Perfect conclusion. I feel like when I over explain my work, it’s coming from a place of impostor syndrome, that said I couldn’t agree more with your sentiment. Nice one.
This speaks so much to me. I have been thinking about this lately, too! Sometimes I struggle, thinking I need to write a long explanation filled with deep meaning and philosophical meanderings about a body of work. As if the joy and effort of photographing something meaningful to me isn‘t enough. It is funny, though, because I often enjoy looking at photographs more when they don‘t come with words. Words can sometimes be helpful, but sometimes overexplaining can ruin a photograph (or a sequence of photos) for me.
aw, I'm so glad it does! It's definitely something that's been weighing heavy on my mind for the past few years. "As if the joy and effort of photographing something meaningful to me isn‘t enough"..this is something we need to keep on the forefront of our minds when we create! I couldn't agree more :-) at the end of the day, photographs contain an endless world of words..
I agree with your point: today “explaining” is often mistaken for having to persuade, influence, or seek approval. And that can push artists to overload the work with words, as if the images on their own weren’t enough.
At the same time, I think a certain level of explanation is often useful—and sometimes necessary—in many projects: not to make everything “clear” at all costs, but to offer a minimal context, guide attention, and connect the dots when the idea is complex.
That said, I don’t believe a photographic project must always aim for total clarity. Sometimes it’s right to leave room for free interpretation; other times the work already stands fully on its own and doesn’t need to be “closed” by an explanation.
For me, the key is the balance: the explanation should add value, but remain in service of the project, without replacing the images or steering the viewer too strongly. In that sense, I really relate to your invitation not to force things, and to let the work breathe.
Great project, Brother! Excited to see more!
thanks brother!!
Perfect conclusion. I feel like when I over explain my work, it’s coming from a place of impostor syndrome, that said I couldn’t agree more with your sentiment. Nice one.
Thank you! I completely agree with you. It oddly causes me to feel more detached from my own work at times..
thanks for reading it, man!
Nicely done. I myself have also been thinking of the same about my projects and how to get them out there. TY for publishing this.
thank you for reading!!
This speaks so much to me. I have been thinking about this lately, too! Sometimes I struggle, thinking I need to write a long explanation filled with deep meaning and philosophical meanderings about a body of work. As if the joy and effort of photographing something meaningful to me isn‘t enough. It is funny, though, because I often enjoy looking at photographs more when they don‘t come with words. Words can sometimes be helpful, but sometimes overexplaining can ruin a photograph (or a sequence of photos) for me.
aw, I'm so glad it does! It's definitely something that's been weighing heavy on my mind for the past few years. "As if the joy and effort of photographing something meaningful to me isn‘t enough"..this is something we need to keep on the forefront of our minds when we create! I couldn't agree more :-) at the end of the day, photographs contain an endless world of words..
I agree with your point: today “explaining” is often mistaken for having to persuade, influence, or seek approval. And that can push artists to overload the work with words, as if the images on their own weren’t enough.
At the same time, I think a certain level of explanation is often useful—and sometimes necessary—in many projects: not to make everything “clear” at all costs, but to offer a minimal context, guide attention, and connect the dots when the idea is complex.
That said, I don’t believe a photographic project must always aim for total clarity. Sometimes it’s right to leave room for free interpretation; other times the work already stands fully on its own and doesn’t need to be “closed” by an explanation.
For me, the key is the balance: the explanation should add value, but remain in service of the project, without replacing the images or steering the viewer too strongly. In that sense, I really relate to your invitation not to force things, and to let the work breathe.
I couldn't have said it better! I agree with this 100%. At the end of the day, it all comes down to balance and finding that sweet spot!