reagan
hey, they're only Zorkis
Looking back over some of my shots of the last couple of years, I'm pleased enough with how I've enjoyed my gear (i.e. bodies & glass) and have gotten used to actually using it - comfortably. And many of the results - though not all - are quite satisfying. I've tried lots of different post-process editing; grain, textures, shading, tints, etc. (Just plain ol' B&W now seems to work best for me.)
As I'm flipping through some images, I started asking myself, "Okay, it's been 2 years; you have the *stuff* you want and you've given yourself time to get comfortable with it. So where are you heading with all this? Two years from now, what kind of shots do you want to be taking? What are you not shooting now that you want to be shooting in 2 years? What do you want to see in your future images that you're not seeing now?"
As far as actually taking the picture, up 'til now, I'm fine with what's happened. I like most of the composition and I have no problems with later cropping a little here and there to change that according to my taste [of the moment]. I like watching and waiting for particular facial expressions or looking at what's going on in front of me and asking, "How can I best capture this to tell the story?" and then positioning myself there, though I'm not always very good at it.
So the direction I'd like to be heading, what I'd like to be working on in the future is the ability to see the opportunity of multiple subjects in one frame; multiple stories happening simultaneously. To notice what's going on in the background or foreground (or side to side for that matter) that would add to an already interesting scene.
A recent example - I thought colinh's Street 1 was quite interesting; three main subjects, unrelated except for proximity. Each one could be cropped separate from the other two and be a decent photo. But combined they make, IMHO, a very interesting observation. Nothing earth-shattering/life-changing, but interesting - at least to me.
I like this shot [okay], a table by the window, but what different story would be told if there was a person sitting in the right chair sipping coffee... or reading a paper? or...? This one, big dreams, I like, but if another person, adult or child, had been leaning in the second window background, it would completely change the whole feeling of the moment.
While contemplating these things, I decided I'd like to hear more of the plans/visions/aspirations of others who might be looking ahead to growth, improvement or just change. Any brainstorming goin' on out there? Sooo... where we goin' with all this?
As I'm flipping through some images, I started asking myself, "Okay, it's been 2 years; you have the *stuff* you want and you've given yourself time to get comfortable with it. So where are you heading with all this? Two years from now, what kind of shots do you want to be taking? What are you not shooting now that you want to be shooting in 2 years? What do you want to see in your future images that you're not seeing now?"
As far as actually taking the picture, up 'til now, I'm fine with what's happened. I like most of the composition and I have no problems with later cropping a little here and there to change that according to my taste [of the moment]. I like watching and waiting for particular facial expressions or looking at what's going on in front of me and asking, "How can I best capture this to tell the story?" and then positioning myself there, though I'm not always very good at it.
So the direction I'd like to be heading, what I'd like to be working on in the future is the ability to see the opportunity of multiple subjects in one frame; multiple stories happening simultaneously. To notice what's going on in the background or foreground (or side to side for that matter) that would add to an already interesting scene.
A recent example - I thought colinh's Street 1 was quite interesting; three main subjects, unrelated except for proximity. Each one could be cropped separate from the other two and be a decent photo. But combined they make, IMHO, a very interesting observation. Nothing earth-shattering/life-changing, but interesting - at least to me.
I like this shot [okay], a table by the window, but what different story would be told if there was a person sitting in the right chair sipping coffee... or reading a paper? or...? This one, big dreams, I like, but if another person, adult or child, had been leaning in the second window background, it would completely change the whole feeling of the moment.
While contemplating these things, I decided I'd like to hear more of the plans/visions/aspirations of others who might be looking ahead to growth, improvement or just change. Any brainstorming goin' on out there? Sooo... where we goin' with all this?
FrankS
Registered User
This may be something to ponder, but here's just another view, not saying it's a better one:
An ant once asked a millipede how it was able to walk with so many legs and not get tripped up. The millipede stopped to think about it, and never walked again.
Or in the words of Doris Day: kay seraw, seraw. Whatever will be will be, the future's not ours to see, kay seraw, seraw.
