I have re discovered the importance of good house keeping (well on the computer at least).
The main take away I have from mercilessly culling my library (some Japan folders have gone from 500+ to less than 100 images) is that;
The junk holds you back.
The more I get rid of, the happier I am with what is left. Whole days of shooting “touristy” subjects in poor light with no real goal in mind result in an endless stream of dross.
I find this depressing on so many levels.
Nobody needs to be reminded of their failed attempts. Why keep 20 near misses when only one image is a real “keeper”?
If an image of a subject, theme, place or person has not found a use in several years, it is unlikely to ever.
One of literally hundreds of Japanese castle wall detail shots. This one says pretty much what all of the others were trying to say and lets face it, how many should it take? Actually taking images through to the print ready stage usually helps me remember that I have covered the subject. Endless shooting and dumbing tends to leave an itch in need of continual scratching.
My wife and I have a saying we remind each other of when travelling, especially when shopping; “beware of least worst” syndrome. What this means is, do not buy the only thing that stands out in a shop full of un interesting things, because it will probably be the worst thing to buy when you actually find what you want.
The same holds true for images. Your photographic legacy will likely be twenty or so great images, with maybe three or four you are really defined by. Those real world beaters. How many thousands of also-rans do you want to be weighed down by?
Keep your stocks clean and you will see the value of your best work more clearly.