Leitz Loc: Solms

I have a stack of prints - the one on top stands out above all others.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Yes.

Hip Coyote

Great question and opportunity to discuss with fellow hogs. I think we photogs have to ask ourselves exactly why we are taking photos. In my case, I have been on photo safaris, taken nice shots and left feeling empty. But when I take a photo of an experience that means something to me, then I like the shot....even if it is not artistically sound. For instance, I recently took some shots using HSS of some flowers. Technically good shots. But so what? My entire photo club has been posting shots of flowers. Some exceptional shots. But will they remember taking the shot and does it have meaning to them? Probably not. A few years ago, I took a rather fuzzy photo at Xmas of some of our older relatives kissing...it was the last photograph of them together. The wife died soon after. Which photo is more meaningful? My flowers or the ones of my now departed relatives? In my journeys, I like taking photos of people, even in Africa...if I had some sort if interaction with them that is memorable. Photos of elephants in the bush...ok, nice, a fun experience, but not as meaningful (to me) . Photo of a little boy in a hut with whom I got to speak? Priceless.

Hip Coyote

Paul, I disagree, to a point. I do think there are times where a photo has to have a title or explanation to make it relevant as to why it is a keeper. I mentioned in this post about elderly relatives kissing...last photo ever taken of them. That requires a discussion, IMO. I am thinking of a very fuzzy photo in a book about Teddy Roosevelt...it was of Lincoln's Funeral procession, I think in New York. In a very small window, was a fuzzy image of a little by...it was TR. That required an explanation, or we would not know he was there. A photo of some stream in Yosemite? No discussion needed. A photo of some stream where you and your Dad went every year until he died to fish for trout? Discussion needed.

Anyhoo, thanks for your contributions and knowledge..very much appreciated and admired.

wide2tele Loc: Australia

Yes, excellent point you make. The standout image you will likely remember a great deal about when you were taking it. My image I remember taking the image, the setting up, thoughts going through my mind, even handling and pressing buttons on my gear, I remember all of it. I could not say the same that I have this level of recollection with many other images I've ever taken.

Hip Coyote

Good point as well. Happy shooting!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

My comment is a bit of amped up hardass for humor, but at the root, the thought is serious. Your TR example is documentary, probably not art. Is the couple kissing 'art' with no context that stands alone, and the story just enhances? If no, why not?

Imagine if your images adhered to this hardnosed approach: If you can tell the story in words, that's an image you should delete.

rlovaglio Loc: Augusta, Maine

A stunning image, congratulations! So now you have my interest piqued, what are the coordinates of where the image was taken and which direction were you facing?

SkipM Loc: Bullhead Ciyt, AZ

What is the subject of this landscape??

wide2tele Loc: Australia

Added my pic here:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-690834-1.html#12109646

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

It often helps to say something about a picture. It is infinitely better if the picture says something.

Norm11 Loc: San Rafael, CA

When I was an undergraduate sports photographer at UCLA, we had this new young center named Lew Alcindor. Maybe you've heard of him. Even early in his sophomore career, he was dominant on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. One night he was really killing it on the defense, so I wanted to capture some of that action, while most of the other photographers were looking for dunks and his famous "sky hooks" I focussed on the opposite end.

This was back in the film days, no motor drive, and pushing Tri-X in dimly lit arenas. I attribute this image to my knowledge of the game, anticipation, and yes, immense good luck. The photo still is on display throughout UCLA's Pauly Pavilion and has been used in two of Kareem Abdul Jabbar's books, even on one cover.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Wonderful! The type of image we don't need a single word to understand. And then, only after we've enjoyed, do the words give the story behind the story we see with our eyes.