Franko
Established
I can't even see photos in threads without signing in - just a line of code. This site has never been much about pictures and is less so since the makeover.
raydm6
Yay! Cameras! 🙈🙉🙊┌( ಠ_ಠ)┘ [◉"]
Bill Clark
Veteran
Gear talk is about gear. Your opinion and advise if you own the stuff.
a photograph can be viewed on many different levels. It’s your interpretation. It can be based on photographic principles but usually not, especially here. The PPA has ten criteria to judge prints.
When I had my business, I always thought that beauty is in the eye of the checkbook holder. If the photographs look good to each client, then they are good.
The basis of my people photography was/is a classical look but contemporary. I had a great mentor and coach who helped me with my photographic journey.
a photograph can be viewed on many different levels. It’s your interpretation. It can be based on photographic principles but usually not, especially here. The PPA has ten criteria to judge prints.
When I had my business, I always thought that beauty is in the eye of the checkbook holder. If the photographs look good to each client, then they are good.
The basis of my people photography was/is a classical look but contemporary. I had a great mentor and coach who helped me with my photographic journey.
das
Well-known
I like taking film photos, and I enjoy gear talk. I find that people's collective wisdom about the utility of certain cameras and their experience with the performance of certain lenses greatly assists in finding the right gear for a particular person. Because we no longer live in an age where we can go to a local photo store and hold any camera we want, the insights help all of us to not waste money and time.
For photos themselves, there is a world of social media and websites that one could spend the rest of their lives looking at. The democratization of photography has lead to a massive sensory overhead where very talented people never seem to get the audience they deserve while other lesser talented folks often grab the spotlight. What is always helpful are curators of photography - those who scour to find good photos so that they can be delivered to larger audiences.
For photos themselves, there is a world of social media and websites that one could spend the rest of their lives looking at. The democratization of photography has lead to a massive sensory overhead where very talented people never seem to get the audience they deserve while other lesser talented folks often grab the spotlight. What is always helpful are curators of photography - those who scour to find good photos so that they can be delivered to larger audiences.
mconnealy
Well-known
I thought aizan's introduction to the topic of criticism was excellent, particularly in its emphasis on the importance of history to useful criticism. I think the most common error in talking about the topic is to confuse criticism with opinion. As Terry Barrett pointed out, providing your opinion on the value of an artwork is probably the least important thing you can say about it. I always recommend Barrett's little book, Criticizing Photographs, to people interested in learning about the subject. I think the most useful tip he had was to begin a discussion of a photograph by simply describing what you see in it. Another good source of examples of art and photography criticism are Rick Poynor's short pieces at Design Observer. David Campany's book, On Photographs, has some excellent short critical examinations of individual photos. Criticism is an art form in itself that requires study and practice to master.
I also thought aizan's reference to video presentations was quite prescient in 2008. I only recently came to the realization that the decline in photo blogs has a lot to do with the fact that younger photographers are more comfortable with youtube video presentations; it is a generational issue.
I also thought aizan's reference to video presentations was quite prescient in 2008. I only recently came to the realization that the decline in photo blogs has a lot to do with the fact that younger photographers are more comfortable with youtube video presentations; it is a generational issue.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Second wave of wisdom? I'll surf in.
Reasons are very, very obvious.
Is photography still popular?
More than ever before with use of cameras in mobile phones.
Dmitry Markov switched from DSLR to iPhone. And paid for Magnum courses with couple of big name mentors.
Why he is able to pull it out with iPhone instead of pro gear? Because he is gifted person and it is easier with the phone instead of the rig in his case.
What rest of us do? Lets be honest first and foremost, most of us are not gifted. Should, does it stopping us to take pictures of something we are finding interesting? No. Do we think what more advanced camera than in the phone will take better images? Yes. And if we want it on tele, SWA end, high ISO, better flash, 1/8000 and so on, cameras in mobile phones can't do this.
Or you could switch to film, take weak photos, but feel creative. Because it is analog and forgiving media.
But here is slippery slop. If you play golf, fishing, even just cycling it just next to norm to have multiple gear and endless updates.
Gear acquisition syndrome is well common not just among photography.
If you aren't gifted and not really willing to improve, it just much more easy to buy, try, report and rave about it. New camera or film grain on scans.
Is it totally sin? No, because it allows to make more competent choice among much wider options and opinions, real user experience. As long as you now how to google it.
Photography talk?
Do we really need it? I go to exhibitions, keeping photo books and looking at photos on-line for completely different reason. And it is totally normal. Images are made to look at them.
Seriously, lets be just adequate here. How much talk do you hear in museums in front of the paintings?
And as it was mentioned from very beginning, where are plenty of threads and so on at this forum with images to look at. And after forum update you could even like the picture if you are finding it interesting.
Reasons are very, very obvious.
Is photography still popular?
More than ever before with use of cameras in mobile phones.
Dmitry Markov switched from DSLR to iPhone. And paid for Magnum courses with couple of big name mentors.
Why he is able to pull it out with iPhone instead of pro gear? Because he is gifted person and it is easier with the phone instead of the rig in his case.
What rest of us do? Lets be honest first and foremost, most of us are not gifted. Should, does it stopping us to take pictures of something we are finding interesting? No. Do we think what more advanced camera than in the phone will take better images? Yes. And if we want it on tele, SWA end, high ISO, better flash, 1/8000 and so on, cameras in mobile phones can't do this.
Or you could switch to film, take weak photos, but feel creative. Because it is analog and forgiving media.
But here is slippery slop. If you play golf, fishing, even just cycling it just next to norm to have multiple gear and endless updates.
Gear acquisition syndrome is well common not just among photography.
If you aren't gifted and not really willing to improve, it just much more easy to buy, try, report and rave about it. New camera or film grain on scans.
