If we view photographs regularly, we probably resonate with a type of photography done by particular photographers.
And maybe their work inspires us to do our work.
If a specific photographer's
photographs inspire us, chances are good that their words will inspire us too.
A Photographer's Quote: Imogen Cunningham
"Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow." Imogen Cunningham
Hello ,
I found this quote spot on, at least when it comes to me.
No matter what it comes to, I have difficulty answering "What's your favorite (fill in the blank)" questions.
In terms of the pictures I make, my favorite one is always the one I'm in the process of making.
That means, depending on how many pictures I make in a day, each one is a favorite until it gets deleted during editing. And the ones that remain are all favorites.
In other words, I don't have a single favorite.
And to be clear, I don't mean editing in terms of manipulating the picture content with editing software or other means. I mean culling the pictures from the day's take.
So let's say I make ten photographs during the day. And I delete six during the editing process. Then the four remaining are the favorites of the day.
And the favorites of the day get tossed in with all the other favorites from other days.
And eventually, those
favorites get registered with the copyright office.
And then, the favorites registered with the copyright office may get further edited down to a select few that make it into the market.
I've got a lotta favorites at different times throughout my work process, but there's not a one that's THE favorite.
And for what it's worth, when it comes to work already created, unless we're pulling together work for a portfolio or submission to a client or exhibit, I think it's a good thing if we don't have a single favorite.
And I mean that in terms of a single picture we've made and also what we say is our favorite stuff to photograph.
When anyone asks me what I make pictures of, In a
way, I think that's someone's way of trying to define us as a "type" of photographer.
Now that ain't a bad thing if we're in business because we need to know how to sell what we do.
But when it comes to producing new and meaningful personal work, which can become a new branch of meaningful professional work, we gotta be careful not to get trapped in an "our favorite things to photograph" approach to our work.
So the answer to the "what do I make pictures of" question is a quick tell of my background in photojournalism. Then I add something along the lines of, "I make pictures of whatever gets my attention long enough to get me to take out a camera and make a picture."
And that can almost be anything.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture today.
That’s all for now; thanks for reading!
Sam
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