To say that this has been a long road would be an understatement.
Over a year ago, I decided that I would really like to have a web page that I controlled to show off some of my photography. Let’s face it – most of these these web pages are part vanity and part (loosely defined) “business”. For me, Photography is a hobby that I really enjoy. i like to go places, do things and meet people. I like to make photographs and them really work them to bring out some of the experience of actually making the photograph. The photograph itself is really a great reminder of the places that I’ve been, the things I’ve seen and the people that I’ve met. Sure. But I don’t need a web page to save all of that. I have LightRoom, Photoshop and a couple of social media accounts (Instagram and Flickr – I still struggle with Facebook – and yes, I know that FB owns IG. So why have a web page?
Ok, I said that there is a business angle to this. A lot of photographers have Web Pages to advertise their businesses. Workshops, Webinars, training videos, selling prints and merchandise – we all have to make a living. So that’s great. But then why else create a web page. I said at the top – and don’t hate me for this – there is a vanity element to this. I made a great print and you should see it – because it is really beautiful and really moving (etc) and it should move you. Ok. fine. But then why only showcase my work – why not the photographers that I truly admire – whose work has really inspired me? If we are truly altruistic artistes, then 10% of my page should be me and 90% of photographers whose work really moves me. But its not, it’s all me. If I don’t care what you think then why post?
The truth is that I care what you think about my photographs. I would love to inspire a conversation with any (or many) of my viewers to hear what you think. For me, my own vanity is not so much conceit as it is my need to look deeper into me. To me, this is the essence of my photography. If I see how others see a scene, maybe it will open my eyes to see a scene differently and to be able to nurture my own desire to make clear statements about the scene – or more importantly about the experience.
Vanity or business? Or quest? Or maybe a little of all of the above. I hope that people look at my photographs and provide some feedback that will help me to learn more about about my own art – but more important about my own quest.
Either way – I now have a web page that forced me to learn about Drupal, web hosting and web page design. Its fun and keeps me out of trouble anyway.
