A few months ago I read a blog from Iceland discussing how we evaluate our own images based on effort to get. The premise was that it is false to think a shot is better because it was a struggle to get. Being qualified as a counselor I can tell you that we ascribe more value to images (or things) based on sentiment and emotional attachment. If you have a story to tell about getting the image that image is worth more to you. Your experience in getting the image adds to the value of the image because that experience has given you an emotional attachment to that image. So psychologically speaking there is no doubt that you think more of the image the more emotional experience you had in getting it.

          The only problem is that you are the only one with that experience and emotional attachment to that image. When others look at that image they do not necessarily feel the warm and fuzzies that you do. Even if you tell the viewer the story, which they may enjoy and they may appreciate your dedication to go through the effort and cold to get it, but it does not make the image any better to them than what it is standing on its own merit without the story.

          Just a few weeks ago Pro and veteran photographer Don Smith and I were out at Bryce Canyon. As die hards we got up early and went out to shoot despite the weather man's warning that conditions were not going to be favorable. Sure enough, we got to our destination amongst snow and wind. The wind was so severe that we could not take it any more. The wind cut through us. It was so bad that we had to leave for fear that the trees were going to fall on us. Having invested so much in getting this shot I was excited to process it because I was emotionally attached to it:

Now, does this image move you? When I look at it I remember the cold, the wind, and the snow. But let's be honest, it is not a great shot when viewed only on its own merit. Now let's look at another image:

This image is a great image on its own merits. It matters little whether I had to hike a hundred miles to get it or what I endured for it versus sitting on my back porch shooting it. The image is appealing regardless of any story behind it or lack thereof.

          It is best to ask others what they think of the image if you are emotionally attached to an image. It can also be helpful to wait a month or two before processing an image to help those memories to fade somewhat. Ask yourself to look only at the image forgetting the back story and what you endured to get the image. When I am in doubt I call my wife, without telling her anything, I ask her if the image "speaks" to her. If the image does not move her I let it go; however painful that may be.

          Every image has to stand on its own merit.