RonWodaskiMay 28, 2023

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.

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.
TheSurrealSealMay 29, 2023
Show threadRonWodaski
@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.
May 29, 2023 at 7:16amWeb
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. ;)