My process in photography has shifted and changed over the years, as it should. Even my purpose in photographing has shifted over time. Perhaps it’s all the time to reflect during the pandemic that has me contemplating so many things, including my photography.
Being a keen observer of everything, it’s not unusual for me to see something — even if it’s the way the light falls on a fern in a semi-dark forest — and pull the camera to my eye. Lately I’m being a bit more intentional as I lift the camera and look through the viewfinder. Not that seeing light fall on ferns (or tables or anything else) will ever be overlooked.
One of the drawbacks of digital photography has been the ability to take multiple snapshots ‘just in case’ or for insurance. The problem with doing this — or relying too heavily on that process — is that I don’t have to be as accurate or careful, or even give enough thought to factors such as composition, light, or perspective. Believe me, I’m not alone in this practice. I’m also simplifying this subject because the pros and cons can become incredibly lengthy, better suited to an article than a blog post.
“Everything is eventually headed for the dump. Books, ideas… you name it. What you rescue from the dump, the treasures you keep, that’s part of your work.” — Austin Kleon.
My point is, that I frequently end up with multiples of the majority of my images. So then I upload the memory card to Lightroom, spend time evaluating those images I deem worth keeping and those not worth keeping, then delete the rejected ones. And then there’s key-wording all the uploaded images, not to mention some adjustments to contrast or white balance, for instance, since I shoot solely in RAW format. And, because I love black and white so much, it’s not unusual for me to spend all kinds of time checking multiple images determining whether or not they work in monotone. When they do work, again there are adjustments necessary for the shadows and highlights.
That’s not the end of it. I often go back and spend time re-evaluating. I may either make additional adjustments or may add a few more photos as rejects (usually the better decision). All in all, I actually end up spending more time AFTER taking the photos than the time spent photographing.
That still isn’t the end of it. I may select a few to post here, at Flickr, or occasionally even on Instagram (which I’m not particularly fond of). And then there are the times when I realize I need to keep on track in terms of getting favourite prints made and/or my annual photo book created.
If you’re still with me, bravo. Because it must sound quite tedious.
Something I’ve learned during the pandemic about my photography process is that faster is not better, nor are multiples better than singles. Without even realizing it, I’ve entered a slow ‘movement’ when it comes to my photography. Taking up film photography again is a prime example of one of my shifts while becoming much more deliberate in the images I seek to capture. I’m striving to perform my art at the right speed, for me. It’s more about quality over quantity.
When talking about focusing manually in photography, though it applies generally in life, Kenneth (Professor) Hines says, “Why rush? Take your time and enjoy what you’re doing. Enjoy where you are. Notice the people around you, how they’re feeling. Art is emotion and we all should take more time to become captivated by the art.”
During the pandemic is there something you have discovered you’ve changed or have shifted in the way you do certain things? Or perhaps a realization or shift in a particular approach (to art, life, work)?
your process sounds like mine. save your image in color and then take it to greyscale and save it. compare them side by side on the day you decide to post them and you’ll know which one to use for your blog. sometimes i use that same method for a clear, clean photo and a distressed version.
i actually like taking numerous images because we never know what something looks like photographed (i have a quote for that : – ) and it may be that something i photograph that i didn’t think would even be worth the click is the most astounding of the entire batch.
in this post, i love the first fern image, reaching out to me
We seem to be on the same page when it comes to your line of thought. I’ve always read that we should take photographs like we have a camera with film so that we take extra time to compose our pictures and not waste the film; or waste our space on the memory card. During the pandemic, I’ve been wanting to be intentional by finding the extraordinary in the ordinary. I have yet to practice that and have relied on archived photos. Thanks for these thoughts and reminders.