Over on my Instagram feed (@haroldldavis), I’ve been running through a series of what I’ve called “Retropolis” images: photographs from my past, usually ten years ago or more, that have really stuck with me. Some of this is personal preference. Some of it involves the process of iconization. In a long and productive career, which images really stick?

Even the greats—Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and so on—are primarily known for a handful of images. Admittedly, most of these iconic images are really special, but there is also randomness and chance involved. A great deal depends upon the vagaries of publication and distribution.

In this connection, I was pleased to find (and quote here) a remark of mine in the blog story associated with the first Retropolis I present here, Slot Canyon:  

It is easy to getting bogged down in the physics and physicality—the tyranny of the world of “things”—and forget to look for the ethereal magic that can make a photographic composition really sing.

Here are the blog stories I originally posted related to these Retropolis images: Slot Canyon (2012); Cayucos Pier (2013); Night at Point Reyes Lighthouse (2007); and Chateau de Nazelles (2013).

As the old joke goes, enough about me: now, what do you think of me? If there are any specific images from my “back pages” that you think should be re-posted, I’d appreciate it if you let me know.