assembling long posts, which I admit, are sort of a specialty for me.
But, some photos complement others, and I realize that as stand-alones they wouldn't have much merit.
I also know it's more difficult to comment on a series. But, please… one one more time?, please?
(I'm doing a sacrifice here, because I have enough for two, maybe three long posts…)
It's not really my fault anyway. Old San Juan's such a photogenic city…
Of course I have no intention to disagree with you in that these images make for a compelling series, a beautiful promenade through the streets of Old San Juan.
Yet I have to veto your statement regarding your shots seen as stand-alones. Evidently, some of these images belong to a group. But then there are others that have a life of their own too and whose meaning may even alter once taken out of the context. And such images for me are #9, 10 and also #3. Presented in this context #10 works as contrast, some sort of entremets that helps us resharpen our senses. As a stand-alone, though, this image would never be perceived that way, one would never guess it's San Juan. Unlike #10 the scene in #9 matches the central theme but adds something to it. Those petals on the dark-blue hood look so meaningful and one doesn't know whether it is rather a melancholic or a gay impression. I think the slightly somber lighting plays an important role here. I like this reflection of two contrasting emotions.
Thanks, Valentin
PS. I like the architecture of the building in #4! Late 30s?
Valentin, your insightful remarks are always appreciated,
July 5 2008, 7:12 PM
I realize that sometimes it's very difficult for me to choose just one photo from a series. And, since the photo process of series like these occur indeed on a walkaround, sometimes for me it's apparent that the photos should go together. I just finished reading Why People Photograph, and it has been interesting, although I don't always agree with the author. For me, going out with the camera on a weekend, brings a pleasure that helps in masking the work days' usual routine. The author seems to conclude that people photograph to lessen the pains of our lives. Pains that everybody has, but that photographers (as other artists) can rise above them in the practice of their art. I think defining "pain" is very subjective, and these pains can be small or big or have different meaning: loneliness, losses, even boredom if you think about it. Despite having, of course, heard many times about the cliche of artists' sufferings, I hadn't thought about photography in this way, but it does make sense, at least for some people. It would be a good exercise for all of to ask ourselves this question and maybe it would somehow help us understand why we choose certain themes, over and over again.
Anyway, although I go along wishing to find that very special catch —the one that deserves a place of its own— I can't also help the feeling that sometimes others should be accompanied as if a story unfolded through them. In both cases I'm very aware that I'm really on a search, and this is what makes it exciting. But it also helps in accepting that not all the photos will be masterpieces, which definitely helps in keeping the faith.
It may all be pseudo-existential meanderings or something, but as Renoir told his teacher when scolded for his apparent lack of "serious" intentions for painting… "if it wasn't fun, I wouldn't be doing it…"
the context of the series makes the topic, otherwise the focus is on something else. As a stand-alone, 3 is a perfect example; in the series, it is no longer such and is one piece of the interesting city.
Hehehe. Just wanted to post that one on the message title
Some random musings on series/standalone presentations...
Standalones for me require a different level of patience and involvement. It can be exhausting because you're working on details within that one image. With a series, i'm not so concerned with post processing. In fact, I would rather shoot a series in b&w, with just a bit of adjustment on contrast and sharpness.
Glad VB picked up on them petals on the hood photograph. That one is a real powerful image, imo. Quite emotional.
What I like about your series is that the mood is consistent. The photographs segue seamlessly from one to the next. By the way, this goes for ALL your series, Eduardo.
I think you're a serial killah. Can't escape your DNA, man
