I think all to often, photographers inadvertently back themselves into a corner often feeling that what they do with the camera is of utmost importance. In a way it is, but it is not the only tool in the creative process. Many photographers are not as concerned about the camera aspect and rely more heavily on the digital darkroom and post production process to get the desired look. Call it stylization if you will. Certainly a creative choice and one that is neither right or wrong.

There are many ways to get to the final finished product, regardless of whether your niche’ is photography, painting or many other artistic avenues and the possibilities are endless. Certainly, in my case, the camera plays a significant role in the outcome and success of the final product as the vehicle that captures the image, I don’t think anyone would argue with that.

In the case of any body of work or session, what goes into the choice of choosing a few images from potentially hundreds of images that may be very similar in composition, color, mood or sharpness? I think the one thing that might be the answer is simply to be more critical when choosing.

One of the greatest masters of our time Ansel Adams said ” 12 images a year was a good crop.”

I think our work would be better if we were more selective, more creative about the ways we looked at editing. Which questions are you asking yourself? What criteria do you have for making that selection? Do you trust that process? Are you still deleting everything that you don’t like in the first go round? Are you looking for quantity or quality and do you have a clear system?

Creative artists can be their own worst editors but is that because we don’t give the finishing process as much attention as we do our camera when initially capturing the image. Should you be giving the whole process a little more time?

You just shot a whole bunch of photographs, just finished a canvas, completed a quilt or whatever your creation is, “Now what?”

Once your selections are made, walk away for a day or two. Come back and look at your work with a more selective eye. Does it still hold the wonder it did when you picked it? Asked yourself if there is something you missed or would change if you had to post-process or paint it again.

In doing this, you let the excitement of the moment fade somewhat which allows you to generally look at. your work without being hindered by what you felt at the moment of creating. I feel this has its advantages in that if when looking at the work after some time has passed, you still feel the sense of accomplishment of capturing the moment, be it in a photography or painting, then this image or piece will be worth pursuing and showing to your peers. This method has worked for me in putting work out that I feel truly will inspire and be worth sharing.