Does anyone have this mental challenge or is it just me?
May 2, 2019 01:55:43 #
I like color photos with dark, rich colors and I adjust them so in PP.
When I convert to black and white and try different settings I just can’t make it look as good as other people’s black and white even when I look at YouTube videos and use presets. I just really don’t like black and white but some people can do it really well and it’s acceptable.
Same thing for that light and airy look. Sometimes I think it looks good for weddings. I try that in camera and in PP and it looks like s**t. It just looks overexposed when I do it. Although I saw one person’ light and airy that was so overexposed you could barely tell there was an image in the photo and I felt it was way over done.
And about half the time everyone else’s photography looks better than mine. Even when I get a lot of compliments from my clients and friends.
It’s like I’m my own worst critic. Every so often I create a shot that I’m really proud of.
Does anyone else have these feelings?
When I convert to black and white and try different settings I just can’t make it look as good as other people’s black and white even when I look at YouTube videos and use presets. I just really don’t like black and white but some people can do it really well and it’s acceptable.
Same thing for that light and airy look. Sometimes I think it looks good for weddings. I try that in camera and in PP and it looks like s**t. It just looks overexposed when I do it. Although I saw one person’ light and airy that was so overexposed you could barely tell there was an image in the photo and I felt it was way over done.
And about half the time everyone else’s photography looks better than mine. Even when I get a lot of compliments from my clients and friends.
It’s like I’m my own worst critic. Every so often I create a shot that I’m really proud of.
Does anyone else have these feelings?
May 2, 2019 02:30:55 #
I am not a photographer, it seems to me that you are your own worst enemy!!!
In life, in general, you have to tell yourself every day that you are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!
In life, in general, you have to tell yourself every day that you are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!
May 2, 2019 03:52:46 #
As a hobbyst, if I am unhappy with my photographs I will work away at particular subject(s) untill I am happy with them.
Very ocasionally I may have to buy a bit more gear, however that hasn't happened for at least 4 years.
Very ocasionally I may have to buy a bit more gear, however that hasn't happened for at least 4 years.
May 2, 2019 04:06:12 #
Fotoman150 - Go the way you prefer! Being critical of the results, now or in retrospect, is just fine. I review old photos (and toss some out) all the time. But my keepers are getting better every day. It is only you, as the photographer who needs to be satisfied. Best wishes!
May 2, 2019 05:24:32 #
fotoman150 wrote:
I like color photos with dark, rich colors and I a... (show quote)
I do! I don't remember when I shot a decent B&W. Back in the film days although I love the B&W darkroom I don't do it because I simply can't shoot B&W. So I always did color darkroom and missed the ability of seeing the images appear in the developing trays.
May 2, 2019 07:12:05 #
Over the years, I've learned to put my best effort into something important. Whatever the results are, that's what they are. Like in the old west, there is always a faster gun. Just be thankful that photography isn't a live-or-die hobby. 
May 2, 2019 07:14:35 #
May 2, 2019 07:42:53 #
May 2, 2019 07:49:37 #
I think what you do to a photo depends on the photo. in other words, one size does not fit all photos. if the photo has faded colors I might saturate colors just a tiny bit, If I have bright overexposed area I use the darken highlites , brighten shadows switch. I try to do only what I think the photo needs and nothing more and always in small doses. In the end its only your opinion that counts.
May 2, 2019 09:28:45 #
fotoman150 wrote:
I like color photos with dark, rich colors and I a... (show quote)
A little psychoanalysis here, do you have these feelings about other facets of your life? Perhaps a childhood holdover thing with your parents?
I don't believe it's unusual for we humans to feel "less than" as we look around and compare ourselves to others. No matter what people want society to be like these days we are not all created equal. So, don't compare yourself to others. Simply do the very best job you can do and continue to learn and grow in the field. Don't try to do what others do, find your own way with your images. Create your own vision with the work you do, that is what art is all about.
And, to answer your question, Yes, I do sometimes feel "less than" others but I just continue to study the art of photography and grow in the way I shoot images and process images.
May 2, 2019 10:33:58 #
You might seek advice via a deeper analysis of your images. There are many qualified UHH members who can provide analysis and practical and actionable ideas to improve, in general or specifically for your B&W conversions. Such a discussion would be helped by a stored example of your work and your own assessment of what is lacking. Rather than the wide west of the Photo Gallery, try the Post Processing section.
May 2, 2019 10:56:50 #
I, too, prefer color but when I see a really good b/w it can make such an impactful statement. Dabbling a bit with b/w in LR and then trying presets just didn't work. Then I was told about Silver Efex by a very helpful UHH member that is part of the Nik Collection and it has changed the game. I rarely shoot for b/w but when it happens I always turn to Silver Efex to pp the photo. There are tutorials on youtube but the program is fairly simple to use.
May 2, 2019 11:34:30 #
Harry0
Loc: Gardena, Cal
fotoman150 wrote:
I like color photos with dark, rich colors and I a... (show quote)
The more you define the problem the more you define the solution.
I too like dark rich colors. I shoot "vivid" film and myDSLRs are on the "vivid" setting.
Converted to B&W, that dark brown, deep red and dank green ... kinda look the the same.
B&W is about detail. Textures, lines, and contrasts. Try a tad of PP overesposure, and convert.
May 2, 2019 12:39:16 #
May 2, 2019 12:53:17 #
fotoman150 wrote:
.....Every so often I create a shot that I’m really proud of.....
What you need to realise is that those shots you compare your own to are somebody else's "every so often" shots. Having said that, your inner critic is your friend and it will help you to not only maintain your standards, it'll drive you to improve. Just don't get too quick to bin stuff you think is mediocre. When we train ourselves to look for faults/shortcomings in our work, we run the risk of becoming too harsh a critic and not seeing the best in our own stuff. Feedback from peers is valuable in helping us to stay balanced and realistic.
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