The Importance of Growth Beyond the Individual Image
In the world of photography, the focus often centers on the singular image, the standalone photograph. Yet, discussions about the book, the gallery wall, the series, and the editorial are noticeably absent. While striking individual images are encouraged, the power of a series and narrative, guiding the viewer through a cohesive story, is seldom explored. Combining images, strengthening them collectively, and growing beyond the individual is a transformative journey.
Not everyone may agree on the necessity of showcasing work in a series or body, but examining photography greats reveals their aspirations for collective display in books or on gallery walls. Side by side, with structure and narrative enhancing the body of work, the impact becomes more powerful as a whole, transcending individual pieces.
Immersing myself in the world of photo-books, despite its practical impracticality, has been a valuable investment for my artistic growth. Witnessing works by admired artists printed as intended, meticulously inspected and encapsulated in the intangible form of a photo-book, has been profoundly moving.
As I delved into photo-books by artists I admire, I realized the transformative power of juxtaposed images. The arrangement of a start, middle, and end fundamentally altered the impact of individual photographs, prompting me to move beyond the single image and craft small series.
This transition, though overwhelming, has been profound. While capturing a single photograph is easier, capturing multiple images, distinct yet interconnected over time, has shifted my approach significantly.
The gratification of capturing an image on a specific day or week is undeniable, yet, over time, I felt the need to convey more. Desiring to tell stories and evoke emotional responses, influenced by the books on my shelf, has become a driving force.
Most of us reach this realization eventually. For me, it took two decades, emphasizing the paramount importance of personal and artistic growth. It means transcending the confines of the individual image. My journey from single images to embracing a series has been profound, not just a shift in my photography but a fundamental change in my artistic workflow. Personal growth beyond individual images remains a vital aspect of my creative journey.
