This month's challenge offers something a little different. We all (hopefully) grow as time goes by, both in ability and possibly a change in artistic direction.
This month's challenge comes in two parts.
1a). Show us some work that reflects where you CURRENTLY are in your journey. This could be an example of what you feel defines you as a photographer (ie your current style), or simply a style that you are currently experimenting with.
1b) To counter this, show some work that may have defined you at an earlier point in your journey. Perhaps you were once focused on portrait photography and have since moved on.
I think that looking at both will be interesting, understanding how we each move forward as individuals.
2) The second part of this challenge is one of the viewer. Let's all make an effort to both VIEW AND COMMENT on each and every post. This is a discussion group so it's good to have everyone engaged.
Comments don't have to be deep, but I know that all members like to see feedback to know that their work is being seen.
If in doubt, just find something interesting about the work that you would feel comfortable commenting on.
Here's my input - one taken a few years back at Eastern State Penitentiary, and one from my most recent project.
Great idea, Alan! Now to start thinking reviewing and thinking ...
1a). This reminds me of a series of photos by a dear acquaintance of mine, Smith Eliot and her work at Dammasch State Hospital.
I like how you use the ambient light to have the existing broken light fixture cast its luminance onto the back wall and chair. This could symbolize highlighting the past clientele that once sat in the chair.
Black and White works as a representation of the past.
On a side note Smith had an adventure this past September taking a painting seminar at a monastery in France. She definitely qualifies as 2 sides of you.
Smith Eliot's website
https://www.smitheliot.com/dammasch-state-hospital-1
1b). Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Go Green, is definitely an Alan "ICM" Brown photograph. I am still enamored, intimidated and envious when I see your photographs.
Thanks so much Dean. I am truly humbled and appreciative of your generous words.
ESP is such an interesting place, full of history and character. Now looking back on the many shots I took I think I am going to have to reprocess to align with my current aesthetic.
Thanks for linking me to the work of Smith Eliot - her work in general is very intriguing.
The color photo has a clear subject, that is what I like in it. The contrast of shape and color makes the subject standing out. I am not yet a fan of ICM...
The BnW makes a desperate, hopeless feeling. And I sm wondering the chair survived while all the rest falls apart. A well done photograph!
Thanks for your response. ICM covers such a vast area of techniques and styles, so perhaps you have just not found anything you like at this point. Like any other genre, the good work out there may well be overwhelmed by the not so good, so it may take a bit of work to find what you like.
For the barber's chair, it could be that the man-made products of plastic and steel are outliving the more natural products of brick and plaster - that's another story in itself!
No matter what your views, I always truly appreciate your feedback and contribution to the discussions.