In conversation with... Mike (AKA Clactonian)

[Wirefox]

Mike I admire your ethic

I have no confidence in my photography having seen my efforts ignored or rejected on many sites

The trouble is few sites are actually about what matters...the images. I have been around a few sites and I swear the ownership of the 'gear' is the only consideration. I doubt whether most members of these sites would have any more clue than Great Aunty Hilda as to what makes a good photograph. Even the professionals are so infatuated their own egos that they can not or will not consider that there is any other style than the own. CiC is about photographs and long may it reign. There are a few sites out there but you have to work very hard to gain any level of acceptance. I get so frustrated when I see people with real talent get minimal replies when a slightly dodgy snap of a cats nether regions gets a profusion of oohs and ahhs. We have to accept that for 90% of the photographic community a quality image does not compute. what they do understand is the snapshot and that is where they feel at home in applying their critique.

Thats my moan out of the way for the weekend......anyone for full English (that sounds like an internet term for the missionary position)

[Donald]

The trouble is few sites are actually about what matters...the images.

Well put, sir.

I identify with what Mike is saying. I haven't gone about trying to have my images accepted onto reviewed sites and probably won't.

Now, one argument to explain why I don't is that I'm afraid of failure. And I acknowledge that there's an element of that in my thinking.

On the other hand, I have reached a stage where I am fortunate to be reasonably confident about my ability and in what I'm producing. Some might call that arrogance. But, remember, I'm a Scottish presbyterian - we don't do arrogance!

The acknowledgement of people on here (whom I respect) and of friends, family etc., that what I do is worth a second look, is what gives me my reward.

Those who set themselves up to formally review and decide upon the quality of work (including mine if I chose) approach the task with ideas and history, no matter how objective they claim to be. They have a view of what's good even before they look at my, or anyone else's, image. What I do may or may not appeal (I suspect I'm too 'traditional').

So far as Mike's work is concerned - He has been a member of the forum for a relatively short time. In that time he has blown me (and others, I think) away with the quality of his work. Many of his images are, unequivocally, in the 'stunning' category. But, then again, I've got baggage and cannot be totally objective either!

[Wirefox]

But, remember, I'm a Scottish presbyterian - we don't do arrogance!

Try telling that to Charles (I) Stuart....actually given that he misplaced his head a fews years back that could be difficult.

Now, one argument to explain why I don't is that I'm afraid of failure. And I acknowledge that there's an element of that in my thinking.

I appreciate what you are saying Donald but you are seeing failure is a very finite thing. Failure is just a rather tatty transport cafe on the road to success. A quick brew, a swift pee and it's back on the road.

God I just read that back and I sound like a Midwest evangelist and I have never even been near Solihull....you get my meaning anyway

Now you and Mike just buck up your ideas or I will come over there and bang your heads together...as WireMummy used to say.

[Donald]

Try telling that to Charles (I) Stuart....actually given that he misplaced his head a fews years back that could be difficult.

History time.

He was Roman Catholic. And that's why there were actually nearly as many Scots in the Hanoverian army at Culloden as there were in the Jacobite army (which had a fairly large representation of Irish mercenaries). Victory for Bonnie Prince C would have meant a return to Catholicism in the UK, after the bloody affairs and reformation of the 16th century that were cemented in the 17th. Lots of peope, were not in the mood for that to happen.

Maybe they wanted to become evangelists and go to Solihull.

EDIT - Oh, just re-read. Wrong Charles. Anyway, the was RC as well.

Re-Edit - I bow to the correct information given below by Mr Wirefox (I knew I shouldn't have had that second glass of Port - befuddles the mind). But he bit about BPC is accurate.

[Wirefox]

Charles One was an Anglican. His consort Henrietta Maria (mother of James II) was catholic so he was suspected of popish dabblings (never proven). He also allowed catholics to hold positions of influence and was suspected of plotting with Irish Catholics to aid him in his altercations with parliament (also unproven)

We sound like a couple of old history teachers. I can almost smell the chalk dust.

[Clactonian]

Thank heavens I live south of Watford!!

[wilgk]

Now you and Mike just buck up your ideas or I will come over there and bang your heads together...as WireMummy used to say.

WireMummy - now there's a monica open to some weird & wonderful visual interpretations!

[carregwen]

Thank heavens I live south of Watford!!

I think you are just north of Watford.

Watford 51.654856,-0.398203
Clacton 51.790898,1.156235

[Clactonian]

I think you are just north of Watford.

Watford 51.654856,-0.398203
Clacton 51.790898,1.156235

Sorry that should be Watford Gap!!!

[Peter Ryan]

Thanks for sharing Mike. I too am a Rebus fan but there was also a quick little reference to Pentangle in there. I lived in the UK for three years in the late 60’s and still have most of their records and get out the old turntable on the weekends and play the old vinyl (I love the little skips and crackles). I saw them in concert in London and again when they toured down-under.

I went to my first market 2 years with my prints with great fear and trepidation. Your images are very good but I understand your comments. The only thing I can say is that putting myself out there made me learn more, not only about the image itself but also presentation, to ensure my offering was worth it. Like you we are all still learning.

[mythlady]

Mike, very happy to get to know you a bit -- in the short time I've been on CiC, I've greatly admired your photographs and your PP skills. I look forward to seeing much more as time goes on!

[Clactonian]

Mike, very happy to get to know you a bit -- in the short time I've been on CiC, I've greatly admired your photographs and your PP skills. I look forward to seeing much more as time goes on!

What a Sweetie !!