wwp@yahoogroups.com:
Re: decisions...
G. Donald Bain 2005-Nov-28 17:37:00
Caroling,
Yes, there are certainly many ways to assess "best". Thank you for this
thoughtful essay.
I would say that in this context your "best of 2005" is the one you
would most like to share with the world.
Don
On Nov 28, 2005, at 3:54 AM, Caroling Geary wrote:
> What does "best" mean? What are the criteria?
>
> Is it the best photography? Does it mean technically the sharpest,
> most colorful, competent equipment tour de force?
>
> Is it the best documentation? Does it mean showing a location that
> adds to world knowledge and will be a geographical and historic
> resource for centuries?
>
> Is it the best photo-journalism? That is, does it show the levy
> breaking in New Orleans, starting the flood? Or some such current
> news topic?
>
> Is it the best concept? Is it a work of art that extends the reach of
> soul and moves the imagination in new, meaningful ways?
>
> Is it a personal best? For example it might be the best in a series
> of attempts to capture a certain place or light or space or amount of
> movement or some elusive all-around feeling.
>
> Is it a competitive best? Is it the best Eiffel tower, better than
> any others you have seen?
>
> Is it an annual best? Is it better than last year's entry of the same
> thing?
>
> Is it a unique best? You could define the best in relation to a
> specific goal. Say the best is the least effort (fewer shots,
> quickest taken, least post-processing).
>
> Personally, I like the time to try to do something better than I've
> already done this year. I like the time to contemplate my choices.
> Quality and quantity of "bests" balance out. If something is very
> innovative art, I'd call that a quality best. If something is art,
> shows a unique place, is good photography, and is OK in a number of
> ways, I'd call that a quantity best. Then I have to decide between
> quality and quantity. I'd probably opt for quality.
>
> Caroling Geary
> www.wholeo.net