This morning I was listening to an interview with Sally Mann and she described herself as 'tenacious' instead of 'talented'. She believes that talent comes from tenacity and then she said she often shoots the same shot 4 and five times.
And it was sort of liberating.
If you know me you know I have a box full of polaroid re-shoots, duds and outtakes. Because of that box, I've tried to maintain a made-up, self-imposed rule whilst shooting: take one shot and walk away. Most times, the first one is the best, I made the rule because that box exists.
Now I think that box holds my tools. All of the light leaks and half exposed images...it's how I've taught myself photography. The learning process, even as the film stash dwindles, is valuable and momentum. Hoarding and having such steadfast rules about the way i shoot makes the whole process too precious.
