Need a photography boost
Nov 1, 2023 14:24:54 #
I don't work actively to promote my skills as a photographer, but I would like to remain active and excited about taking pictures. Lately, I have been unable to come up with things to take pictures of. I recently went to the local aquarium thinking that would be exciting, however, all my photos turned out crappy. Poor lighting/ack of lighting plus those critters don't sit still for the shot-made for a waste of time and money. What can you guys suggest i.e. places to go, things to shoot, etc. that could get me really excited about taking pictures. Seems I am lacking in the area of focusing. I recently took some Halloween photos, which I thought the focus was spot on, only to have soft pictures.
Any suggestions on my request for help would be appreciated. Thanks
Any suggestions on my request for help would be appreciated. Thanks
Nov 1, 2023 14:41:42 #
Your opening needs a two-part reply:
1. I'm in a small group on flickr called "Compositionally Challenged." They give us a theme to shoot every week. Facebook's "Create 52" does similar.
Heading out with a theme, whether specific, general or conceptual, has been a great motivator for me. I am constantly seeing old stuff in new ways.
https://www.flickr.com/groups/compositionallychallenged/discuss/
This is a closed group, requiring approval to join:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/327777904493968
Also, you may be interested in a similar UHH topic posted three days ago:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-790507-1.html
.
1. I'm in a small group on flickr called "Compositionally Challenged." They give us a theme to shoot every week. Facebook's "Create 52" does similar.
Heading out with a theme, whether specific, general or conceptual, has been a great motivator for me. I am constantly seeing old stuff in new ways.
https://www.flickr.com/groups/compositionallychallenged/discuss/
This is a closed group, requiring approval to join:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/327777904493968
Also, you may be interested in a similar UHH topic posted three days ago:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-790507-1.html
.
Nov 1, 2023 14:42:33 #
Part 2: disappointment with technical results. Do you need training or a refresher? Why "soft?" Why "crappy?"
Go to YouTube if you like videos, read articles and books if you don't. Even UHH's Photo Analysis section can usually help: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-20-1.html
(tip: read the Rules doc before posting a photo there.
Go to YouTube if you like videos, read articles and books if you don't. Even UHH's Photo Analysis section can usually help: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-20-1.html
(tip: read the Rules doc before posting a photo there.
Nov 1, 2023 15:16:59 #
margoann55 wrote:
I don't work actively to promote my skills as a ph... (show quote)
What kind of camera do you have? Someone on here might be able to help if they knew what equipment you are using.
Nov 1, 2023 16:31:54 #
delder
Loc: Maryland
margoann55 wrote:
I don't work actively to promote my skills as a ph... (show quote)
From reading UHH & my own experience, one issue with focus is using the Spot focus.
Make/Model of Camera/Lens combo might help with our suggestions.
Nov 1, 2023 16:39:35 #
cliff Hilbert wrote:
What kind of camera do you have? Someone on here might be able to help if they knew what equipment you are using.
Sloppy technique isnt usually model specific.
All cameras are similar as to basic controls.
Nov 1, 2023 17:00:20 #
Nov 1, 2023 17:02:22 #
margoann55 wrote:
I don't work actively to promote my skills as a ph... (show quote)
Post and store any example JPEG with EXIF data intact (typically, an unedited JPEG) showing one / some of your current results. You'll get much more accurate and actionable feedback, specific to your equipment. Otherwise, everyone is just going to guess at ideas, typically wildly, with little actual relation to your question.
Nov 1, 2023 17:46:24 #
margoann55 wrote:
I don't work actively to promote my skills as a ph... (show quote)
The aquarium is a skill set you need work on.
Sounds like something to do.
Nov 1, 2023 18:48:29 #
I agree! Go back to the aquarium and try again! No matter what you are trying to photograph, you will have to contend with lighting and focus issues. Work the problem, then go back and work the problem. With instant feedback, I'm assuming we are talking digital photography, you should be able to get it figured out post haste!!
Nov 1, 2023 19:25:41 #
photoman022
Loc: Manchester CT USA
I was photographically "ruined" when I took two road trips from Connecticut to California. I stayed off of the interstates as much as possible. The landscapes out west put the landscapes of Connecticut to shame--or so I thought. I bought a Connecticut road atlas and I take trips on roads I have never been on (and would probably never be on, if not for photography). I am surprised at the photo opportunities I've missed! I want to take an off the beaten path road trip at least once a week. Unfortunately, the weather hasn't cooperated. I beat the photography blues by taking my gear and going out and finding something I've never seen before.
Nov 1, 2023 19:29:43 #
delder wrote:
From reading UHH & my own experience, one issue with focus is using the Spot focus.
Why?
Nov 1, 2023 20:02:41 #
Nov 1, 2023 22:12:46 #
delder
Loc: Maryland
Grahame wrote:
Why?
Sometimes spot is on wrong area of subject.
With the Aquarium, the glass may be throwing off the focus due to refraction.
With Digital, we are spoiled because we can get immediate feedback on each shot.
Go to Manual focus & bracket some shots. See which ones look better & work with what you learn!
Nov 1, 2023 22:28:11 #
delder wrote:
Sometimes spot is on wrong area of subject.
That's why we have been given the ability to move it.
delder wrote:
With the Aquarium, the glass may be throwing off the focus due to refraction.
That's correct and can be a possible source of AF confusion.
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