Which do you enjoy more? The action or the print?

[zedin]

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.

 

[photo gal]

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!! : )

 

[terri]

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.

 

[Harpua]

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.

 

[Torus34]

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.

 

[Digital Matt]

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

 

[danalec99]

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!

 

[darin3200]

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

“Actually, I'm not all that interested in the subject of photography. Once the picture is in the box, I'm not all that interested in what happens next. Hunters, after all, aren't cooks.”

 

[James H Lyons]

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

 

[craig]

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.