Water lily
We have so many options available to us these days in processing our photographs it can be overwhelming at times. We can follow the straight documentary approach, veer a bit left, a bit right, or even turn around 180 degrees and head in another direction. For me, following the same path day after day gets boring – too automatic. Sometimes I think my days in shooting slide film were simpler, but realize I often used the slide as a brick wall. The definition of what this image is supposed to be is right there on the light table – go no further. Concrete.
Then I think back to the teachings of Ansel Adams, where he wasn’t using direct positive film, and the processing of the negative to the print was much more like the pliable nature of getting a RAW image file to where you want it to be. A mushy pile of clay.
I often wonder about the problems that arise though when you have too many tools to mold the clay. Which one do I pick today? It can be overwhelming. They are all good – all of them will take me down a path that will lead to an image I am happy with. Along the way perhaps we discard some old tools in favor of new ones.
I suppose balance is the keyword here. I hate roadblocks to creativity. I also hate being overwhelmed with too many options. A little clay in some places, but use concrete in others. Too many options are a good example why so many photographers settle into a routine that works for them. A lot of options are also a good example of the diversity we see today in photography. The future of photography is more than ever like that mushy pile of clay.