Is it totally sin? No, because it allows to make more competent choice among much wider options and opinions, real user experience. As long as you now how to google it.
Photography talk?
Do we really need it? I go to exhibitions, keeping photo books and looking at photos on-line for completely different reason. And it is totally normal. Images are made to look at them.
Seriously, lets be just adequate here. How much talk do you hear in museums in front of the paintings?
And as it was mentioned from very beginning, where are plenty of threads and so on at this forum with images to look at. And after forum update you could even like the picture if you are finding it interesting.
the_hunter
Established
I would argue that one reason photo criticism frequently fails is because, for the most part, people don't want to be told how to improve but how great they are. But the latter is very rarely the case. Solid criticism with an informed base too often leads to hurt feelings. Conversely, I have also seen a lot of rank amateurs who feel the need to step in and spout nonsense, some might mistake this for criticism even though a bit of knowledge or experience would allow you to see through the smoke. I could give several examples of each, but I think we all know there is a lot of truth to the idea people don't take even the most constructive criticism well and people often take advice or facts they can't comprehend as an attack.
I would also go so far as to make the argument that if you can rise above this level and seek criticism and use what you have learned, you are a very good photographer and have a shot at becoming great.
I would also go so far as to make the argument that if you can rise above this level and seek criticism and use what you have learned, you are a very good photographer and have a shot at becoming great.
Mos6502
Well-known
Gear can be bought, experience cannot (well, not directly anyway).
the_hunter
Established
I think Instagram changed that pretty quickly.
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
Unwillingness to accept criticism is usually an ego problem. I'd like to think my photos are above reproach, but I know better and do appreciate any pointers I can get. I can use the help and the pointers volunteered are not necessarily implemented. A, "You should burn this crap" would probably be dismissed while some criticism of style, technique, framing or such would probably be welcomed. I have a long way to go and if I want to get where I am going help is welcomed.
As for the gear obsession, it is common. When I was doing a lot of recording the BBS I was on had reams of gear discussions. Everybody wanted to be up to speed on the latest and greatest. The techniques of mic placement are pretty much known except for a few secret black art and necromancy skills not often, if ever, shared. Quite similar to this board. Some boards have regular contests about various subjects. This one does not.
If you want to gather a group of guys drag out an engine into your yard. Maybe even start it up. Also good is by the tailgate of a pickup. You will soon draw a small crowd to examine and discuss the engine and what it is attached to and how it is used, and how it can be used better. And to discuss other things. Perhaps it is from days when guys would gather to examine and discuss horses and cattle. I do not know. But we seem to like mechanical things, complex ones are really great. And small, complex and expensive mechanical ones just superb, i. e., cameras and lenses. It's great stuff to BS about. And then there are serious discussions about art and technique which will rile some people up and excite passions. Mechanical toys do not do this as much. Safer and more social.
That's my two cents.
As for the gear obsession, it is common. When I was doing a lot of recording the BBS I was on had reams of gear discussions. Everybody wanted to be up to speed on the latest and greatest. The techniques of mic placement are pretty much known except for a few secret black art and necromancy skills not often, if ever, shared. Quite similar to this board. Some boards have regular contests about various subjects. This one does not.
If you want to gather a group of guys drag out an engine into your yard. Maybe even start it up. Also good is by the tailgate of a pickup. You will soon draw a small crowd to examine and discuss the engine and what it is attached to and how it is used, and how it can be used better. And to discuss other things. Perhaps it is from days when guys would gather to examine and discuss horses and cattle. I do not know. But we seem to like mechanical things, complex ones are really great. And small, complex and expensive mechanical ones just superb, i. e., cameras and lenses. It's great stuff to BS about. And then there are serious discussions about art and technique which will rile some people up and excite passions. Mechanical toys do not do this as much. Safer and more social.
That's my two cents.
santino
FSU gear head
Gear can be bought, talent not. One can hypothetically get every camera he wants (there is lottery, right?) but talent and a good eye… either you have it or you simply don‘t. Despite that I think gear talk is easier and more familiar to us in our capitalistic part of the world.
And last but not least we are here at rangefinder forum, a forum primarly dedicated to rangefinder cameras, not photos taken with rangefinders (I think), because one can‘t distinguish rf photos from slr photos.
just my 00,1 cents..
And last but not least we are here at rangefinder forum, a forum primarly dedicated to rangefinder cameras, not photos taken with rangefinders (I think), because one can‘t distinguish rf photos from slr photos.
just my 00,1 cents..
mconnealy
Well-known
--------------------------------------------------
That seems a pretty pessimistic view.
I like to think I have learned some things over the years about photography and that I am a better photographer and produce better work than when I started out.
dexdog
Veteran
My comment is that anybody can buy gear, but not just anybody can be a good photographer. Unfortunately, I am in the first category
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
Likewise in baseball. Anyone can buy a ball and bat. But few make it to the majors.
Einstein
Established
Ever since this site changed dramatically the other year, film photography of 120 roll film users has all but stopped. The 6x9, folders, Rolleiflex and to some extent Hasselblad users have given up on here, I believe there were too many problems getting in and posting their work. Thinking that they gave up trying, as we are most likely from the older generation and will only tolerate hitting so many obstacles before walking away.
The large format community has also either hibernated or likewise given up as well.
Flickr postings continue to be daily events of the above mentioned users, I usually scroll down the home page here and close out and go onto Flickr because of the selection of topics, this site is simply just not interesting to me or my friends as it was before, I am not alone in this.
The large format community has also either hibernated or likewise given up as well.
Flickr postings continue to be daily events of the above mentioned users, I usually scroll down the home page here and close out and go onto Flickr because of the selection of topics, this site is simply just not interesting to me or my friends as it was before, I am not alone in this.