I've been lucky enough recently to have had several Popular Page entries and whilst I am thrilled with your response to my photos and your Favs, I was musing today how addictive they are. I've found that my choice of post for the day is being influenced of late by how 'favable' I think it might be. More precisely, twice in the last week I haven't posted an image that I like because I adjudged that it might find less favour here than another taken on the same day but which I actually like less.
I'm sure I can't be the only 365er to have fallen into this particular honey-trap but I've decided that it's definitely not good for my photographic development (ouch!) so starting today, I will always try to post the image that pleased me the most, even if it's a bit off the wall... like this one!
I've been inspired in this approach by David @yrhenwr whose integrity with regard to his photography I highly admire.
Yeah for you. Over the last couple of years I have seen too many creative photographers go down this route. Holding true to your own vision and growth can be very difficult.
Good man Richard, an honest confession. We are all suckers for that clap on the back. I like your post here , Is that your own gaff? or are you now in custody?....
Another superb shot and I too have found myself falling into that "trap". I think it's quite an easy one to get caught in as we all have egos, regardless of how we might deny it - I do actually get a perverse thrill from posting an image that I like that gets no 'favs'...and on that note, this is an immensely appealing image, made more so by your title...but I'm not giving it a fav ;)
I do agree Richard but normally I only have one good photo so there's no problem. Individuality and creation is what separates us from the professionals! This house has a nice shape to be seen fuzzily in the background!
@maggiemae The picture I post may not in fact be a 'good' one, it will be one that I like and which I've enjoyed taking and processing... that's where I started almost 16 months ago.
@vignouse You're welcome, Richard and thank you for the testimonial! I look forward to seeing your own favourites each day. Enjoy! I like this one: you have seriously overturned the rule book! However when you look at this scene and focus your eyes on those branches, the house would be out of focus wouldn't it? So its not so odd!
Well, I had to fav this one as I love how you framed the shot, with the focus on the branches. I also love the B&W processing. Lovely capture. I agree, the site is addicting and I went through the same thought process about what to post or what not to post. I do exactly what you state in your story - I go with the one that I am happy with. After all this is a personal journey, but one we also share with many other 365ers from around the world. Love it!
This is a great shot with focused natural framing that gives your caption credibility :). Since I'm not as experienced a photographer or as technically efficient as you and many others on 365, I find that I just post what I like and sometimes others like it or not. I'm just having a good time and learning a lot from you other 365ers.
I know of the trap you speak and have on one or two occasions fallen into it - my photos though - for the most part - in the taking, editing and posting - are emotionally driven. I photograph to record events and memories as well as things that touch a cord in me some way. The biggest thrill for me with favs (most of the time) is that I have touched a cord in someone else - sometimes the old ego does push its way in though.
I love this - and am faving it - those branches in front are divine
Interesting to read your honest appraisal Richard! I also find myself pondering which photo 365ers might like. On the other hand I can be surprised by positive reactions to a photo I thought was mediocre, and vice versa ... So in the end I mostly go with what I like. And I do like this - very much: the slightly voyeuristic feel, the sharp focus of the leaves and the interesting shape of the blurry house. Great b&w too
I have complained to you about my own wish to post a pp photo and it controlling what I take. For me the PP's seem to come when I listen to my muse more then when I try to anticipate but then I don't have your abilities (though my eye is much improved thanks to my mentor). I find more joy in posting a picture I enjoy and therefore can look at all day then one everyone else enjoys (365 is my homepage at work). I cannot decide if this picture is sinister or hopeful. Much like one of the pictures where you look and see a vase and then look again and see a lady in a hat. Do you know what I mean? Are you in the dark and watching for an innocent in the light or in the light trying to brighten the dark areas?
I'm glad that you started this conversation. I have been thinking about how I have stopped pushing myself to try new things and started taking pictures that I think might get me on the PP. Have made the decision to get back on track. Feeling a great relief.
Great spooky image and title! This site is definitely addictive! I'm such a novice and I really love looking at your images and all the others I see here on 365! I have been learning so much.
