“We are judged, not by the photographs we take, but by the photographs we show.” – Ted Grant
I took my first steps into photography when I was 10 or 12 years old. Yet, it was not until I was 50 before I printed and matted my first print. And, what took me so long to take that step? I’ll suggest it was my belief system. At that time, I believed I was not a good  photographer, at least when I compared my images to those I considered photographers. I now believe in my abilities as a developing photographer and I’m accepting myself.  Both of those factors are nurtured by having this photoblog/website. I’m more comfortable with showing my images and in fact enjoy showing images that I know do not have as much power as others may. I’ll even put up snapshots, like yesterday. So, I’m much more comfortable showing my photographs.
14 Comments
QPB (Mary Ann)
Everything is a process, including the ability to call yourself a photographer. Always interesting to hear of another person’s journey and growth, thanks for sharing.
Monte Stevens
I have more to say about all this journey stuff but I’ll not bother you with it all at one time. Acceptance of my skills and knowledge of myself have sure been gifts.
pj
I, for one, am glad that you are more comfortable with it. I enjoy seeing your response to your world. That comparing yourself to others thing can be a real killer.
Monte Stevens
Thanks. I don’t compare as much as I did in the past but do admit that voice creeps in once in a while.
David Leland Hyde
For me it is a matter of focus. I enjoy writing as much as photography and choose to invest more time in it. I like to show my photographs on my blog from time to time, but am focused on getting my father landscape photographer Philip Hyde’s work more widely distributed. He made a treasure of nearly 60 years of images, some of which trigger a religious experience when viewed.
Monte Stevens
And, it shows you enjoy writing. A major reason I read you blog. As for me writing is new for me. I like how you feel that your dad’s images can “trigger a religious experience when viewed.” That’s what we hope to achieve with our images and our writing but I also believe we need to have those religious experience when we are in the field pressing the shutter.
Andrew Gould
That’s a beautiful shot, Monte. You certainly can do it!
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Andrew, and glad you dropped by for a visit.
Earl
It’s about growth, isn’t it. Growth as a photographer and a person. The saying that the camera looks both ways is true and as our photos become “better” in some ways so does the inner person plying the craft of photographer. At least that’s what I believe. 🙂
Monte Stevens
Great minds think alike or we read the same books. Hope you have a great day!
Jim | SpinView
I have never known you as anything but a good photographer, so there’s no question in my mind! Continuing to enjoy all the images you’ve shared, Monte.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Jim.
sabrina
The conversations we have with ourselves are sometimes much more important than those we have with our teachers, mentors, and photography colleagues. I love that you are on this journey, Monte and sharing all the images you’re making along the way.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Sabrina. I am changing how I partake of the those conversations.