I figured it out!

I attended the NCC workshop for Judging yesterday. It is a workshop that discusses what judges should look for in competitions, and since I do not intend to be judge for now, the information was very helpful for self-assessments.

It is funny how things come about sometimes. In my earlier posting< i was rambling about this elusive satisfaction in my subjects. Notice I sought dissatisfaction in the subject not the content. I thought of far-away places to capture an impressive image.

Yesterday, I realized it is not going to far-away places to capture a memorable picture. Well, it can, in many ways such as photographing a very unique habitat, or culture or event. But, what I was grappling about was found in understanding the methods of photography.

Let us take one heavy criterion of judging, Impact/Appeal : what is the first impression? Did it hold the viewer's eye? Did it affect the viewer emotionally? spiritually? Did it communicate a meaning? Some pictures can be so strong, but in many cases may not be appealing. It is not something one would hang on the wall and see it everyday. I think of war pictures. Urban depression. Human turmoil. Subjects like these impacts, but are not appealing.

It was impact that I was struggling with, but not finding it in everyday subjects is a limitation that I brought upon myself. I can capture impact from a cup and a saucer, if I manipulate lighting, apply technique, create a story with my composition, use my own style, highlight the character of the subject..there are many methods to make an ordinary subject possess impact. A cup and saucer is ordinary enough, and subjects that people do not think about, but the challenge in great photography is capturing ordinary subject in a perspective that creates strong impressions.

I was impatient with my craft due to my own limitations, that inhibit my creativity... I am glad I attended the workshop that did not cost me a penny. A well-spent Saturday with my fellow photography enthusiasts.