On a HC black and white jpeg in some good lighting. What looks better?
The Hedonic Treadmill In Southern California
Been reading up on this theory. That no matter your environment, if it’s nice weather year round or not, humans will always maintain an even level of happiness. Therefore no matter how great the weather is, people moods aren’t improved by it. You just keep walking and walking on the treadmill but never get anywhere. I’ve always wondered why people here aren’t happier and maybe the hedonic treadmill explains it. Is California drastically overpriced then if it’s main draw is the weather?
Who Is My Audience?
Ideally it’s non photographers. People who have no clue what street photography is. I have zero desire for my photos to be judged by other photographers. To submit my work for review to my contemporaries. I don’t care about their opinions. A carpenter, teacher or burger flipper is my audience.
Santa Monica Training Wheels
Perfect place to practice street photography. Anyone I’ve shot with here says the same thing. The beach is hard to shoot at. I think it’s the lack of interesting light bouncing off tall buildings, everything is wide open. Compositions are more difficult. Backgrounds are messy. A lot of the time there’s isn’t much going on. It’s a bit sleepy. It’s the 102nd most dense neighborhood in LA county. But there’s enough action to train yourself. Especially on weekends. So if one can manage to make good work here, I suppose it’s one step closer to mastery.
Street Photography As Self Service
Best to accept that your photos don’t matter to anyone but yourself and to practice as a form of meditation.
Staying Productive Is The Goal
If I went a week without a good photo I’d find a different hobby. No point if I’m not productive.
Proud Of Your Work
Not really. I’m pretty emotionally detached. I shoot so much that my keepers are quickly forgotten until I scroll through the archive.
Exploring Nature
I think it’s almost as fun as street photography. Going on a nice hike and exploring the beauty that surrounds you. Doing a road trip through the countryside. The USA is a massive place. And it deserves to be explored.
Peak Energy In Santa Monica
I haven’t seen it this energized in a very long time.
Hours Post Processing
Seems like a waste of time.