Anyone that’s been following the blog for a few years knows that this infatuation with infrared goes back about 7 years.  Starting with film (HIE).  Then experiments with infrared flash.  And eventually, having two digital cameras modified.  I’m now getting the most pleasing results by shooting for HDR with the infrared modified camera, and then going through NIK HDR for the b&w conversion.  The workflow is a bit more complex, but those are the basics.

What is interesting – as I reach a point where I can sit back and look back along the path – was that at every point, the experiments were completely out in the open through the blog.  And there were always some “hey, that’s good” or “I don’t know why you’re spending all that time with infrared.”

I don’t think that artists have ever been this accessible to the public which was usually only privileged to see the results that “worked out.”  And I also wonder what sort of effect the “open instant publication” will have on creative development.  I’m very sure that when I was younger I would have been effected by the Good and Bad reviews – but then again it strikes me that the other group of artists that have to go through this all the time – actors, singers, musicians…  Performing artists.  So now the performance of the photographer especially is open to reviews and having worked with performers, I can only say that they learn not to read the reviews (if they can help it) and only to take criticism or praise to heart if it is from someone that they personally respect.

I think that’s good advice for anyone that’s throwing their work up in the photography blog.