Ann Sanfedele wrote: "However, I disagree with you that going through archives to come up with good shots defeats the purpose. Going through archives (whether they are last year's or stuff done 20 years ago) is an exercise that sharpens one's perception of their own vision. The theme triggers a search that often results in finding forgotten images that turn out to be better than one previously thought were the best, or more significant historically, if only in a limited way. Poring over past work is the best path to self-improvement, too."
Ann, Thank you for the very thoughtful reply. I agree that going through archives can be a very good learning experience. I frequently go through my "best of" notebook (a great advantage of slides - easy searches!) to look for an image. I wouldn't think of submitting one of those old images for the PUG though. I'd rather go out and shoot film for the assignment and try to improve on what I'd already done if I did have something that fit. It's fun to take pictures. The PUG assignment, IMO, is a good way to motivate yourself to do just that. I'd like to enter the PUG. I had digital prints made from slides not too long ago and they were garbage. All the contrast was gone, the colors were off, they were awful. I may try it again but I'll stick with my lightbox and loupe for a while.
