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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Blurbs #05 - Challenge Yourself
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Sony Alpha a6400
Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS
 12/20/2003 01:53:10 PM · #1
Everyone who considers themselves to be a photographer does so for some reason. There are lots of different reasons I suppose. Why do I do it?

I think it's time for me to re-evaluate why I make photos. Normally, I do photos for the sake of showing them to others and hoping for some level of support. The reassurance is a nice feeling. I often find myself shooting subjects that I don't particularly care for to achieve this though. Why do I continue that path? Is the public reassurance that it's "good stuff" going to lose its novelty at some point? I think it already has. It's difficult to break out of this routine.

I wonder if it's time to embark on a personal photo project where I feel that no one other than myself would have any interest in the photos? Would this project be self-fulfilling in any way? Would I create any photos that would have lasting impact in my own opinion? I suppose I will never know unless I try it.

Goal for 2004:

Create 50 photos on a specific theme that I have not seen done before as a collective group of images. Don't show them to anyone during the entire year. Make sure this series of photos is based on a subject or theme that I have not worked with in the past.

Maybe this project will take me on a new path to a different style of photography. Maybe it will open some doors and help me to create more images that have a lasting impact on me.

Just some food for thought...

Canon EOS-20D
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM
 12/20/2003 02:18:14 PM · #2
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
I often find myself shooting subjects that I don't particularly care for to achieve this though. Why do I continue that path? Is the public reassurance that it's "good stuff" going to lose its novelty at some point? I think it already has.


Great observation, John...
I went through this several months ago. Now I shoot for myself, and if it matches a challenge, I will enter it. I don't shoot for challenges anymore (challenges used to be just about the only thing I shot for). I also enter images I like. I went from a ribbon to something in the 4's... I am much happier shooting what I want and not worrying about scores! Good luck with this project and I hope it brings about more passion for taking photos...

JD

Message edited by author 2003-12-20 14:18:45.
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