So it is the end of December, and my last blog post was what?? In May?? Yikes!
Luckily, it is the time of year to start thinking about next year, and new beginnings and resolutions and fun stuff like that. And for me, that always means taking stock in life…and in photography.
So where am I now?
I still feel like I am in a state of flux with my photography, which in talking with other photographers and artists, this happens and is a normal part of the creative process and life. It’s not like I don’t find things to photograph – I can always make pictures out of just about anything (whether I like the results is another story), so it’s not that. It’s more that I don’t feel I am creating the work I am capable of; I want to elevate my practice to fulfill my secret goal with my work (that’s not so secret now!): that is, to create work that brings people to their knees. This rather dramatic idea came to me from out of the blue years ago, and it is still the same goal I aspire to today. I don’t know exactly what it means, what it looks like, or how to get there, but I know it is still an ideal I strive for.
So what can I do in the next year to inch closer to this vision? First is to keep going with photographs of the unusual, hidden scenes I find in nature, like the one I posted above. I have no desire to take “traditional” Ansel Adams or Galen Rowell-type landscape photos (Ansel has done Ansel, Galen has done Galen). I still seek to capture those overlooked secrets that are found lurking in the quiet corners of landscapes that just exist at the whim of nature. I truly think there is something there with these more abstract photos, and I just have to keep going with them to unleash this style’s potential – bumps in the road and all.
Second, I want to create more “series” work. I do have bodies of work that I could make into series of 10-15 photos for exhibition, but just haven’t. I had some interest from a gallery in one particular photo that is a part of a “series in development” but just haven’t done the work to curate it. So I’ve already purchased a new computer to help with this – now it’s just a matter of sitting down and doing it.
Another thing I have toyed with is incorporating some kind of writing with my images. I think sometimes that abstraction needs a bit of context to help the viewer engage with the work, and it would be fun to stretch my writing chops into the creative and see how I can merge imagery with words. I would love to take a class in this to get a little practice and guidance with this idea, as it is something I haven’t pursued much beyond Instagram.
And lastly, I want – really want – to write at least 10 posts for this blog in the coming year. Again, it’s just a question of doing it - sitting down and writing even when I feel out of decent ideas. But in 2024, I want to try again.
So with all this heady thinking done, I want to thank everyone who reads these little missives and offers encouragement on my creative journeys with the camera. I know I am just one amongst a million with a camera trying to express their inner worlds through images, but I really appreciate the support for this effort!
See you next year in this blog…for sure! (I hope?!)
Comments