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Always Take The Next Step
For example, I have an ongoing theme of patterns in nature. Within that group, I have a series of macro images of autumn leaves. Every autumn, I keep an eye out for interesting leaves to photograph. The two photographs shown here are part of that series. The image of a red maple leaf was photographed many years ago in Acadia National Park.
The second image is of a leaf I found outside my studio. Several years ago, I planted a cottonwood tree, and I’ve been watching it grow ever since. Last fall, as the leaves turned yellow, I noticed that some leaves developed an interesting combination of green and yellow. I found this leaf after it fell off the tree, and I photographed it with my Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, 50mm macro lens and a nifty device called a McClamp (www.mcclamp.com) to hold the leaf in a fixed position. The late-afternoon light was shining on the backside of the leaf.
The two images are shown here as an illustration of the evaluation process for adding new work to a portfolio. The red maple leaf photo is an established image in my Patterns portfolio and was included in a book I illustrated, By Nature’s Design. By comparing the two images, I could judge whether my new image was worthy of adding to my Autumn Leaves portfolio. I asked myself, “Is the quality consistent? Does the new image add depth to the portfolio, or is it repetitious?”
Although I’ve used only two images here for example’s sake, in actuality, you’d place a new image next to all the images in that group to make the comparison. This can be done on the computer, with prints or with slides on a lightbox. Just make sure to use a simple, clean background and format. With practice, you can refine your themes and continually improve the group’s overall quality.
To summarize, here’s a list of steps that might help you reach the next level for your photography:
I suggest that you don’t force new images into a portfolio. It’s better to add only one or two than dilute the prime group with weaker images. Adding no new images is okay, too. Give yourself time to consider your choices. Ansel Adams always talked about making a print and then placing it out where he’d see it often. Look at your new images for a while by themselves. We’ve all had images we originally thought were great, only to have them fall from grace with time! For those that still hold your interest, find a way to group the new ones with the “golden ones,” whether by using work prints tacked on the wall or thumbnails on your computer screen.
Given the time constraints of everyday life, creating new photographs that qualify for your favorite portfolios is difficult. Creative inspiration tends to ebb and flow, as I’m sure you’ve experienced. With practice and persistence, however, you’ll make the next step!
Visit www.williamneill.com.
William Neill