How many shots to get a good one?
Oct 4, 2011 19:58:48 #
One of my favorite replys to a photo compliment is "If you take enough photos, your bound to get a good one." So, my question is, having the capacity to take unlimited photos (because of digital) how many do you take for each "keeper" and how many per shot you consider exceptional ?
Oct 4, 2011 21:02:16 #
jstar wrote:
One of my favorite replys to a photo compliment is "If you take enough photos, your bound to get a good one." So, my question is, having the capacity to take unlimited photos (because of digital) how many do you take for each "keeper" and how many per shot you consider exceptional ?
That's like asking how many times do you spin the cylinder of a revolver before you have success in "Russian Roulette"?
Oct 4, 2011 21:08:28 #
Oct 4, 2011 21:40:29 #
The more you shoot......the better you get....the less shots you have to take. So it's hard to say "how many" to get a good shot.
I used to work for a daily newspaper in upstate NY. This was way before digital. In the beginning when I covered any sporting event I could shoot 5 or 6 rolls (36 exp) of film. It didn't take long before I could go to a sporting event, start shooting and know when I got the perfect shot. I could leave a football game in the first or second quarter and be confident I had a great picture that would be published in the newspaper. And remember, no digital screen to view my shots.
With a digital camera you should be able to take some shots, review them, then shoot more if needed.
I used to work for a daily newspaper in upstate NY. This was way before digital. In the beginning when I covered any sporting event I could shoot 5 or 6 rolls (36 exp) of film. It didn't take long before I could go to a sporting event, start shooting and know when I got the perfect shot. I could leave a football game in the first or second quarter and be confident I had a great picture that would be published in the newspaper. And remember, no digital screen to view my shots.
With a digital camera you should be able to take some shots, review them, then shoot more if needed.
Oct 4, 2011 21:45:39 #
jstar wrote:
I understand, but I,m just looking for an average number.
There isn't a magic number. There are too many variables on any given shoot, light, motion of subject, expression, or topic all change on every outing.
Oct 4, 2011 22:14:38 #
Oct 4, 2011 22:40:15 #
As another poster stated it's going to depend on a lot of things. If you're shooting a landscape or building it depends on the number of angles you want. If you're shooting a group, you should shoot several so you are likely to get one where everyone has their eyes open etc. It's hard to tell in a group shoot if everyone is cooperating.
Again, no real answer.
Again, no real answer.
Oct 4, 2011 23:02:51 #
When I first got my DSLR I would say my keeper rate was around 20%, but my idea of what was a keeper then to what I think is a keeper now has changed so it would be even lower if I was to go back throu those pictures.
Today I shot less shots because I take the time to set up the shot before I press down on the shutter button. I would say my keeper rate is somewhere around 50%, but each session I shot 60% less shots than I did a year ago.
I use to shot 100 pictures for each "session" now I press the shutter button down about 30-40 times total each time I get my kids to sit for a photo session.
Today I shot less shots because I take the time to set up the shot before I press down on the shutter button. I would say my keeper rate is somewhere around 50%, but each session I shot 60% less shots than I did a year ago.
I use to shot 100 pictures for each "session" now I press the shutter button down about 30-40 times total each time I get my kids to sit for a photo session.
Oct 5, 2011 07:36:12 #
Oct 5, 2011 08:06:07 #
In 35mm days, sometimes one (me too) could shoot 3 - 10 roles of film to get a good one.
If it's photojournalism, maybe none. You just miss the "decisive moment." And there's no way of getting it back. You absolutely cannot take the same photograph twice - you might come close - they might look identical, but they are not.
Or, sometimes you just get lucky.
"Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst."
-Henri Cartier Bresson
So just keep shooting and learning and trying to get better.
If it's photojournalism, maybe none. You just miss the "decisive moment." And there's no way of getting it back. You absolutely cannot take the same photograph twice - you might come close - they might look identical, but they are not.
Or, sometimes you just get lucky.
"Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst."
-Henri Cartier Bresson
So just keep shooting and learning and trying to get better.
Oct 5, 2011 08:52:09 #
Hi jstar,
I'm reading The Passionate Photographer: Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great (Voices That Matter) by Steve Simon, looks to be one of the best books I've found to date, as far as good, sound advice for becoming better- he says shoot 10,000 frames!
I'm sure it all boils down to what jkaye65 has said- the more you do something, the better and more experienced you'll become.
There aren't many photo books I would recommend but-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0321719891
seems to be one.
With film, photographers had their "contacts"- a group of same subject matter pix that they would cull the best shot from, you can easily do the same with digital. There is also bracketing- Google or search in this forum- lots of ways to do that.
I'm reading The Passionate Photographer: Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great (Voices That Matter) by Steve Simon, looks to be one of the best books I've found to date, as far as good, sound advice for becoming better- he says shoot 10,000 frames!
I'm sure it all boils down to what jkaye65 has said- the more you do something, the better and more experienced you'll become.
There aren't many photo books I would recommend but-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0321719891
seems to be one.
With film, photographers had their "contacts"- a group of same subject matter pix that they would cull the best shot from, you can easily do the same with digital. There is also bracketing- Google or search in this forum- lots of ways to do that.
Oct 5, 2011 09:05:32 #
Quality vs fatigue usually decides how long you work a subject. Get what you can right up front, before the subject takes off, reacts to you, or lightening strikes. The first impression and snap reaction to it will often be the winner. Then, knowing how well the first shot looked, try for better. Keep trying until the subject begins to lose it's charm or you wear out possibilities. OR wrap it up when you think you have a real good one in the can or chip and MOVE ON. Keep the eye fresh, enthusiasm up and MOVE.
Oct 5, 2011 09:19:02 #
The Passionate Photographer: Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great (Voices That Matter) by Steve Simon,
Looks like a good one.
"It's what you learn after you know it all, that counts."
Generally attributed to John Wooden, famous UCLA basketball coach.
On photography books, I used to have many. Books by photographers: Ernst Haas, Lartique, Bill Brandt, Diane Arbus, Bresson, Robert Capa, etc.
When I decided to part with them, I sold them for a substantial amount. Some store that used to advertise in the NYT Book Review. Many out-of-print that went on to inspire others, I hope.
Looks like a good one.
"It's what you learn after you know it all, that counts."
Generally attributed to John Wooden, famous UCLA basketball coach.
On photography books, I used to have many. Books by photographers: Ernst Haas, Lartique, Bill Brandt, Diane Arbus, Bresson, Robert Capa, etc.
When I decided to part with them, I sold them for a substantial amount. Some store that used to advertise in the NYT Book Review. Many out-of-print that went on to inspire others, I hope.
Oct 5, 2011 09:56:28 #
tony tank
Loc: newborn,ga
well i agree as many as it take or as many as ur card will hold to get it right just hope ur not useing a 16 gig card
Oct 5, 2011 09:57:28 #
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