Looking Back

Now and again it can be rewarding to look back at where we have come from and the journey we have taken, in this case, photographically. It's nice to remind ourselves that despite any day to day discouragement, we have in fact made progress, our images work on more levels, we have fewer technical problems. We may not have any more 'keepers' as we become fussier with more experience but our keepers typically are stronger.

Looking back can also give us a sense of how far we have to go and can point us to where we need to put more effort.

Looking back at our work over the last year can give us ideas of what works for us (and what doesn't).

It can even give us ideas for a project. It can be an excuse to print up a portfolio of best images of the year.

I suspect a lot of us would like to be remembered for our photography as much as our careers and leaving behind a series of boxes labeled 'best of XXXX' sure wouldn't hurt - maybe someone will publish a retrospective of our careers - well we can dream can't we. Of course, we'll be dead but perhaps our images will live on - that would be nice - even if it's only family members who ever get to see them.

If you have a website with dozens or even hundreds of images - it it clear which images you are prepared to stake your reputation on? I don't and now that I think of it, perhaps I'll do something about that.