Digital BW, The Print

Peter:

On a forum that can at times be tediously technical, your question has, I think, tapped into a question that many of us think about often. As you yourself say, perhaps there is no definitive answer.

I would be sceptical of anyone who tries to tell you what is good and what is not, as I think this is an intensely personal decision. As an amateur (as opposed to a professional), you have the luxury of photographing purely for yourself. My suggestion to you would be this: look at as many photographs as you can and decide what moves you. What catches your eye? When you stop and pause to look over a particular photograph, try to identify the element(s) that you find moving or interesting. I have found that a public library card has allowed me to look at an amazing amount of photographs, without actually buying them all, allowing me to find my favourites and buy those if they are still in print or to be found.

Unfortunately, identifying what makes a photograph good or even exceptional in your opinion, does not translate into taking exceptional photographs, at least not initially. I know this from personal experience. Perhaps it brings you one step closer though.

Enjoy the journey.

Paul



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]