[Al_Nowak]

I'm feeling rather philosophical tonight. Let's see if we can get into some mischief.

One of the topics frequently discussed on this forum is how to advance to the next stage. This, of course, is in regard to photography, and presumably the ultimate stage is consistent publication in national/international publications with attendant wealth and fame.

It's almost as if it were a Moral Imperative or maybe the 11th Commandment. THOU SHALT IMPROVE!

I wonder if Michaelangelo heard that very often?

But what if you're an amateur photographer with no interest in the commercial world of photography. Does the Imperative apply to you?

In the world of product development, there's an old saying about having to shoot the designer/engineer or the product never goes to production. And there are thousands of instances where products have been deemed "good enough" and further development has pretty much stopped.
I haven't seen too much change in Wrigley's Spearmint for a long time.

What if you're an amateur photographer and you have reached the stage where you're pretty happy with the work you turn out? It may take you half a dozen shots to get "the good one" but you can live with that. Does the Imperative demand that you get to the point of "one shot, one keeper"?

Let's leave the commercial side of photography out of this discussion since it brings in competitive factors that cloud the issue tremendously.

Also since photography is such a subjective medium, let's assume that pleasing the model doesn't enter into it. It's strictly a matter of what pleases the photographer.

And finally, let's set aside the notion that doing work purely for the sake of working is necessary. Yeah, I know, that's pretty deeply ingrained in western philosophy and not easily dislodged, but again we are talking hobby status here. A pleasureable diversion from "real work".

What do you think? Can an amateur reach a point where he can say "good enough" and just continue on at the same level?

If not, what is the ultimate stage for an amateur?