Theodore Sturgeon, a science fiction writer, had it right when he stated:
“Using the same standards that categorize 90% of science fiction as trash, crud, or crap, it can be argued that 90% of film, literature, consumer goods, etc. are crap.”
One could say Sturgeon’s Law, based on the quote above, was equally observant as it was prophetic seeing that the statement is applicable at most any time or about any artform. Sturgeon’s Law is good to keep in mind as you think about photographic projects and photo edit your work. While it may seem a bit harsh at first read, the more you take it to heart the pickier you’ll become about what work you share.
No critic can be harsher about your work than you. The tougher and pickier you become the better the odds the work you show will be your best. Personally I think 98% of what I have in my library is “crap”. I find I sit and stew on my work more than ever. Given the flood of photographs that make it onto the web these days I consider it a social grace as much as a personal goal of mine to show only my best.
Sure it may sound a bit pompous, but to actually be super selective takes discipline and challenges you to strive to produce the best. Take the Sturgeon’s Law challenge. Are you up to it?
