Digital BW, The Print

Todd,

> Yes, but eventually even photos of transvestites playing cribbage under
> water may become trite.

This is a major problem for all shooters. especially
documentary/journalistic.


Isn't the challenge to be able to "speak through
> your own voice" with whatever you shoot?

and you have outlined the goal. This was the main thrust of the only photo
course I've ever been on by Charlie Harbutt.

>
> I mean a lot of photographers go to all kinds of exotic places to make
their
> images, and they can be lovely, nothing wrong with that, but I'm equally
> interested in a photo that I can tell on first sight "that's a Keith
> Carter", "that's a Ralph Gibson", etc. I love to see what guys like that
can
> do with puppies and babies.


As an exercise I agree with you, but if you have your own voice...

>
> I think a more powerful exercise would be to have students ONLY photograph
> the prosaic but to do so in their own style.


One of the labs in the uk sponsors a student competition every year where
students shoot the alphabet. It is amazing how every year this produces some
amazing results.


Julian