Revisiting your old photo books
Ever take a look at your old photo books? Looking back on your older work can reveal just how much you've grown...
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My first attempt at street photography …and bookmaking
Given the sheer number of posts about book and zine making in this community, I thought it would be fun to feature an old book I made in Paris in 2014 as my first exercise in street photography. Back then, I didn't have a compact camera like my Ricoh GRII, but I shot everything with a Samsung phone. Those cameras were of course nowhere near as good as the current models on smartphones. On top of that, it was my first serious attempt at street photography, and I'm pleased with the result.
My current knowledge and current cameras would undoubtedly produce a different book, with different images and different layout. My experience with photography and making photo books over the years has taught me a lot. I have learned a great deal and my choices now would turn out very differently.
When I first made this book, I didn't pay much attention to layout or sequencing—I simply wanted to showcase the images. Now, I understand how important those elements are for guiding the viewer through a visual narrative.
However, I don't want to withhold my attempt from you and I am curious to hear your reactions.
Watch this video with all the photos of a weekend in Paris.
This small trip through memory lane reminded me that all artistic pursuits are journeys. Whether you're a photographer, writer, or painter, looking back on your older work can reveal just how much you've grown—both technically and in your ability to tell a story.
Question for you
I'm curious: do you ever look at your old work? I'm talking about the stuff you did when you were just starting out. How do you look at that work?
That’s it for this newsletter.
Till next time,
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Good evening my friend, I’ve been seeing your posts quite a lot during my short time on Substack, I wanted to drop a comment to say how much I enjoy reading them.
While I’m here, I share a look some of the more obscure parts of history, through a philosophic lens.
Mainly focusing on historic books, as i collect them.
Here’s one you may enjoy on the Asian empire of Tartaria, a controversial subject:
https://open.substack.com/pub/jordannuttall/p/tartaria-in-the-17th-century?r=4f55i2&utm_medium=ios
Beautiful images, thank you for sharing.