{"id":1147,"date":"2025-03-10T12:05:45","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T12:05:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robcarter.org\/?page_id=1147"},"modified":"2026-08-18T19:45:28","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T19:45:28","slug":"dognvill","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/robcarter.org\/index.php\/dognvill\/","title":{"rendered":"What Makes a Good Photo?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Makes a Good Photo?
\nEssay with b\/w 35mm photos, 2023<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>
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When Benjamin, Florence and I arrive at the monastery on Halsn\u00f8y, we are reminded that we are here to work. This is not a vacation. I am here to take photos, that is my job, which it turns out I\u2019m not very good at doing.<\/em><\/p>\n

One night we sit down to a candle lit meal together in the period dining room, surrounded by empty tables and chairs. The luxury of all this space. One room bigger than my entire apartment. Benjamin sings us a Jewish prayer before we eat. These are the sorts of moments you cherish artist residencies for. Like a (working) holiday with friends you haven\u2019t yet made, and may never see again (but very much hope you will).<\/em><\/p>\n

Before bed, Benjamin and I perform the ritual of \u2018tick check\u2019 or \u2018ass check\u2019 (American pronunciation, blame it on Scandinavia) which involves scanning his naked body with a bicycle light. When I\u2019m gone, I tell him, Florence will have to do this you know…<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>
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