For a number of reasons I find myself talking about other artists work and helping  photographers do the same.  Sometimes this takes place in a group setting and othewise during private mentoring sessions.  I have struggled to discover a way to make this conversation successful for many years, now I want to share with you a small idea that can help.  

I spent a good amount of time thinking about how I see my own photographs. I came to know that is it less about a conversation I have with myself and more simply a feeling I have upon first glance of a new work.

As a printmaker there is a step when I first lift a print from the press and turn it over.  It is at this moment, for a very brief time that I will, or will not, get the "feeling".  I cannot put words to it, it is just a big feeling I get before the analytical part of my brain starts deciphering and categorizing what I am seeing. This is the key part of what I want to share.

The information you receive when first seeing a new picture will cause your mind to think of a string of words and feelings (hopefully).  My suggestion is for you to turn on a mind recorder of sorts, then look at the work and record what comes to you. Later play back the tape, and see what you felt. 

My wife Kathleen has spent a great deal of time at her work learning and thinking about how our brains work. It is through conversations with her that this idea came to be.  I will never claim to understand this science the way she can but some of what she says made sense to me when thinking about looking at photographs.

Ok here is my ask:  Try it, pay attention to your very first thoughts and let me know what you think. Let's talk about it. 

Be well,

Ray