[life lessons] What has photography taught you?

photography has taught me many good life lessons and it has taken me to many different countries in this world......I have learned a lot from photography, and I am extremely grateful that I have had the opportunity to travel to many countries and meet interesting people....I am also lucky to be able to own some nice gear and be able to travel around the world and take photos and enjoy my life........and hopefully during my travels and encounters I have brought joy to others as they have to me.......

cheers, michael
 
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That when trying to exact the human quandary that is in us all, that when I need to find that exacting summation of my experience, and when I need to explain a deep sense of ongoing loss...

....load the film into bloody camera before you start poncing about and likewise rewind the film before removing said film :)
 
I have learned to pay attention, to be present. I have learned that the good old days are happening right now. I have learned that everyone has fleeting moments of Grace, and that when the photographer's and the subject's moments align, it is a thing of beauty forever and ever.
 
Lilserenity said:
....load the film into bloody camera before you start poncing about and likewise rewind the film before removing said film :)
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I'm crying inside again, seeing this.

Photography has helped me to:
1) be IN THE MOMENT for longer period of time.
2) Focus with both eyes open : life doesn't have to be about what you shut out, but what and how you take in.
 
Cameras: don't expect too much from new ones.

Films: you have to choose what you like/want (and I don't mean ISO speed).

Developers: not much difference with any of them.

Lenses: get some that do things that you like, and maybe find one or two that do something that other lenses can't do.

Light: when you finally realize that it is the most important thing ever in your life, you are starting to get there.

Digital: I started with digital in 1999 with a Sony Mavia (or something like that), well, I actually had one before that but it was junk. But anyway, my hats off to those that can make it work for them.
 
hipsterdufus said:
I guess photography has taught me that there is beauty around us; it's just a matter of finding it. Being a good photographer means seeing things that other people can't see.
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I was going to post the same thing, but I would not restrict it to beauty. Sometimes I find ugly or unimpressive things very interesting, too.
 
Photography has taught me that there are interesting things to see all around me if I will only take time to look.
I have learned beautiful portraits happen when people are relaxed and having fun.
I have learned that with great light you can make dog dung look great.
I have learned that the greatest subject makes a lousy photo in lousy light.
Photography has taught me that I take pictures for myself; it's a bonus if others like them.
 
I got better at accepting harsh criticism without getting defensive. Also it taught me that, there really isn't enough time to spend on things you don't enjoy in life. As for Roger's question, I can say photography made me grow up faster.
 
Despite my slightly flippant response (but based entirely on experience of doing both shooting a camera with no film, and not any old shots either, it had to be the time I was taking the owner of a League One football club's portrait... Never live that one down...) I think the most important thing photography has taught me is...


if not now, then when?


I ummed and arred about whether I should plunder my savings to make my book happen, and I decided that yes I should. Because if I don't take a chance, I will always regret it, and there's no shortage of photographers out there who will and may see a positive upswing from it.

Vicky
 
I have become more observant of social interaction. I am fascinated by every little interaction I see on the street.
 
kossi008 said:
I was going to post the same thing, but I would not restrict it to beauty. Sometimes I find ugly or unimpressive things very interesting, too.
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Good point. I'll go beyond that and say that sometimes I even find ugly things to be beautiful in their own way. That sounds upside down, doesn't it?
 
1. Don't be daunted by the idea of trying something new

2. There's 'afford' and then there's 'justify', don't confuse these two

3. It's okay to collect gears as long as you observe no.2

4. It is *not* only about the final image

5. Shoot what attracts you

6. Improve in what you're attracted to

7. One camera/lens that you're used to will yield better photos than ten that you keep fumbling with

8. Film is dead. If it were alive, it'd be hard to wrangle it into the camera, now, wouldn't it?

9. Darkroom printing rules, lith printing even more so.

10. Seeing things is good, just remember to bring a camera with you.
 
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