sm-02-09-01

A Weekly Column By Mike Johnston
© Mike Johnston 2002

Because of the imperatives of the marketplace, many photographers pay far too much attention to the acquisition of hardware, and far too little attention to their growth and development as photographers. Many of us, even if outfitted and equipped to a fare-thee-well, often don't have a very clear idea of how to become better at actually taking pictures.
I'm going to suggest a specific exercise, one which has proved to be a lot of fun as well as an excellent method for getting over "photographer's block." It requires a lot of dedication, some money, and a fair amount of discipline‚ but, as we all know, photography isn't cheap, and it isn't always easy.
Keep in mind that it's just an exercise. Like most exercises, its restrictions and repetitions have a point and a purpose. Don't shortchange yourself! The point of the exercise is going to be to adopt a specific working method for eight weeks, to produce eight print...