Was just kind of wondering which people like more. The actual process of composing and taking the picture or the final print itself? (Yes I know we like it ALL but still..) I just ask since I actually find I enjoy the acutal picture taking much more then the finished photo (even when the photos turn out well). I guess its because I am actually doing something and in essense trying to figure out what makes the scene I am photographing draw my attention which helps make the memory of place more vivid and permanent. So I was just curious how it is for others.
Definitely the action for me.......although I live on my own planet in general that is quite otherworldly....When I have my camera in my hands....It is a euphoric place for me......everything else is gone from my brain and it is all about the beauty I am seeing at that very moment! call it bliss!! : )
I develop my own B&W film and make my own prints, and it is always a wonderful experience, from start to finish. When I'm reviewing my negatives, I'll remember where I was and how I got the shot - but that's usually a small moment in time. I spend much more time creating the print. And I love printmaking - B&W, bromoils, hand coloring - whatever it is I'm going to do with my negative. For me it's an unbreakable Part A - Part B process. I love being out there shooting, composing, thinking ahead to what I *might* be doing with the image I'm seeing in the viewfinder. I won't know if I'm successful or not until I settle in with the printmaking. I guess it's a happy marriage of my artistic "vision", if you will, blended with the craftsmanship of printmaking. It completes a circle.
For the most part it is the action for me, except when I get that shot that I am just blown away by. Then it is the print.
I like best that moment when I first see the final print matted and framed. It is the culmination of the initial vision. All else is a means to that very specific end.
I love seeing the print, but for me, since I shoot lots of nature and wildlife, it's the experience of taking the photo. Photography, for me, has given me a reason to put on big combat boots, carry a heavy pack with state of the art equipment, and go running around in the woods. It takes me back to my childhood
Right now, it's the final image that I look forward to. Edit, after reading Darin's post: I think should have added, after capturing the image, it is the final image/print that I look forward to see. The moment of capture is very special to me as well. I usually respond to my directions within. You know it's the image that you wanted!
This is a really tough question for me. I would have to save I prefer the act of taking the picture. The final results all depend on the taking of the photo as well. This all reminds me of the HCB quote
I get a major buzz when taking a great shot, but when i get it on the computer and it's good woo hoo! Really i love both, but if i have taken a really special picture i keep looking at it. An obsession it becomes for the day. Just getting that wow feeling. Both! Cheers James
I agree with Terri in that I do not consider the action separate from the print. More of a means to an end. To answer the question. I vote for the print. Mostly because you can hold it and show the world what you saw. I am forever trying to get that perfect print. Perfect meaning exactly the way the camera and I saw it.
