I wasn’t planning on doing a post like this, but it was pointed out in a comment on an earlier post that it might be interesting for others to see what I would select as a few of my best images from the past year. So… with great gnashing of teeth, and for sake of discussion, here are four photos taken during 2011 here in LA.
palm bark
hinges -- koreatown alley
eucalyptus trunk
leaf abstract
There you have it. Four photos that I think worked out pretty well. Good?… not so good?… why?… why not?…
Say what you will…
As I just said in your “No favorites here” posting, I echo your sentiments…but disagree. Most often that’s how I feel…it’s an ok image. But they really often are better than ok and that’s where I disagree here. These are better than ok. I really like the palm bark with it’s wonderful overlapping angles and the light and shadow play with the almost charcoal-like quality to the bark surface. The textural study of the door hinges juxtaposed to the smooth eucalyptus bark is very interesting and the leaf abstract has a very nice peaceful quality to it. The Palm is my favorite but all are better than “ok”. I’m not skilled at the deeper critique ala John Szarkowski, but there’s what say I.
Thanks for your thoughts on them Steve. Your critique is every bit as valid as Szarkowski’s in my book, though it could be interesting to hear what he had to say about them
I hadn’t consciously thought about the juxtaposition of the images — interesting that you pointed it out.
I used okay kind of half tongue-in-cheek. I actually think these four are pretty solid and will stand the test of time.
I really like your choices here and it would be tough to argue otherwise. If I had to pick a favorite it’s the palm bark photo. It’s curious that all these photos show an evolution to your style. They all are detail oriented and rely on texture and tone and expert composition. It’s the kind of subject matter I am very attracted to as well.
Thanks Ken. I guess they do show the direction my photography has been going. I appreciate your thoughts on them.
There’s certainly no shortage of these kinds of subject matter. More than enough for a lifetime of exploration.
Interesting that all four are black and white images. As we are our worst critic it can be difficult to choose 4 or 12 images. I find I can select some all with different criteria: subject, location,, etc. The leaf abstract is my favorite and due to the subject.
Thanks Monte. I appreciate your thoughts. Interesting to hear your criteria for selecting images.
I still do have a real love for B/W and no doubt always will…
You picked four of my favorites—especially the first two. I am glad you completed the exercise, because I have been reminded of these photos and I enjoyed revisiting them. I especially like the fact that the group make a statement about how you are currently seeing your world. It is a great way to get the new year in gear.
Thank you Anita. These four have the strongest appeal for me right now. Like you said, it’s how I’m currently seeing my world.
I’m glad I decided to post them too, and I’m glad you like them.
Such interesting texture on three of those! Love the monochrome as well on each. And the one with no texture is so simple it’s quite elegant. I found myself staring at it quite a bit. They’ll do!
Thanks man. Glad to hear your thoughts on them. Yeah, they’ll do.
Nice selections pj. Some very nice textures to explore. I have to say I find the eucalyptus trunk particularly intriguing. Such a simple image, and yet I keep getting drawn back to it. It is a very nice use of light and shadow.
Thanks Mark. The trunk photo is a funny one — I didn’t even like it much at first, but it has a way of sneaking up on you. Now it’s one that I think will stand with anything I’ve done.
You know I like the eucalyptus trunk, PJ, since I have a print.
I also really like the first shot of the bark. That one took a very good eye to see the right composition in the patterns.
Sharon
Thank you Sharon. Yes, I do know you like the trunk. Glad to hear you have a print of it.
Okay, I must be losing my mind: I thought I commented on these images over a week ago!!
I think you did an excellent job with the exercise of choosing images…they are all lovely indeed. My favorite I think is the last one…those sorts of images are ones I have in my mind’s eye a lot, but they’re a hell of a lot harder to pull off than you’d think.
Tell me about it — I just close my eyes, push the button, and hope for the best…
The fern at the end is my favorite of these GREAT photographs. Self esteem is something we all probably could stand to increase.
You’re getting a lot of positive feedback both on your blogging and on your photography, PJ. I don’t think either is just OK or average.
Thanks David. I appreciate that.
It’s not that I don’t think these are worthy, I just like to think my best hasn’t been done yet. It’s yet to come…
pj.
just came across your site. These black and whites are beautiful! I love the textures and depth in palm bark. And the door (really like that silvery feel to it) is an excellent picture. I read that you recently got back on your feet and have now your own apt. I don’t know what you have been through but I wish you nothing but the best for the new year.
Thanks for your thoughts Nareen and for stopping by. I’m glad you like what you see…
For me, a former math teacher, the patterns of the fern leaves are the most appealing.
One of your comments above reminds me of Robert Browning’s poem “Rabbi Ben Ezra,” which begins with the lines:
Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be….
Love it. I’m definitely getting older, and hopefully getting better. Those lines sure do appeal to me. Thanks Steven. I appreciate your thoughts.
[...] four okay photographs [...]