Once again Richard, you have said what a lot of us are thinking. I had a 'great' month last month with the PP and yes, it became addictive! Your reflection has made me reflect about what I post and why, so thank you for that.
Now, back to your photo...(which is on the PP by the way!) I like the way you've used the DOF to create the mood, and b&w is perfect for it. Do I dare give it a fav?
love the moody look to this. I often present a selection to my husband. We generally agree on the "best" but not always. Sometimes I have a different one as a favorite. Sometimes when I go with a favorite, I see later that it's a dud. But sometimes, it really wasn't. So interesting how the passage of time affects one's appraisal of the same photograph.
Thank you for sharing and I look forward to seeing the pictures you choose without regard to how popular you think they will be. I suspect you will still find yourself on the popular page as you take very good pictures and have a great eye :p
To weigh in on the topic, I have to say I have become quite addicted to getting feedback and comments and it is an extreme motivator for me to take better pictures. I don't really pay attention the PP very much because I guess I don't really understand it. I do think I am heavily influenced to pick photos that I think people with like or appreciate or comment on, and when I am struggling to pick one, I realize after reading your comments that ya- I don't always pick *my* favorite but rather what I think will be the most well-received. This conversation has given me a lot to think about. Your photos are quite stunning and have been an inspiration to me. This house watching one is no exception. I find it captivating and look forward to seeing more "real you" pictures! Thanks to you and everyone else for your thoughts on the subject. It definitely has given me a pause in my thinking.
Weighing in a day later, I have to agree with you, Richard. I know that if I post a fabulous pic of a certain type, it will possibly make one of the Pages, but I've also come to love a different type of photo as well, and have decided to post them even tho they likely won't make one of the Pages. Then again, we follow, and are followed by, people who share similar interests and tastes, so branching out is a "risk" anyway if all we're aiming for is one of the Pages. (And don't misunderstand - that is NOT a complaint!) Furthermore, when life takes over, and we can't be as active as we'd like to be, whether due to seniors in high school, new grandbabies, or unexpected crisis in life, comments and fav's drop off, understandably, but we (I) need to remember our love for this site and the community, and still participate as we are able. The Pages cannot be our motivation. The love for this outlet of creativity must be our motivation. Thanks for listening!
That all being said, if you're ever in the market for an additional 'mentee', I could seriously use a menTOR! :-)
That is a gorgeous photo, great framing and love the shallow dof on the building behind. Is that your home? I certainly can't speak to integrity with the way I've (not) been carrying on and have been amazed at people's responses when I can post. Only about 2 more weeks of this hectic schedule and I'm back in business. I hit the PP page this week because the 365 program missed me. That was fun. :) I love your work, but you already knew that!!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and thank you for the shot. I think it's one of the best ones I've seen you post. And I love the one from tomorrow too (well, I am chiming in 2 days later). I guess I am not one for technical perfection, I need to feel the shot and this one is just gorgeous!!
@yrhenwr OOPS! I was showing my wife what a good photographer you are when I had a senior moment and accidentally 'unfollowed' you. I don't know if that shows up on your page.. of course I immediately corrected it. The extension tubes have arrived - so far the images may be marginally sharper but not so sharp that they displease me! They do bring the subject closer though. The experiment continues! Many thanks for your support.
I'm trying to take some shots that are very personal to me, or that show somewhere interesting I've been. I try not to look ans see if I've made TP or PP - but don't always succeed!
Lovely framing and focus... And I see this one made the PP as well... I am hesitant to make comment on the PP... Frankly - images of my own that seem ho hum to me seem to end up there... And other things I like more, do not... I've decided it's just not worth spending loads of energy worrying about it!
I love this - and am faving it - those branches in front are divine
Now, back to your photo...(which is on the PP by the way!) I like the way you've used the DOF to create the mood, and b&w is perfect for it. Do I dare give it a fav?
That all being said, if you're ever in the market for an additional 'mentee', I could seriously use a menTOR! :-)