In this month’s news letter, I discussed portfolio selection. I’ve been thinking lately that my returning to a place allows me to play with varying degrees of contrast. When I compare some of my Hokkaido images for instance from one year to a next, it would be rather easy to assume that any variances in the work are to do with the variances in the weather and quality of light. Well, this will certainly contribute quite a lot to what you’ve got to work with for sure. As with anything, you have to start with good source material.
But I don’t think it’s always as straight forward as that. Any variances in one’s work isn’t just about the differences in the light you experienced from one shoot to the next. Nor is it strictly to do with the variances, the fluctuations in being human; one week you’re into high contrast, another less so. No there is something else that should hopefully be present in the new work. There should be some kind of evolution in the work.
Whether there was a conscious decision or not to try to go in a direction, there is always a subconscious element to what we do, and any hints of change in direction or stylistic changes will be present in the work, even if it’s not apparent to the casual viewer. The fact is: it will be there. You will either just have to go and look for it, and one of the best ways is to compare your newer work with something from a year or so ago.
For example, comparing my recent edits from Brazil (above) with the ones from last year(below), I can see there is much of a continuation in what I do. But what of changes? Are there any changes, even if they are very subtle?
This is key.
It is where I often spend most of my time reflecting upon my own photography. I don’t have any clear answers at the moment. I just have the surfacing of hunches and observations that over time may become something more concrete.
But if I’m forced to come up with a summary of the changes, I’d say that last year’s work is more graphical, less 3D. More designed to be architecturally assembled. Tight. This year’s work less tight, less graphical, more 3D. the 3D element being possible through the use of gradation of tone across the frame. This is not so evident in last year’s portfolio.
This year’s portfolio is also a little more dreamy. With a little more colour, and a sense of more freedom to be more saturated perhaps (strength of colour is something I personally struggle with).
Anyhow, I don’t really have any conclusive answers, but I sense there is a shift. The newer work feels a little more relaxed.
I leave judgement aside, looking instead for awareness as to what it is that I do