I continue to think about (and be plagued by) the whole issue of 'greatest hit images' versus images that serve as part of a 'self-contained' project. I have posted about this before and, almost assuredly, will do so again in the future, as it continues to be a source of confusion and uncertainty for me.
The issue, in brief, concerns the use of images that are related as a project in some way, as compared to what one might consider a collection of their best images. The obvious example I have in mind is my Twin Jewels Project, which I have written about before. It is a project that seems to pull me in two directions since, on the one hand, I want very much to complete and 'market' it, in terms of having it shown but, on the other hand, the images simply aren't my 'best' work because the beauty of the locale is quite subtle. If one took ten of my best shots of this particular location and mixed them in with ten of what I consider to be my best landscape images (taken around the country), I suspect that most people would be able to fairly accurately divide them into two separate piles. If one has not had many local area showings, wouldn't it be preferable to have their best work shown? On the other hand there is certainly something to be said for work from one location that is coherent and would also have local interest because the parks are nearby? See.....back and forth, back and forth, while at the same time I continue working on the project because I know it is something that I want to and should do.
Let me give an example that consists of two images, the prints of which I just completed. As individual 'stand-alone' images, I don't find them particularly compelling but they do convey a feeling about the location where they were taken; at least that was my intention.
I will sometimes post images on a photo review and critique forum or two, and did so with these two shots. Neither of the images received much attention or garnered any notice. Only one comment was made , and that person felt the image was mediocre. To be fair, I am not at all sure that I would have paid much attention to them as 'stand-alone' postings on a critique site either. But how do they fare as part of a larger project aimed at depicting one location or area? Should they be judged as if they were one lone picture on a wall looking for 'stardome' or judged in another fashion, as part of a greater whole and as an image of a location that will never be particularly grand by 'grand landscape' standards. How can one tell if an image is effective as part of a greater whole? I know that when reading LensWork, for example, I see portfolios that hold together extremely well but I know that I would not be excited about many of the images if viewed singly and out of context of the greater project. And how does one reconcile this with a desire to have the project shown on 'gallery walls', if you will, if they don't stand up as individual pieces of art?
Rocks And MistCopyright Howard Grill
Walking Into WinterCopyright Howard Grill
So, in this, more than any other posting, I really am searching for people's comments as to how to reconcile these issues. Any 'answers' to the above questions would be appreciated. Any honest comments about how these two images relate to the answers and if they seem like they would be expressive as part of a greater project (or do they not convey any feel at all?.....I was aiming for a sense of tranquility with the first and a cold sense of endless winter with the second) would be appreciated. I think it would help me and probably also make for some worthwhile discussion.
OK, I better post this before I decide not to....
6 comments:
Gill,
I understand your dilemma. But I too have come to believe in projects as championed by Brooks Jensen. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't shy away from trying to capture a 'greatest hits' photo if I thought I saw one. But what I try and accomplish is to present a series of photos that cause someone to say things like, "I would really like to go there", or "I would really like to see a Pow Wow", or "I never really thought about roller coasters that way before". It seems to me that generating these types of responses requires more than just a single image. It requires a series of images that build on each other and create something larger, sort of like compound interest does over time. So with your Twin Jewels project a goal might be to have someone say, "After seeing those pictures, I intend to visit that park".
Here's another way of expressing what I mean, but from a different art. I have several friends who are really fine musicians. With the right breaks they might even become nationally know. They certainly don't have much in the way of 'greatest hits' but they do have an excellent and varied body of work and I make a point to go hear them whenever I can. I'm not there for a couple of hits, but rather for the totality of the evening and that's the way they perform.
OK, just one more thing. To me a greatest hits photo represents a slice of time, a moment. But a project is a flow of time that tells a story. That's what I try for. I hope this makes sense.
Charlie Dunton
Howard – I like both photos, my favorite would be the second one. Partially I would like to see it in Black & White Print. Yes, I think you did achieve the “sense-of-feel” that you were going for.
As-for having your worked review/critique: That is not need for you: You can shoot extremely well. I would recommend having ten friends that are not particularly into photography or art view you work. Having novices view my work has been the greatest teachers.
Peace ~ John
I certainly had to think about this a bit Howard, and still not sure my thoughts are very collected on it. I suppose I am not seeing the reason to actually separate the two as mutually separate items. They certainly both have their place. I believe that certain images can be stronger as part of a collective theme versus on their own. One of the truisms I posted about recently of "Shoot 50 of something and get a show" comes to mind.
I liked Charlie's analogy to music as I am sure musicians go through this very same thing when formulating an album. Weaker songs are certainly 'carried' by a strong album as a whole. We all know that too well by the typical last couple songs! The fewer weaker songs you have, the closer you are to creating a classic.
I don't know - I suppose I am no help in your quest for answers. :-)
I think your approach to all of these issues is spot on, although the most important element seems to have been left out. Intent.
Some photographs are intended to be single pieces. Others are intended to be part of a larger body. It is not a matter of good or bad, it's just what they are.
Abberations will always appear, a photograph from a coherent series will stand out more so than others, but this doesn't mean it's better than the rest.
The same can be said about a portfolio. It is not necessarily about the best photographs you have ever made, but it is a cohesive collection of photographs that work well together when presented as a book. They don't all have to be Pulitzer-worthy, but they have to be indicative of your style of shooting, and should always complement one another.
Regardless, the whole idea of one photograph being better or more valuable than another is entirely subjective. If it's your own, and you feel it's right, then run with it. Don't ever let anyone tell you to slow down.
I just wanted to take a moment to really thanks the people that took the time to comment so far. I appreciate the well thought out and well said advice and have been thinking about the issue with your outlooks in mind. It really is quite helpful and much appreciated to hear things verbalized by others.
Howard, I'm all for working on and showing the project. We see great images daily and hardly remember them. We care more about something we know or can relate to personally, like your park. Acting in concert, your project images may not become more beautiful, but they certainly become more meaningful. Selling in a commercial gallery may call for greatest hits, but I think most curators would say that meaning trumps beauty any day.
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