Figure this out - there are thousands of photography books which tells you how to buy the correct equipment, buy the correct film, set the correct exposure and process it correctly. And presto ! There is your image.

Then what do you do about it ? 

The truth is that, some photographers see the end of the picture taking process when they receive their images from the lab. But that is not it. The entire purpose of the picture taking exercise is to create a good picture. The process can be divided into four parts: the first part is the technical and visual training, the second part is the shooting process, the third quarter is the processing of the materials, and the final stage is the editing and selection of images and display.
 

Sorting process

When you receive your images back from the lab, the first thing to note is whether there are any gross technical errors. It could be your mistakes, or the lab's mishandling of the film. Then check the images individually for mistakes such as out-of-focus, motion blur (used in place of the term "camera shake" in this politically-correct world, as the previous term may suggest it is the camera's fault), wrong exposure etc. These will immediately eliminate the obvious ones.

The ones that will be left are technically correct. That means proper focus, proper exposure and proper composition. Now, use a loupe (magnifying glass) to critically evaluate sharpness. You will be surprised how many images that looked sharp aren't actually sharp. Be harsh on yourself - get rid of them.

Finally, look at those left and ask yourself if they can convey what you saw in the image in the first place. If the answer is yes, they go into your portfolio. Otherwise, they belong to the bin. It is important that you be harsh with your own images. This painful habit will help you to be more critical with yourself and help you to improve. The next time you peer into the viewfinder, you will ask yourself more questions before you press the shutter release. Not only will you save more film and money, your images will improve dramatically, because you want to avoid punishing yourself during the editing process. You will find that your success rate with every roll will increase, only if you're strict with yourself.
 

Displaying your images

Once you edited and sorted out your shots ruthlessly, you end up with what you consider the masterpiece. Do not just let it sit in the drawer gathering dust and fungus ! Go and spend some money on a good printing lab to enlarge the image for display. After all, this is what you are after when you spent so much time, effort and money in the photographic process. Make a good sized enlargement, at least 8R for display. This is when you will see the fruit of your ruthless editing. Unless you pick the sharpest and best image, the enlargement will be nothing more than a big sheet of junk. Enlarging your best images seem expensive, until you compare it to the money you spent on the equipment. Enlarging your best images also make you more critical of them, since any flaws will be magnified.

Mount them on art mounting boards and keep them in a safe place for display. Praise from friends and family serve as encouragement to keep on going. The  hard work you have put into the picture-making process is tremendous, and now you have something to show for it. It is your reward, and the final output of all your endeavor.
 

Protecting your images

However, you must remember that the image is not permanent. Like what Guns and Roses sing "Nothing lasts forever, even cold November rain". Photographic materials are extremely susceptible to humidity, UV light, heat and dust. Make sure that you keep your images away from the sun and rain, and dust them periodically. There are information available on keeping photographic materials. You cannot make the image last forever, but you can at least extend their lifespan. But then, you'll probably improve and tire of the old images in ten years !

Always remember, your photograph is just a copy. Your negative is your original. Keep them well protected against the elements mentioned. As long as your negative exists, you can print as many copies of the photo as you wish. And keep them filed and well-labeled, so you know you can find them easily when you need them.

Happy shooting, and remember - be critical of yourself !!!

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