Daily Archives: January 14, 2024

Losing Battles

Posted by Mike on

52-week Challenge
Week 2 – New Technique

I struggled with this week’s challenge, use a new technique. From the beginning of this photography journey I have experimented with different techniques. I typically stick with the landscape and macro images but have tried intentional camera movement, minimalism, abstract, B&W, square format, etc.

We had a meeting this week for the photography group at work. Our goal was to get ideas for increasing the group, where we would like to go on photo walks, and what other types of “lessons” we would like to share. It was a great meeting and we came away with a plethora of ideas. We decided we needed a goal of meeting at a minimum of once a month. Out of this meeting I got it in my head to get back into my Game Pieces project. I thought maybe I could do something for this week’s challenge.

And then my mind made a left turn…

I picked up Battleship at the store. I could see numerous possibilities for the project. But would that be enough for the challenge? What did I want out of this self-imposed challenge? To push myself. As I walked around the store a concept became clear. Part of me wasn’t going to like it.

I did something way out of my comfort zone last week. How could I plus that? The title of the image was already in my head, it would be called “Losing Battles.” Another self portrait but this time with a twist. I would incorporate the Battleship game. I love a good play on words and/or double meanings.

So, I expanded on what this weekly challenge would be for me. I would follow, as best as possible, the challenges from 52frames.com but was free to challenge myself differently if I so desired. I guess in the long run, whatever keeps me moving forward with my photography is what I’ll do.

Losing Battles
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 0.8s, 53mm, f/8, ISO 100

Communication

Posted by Mike on

In what ways do you communicate online?

Bloganuary – Daily Prompt

Cloud Cover
Nikon Z6 II, Nikkor Z 24-70 f/4 S, 1/13s, 29mm, f/8, ISO 100

My initial thought for this prompt was focused on the how, i.e., which sites, apps, online tools, etc. Then I took a breath and thought about the question. The question is not “What sites/tools do you use to communicate online?” It is about the ways I communicate. It is a deeper question than I originally considered. Now, where do I go with it?

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

– Maya Angelou

As a photographer, I communicate visually. But that is not completely correct. I don’t post images alone (not always; some days I get lazy and I do), I write words. Maybe not always effectively, but I share some of me. Thoughts, comments, and intentions, all get attached to the images I post.

I add titles to my images. Some of the titles enhance the image or provide that extra bit of context. The titles can change how the image is communicated. They can influence how the viewer feels about the image.

And then I thought about communication. Where I feel communicate can be a one way street, communication is about an exchange of thoughts. I’m not always the best at communication, especially online. I will respond to comments on my posts but it is typically that, me responding, not initiating the communication.

I still refuse to call it a resolution but I want to be better at communication this year. There has been a lot of support from my online friends for my photography and this experiment I call a blog. I want to reciprocate that support and hopefully improve how I communicate.