When do you know you have a successful image?

[@saxmangeoff]

100% on the "I won't know until the end" thoughts. I've had enough of the "Oh yeah! This is it!" that didn't pan out, and the opposite of discovering a gem I didn't think too much about at the time. I did track my "keeper rate" for a while, thinking it should be the goal to increase it. I think it was in the single-digit percentages (just for "keepers", much, much lower for "bangers"), and I realized that no one cares. And I shouldn't care either.

[@davidkaplan997]

Love the image behind you John.

[@thecoleandjohnshow7236]

Thank you David

[@colethompson1906]

Looks like a giant dunce cap to me!

[@SelkiiDphotography]

Not waiting to watch your video before I answer (audio/visual celibacy ?). I know of two moments, not necessarily on the same image. First is when I’ve taken a photo, even before I review it, I feel what may seem an illogical joy; then I know that was a good photo. The second time is when I am reviewing on my computer and a shot comes up that gives me that same feeling of joy in its raw state because I instantly see what it will be. Often, this one is a total surprise. Just thought of a third moment: when I’m editing a photo without effort… can’t explain it exactly but something like automatic writing, when I don’t think about the mechanics of editing. None of this says I’m a good photographer. All it says is I know when I love something, a sense of fulfillment, whether or not anyone else ever sees it or likes it… though it is warming when someone tells you one of your photos triggered an emotion.

[@thecoleandjohnshow7236]

Always appreciate your comments.

[@colethompson1906]

Interesting. There are times when it comes together easily, and yet other times when I must really work at it.

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

I’m so terrible at social media and posting regularly… I do “love” most of what I post though not always. Like you Cole, it’s after I get through with the processing before I really know but I have an idea when I make the image in the field.

[@colethompson1906]

Jason, what’s with the stutter?

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

@@colethompson1906 That is really weird, it liked my comment so much it duplicated it!!!!

[@andycakebread7663]

Do you get a higher keeper ratio from a new location than more familiar locations or your own backyard? I do because for me photography is personal, and new experiences are enrichment so I'm perhaps more forgiving on images.. So my 'successful' images are the ones that are still the door way back to that time, place and feeling and I get a hunch when in that place what's likely to be a personal success. I get confirmation, or the opposite, when processing at home. Thanks again you two - love the show (edits 'snow' typo) 🍻

[@colethompson1906]

That's a great question! Sometimes I do better in a new location just because my eyes are fresh. But other times, a familiar location causes me to work harder and see deeper. So both can yield great results.

[@bang1432]

It’s after post. If the edit dosen’t work for me, even a great scene falls apart.