gessman Loc: Colorado

I agree down to the last comment and thank you for that.

RFranko Loc: Albuquerque, NM

There probably isn't a "place" that hasn't been photographed by someone "famous." However, I notice you live in Colorado. One of the most beautiful and photogenic states in the country. Can you create a fantastic book on the Garden of the Gods? How about a thousand to two thousand images of Rocky Mountain National Park, in all seasons. How many views of and from Pikes Peak can you create? How about books on all the old mining and gold rush towns. All these could make you famous and have a bunch of other pros rushing there to copy your images. I think I am going to move to Colorado and become famous!

Rainy day at the Garden of the Gods

Randyb1969 Loc: Armpit of California

If you love reviews, you have got to watch DigitalRev on youtube. This guy is hilarious and does reviews and how-tos. I personally love watching these guys and find it quite informative.

gessman Loc: Colorado

Hey, wait a minute RFranko, this here town ain't big enough for both of us. Nice shot of the Garden. And you're sure right, quality subject matter abounds. I actually tried to have a "coffee table" book published a few years back and was told by the local publisher that, "they already had two books in the hopper for that year and wouldn't be interested in any more in a soft economy." One of the books they did publish stole most of my thunder as it turned out - the one that was the brainchild of one of the publishing partners. I wandered off, tail between my legs, and haven't tried again since.

RFranko Loc: Albuquerque, NM

Use a different publisher. Also, there are several where you can self publish with "print on demand" AND I think you can get them listed on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or some of the other big book stores. Hey, check out the dozen or so photo books on Yosemite, Monument Valley, Yellowstone. You are not an exclusive, but you can put yours on the table with the others. The publisher was probably worried you would outsell his book so he discouraged you. You got snookered. Put you tail up in the air and start flagging it!

gessman Loc: Colorado

"Snookered" is pretty much what I've been thinking. Good word. I haven't yet investigated the self-publishing route but I think I may look into it a bit. I would not mind selling some of my shots as long as there wasn't the upfront pressure involved such as doing a wedding. I wouldn't do a wedding at all. I've been running from "Murphy" too long.
:-)

dhemmelg

I guess I see it as a philosophic issue. The time and light are never the same for two seconds much less years. I have no desire to replicate others work. It's already been done. I do enjoy studying good work to learn from but I have to trust my eye to make my images. My images are lost in the millions or billions out there but I still have some prints people willingly buy and I still enjoy the challenge of satisfying myself that I've done the best I can on each print.
Though the Delicate Arch has been photographed a million times, I still enjoyed the challenge of getting a good image on my one visit.

Delicate Arch, Arches NP

T-Ray Loc: Tennessee

This is a very interesting thread! I'm a beginner. I've always tried to do what someone else didn't. My two cents (for what ever it's worth) is that no one will ever see my surroundings the exact way that I do. I guess that's what is so interesting about photography to me. It's nice that I can study some of the techniques that Ansel Adams used. But I can never be an Ansel Adams. I can only be me. Only I can bring my perspective to that frame. No one but me. I know that I'm just starting in this field...and maybe my take on it is flawed...but I don't intend to be an imitator - I want to be an innovator. I don't have great technique - nor equipment (I only have a Nikkor 18-55mm lens at present time). I'm learning to bring to my perspective as a captured moment in time. I see and hear a lot about the technical aspects of a photo - how to manipulate a shot to look this way or that way. I don't have any software as of yet to perform any post production (so excited to be buying Light Room3 at the end of the week). I just try and reveal moments in time and space as I see them, in my own style, in my own way. From everything I've read thus far, it seems that the most successful (and sought out) photographers are those that transcend the technical aspects of the genre and become artists with a style all their own. But I'm a beginner as I said so given my total lack of experience - my opinion is just that, opinion. I like to look at other photographers work as it aids me in developing my own unique style. Okay. Now I feel like I'm breaking out in a chorus of "I just gotta be me". How crazy! I learn so much on this site and from all of you! Thanks so much!

Goverment Workers (LOL!) -Lousy shot, needs to be sharper - but I confess I snapped it quickly becasue the "government workers" thing popped into my head! LOL!

arphot Loc: Massachusetts

A little levels for contrast and some sharpening. Maybe a little heavier than it should be, but it was a low res image :oops:

DB Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

I happen to like your OPINION. We each must glean that which pleases us from our attempts to capture what we see around us. Its called indivduality and its a gift. I love people who step outside the box and find their own corner of the world.

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

Start working with the software that came with the camera. It is very basic but will get you started.

roger allen Loc: another planet

advice stop reading those mags (lol) blaze your own trail
righ now I am working on a subject/ project that no one would dare touch- it concerns pollution in our culture- i have always been searching for subjects overlooked or ignored. any of us can do the same thing- Its photojournalism and you dont need a permission to pursue it. so cut out your own path brother and you will find your nitch and you will be a lot happier about your profession
roger

T-Ray Loc: Tennessee

Me too! Thanks! My grandmother always said, "God created you - just one of you...so be the best "you" - you can be!"

T-Ray Loc: Tennessee

A little levels for contrast and some sharpening. Maybe a little heavier than it should be, but it was a low res image :oops:[/quote]

Goodness yes! Horrible picture quality - but they just reminded me of the state workers here in Tennessee....always on a coffee break. Better yet...they're studying to be supervisors! LOL!

myts10 Loc: SE Ohio

When I see an image I like, I wonder if I can capture that? There is something about it, be it composition, color, angle, foreground, background, something. If I can duplicate that same image I have learned something. And have my own shot to be proud of.

Yes, if I had the means I would go to Bangladesh just to see if I can get that image. Right now I am still trying to get that “Prize winning” shot of an Iris in somebody's back yard.

BTW- I got it, didn't win a prize or sell it. But buy golly it is mine and I am proud of it.