#2 ~ December 21st, 2020 ~ Syracuse, IN
be merciless… and compassionate
I’m finally done with the videos from the recent road trip across the West. I made a total of 32 videos from this trip, and even though I don’t have the exact numbers, I know that amounts to thousands of photos and hours, and hours, and hours of footage.
Some of those photos and clips were really hard to get - especially the ones I took while hiking. Those hikes weren’t easy to begin with, but they got even harder because all the walking I had to do to set the camera up and retrieve it once I got the shot. In some cases, the hikes got doubled in distance and elevation gain.
In making these videos, I had to go through all the material I had and discard most of it. Tons of videos of me walking back and forth that will never see the light of day. Those were painful to take, but they have to go. Otherwise, the final video would be worse. Including them because they were hard to make would only please me, not the viewers.
Just because a photo or a video took time and effort to take doesn’t mean they are any good. We need to select the clips that will tell the story the best, and throw everything else away. If you find it too hard, take some time to detach yourself from them, let them marinate for a bit before you come back.
All this rejection can make you feel a bit down -do not forget to be compassionate with yourself. Every video and photo I delete hurts a little bit, what a waste! That effort wasn’t a waste of your time, though. At least, you know you gave it all. In the long term, that’s all that matters. Don’t beat yourself while deleting bad pictures or videos. We all go through that.
new images
Most of the new images last week were from Arches National Park, with the exception of one I made a couple of years ago in Indiana with a Holga and Ilford HP5.
new videos
These are the last videos from the road trip, a cinematic / musical one from Arches National Park, and another one documenting the long drive back home:
Thank you so much to all of you for the overwhelming support I got after sending the first issue of the newsletter. I’m still experimenting with the format, as I try to make it as useful and inspiring as possible, and I’ve gotten some good ideas from some of you.
I hope you have a wonderful time these days, stay safe and healthy, and talk to you on the next issue!
Adrian
Hi Adrian,
You’ve been a real inspiration to me for a long time now. I’m always checking YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and emails so I don’t miss a thing.
Sorry, it sounds like I’m stalking you.
You’re safe, I live in Australia !
Just a thought, but what about carrying a HoyaR72 filter with you.
I have IR converted cameras, but I always carry the Hoya filter when I’m out with my ‘normal’ camera. Always handy on bright sunny days. And well, I just love infrared anyway.
But what do I know, I’m just an amateur, you’re the Pro.
Anyway, all the best to you and keep on doing what you do.
Geoff