An ant once asked a millipede how it was able to walk with so many legs and not get tripped up. The millipede stopped to think about it, and never walked again.
Or in the words of Doris Day: kay seraw, seraw. Whatever will be will be, the future's not ours to see, kay seraw, seraw.
back alley
IMAGES
que sera
joe
joe
FrankS
Registered User
thank you joe
back alley
IMAGES
FrankS said:thank you joe
no problem.
and i think it was connie frances who sang it..
back alley
IMAGES
reagan, i'm not going anywhere with my hobby except to keep it as a creative outlet for myself and one that has lots of cool toys.
FrankS
Registered User
I'm just along for the ride. Wheee!
gb hill
Veteran
back alley said:
It was Doris Day! my mom used to play the heck out of that album when I was growing up.
ferider
Veteran
gb hill said:It was Doris Day! my mom used to play the heck out of that album when I was growing up.
In "The Man Who Knew Too Much".
CVBLZ4, I feel similar to you. Buying more lenses will help
Cheers,
Roland.
back alley
IMAGES
a quick google proves me wrong!
damn...
damn...
gb hill
Veteran
I'm still looking for my comfort zone in using a rangefinder. Going from slr to rf as far as focusing the camera is like walking from night into day. Playing with that camera, and this lens, loaded with different films all the time probibally is slowing down my progress. But for me it's a hobby and I like experimenting to see what results I can get. I believe with time my work shall improve and i'll reach some satisifaction in my photos.
FrankS
Registered User
This is a means of artistic expression for me as well. I'm not sure how "in contol" I am of that. It just happens.
It is precisely this blend of technology (the gear) and the artsy-fartsyness of photography that makes it so satisfying/fun for me.
It's healthy, like a complete breakfast.
It is precisely this blend of technology (the gear) and the artsy-fartsyness of photography that makes it so satisfying/fun for me.
It's healthy, like a complete breakfast.
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gavinlg
Veteran
I love your "big dreams" shot - it's a great capture.
The whole basis of improvement is started with self assesment and comparison - I try to look at where I've come from, and set little tasks like photo projects etc. Sometimes I write down my ideas in an ideas book - thats at least the process of improving and looking toward the future for me. What that future is I can always plan and dream but really, I have no idea.
And such is life.
The whole basis of improvement is started with self assesment and comparison - I try to look at where I've come from, and set little tasks like photo projects etc. Sometimes I write down my ideas in an ideas book - thats at least the process of improving and looking toward the future for me. What that future is I can always plan and dream but really, I have no idea.
And such is life.
vrgard
Well-known
FrankS said:
That pretty well sums it up for me as well. Plus I'm a bit of an obsessive collector which is fed nicely by my continuing GAS.
But to answer your question more directly CVBLZ4, I too have been sort of asking myself the same question recently. And I've decided that, despite not really being a particularly gifted photographer, I can definitely improve my skills. And the areas I've decided to focus on are two-fold: 1) interesting shots of mundane/everyday things and 2) better candid portrait shots.
The former is challenging because in my view it requires having a more artistic eye and I tend too much towards the analytical. But I think I can improve in this area (not to change my mode of thought but rather to simply get better at seeing the shot in the mundane). The latter is challenging because it requires me to go beyond my comfort zone and get up close and personal with my subjects. Not that that's not possible but it's not necessarily easy or comfortable. Guess that makes it all the rewarding if I can improve in this area.
At least those give me a goal or something to works towards. Otherwise I just wander around with my camera in my hand and end up with little or nothing. And I can then evaluate my progress in a year's time and decide how/if I want to continue on the path.
All just my meandering thoughts in response to your question(s). Hope it was helpful.
-Randy
reagan
hey, they're only Zorkis
Randy - I can sure relate there - "get better at seeing" is a constant thought whilst out n' about. And I've discovered, ahhh haa!, that seeing can be helped by actually going ahead and taking those boring *ehhh, nothing-there* shots, (and don't say it, I know, I'm already a pro at that partvrgard said:
) then getting them home, and putting the analytical eye to work; "How could this have been better?" Sure I've got rolls and rolls of *yep, sure enough; nothin' there* - but occasionally from the boring, worthless roll I get a better idea of how to take the same shot or a thought for a shot/project completely unrelated to what I'm looking at. Anyway, IMO taking the bad shots and really looking them over helps the seeing.Thanks for input, all. Cheers
FrankS
Registered User
Ya gotta get those bad shots out of your system. It's like paying your dues.
