September 15, 2004: Grand Street 2
These are some more shots from down on Grand Street in Brooklyn- particularly that interesting area right along the Brooklyn border. [Unrelated: I'm feeling down about these pictures- my Digital Rebel is in the shop, and I shot these with my G5- it just doesn't feel up to the job. Which means I pushed in Photoshop more than I wanted, and I regret it now. For me, it opens up the old quandry- would I feel better about this project if I only published one or two large pictures a day, like Keith or Eliot? Or would I feel worse if I abandoned the narrative format? Am I a worse photographer for not editing the stream of pictures down, even if I know there are one or two every day that really are up to snuff? And even if it makes no difference to me, should I concern myself with the opinions of those others who judge the quality of the work? My photoblogger friends, my readers, people who might want to write an article or take a piece for a gallery show or throw me an assignment? Perhaps. Perhaps.]
i rather enjoy your chronicling of areas and i feel that with one or two photos that vicariously discovering areas would be painfully slow or satisfyingly incomplete.
although i do enjoy the interlude of a party, honeymoon, or feline anecdote. but sometimes fear that i might be to interested in your life and then i realize that i am here for the exploring and chronicling.
Jake....dude.
Have you tried any of the 8 meg cameras?(nikon,canon,sony & olympus). They're awesome.....wide angle lens for all for your architecture. Prices have dropped on them too.
Anyway....how about snapping Staten Island, the forgotten borough.....I'll even drive you around.
Regards,
Brenda
Jake this is why I keep two blogs going. I don't think the ability to edit down to one or two selects makes you a better or worse photographer. I mean even in the narrative format you are still editing down, so I hardly see the difference.
Different subjects requires different presentation styles. I find the narrative format more personal and relevant in the scope of a photoblog. With Bluejake, we are seeing a chronicle of your life and how you see your surroundings.
You are inviting the viewer to be a part of your exploration, we get a sense of what it would be like if we went exploring the boroughs with you.
The single picture format will require you to find an image that condenses the experience of your explorations and I just don't think it'll do your work justice.
Do what you want.
If you feel like capturing an area through a series or if you have a single strong portrait, it's still a reflection of what you're seeing. Don't worry about trying to keep to one specific format just because you've done that in the past.
Now if your website was named "onephotoperday.com" or "vintage2004gallerysofnyc.com" I might have different advice for you.
It's much better with more photo's.There's nothing wrong with any of these photos, even if you did push it in Photoshop. I think maybe you are taking yourself way too seriously!
Jake -- I like your current format. The collection of images has an effect greater than any individual picture. The one-a-day format I follow has its own drawbacks -- more pressure to pick the one perfect shot. Which of course doesn't exist.
It's a trade-off no matter what. I look forward to your collection of shots every day...
Considering the enormity of your project I'm surprised you're not tempted to post more images. I think you're too hard on yourself. All these images are strong. And as far as being a photo purist, please, its just another tool like a tripod, or UV filter.
"Come to the Darkside Luke."
Do what you want, not what you think people want to see. Don't get trapped in the box of routine! Habit kills the soul.
If it's any consolation, I have been awed on a daily basis when I see the photos you've posted. I think it's really amazing that you have a large enough photo collection and a serious enough drive to maintain such a rigorous schedule. Bravo.
I've been having my own worries about putting together photography portfolios (gathering good shots together, making slides, etc. etc.), but I don't let the fun I have on my blog get clouded over by the more complex aspects of the photography business.