If the capture is the equivalent of composing the music and the final print the performance , where does that leave the edit ?

When I say edit , I’m not referring to the digital optimisation of the selected images , this is about image selection , although fundamental, I learnt this week that choosing the “best” frames from a shoot is not as easy or conclusive as it appears to be ! I have just discovered a frame that might be more significant than the frame I selected from this shoot first time around , I’m asking myself ?

A. How did I miss this ?

B, Have my visual tastes changed over the last few years ?

C, How many other “undiscovered” frames remain in my archive ?

Interestingly the frame in question is the frame before “the frame” , so I must conclude that I was so distracted and self satisfied by the frame I did select that I stopped seeing objectively , although my tastes may have changed over the years too ?

I missed this frame during the first edit and discovered it this week !

Those who edit the work of photographers professionally often claim that photographers themselves are the worst editors of their own work , I’m sure this is true as photographers are too close to the work to bring the necessary levels of objectivity to the table to make solid decisions, anyone who doubts this should check out The Big Book , W. Eugene Smith .

The takeaway point from this blog is that we must all miss viable shots during the edit , it might be a good idea to revisit our shoots & selections more often with fresh eyes, especially during the winter months when the photographic conditions outside are little more challenging and we have a bit more time ! You might be surprised by what you find , especially amongst the frames either side of what you once thought of as your more successful captures !

They say you should never look back , I’m not sure I agree ?

Until next time , keep it real !