RayPA
Ignore It (It'll go away)
back alley said:
FrankS said:
back alley said:
FrankS said:
jeez! no wonder you two have the highest post counts!
FrankS said:
to the point: I think the above works well--as does buying more lenses.
V
varjag
Guest
Well, for me, "where" actually splits into "how" and "why".
"How" is the visual part, style, formal language in photography. Hope am moving in correct direction there.
"Why" is the motivation. While I have one personal project am gradually working on, main part of my photography has no clear motives behind it.
"How" is the visual part, style, formal language in photography. Hope am moving in correct direction there.
"Why" is the motivation. While I have one personal project am gradually working on, main part of my photography has no clear motives behind it.
photophorous
Registered User
I'm not sure where I'm going. I just hope to enjoy the ride.
I feel like I've been in an experimental phase ever since I got really interested in photography, and I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever focus on anything specific. I've tried several different types of cameras and a handful of subject matter and shooting styles. Right now, I just wish I could take some decent street shots, but tomorrow I may be searching ebay for view cameras...who knows. I have nothing specific to say with my photography, just a desire to put my view of the world on paper.
Paul
I feel like I've been in an experimental phase ever since I got really interested in photography, and I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever focus on anything specific. I've tried several different types of cameras and a handful of subject matter and shooting styles. Right now, I just wish I could take some decent street shots, but tomorrow I may be searching ebay for view cameras...who knows. I have nothing specific to say with my photography, just a desire to put my view of the world on paper.
Paul
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Reagan, thanks for the thought provoking question before we start the weekend!
Unlike some others here, I am *not* comfortable where I am, it takes my whole effort to get my butt off to continue trying even when I am not comfortable. I am not the sort of person who has the innate will to improve when I feel content
If asked how I want to improve, I can think of some ways:
- I'd like to be more critical towards my photography, if a picture sucks or boring, it's boring, no amount of tweaking I can do to it that will really satisfy me, set it aside, move on (I like Frank's analogy of paying the dues).
- I'd like to be more patient. Most of the time I'm in a hurry, even when I have time. I'm so conscious of what people may do or say to me, I just can't take my time to frame a good picture. I think this is one of the secret weapon of great photographers, is that they can just tune out the world and be alone in their photography.
- I'd like to be more focused. Random snapshots doesn't excite me anymore, even when I accidentally produce a good picture out of it. I need focus, a direction, a project, that when brought to completion, will be far more rewarding.
and with that, I bid you all to have a blessed weekend!
PS: And no, more lenses would not help me unless it's a free Zuiko, Hexanon, Takumar, Zeiss, or Leitz.
Unlike some others here, I am *not* comfortable where I am, it takes my whole effort to get my butt off to continue trying even when I am not comfortable. I am not the sort of person who has the innate will to improve when I feel content
If asked how I want to improve, I can think of some ways:
- I'd like to be more critical towards my photography, if a picture sucks or boring, it's boring, no amount of tweaking I can do to it that will really satisfy me, set it aside, move on (I like Frank's analogy of paying the dues).
- I'd like to be more patient. Most of the time I'm in a hurry, even when I have time. I'm so conscious of what people may do or say to me, I just can't take my time to frame a good picture. I think this is one of the secret weapon of great photographers, is that they can just tune out the world and be alone in their photography.
- I'd like to be more focused. Random snapshots doesn't excite me anymore, even when I accidentally produce a good picture out of it. I need focus, a direction, a project, that when brought to completion, will be far more rewarding.
and with that, I bid you all to have a blessed weekend!
PS: And no, more lenses would not help me
unless it's a free Zuiko, Hexanon, Takumar, Zeiss, or Leitz.