New prints

Photo by: Tim Bindner

As of today, we have 41 of my photos printed, framed, and hung in our house. The sizes vary from one large 16×24 down to a few small 5×7 prints. Most, however, are in the 8×10 range.

Our recent project comprised four 8×10’s from our trip to Door County, Wisconsin and six 11×14 prints from our trip to Nova Scotia, Canada. Marcie chose each of these, and though some might not have been the one’s I would have chosen, I am still humbled to see my creations on our walls.

My therapist is helping me accept not only compliments for my work but also helping me struggle to admit my work is good. As a photographer I strive to improve, and thus in doing so I see flaws in every picture I take. It is not my attempt to discredit my work, but ways to help me improve. I also have this critical eye when I see others work, but it is more predominant in my own creations.

What my eye sees and ultimately how each photo turns out is often very different. Slight changes like angle, cropping in or out, lighting and even distracting features in my images are often the ‘flaws’ I see in my work. I always see things I could have done better.

As far as my own photographs, I have learned to admit I have some good, and dare I say some very good shots, but felt nothing has been a great shot. A great shot is my goal. What I strive to accomplish. I told my therapist when I was asked if I would ever have a great shot, or a perfect shot? I am not sure. I feel if I shot the perfect shot, then I have nothing to work towards.

I have written in the past about compliments and how I do not enjoy them. For my photography and writing. As mentioned, I can always see things that I could have done better. I am learning to respond ‘Thanks’ or ‘Thank You’ when someone comments on my work. The struggle for me really is debating and discrediting that complement in my mind, however.

A friend recently bought a few prints from me and had them framed and hung them up in her house. Marcie’s boss has one of my shots in her house, and another former co-worker also has some of my work at her home. A family friend has one of my pictures in her house that I gave to her after Mom died, and for Christmas, we printed a large print to give to Marcie’s mother. My friend Mark even has a few of my smaller prints somewhere in his house.

I do not actively push to sell my pictures because I struggle to find what the value of the prints is worth. I am honored, however, that people have these in their homes. Soon I will have many other pictures in my counselor’s office. There are currently two prints hanging on their office lobby walls with my business card on each of them. During a recent visit, while I was in the waiting room, a man came in. He looked at the pictures, then the business card, then turned and looked at me. He looked back at the business card, then me again and said, “is that you?” I responded affirmatively, and he said, “these pictures are great” as I squirmed on the inside I said “thank you” to him.

A highly respected photographer I follow named Sean Tucker once said, “All art completes it’s cycle when it is appreciated by someone else.” This opened my eyes to looking at the compliments I receive from people, differently. Learning to take praise and the honor of someone’s appreciation is much more profound than me pointing out my own perceived flaws in my work. It will probably always be uncomfortable for me, but I am learning to deal with any positive affirmations I receive.

Above is one shot from my recent trip to Nova Scotia and one now hanging on my wall. To see all ten photos that I discussed above, click here.

Until next time,

Tim