RonWodaski

I have taken so many thousands of photographs over the last few years, that sometimes I wonder what a photograph even is.

It can be the technique of the taking; it can be the emotion you feel when you look at it, it can be a fantasy that erupts in your head when you look at it, it can be a lousy photo and superb feeling; it can be a superb photo that disappoints. At some point, I just get tired of the responding to the photos; sometimes i just like one for reasons I don't understand.

May 28, 2023 at 7:43amWeb
Show threadLisa Makes Stuff (she/her)May 28, 2023
@Rwodaski
My ex used to say that he took photos mainly because he thought the image was cool. You don't need any other reason for liking any photo.
Show threadRonWodaskiMay 29, 2023
@lisamakesstuff
Thanks. Mostly I seem to find it hard to really 'cut loose' with photography, but I'm getting there.
Show threadTheSurrealSealMay 28, 2023
@Rwodaski
Which is the reason I am wondering whether I really want to stay a member of my local camera club. I'm tired of trying to produce images that others (& judges) might approve of. I want to take photographs that please me - for whatever reason.
I'm grateful that they made me drag myself up to higher standards, but tbh I don't need the stress. It's not my career & I don't need to be 'perfect'! I want the joy back.
Show threadRonWodaskiMay 29, 2023
@TheSurrealSeal
I did spend some time learning the technical aspects of photography, and I find that useful in the sense that if I want to do something specific, I have the knowledge to do that. But as I move into the art aspect, I find that feeling is much more important. I still often get a very technically correct image after all that time perfecting the physical aspects, but in many cases that gives me the wiggle room to do it how I want it.
Show threadTheSurrealSealMay 29, 2023
@Rwodaski
That's how I am feeling now. I'm still quite slow at adjusting settings, but I know what I'm doing (most of the time) & where to go for answers. I still strive for a 'good' photo. But I want to take the photos I enjoy, without added (external) pressure or criticism.
Show threadRonWodaskiMay 29, 2023
@TheSurrealSeal
I hate to admit it to myself (because I was once a purist street photographer, many decades ago), but sometimes now I feel that strongly manipulated photographs are both fun and satisfying. There are so many settings, however. I can hardly guess at which direction to pursue--often. There are esthetics to learn about any approach - B&W, posterizing, painting over, etc. My frustration has been what to pick; I feel frozen sometimes. ;)
Show threadsi_iriniJun 4, 2023
@Rwodaski
Wonderful photo...
Show threadLogan Five ThousandJun 4, 2023
@Rwodaski I love this and I don't know why. Bookmarked.
Show threadRonWodaskiJun 5, 2023
@LoganFive
That makes two of us. It just pulls at me...
Show threadSteptoe EdwallJun 5, 2023
@Rwodaski definitely felt different when I’ve given some photos a second look after time also. When I notice something in a photo that I overlooked before and like a photo even more that’s a great feeling
Show threadRonWodaskiJun 5, 2023
@steptoeedwall
It's interesting the way that can happen. I can look at an artwork, not just my own, and be indifferent and go back to it and find the most amazing things. I feel like I"m a busy place, with multiple doors, and constantly changing light...as I drift through my world, I can see things differently again and again.