Using pictures I like to determine what I should take pictures of?
Nov 29, 2018 22:07:00 #
Hi - I am a beginning "photographer". I have been taking pictures on my DSLR (currently a Nikon D7500) for about 3 years. I am very interested in the technical aspects of photography. I have spent a bunch of time reading and taking classes about general photography, exposure, focus systems, and post processing. I am happy that I have learned a lot about these technical aspects. When I take a bad picture I often can tell what went wrong technically. When I take pictures that are "technically" good - proper exposure, lighting, and focus I am often unimpressed with my creativity.
I am definitely not a creative person (I am an accountant - what can I do?) but I feel like if I could focus on the type of photographs that I like to look at maybe some passion and/or creativity would emerge? Is there a way to take a bunch of photos and rate them to help focus my passion?
I know this is a weird question but I am just looking for some inspiration.
I am definitely not a creative person (I am an accountant - what can I do?) but I feel like if I could focus on the type of photographs that I like to look at maybe some passion and/or creativity would emerge? Is there a way to take a bunch of photos and rate them to help focus my passion?
I know this is a weird question but I am just looking for some inspiration.
Nov 29, 2018 22:16:47 #
Use Flickr or 500px for libraries and galleries of excellent images. You might too post some examples of your meh work and ask for suggestions on what to do / how frame differently. Photography takes confidence, both in your technical ability and also in your willingness to push yourself to 'get' the keeper shot. For example, how close do you get to your subject? Do you get down on a knee, lay on the ground, climb on a chair, and similar to get an unusual & interesting angle? Do you move your AF point around the frame for selective focus at one of the 1/3 intersections within the frame? Do you go out with your camera hoping to find something interesting or do you pick a subject / destination and plan for good light / time of day and head there to create art?
Nov 29, 2018 22:24:38 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Use Flickr or 500px for libraries and galleries of... (show quote)
Great advice. My biggest problem is just trying find time to experiement. I am very busy in a relatively stressful job but I find that taking pictures, good or bad, reduces some of my stress. I guess that is the problem we all face at some point. Those who need relaxation the most have no time to relax. That is why I am looking for something to "focus" on!
Nov 29, 2018 22:58:20 #
rgood44 wrote:
Hi - I am a beginning "photographer". I... (show quote)
Finding your passion can be frustrating. The way I would start today is to think of the things that make me smile. I would go visit them and look for the photo within. I would look at the technical aspects of each area for lighting and camera settings but focus mostly on what it is about this item or person or setting that caught my eye first and then compose a photo around it. I would then practice and refine my shots, making note of the lighting conditions and the settings I used for when I am reviewing the photos to see what worked best. I would remember that I am trying to capture light and what you see in the viewfinder or lcd screen is often not what you get on the computer screen. That is where software like Adobe can help.
Nov 29, 2018 23:13:12 #
pmorin wrote:
Finding your passion can be frustrating. The way I... (show quote)
Again, great advice. I just need to make the time and accept the fact that I may not come home with what I expected. I have gone on photo walks and ended up with some surprising results.
Nov 29, 2018 23:39:03 #
There's an old expression, "There are horses for courses." Translated (for photographers), it means that people have different tastes and like to photograph different things. It depends upon where you live at first and what you have access to.
While I marvel at great scenics in B&W or color, or people who can capture other living creatures at a distance and make them look about 2 feet away, or crusty and raw street photography or even commercial product photography, I do none of this myself. Not that I haven't tried it all at one time or another, I find myself shooting beautiful women almost exclusively.
I don't call this portraiture, but technically, that's surely what it is
While I marvel at great scenics in B&W or color, or people who can capture other living creatures at a distance and make them look about 2 feet away, or crusty and raw street photography or even commercial product photography, I do none of this myself. Not that I haven't tried it all at one time or another, I find myself shooting beautiful women almost exclusively.
I don't call this portraiture, but technically, that's surely what it is
Nov 30, 2018 01:13:42 #
rgood44 wrote:
Great advice. My biggest problem is just trying find time to experiement. I am very busy in a relatively stressful job but I find that taking pictures, good or bad, reduces some of my stress. I guess that is the problem we all face at some point. Those who need relaxation the most have no time to relax. That is why I am looking for something to "focus" on!
What are your interests outside of work?
Are they family, flowers, sport, cars, 'scapes etc?
Concentrate on those things and with practice you should improve in time.
Nov 30, 2018 01:57:05 #
IDguy
Loc: Idaho
rgood44 wrote:
Hi - I am a beginning "photographer". I... (show quote)
I am like you: an engineer. I get the technical aspects of photography completely. I find the artistic part difficult.
One thing I did that helped was joining the local photography club. One thing they do is give you feedback on your images. I found that helpful but was often confounded by images that they ranked much higher than mine that I thought sucked.
I also submitted images to the State Fair. That was more rewarding. The last time I got two blue ribbons and one red...for images the photography club ranked pretty low.
So the message is seek input wherever you can get it. But don’t get discouraged!
Nov 30, 2018 03:12:14 #
Creativity should always be #1 concern. If the photo is uninteresting, you really don't have anything at all. In that situation, the other things such as focus and exposure won't matter.
Nov 30, 2018 03:56:02 #
Just get out and shoot, shoot, shoot. Don’t think of the technical stuff so much or you will miss the big Picture. Pun intended!
Nov 30, 2018 05:43:02 #
Errickcameron wrote:
Just get out and shoot, shoot, shoot. Don’t think of the technical stuff so much or you will miss the big Picture. Pun intended!
Totally agree. Only by doing this will a style develop and you will discover what attracts your eye the most.
Nov 30, 2018 06:24:48 #
sueyeisert
Loc: New Jersey
find a theme you're interested in. My friend likes to photograph graffiti. Maybe photograph men at work, reflections, doors ,windows, holiday windows. you need to see what's around you.
Nov 30, 2018 06:34:00 #
Nov 30, 2018 07:06:30 #
I share similar issues as you describe. One of the things I've learned to do is just to get in the car to see here it takes me, then get out and take pictures. Over time, I've gotten a sensed of what I like to do, one of which is panoramas especially 360/180's.
Nov 30, 2018 07:13:39 #
rgood44 wrote:
Hi - I am a beginning "photographer". I... (show quote)
"Talent does what it can; Genious does what it must".
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