I decided to see if I could better understand the reason for this lack of reaction by asking my good friends at Ockbrook Photographic Club for advice. I was pleased that some of them took the time to give me their views and they suggested a number of courses of action that I intend to follow.
It is clear that, if I am to develop my artistic abilities I should be less concerned about the views of others and not constantly seek the reassurance of Facebook "Likes". Instead I need to be adventurous and experiment with new techniques and slowly develop my own style. I should also look to join groups of photographers using ICM and Double Exposure and review the work of others who have made their mark using these techniques.
It was suggested I seek-out videos by Doug Chinnery who is a well known exponent of ICM and Double exposure to better understand the techniques and how to use them to create original and striking images. I found three of his videos and learned a great deal about the techniques. He also suggested looking at the work of Chris Friel and Valda Bailey for inspiration. One link led to another and I eventually found the blog of an artist called Julia Anna Gospodarau who has taken ICM to another level by creating panoramic ICM images. She also blogs on Fine Art Photography and a new style called (en)Visionography whereby digital post processing techniques are used to create an image envisioned by the photographer when looking at the chosen scene but not able to be captured by the digital camera.
Re Part 6.
ReplyDeleteI certainly would not be disappointed by the lack of support when undertaking or experimenting new ideas, especially under the abstract umbrella. I think abstract is very controversial and attracts the few not the many. Experimentation is the extension or the beginning of creation, ask any scientist or inventor, some of whom in the passed have been ridiculed but in the end came up with the goods, that we enjoy and use today.
I see my desire to have " likes " on my images as a character flaw and am striving to move towards doing stuff because I like it. It is difficult.
DeleteI have to admit I too (for want of a better word) strive for likes and comments. For me they are endorsements from others that enjoy my work. I take photographs primarily for my pleasure, however it is nice to know that others like what I do. Not all my work gets posted for general viewing, I can be selective.
ReplyDeleteFor me not receiving any likes or comments does not set me back or make me think that I am failing. The shot was not taken for the viewer, but for me.
We have very similar views on this. I cannot help logging back on to check how many likes an image has received. This issue is complicated by the fact that some of our friends "Like" everything.
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