[pure-silver] Re: What is a "project"?

jeffrey wrote:

>Am I in the minority by virtue of not planning out my photo outings?
>
>  
>

Well, people, especially art critics, love to categorize. They want to 
be able to fit a work into broader contexts, because that gives them a 
lot to talk about. Moreover people who put up shows want themes. After 
all, being able to say something like "Contemporary Nudes" is much more 
likely to capture someone's attention than simply saying "Photographs". 
Moreover having a theme or project suggests sustained attention, and 
perhaps people link this with profundity. If you're main goal is to have 
shows, or have art critics notice you, then themes (whether imposed pre 
or post picture taking) are the way to go. If you're not interested in 
this type of recognition, then do what you'd like. Some people benefit 
from projects, and some don't. The only way to tell would be to try 
one.  Personally, I usually have a general idea of the types of 
photographs I plan to make when I head out. You know, something like 
waterfalls, ice forms, an old house...but once in the field I go with 
whatever catches my eye.  Today for example I went out hoping to 
photograph ice crystals which I saw yesterday on a nearby creek. When I 
got there, though, they had all melted. So instead of ice crystals I 
shot reflections of trees in the creek. To some up, do what you'd like. 
If having a project sounds fun, then by all means do it. They can be 
great learning experiences. If it sounds like a tedious boor, then give 
it a miss.

-Peter
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