January 27/ Bolt of Lightning
Sometimes someone will say just the right thing at just the right time. This happened to me today when I was listening to Brooks Jensen's insightful podcast, Photography and the Creative Process (broadcast through his company LensWork publishing). I tune into these podcasts when I need to be understood, and it never fails.
Today, I was barely down the driveway when he said something that hit me like a bolt of lightning - that in the digital age, the skills photographers must possess have shifted from the technological to the editorial. That is, a photographer's print making skills have become secondary to her editorial skills. Portfolios of beautifully executed prints are not as important, today, as photographic projects with excellent content.
I was struck by this comment because it precisely mirrors my personal photography trajectory as I've moved from analog to digital. Without formal instruction, I taught myself how to digitally print, giving up the beloved darkroom for a more convenient desk by a sunny window. As I gained confidence in manipulating curves and histograms, I found the process of printing not nearly as time consuming as printing from negatives. Personal photographic websites, on-line art publications, virtual photo galleries are an exciting new way of showing work. So, as I've been freed from the printing, I've developed a natural interest in pursuing the photographic story.
The beauty of Brooks Jensen's podcast (you can listen to it here LW0550) is that he describes and analizes discreet parts of the photographic process that you hadn't even recognized in your own journey.
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