Staying Sharp by Challenging Myself

Because my imagery is marketed to both the publishing world to be used in numerous formats/applications, and, to the public in the form of prints and their various formats, I try and provide a broad range of subject matter.

In the 25 or so years I've been at it, I've learned that, other than for specific image/subject requests, trying to predict what will sell next, is virtually impossible. And in the digital age, the formerly "impossible" -- has become the sometime "requested" and "expected."

Consequently, to stay "sharp" in the event of a request for what is either photographically impossible or highly implausible, I will challenge myself to satisfy a (self-imposed) request and try to, in fact, satisfy it in short order as if the request and deadline were separated by a matter of hours!

A challenge can come from my imagination, a book, a film whatever gets my attention as such. Yesterday for instance, a friend asked me what I knew of the band, Styx . A Soul and R & B fan, I told him I know nothing about the band and only a little about the origin of the word "Styx" itself

The Styx (/stks/; Ancient Greek: [stks], "Hate, Detest") is a river in Greek mythology that formed the boundary between Earth and the Underworld.

The rivers Styx, Phlegethon, Acheron, Lethe, and Cocytus all converge at the center of the underworld on a great marsh, which is also sometimes called the Styx.

BOING! CHALLENGE LIGHT ON!

How the hell would I produce an image of "The Styx" were I requested to submit one to a client?

THIS is how.

And if asked to detail the steps in creating it I couldn't.

The "tourist/sightseeing" boat I included as a curiosity literally wanting to generate viewer curiosity that would be both intriguing and conversation-question evoking.

I have limited time this weekend, but, should there be questions/comments, please post them and I'll respond first chance.

A. Mac/A.G.