.
These are all good points and subjecting all creativity to market forces would likely remove most of the dross. Yes, dilettante is the right word for much of what I do, but I grew up in an era of zines and internet blogs so it still seems natural to me.
I missed you and your newsletter here. And I understand the dilemma of quantity vs. quality. I never thought that you fall into the category of quantity though. I wish, I would see you sharing this section of your newsletter more often..
Thank you Susanne. Fingers crossed I'll get back to a more regular schedule but its easy to burn out when one adds a lot of extra commiments. That said, having a self-imposed deadline makes a massive difference to actually getting something done.
Yeah, I totally get that. Take your time. In the end the newsletter should be something you enjoy doing.
Yes! I always enjoy having done it, but don't like the moment before clicking publish.
oh, I completely understand that! Sitting in the same boat…