*click*
Well, my hiatus from photography has been quite restful but more than that, effective. About a year and half ago I decided to back off. It seemed, for the time being, I had nothing left to offer visually and definitely didn't want to just go and shoot whatever and end up with a bunch of pictures about which I was less than indifferent (although that method is sometimes appropriate and a great way to learn); not to mention it certainly felt like I'd just about stripped this town of all photographic opportunities. Obviously I was wrong, I'd need to be here for a lot more than six years before I came close to doing that. Regardless, it was hard to get motivated. But, thanks to this freakily warm day, a clear sky, and THE most comfortable sneakers I've ever worn, it was easier than it's been in a very long time to get out there and get some worthwhile images. One distinct difference than before though; judging by today's stuff, I've almost completely changed styles. Compositions and subjects I never would have imagined appealing to me before just had me entranced today. And that's the most valuable product of this whole break thing. Good to know it actually worked. I still find still . . . photography to be the most conceptually challenging medium for me. Not only have I been doing it for - yikes - almost a decade, but so many others have done so much good work that, as in so many other areas, it's daunting to try to find anything new to say. Hopefully, I can keep this momentum going, keep my eyes fresh. I'm still going to keep all of those other things going, but now I think I can be somewhat sure that photography has come back to me and will continue to steadily underpin all of my other work. Just thought you'd like to know.
and oh yeah, GO STEELERS
and oh yeah, GO STEELERS