Taking time between making and viewing

I find great pleasure in the process of photography and the final outcomes. However, I need time to detach from the creative process before I can appreciate the finished image. Currently, one of my favorite photos is of Bridlington harbour. I enjoyed capturing and editing it, but the connection to the final piece wasn't immediate. After printing and displaying it above my stairs, with time, I've grown to enjoy the image. There were aspects I could have improved, but now I see the picture as a complete work of art, rather than fixating on minor details.

This also explains my struggle with monthly competitions or showcasing recent work. A month after capturing an image, I'm still more attached to the creation process than the final piece. My recent work is often subject to my harshest critique, yet with time, it becomes work I truly appreciate. This pattern holds true across my other creative endeavors.

For fellow photographers, I strongly suggest revisiting your older photographs. For non-photographers, I hope this sheds light on my thought process and why I can be overly critical of my latest creations.