This is Me, Not Making Up My Mind


BuddhaAndRedDoor, originally uploaded by carolsLittleWorld.

Today, I am fighting with paper. Now, I know that doesn’t sound very normal but, lately it seems, I’ve been doing it a lot.

You see, it all started when I started doing some textural experiments. I started using layers in Photoshop and sort of blending some rough paintings, some photos, wound up with something closely resembling a collage, yes, that’s all well and good. (I’m sure you’ve seen them here before, if you’ve stopped in here for a visit in the past, if not, scroll down or click around a bit-I posted some a week or two ago.)

Then, I tried to print one.

Since they look a bit more like paintings, I wanted to print them on something that would accentuate the texture a bit more. My heart was telling me to try out a new paper, to use something more textural than my usual stash. My head, on the other hand, was telling me that Ilford paper is really very good, and I should think long and hard before I stray from it. (Every time I stray from it, I always wind up regretting it. At least, that’s what I was telling myself for the time being.)

So, what’s it going to be? The same old, same old, or the shiny new, “Oooh Ahhh” stuff?

I haven’t made up my mind. Do I got with Ilford Pearl, as always? Or opt for the Epson paper? Actually, I really wish I had some Moab Entrada, in exhibition size, because I think that’s what I really want. (Oh great! Option 3. I think I’m going insane!)

Now, I know what you’re thinking….

Try some of each, see which you prefer…there, wasn’t that easy? Trouble is, it isn’t that easy. Each of the papers gives me different looks-very different looks, in fact. So different that, well, let’s just say each looks sort of “valid” in its own right but neither is sort of “it” (if you can follow that logic.) One looks very soft, dreamy, like a watercolor, one looks crisp, sharp, like a “real” photo. Neither is screaming at me, “pick me! Pick me! I’m so RIGHT for you.” What to do, what to do?

I swear, the hardest thing about photography sometimes is making up your mind.

Until next time…

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2 Comments

  1. mythopolis
    Author
    June 14, 2009 / 8:59 pm

    It's like too many cooks in the kitchen…too many ways to go. Conflicting recipes. Option glut. I like working with limited tools. The array may change. I don't look to be Norm Abramson where I approach a piece of wood. with every possible tool at my disposal. I pick a small number of tools, and go at the material. I would like to attack a piece of wood with a screwdriver. An homage to that tool, in a way Try to pick my teeth with it. Slam it over and over on a piece of meat,I want to grill To tenderize it. Scratch my dog's head with it. And what about shisk abobbing veggies.. What can you do if all you have is a monkey wrench and a chunk of wood, Max it out and beat the the hell out of it. Soon the wood conforms to a likeable place, and I stop. Too many tools can spoil the broth. I f you took 3 things to a desert island, what would they be? For me, a serious knife, two stones, and Uma Thurman .

  2. Carol
    Author
    June 15, 2009 / 4:36 pm

    Yes, good point. Maybe I am making it overcomplicated. Maybe I am making it too hard. Just print it and be done with it.

    I am leaning towards using the watercolor paper because that's what my gut tells me is right. Always go with your gut, never second guess yourself, that's what I always say.

    Go with gut instinct over mind or heart any day.

    Thanks for the advice!

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