{"id":125828,"date":"2019-01-18T13:22:31","date_gmt":"2019-01-18T21:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=125828"},"modified":"2019-01-18T13:22:41","modified_gmt":"2019-01-18T21:22:41","slug":"why-you-must-look-at-your-older-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2019\/01\/18\/why-you-must-look-at-your-older-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Must Look at Your Older Photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Why You Must Look at Your Older Photos<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

At the beginning of a new year, a good practice is to look at the previous years’ photos — to re-live your past experiences, and also to discover more ‘hidden gems!’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find those hidden gems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Lisbon,
Lisbon, 2018 #cindyproject<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The reason why it is important to look at your older photos:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because we shoot so many photos, it is easy for us to forget the photos we’ve shot in the past! <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In the process of looking at your old photos, you also often discover ‘hidden gems’ — photos that you initially didn’t think was that good, but now you think are really good!
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For example in looking through a lot of my 2018 photos, I notice I shot a lot of abstract<\/a> photos on RICOH GR II<\/a> (positive color JPEG<\/a> preset), which I further even added MORE contrast (processing the older JPEG photos I had).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Start categorizing\/organizing your photos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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By examining your older photos (from previous year), you start to discover certain new TRENDS and subject-matter you start to be interested in, which helps give you some more guidance in your photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For example because I notice I’m shooting a lot of architecture and abstract imagery, it is a lesson:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SHOOT MORE of what you’re already shooting!<\/p>

<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Look at your old photos to stimulate yourself!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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London, 2018<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for inspiration for your photography, look at your older work to stimulate\/inspire yourself<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Too often we look at the work of others to find inspiration. But what if we looked at our own (older) work, to re-inspire our photography?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Recalling past life experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Creating
Creating STREET HUNT<\/a> at Simon and Lisa’s pad in London, 2018 \/\/ with Cindy and ANNETTE KIM<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I think that snapshots of your everyday life is totally under-rated. Shoot more of your daily life, because when you look at these photos a year or two from now, you will be glad! You will have the opportunity to re-live (joyful) past life experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Working
Working in Boston, with Natalie and Stotycho — Cindy with her standing desk, 2018<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cindy and I are mostly on the road living our ‘nomadic<\/a>‘ life — or “intermittent living” as I like to call it. I have a terrible memory, so looking at my older photos is wonderful — I remember the past experiences. And when I remember the past experiences, I actually appreciate these moments better!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo with Cindy in London, 2018<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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How is your photographic style evolving?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Seoul,
Seoul, 2013 #cindyproject<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The fun thing about looking at your old photos:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recognize how your own personal photographic style is changing and evolving over time.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

A lot of us feel discouraged because we feel like we’re not making any progress<\/a> or evolving as a photographer\/visual artist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how do you know your progress\/evolution as a photographer? Simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lisbon,
Lisbon, 2018<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Compare your older photos with your present photos. Or compare your really old photos with your (not as old) photos, and see how they seem different.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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London, 2018<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For example I notice with my photography, I see my evolution from high-contrast black and white photography into high-saturation color photography. My aesthetic style<\/a> is changing; I always prefer MORE AND MORE color, MORE JUICY VIBRANCY, and more gritty color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Analyze your photographic vision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"London,
London, 2018<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I also notice certain colors I am drawn to — like reds\/greens:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Boston, 2018<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By analyzing your old photos, you start to discover your personal palette:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n