The last image definitely kicked up a bit of a debate regarding “pure” photography versus what I actually enjoy doing—which is pushing pixels and playing around with post-production in Photoshop. Thanks to everyone who chipped in; I’m always up for a good, honest debate about image-making, whatever side of the fence you sit on.

Honestly, though, nothing will sway my core belief: whether you’re shooting a quick snap or a high-end Reuters commission, a good picture is entirely subjective. It’s always in the eye of the beholder.

Because of that, I’m right there with ‘moonhead’s’ take. I’m far from a perfect photographer, and I definitely make mistakes—sometimes I even admit to rushing things just to get the shot. But the main thing here at ID7 is that I’m having a go. I just want to create images that make people stop, look, and talk. That’s what keeps me shooting.

Anyway, onto tonight’s post. I got dragged out to B&Q today, which was agonizing because there was some absolutely cracking light around 11:00 AM and I was itching to be out with the camera. On the drive back over Towngate Bridge in Poole, I spotted this guy just getting set up to work. I drove home, dumped the garden pots on the lawn (mental note: they are definitely still sitting there), and immediately headed back across town to try and catch him in action.

When I walked over, he and his mate were convinced I was a health and safety inspector. It took a solid ten minutes of chatting to persuade them otherwise before he finally let me take a few frames. In that short time, I learned a surprising amount about the “Posterman’s underworld”—the fierce rivalry, the ridiculous EU regulations, and what actually gets you sacked. It was a brilliant little insight into their daily grind. Sounds like a decent gig, too; he retires next year and reckons he’s a millionaire on paper. Clearly, I’m in the wrong line of work… ho hum. csj

capture date | 10.02.2008
camera | Canon EOS 20D
lens | 17-40mm f/4 L Series
focal length | 17mm
aperture | f/11
shutter speed | 1/256
shooting mode | aperture priority
exposure bias  | -0.3
metering mode | pattern
ISO | 100
flash | no
image quality | RAW
RAW converter | Photoshop CS2 + Photomatix
cropped? | yes (straightened & 3×2)