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Have you ever re-shot an old concept?
So when I about a year into photography I did this beauty concept where the model had dripping paint all over her. The pictures got me a lot of attention but honestly I've never really been fully happy with them because they're not sharp or well lit because of the weak lighting equipment I was using and I had to do a lot of lighting corrections in post because I didn't know what the heck I was doing at the time. Anyways while I enjoy the image I really feel like if I just completely re-shot it it in the exact same way it would be much better and look more professional, but is that weird? I feel like people would be like 'umm didn't you do this already?' Has anyone ever done this with their work or does anyone have an opinion? Aug 21 13 03:03 pm Link What's the worst thing that could happen if you re-shoot something? You're doing this for yourself, right? Shoot as you will, and shoot what you want. I wouldn't give two shakes what someone else may or may not think. Aug 21 13 03:13 pm Link No, but I have grappled with this same question before. Instead of redoing a shoot completely, I've always found that my tastes have evolved with my work anyways. I would prefer to come up with something new that is inspired by the old shoot, even if it remains fairly similar. One of these for me is also a dripping paint shoot haha. I still have the photo in my portfolio. I don't think it is a technically "great" photo, but it's an older representation of my work. I keep it there because people like it, and it still makes me happy. I've since done several other shoots with liquid latex and I would again. But I wouldn't try to accomplish the exact same thing. Aug 21 13 03:16 pm Link I have done it many times it just gets better and better ,so just do it and have fun, phillip Aug 21 13 03:32 pm Link Absolutely. Returning to the concept gives you the opportunity to revise, re-capture and enhance your original thoughts. You have the advantage of seeing the finished product and critique the concept. Plus you will find that you are looking at the shoot from a seasoned point of view which provides the chance to take it to the next level. Aug 21 13 03:34 pm Link No, but I REALLY want to! Some of my earlier stuff isn't on point, and I know I can do better... S Aug 21 13 03:40 pm Link All the time - with the thought (when I see the result) next time I try this I'll do.... Aug 21 13 10:38 pm Link Why not. It will never be the same. Only new Aug 21 13 10:57 pm Link I shot a model against a grey seamless again last week. Didn't feel guilty about it at all Just my $0.02 Ciao Stefano www.stefanobrunesci.com Aug 22 13 04:23 am Link I've re-shot old concepts. If you're not happy with the original results, figure out where you went wrong and try again. You will learn more that way and it will build your confidence. When you've done it right the second time, you have images that you can show potential customers and feel assured that you can deliver on your promise. If you don't re-shoot, you will always doubt your ability to deliver that concept. When a customer proposes something similar, they will detect your doubt and move on. Aug 22 13 04:24 am Link I photograph the same mountain every time I drive by it. Its never the same. Aug 22 13 04:30 am Link Have done it several times. Liked the original but wished I had shot it this way, or the model had looked there instead of here. Just redid a shot last week from two years ago. The concept was the same but the results were different. I liked the original but the re-shoot gave me a couple different images that I also like. P.S. This isn't to mean that you shoot the same thing over and over again, but if you weren't happy because of an issue then I see no problem in trying again. Aug 23 13 02:22 pm Link "As artists we walk around with a single story to tell, some kind of central narrative. And I think the struggle is to attempt to reinvent that story over and over again in different forms and to visualize that story through, in my case, photographs, and try to make it new each time." - Gregory Crewdson Aug 23 13 02:28 pm Link D-Light wrote: +1. I learn by making mistakes. When something don't work as planned I keep trying to figure out what I did wrong and how to fix it and do better he next time. Aug 23 13 02:31 pm Link Thanks for all the feedback! I really think I'm gonna try shooting it again now and maybe just change a few things or even try it with a different model. I just feel it could be even better now that I've got a year and a half of more experience. Aug 23 13 02:33 pm Link All the time as well! In fact, more often than not...and now I'm going to shoot 'your' concept just to mix it up a little! (LOL...just kidding!) Aug 23 13 02:39 pm Link sure why not Aug 23 13 03:15 pm Link I've done it a number of times. Sometimes it comes out better, sometimes not. But I have always learned from the exercise. Aug 23 13 09:23 pm Link I sometimes intend to but whatever new idea I have in mind next is always more interesting Aug 24 13 10:37 am Link I've re shot a few times, however while the technical is without doubt better somehow the original essence and spirit are not the same. T Aug 25 13 01:59 am Link Yes. Sep 01 13 03:03 pm Link Yes, no problem! There are concepts worth doing again and perhaps in different locations. Sep 01 13 10:05 pm Link Some make a living on repeating one concept. You can call it a "go-to" photographer style or a "one trick pony", take your pick according to your views. Sep 01 13 10:50 pm Link There is a difference between being inspired and slavish imitation. Sep 02 13 11:38 am Link around here you can see entire portfolios with just the same shot over and over. repeats are common. and if you don't repeat yourself you can bet someone else will be doing the same theme. i think the problem is just if you do it in such a way as to upset the first model you shot the theme with (especially if it was her idea). so maybe wait a bit for a direct repeat with a different model. most of the guys i know have themes they like to shoot (waterfall, field, etc.) and they shoot a lot of that with different models. not so easy to always be doing something unique, especially if you shoot a lot. Sep 02 13 11:42 am Link |