Silver Beauty
It amazes me how many times I hear students say, “I can’t find anything to shoot.” Developing a vision and then becoming aware and truly observant of our surroundings are skills that every successful photographer must have. It takes time and practice to develop these skills. Many mistakes will be made along the way, but from every mistake we can learn, and by learning we become better. The only way to develop your own vision is to get out and make photographs. Often. Daily, or at least weekly whenever possible.
Evaluating your images is the second step to developing vision. Self-evaluation is good, but critiques from mentors and peers is even more effective. We must learn to accept constructive criticism and grow from it in order to reach our potential. We become so involved in our own work that often we fail to see our shortcomings. Even to this day I seek out critiques from my associates. I want to know how my photographs make them feel. What would they do differently?
Silver Beauty is a result of all of the above. I was on a school outing with one of my boys, and I got up early, stepped outside the cabin and found this scene. Just a small leaf, but the light falling on it was wonderful. After making the original print, I asked several of my photographer friends what they thought. I considered their feedback, made a couple of changes and then watched the print go loan at Professional Photographers of America annual print competition.
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