[Leica] Regarding those snaps of a few days ago (Doug Herr)

[rpalmier at depaul.edu (bob palmieri)]

On Jan 7, 2009, at 5:52 PM, Doug Herr posted the following perspective:

> bob palmieri wrote:
>
>> Sometimes I think that I just do this stuff to sharpen my hunting
>> skills,  in case I actually need to shoot something of real value.
>
> YES absolutely.
>
>> Could be one of those midlife things, but having some control of the
>> elements of visual vocabulary was supposed to be an intermediate
>> step, and I'm feeling like the next step is gonna involve a lot of
>> personal work to figure out if I have anything I really want to say
>> with shooting.
>
> Recognizing this as an intermediate step is a vital part of the  
> process.
> Lots and lots of photographers (and other creative types) never get  
> beyond
> this step - it's often called being stuck in a rut.  Reaching  
> beyond this
> step is risky: you risk making mistakes, losing your fan base, and
> floundering for a while (if not forever).  It's re-inventing yourself.

That "if not forever" part is what has me scared...
>
> I often feel like I'm in a rut.  A good rut, but I'd like to go beyond
> where I am.  Trying new techniques (i.e., the kayak) is part of the  
> process
> but so far I don't feel like the results I've been getting are  
> visually
> distinct from the photographs I was making two or three years ago.   
> I don't
> want to just refine my work, I want to re-invent it.  Does this  
> make sense?

Jeez... do you ever get it!