All the equipment...still life Photography? Just curious what others may think...when we use lighting and props and put our subjects at just the right spot, even if is out doors at a...

br3kes Loc: Tarentum PA

Just curious what others may think...when we use lighting and props and put our subjects at just the right spot, even if is out doors at a picnic...isn't that just like 'Still Life'?
I think we are all missing the point...isn't a 'snap shot' what we have to 'remember or put our viewer' into a time that you can not recapture? Such as Street Photography or even just a back yard picnic? You can only hope you get that 'Perfect' one.
If we need sooo much gear, other than your camera and you...isn't that all a little like PP with out the programs?
Just a thought, and maybe what this whole country needs to get back to...simple values...would like to hear others opinions...be honest, but not mean spirited...just your views. Thanks...coz I'm kinda lost at everything I see out there...its like, it isn't even real.

Leitz Loc: Solms

br3kes wrote:

Just curious what others may think...when we use l... (show quote)

:?: I fail to understand how what's out there would affect what you do.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

br3kes wrote:

Just curious what others may think...when we use l... (show quote)

It sounds like you're talking about food shots or product shots. Professionals will use lots of equipment to get those shots perfect. What's wrong with that? You use as much equipment as you feel you need to get the shot you want. You're free to do your photography as simply as you want.

br3kes Loc: Tarentum PA

I guess I didnt say it the way my brain thought it...just that I look at many sites read many books and it seems that the only pictures/shots that get noticed are the ones who have special lighting or a ton of PP going on.
I was just putting this question out as to get others views on how they feel about it. That's all...
If you actually look at the 'great shots'...they were just plain luck...right place/right time...

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

br3kes wrote:

I guess I didnt say it the way my brain thought it...just that I look at many sites read many books and it seems that the only pictures/shots that get noticed are the ones who have special lighting or a ton of PP going on.
I was just putting this question out as to get others views on how they feel about it. That's all...
If you actually look at the 'great shots'...they were just plain luck...right place/right time...

There are plenty of great shots that were made very intentionally by photographers who knew how to get the most out of their equipment and didn't have to depend on luck. Sure they get noticed.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

br3kes wrote:

Just curious what others may think...when we use lighting and props and put our subjects at just the right spot, even if is out doors at a picnic...isn't that just like 'Still Life'?
I think we are all missing the point...isn't a 'snap shot' what we have to 'remember or put our viewer' into a time that you can not recapture? Such as Street Photography or even just a back yard picnic? You can only hope you get that 'Perfect' one.

I rarely shoot "Still Life". So one might think the above would be what I'd agree with.

Not so.

It's just two different ways of enjoying photography. I don't like doing Still Life, so I'm very glad that others do it, because if not I'd have to do more of it. I have two friends who are fully equipped and enjoy that kind of work, so when asked I'll try to pass the work to them. Both of those friends are very willing to shoot formal pictures at an event while I roam around doing "photojournalistic style" shots. We just are not competing with each other!

It's the other couple friends who also don't do Still Life, that get in my way.... Grrrrr. :-)

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

br3kes wrote:

I guess I didnt say it the way my brain thought it...just that I look at many sites read many books and it seems that the only pictures/shots that get noticed are the ones who have special lighting or a ton of PP going on.
I was just putting this question out as to get others views on how they feel about it. That's all...
If you actually look at the 'great shots'...they were just plain luck...right place/right time...

It is not all luck, they knew the place to be and when to be there (somtimes). They also have the ability to anticipate "moments", "see" images and have the ability to capture them.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

br3kes wrote:

Just curious what others may think...when we use l... (show quote)

'Still life', photography or painting refers to inanimate object (or dead like flowers, fruits and err... people. Devoid of life but not decaying or not yet otherwise it simply becomes gross forensics :shock: :lol: :lol: :lol: ).

That is something you do not seem to get.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I'm not quite sure what you are alluding to, but- One would adjust the subject, lighting, etc. if possible, to improve the lighting for shadow/highlights to bring depth and vibrancy into the image so not to wind up with a "flat" image. This goes for landscape type shots as well, shot in the early morning or late evening for those lighting conditions that cannot be modified. Those images, with depth and vibrancy, are the ones that help gain notoriety. Creating a powerful dynamic image is usually not done by just taking a snapshot. A snapshot simply records an instant in time. To me, snapshots and photographs each have their own distinctions. Of course subject material and composition also have a bearing on how well a photograph turns out. I, personally, carry as little equipment as possible, but try not to take "snapshots". Sometimes I do though...

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

br3kes wrote:

Just curious what others may think...

From the responses you can tell it's all relative and varies from person to person.....probably will even vary on your personal take from time to time.......I personally am sometimes amazed at the photographic expertise and beauty of the shots in older movies that aren't even rated as ****(4*) movies.
Don't sweat the small stuff and details and whatever was done to get the shot.......if the result is good, then it's a success !

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I know a photographer who shoots wildlife for a magazine. He camps out for days to get the "Great Shot."
And uses Canon 1d bodies, 400 2.8 with 1.4 and 2x extenders. Almost attacked by a bear when his cell phone went off.

Great shots don't "Just Happen," Unless you happen to be the student walking on the Kent State University campus and got that shot of the woman screaming while leaning over the dead body of her boyfriend who had just been killed by the National guard, etc

rbfanman

The geary photos get noticed because most shooters are snap shooters who lack gear, and so lack the 'butterfly' effect in their portraits of Aunt Sally at the picnic table, the starburst of light behind Cousin George's head, etc. Pro shots made with gear-extra lights, filters, soft boxes, etc-are more interesting looking than the typical snapshot with granny squinting as the apple tree grows out of the top of her head. Such is life. Get gear, learn how to use it, and then use it.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

br3kes wrote:

I guess I didnt say it the way my brain thought it...just that I look at many sites read many books and it seems that the only pictures/shots that get noticed are the ones who have special lighting or a ton of PP going on.

Seems like that, I agree.

But who cares?

Shoot images for yourself, don't worry who likes or doesn't like them. In the end, you have to make images that mean something to you.

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

rpavich wrote:

Seems like that, I agree.

But who cares?

Shoot images for yourself, don't worry who likes or doesn't like them. In the end, you have to make images that mean something to you.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

br3kes wrote:

Thanks...coz I'm kinda lost at everything I see out there...its like, it isn't even real.

I fully understand br3kes. You just keep that bong full of that good weed and one day it will fall into place.