Greetings from Central Oregon
Dec 23, 2017 20:53:40 #
An (almost!) Merry Christmas to all you photogophiles from cold and slightly snowy Bend, Oregon...
I retired from 35+ years in law enforcement a few years ago (well, sorta, as I still do some occasional community policing things, but you get the idea). During my career, I had occasion to take numerous photographs...accident scene shots with cheap 35mm cameras and some of the early DSLRs, etc. Anything that required detail, as in a fatal accident or where a crime had occurred, we'd call in the ART (accident reconstruction team) folks or the detectives, both of whom had FAR better equipment and experience.
I also had occasion to work investigations and at least the equipment got a little better...but on both counts, what I was shooting was what I would term "technical" shots, with little thought given to an artistic value.
My lovely bride bought me a Nikon D3300 DSLR with the two kit lenses for Christmas last year and I've been on again/off again in learning the various nuances. The biggest killer of retired cops is boredom...no adrenaline pony to ride to get that natural high, so it's helpful to find healthy things to do to help fill the void. I've taken a couple of classes at the local community college and have been "practicing" in the meantime. I've made a commitment to take things more seriously and focus on making photography a more serious hobby...I'm trying to treat this like a journey and not some sort of destination.
While I'm getting more comfortable with the camera, the thing that (still) challenges me the most right now is composition. I tend to be pretty concrete and generally think very linearly (both personally and due to the job), like things have to be all right angles, with perfect symmetry, etc. Maybe a dash of anal retentive...pictures hung crooked drive me nuts! LOL...learning the rule of thirds was easy, but getting me to shoot the central character OFF CENTER was a challenge! :-) If you saw some of my photos from two trips to Scotland, one to Ireland, one to England and numerous US states...well, they're all in focus and not over/under exposed, but the composition...that "wow" factor... leaves something to be desired.
I'm not much of a "joiner" but when I stumbled across UHH, I got intrigued, and decided to join the ranks. I look forward to reading posts on various topics that will no doubt be helpful to me...and any tips you have to get past the "composition" thing would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers!
Bendmac
I retired from 35+ years in law enforcement a few years ago (well, sorta, as I still do some occasional community policing things, but you get the idea). During my career, I had occasion to take numerous photographs...accident scene shots with cheap 35mm cameras and some of the early DSLRs, etc. Anything that required detail, as in a fatal accident or where a crime had occurred, we'd call in the ART (accident reconstruction team) folks or the detectives, both of whom had FAR better equipment and experience.
I also had occasion to work investigations and at least the equipment got a little better...but on both counts, what I was shooting was what I would term "technical" shots, with little thought given to an artistic value.
My lovely bride bought me a Nikon D3300 DSLR with the two kit lenses for Christmas last year and I've been on again/off again in learning the various nuances. The biggest killer of retired cops is boredom...no adrenaline pony to ride to get that natural high, so it's helpful to find healthy things to do to help fill the void. I've taken a couple of classes at the local community college and have been "practicing" in the meantime. I've made a commitment to take things more seriously and focus on making photography a more serious hobby...I'm trying to treat this like a journey and not some sort of destination.
While I'm getting more comfortable with the camera, the thing that (still) challenges me the most right now is composition. I tend to be pretty concrete and generally think very linearly (both personally and due to the job), like things have to be all right angles, with perfect symmetry, etc. Maybe a dash of anal retentive...pictures hung crooked drive me nuts! LOL...learning the rule of thirds was easy, but getting me to shoot the central character OFF CENTER was a challenge! :-) If you saw some of my photos from two trips to Scotland, one to Ireland, one to England and numerous US states...well, they're all in focus and not over/under exposed, but the composition...that "wow" factor... leaves something to be desired.
I'm not much of a "joiner" but when I stumbled across UHH, I got intrigued, and decided to join the ranks. I look forward to reading posts on various topics that will no doubt be helpful to me...and any tips you have to get past the "composition" thing would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers!
Bendmac
Dec 23, 2017 21:00:10 #
Dec 23, 2017 21:07:02 #
Went through Bend last summer.... Welcome, and thanks for your work in law inforcement!
We're all learners here, really, if at different levels and aptitudes. You already seem to have the mechanics down. Now, look at LOTS of photos, here, in mags, on pro photographers' sites, on Flickr, and anywhere else you find them. Decide what YOU like in this photo or that, whether it be subject placement, lighting, exposure, whatever, and look to emulate those qualities. Eventually, through practice (including, yes, mistakes) and asking questions (most here are glad to help if you pose specific inquiries versus, say, "how do I take better photos"), you will find your own path of expression. All the best!
We're all learners here, really, if at different levels and aptitudes. You already seem to have the mechanics down. Now, look at LOTS of photos, here, in mags, on pro photographers' sites, on Flickr, and anywhere else you find them. Decide what YOU like in this photo or that, whether it be subject placement, lighting, exposure, whatever, and look to emulate those qualities. Eventually, through practice (including, yes, mistakes) and asking questions (most here are glad to help if you pose specific inquiries versus, say, "how do I take better photos"), you will find your own path of expression. All the best!
Dec 23, 2017 21:37:12 #
Glad to read this. I'm a retired ff/paramedic, battalion chief from Springfield. We have a place SW of Crescent just east of Odell Butte on the Little Deschutes. Much in common to be sure. Both careers were trying. Good scenery around there if you want to practice with your new gear. Give a holler if you wish.
Dec 23, 2017 21:52:02 #
Dec 23, 2017 22:13:37 #
Dec 24, 2017 04:56:36 #
Dec 24, 2017 07:04:59 #
Dec 24, 2017 07:39:54 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
Welcome to the hog! There are some good vids on you tube from B & H , Adoroma & others that will help you with some creative ideas. Once you get pass the rule of thirds & leading lines you should play with your aperture settings & see where it takes you. Here is a couple of links to get you started. Enjoy your holidays!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxGwNVNrB64
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8HZCdieSAo&index=16&list=PLOD1rrjm5sQAIAuOetLgtaxp7K30QtMNO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxGwNVNrB64
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8HZCdieSAo&index=16&list=PLOD1rrjm5sQAIAuOetLgtaxp7K30QtMNO
Dec 24, 2017 07:42:52 #
Dec 24, 2017 08:07:20 #
Welcome. I too left law enforcement-LA County Sheriff. I understand what you mean about taking pics with crappy cameras. You have come to the right place.you will really enjoy it here. Again, Welcpme!
Dec 24, 2017 09:16:33 #
Dec 24, 2017 10:20:13 #
Thank you for your service!!! I have been serving as a law enforcement chaplain since 2000. This spring and/or summer when I go to my properties in LaPine and schedules allow, we could meet and shoot (cameras).
Dec 24, 2017 12:57:54 #
Dec 24, 2017 16:48:07 #
Welcome to the forum. The cascade Camera club in Bend might be a helpful place for you. Lots of friendly photographers there.
Jack
Jack
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