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I am depressed...
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Nov 6, 2019 09:23:24   #
CWGordon
 
Wow! Now we know what is important to people we have never met! Psychologists cannot do this as quickly as some readers. I am not a religious guy and often question what it provides. If I ever see value in it, it is always the comfort it can provide individuals. I think many people are greatly benefitted by religion. Because it is not my thing does not mean it is not wonderful for others. I do not attempt to impose my religious beliefs on others. Doing so, most certainly does not help those who seek its’ comfort in any way. Respecting each others’ religious beliefs, even if you disagree with them, seems a more positive approach. That is my opinion, anyway.

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Nov 6, 2019 09:32:22   #
Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana
 
Thank you all, for your well wishes and suggestions. I live in an apartment now, and wherever I point my camera, All I can get in the
background are parts of other apartment buildings. I do have room to put out a birdfeeder and birdbath and that's it. So, in the Spring I will. I can't solve the background issue though.

I have the same problem with sunrises and sunsets. There are a lot of signs in the way. The only people I'll take, are of family. I do sometimes take macro shots.

I have assigned myself two tasks to accomplish this winter. I have an older version of PS, (2013 I believe). I am also writing a book. Both of those should keep me busy.

Once again, thank you.

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Nov 6, 2019 09:33:12   #
JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco
 
Subjects for photography are everywhere. Two of the great Edward Weston's classic photographs are of a bell pepper and a toilet. You can Google them.

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Nov 6, 2019 09:35:07   #
John Lawrence
 
I lost my mobility several years ago so I know how you feel, Bob. I like to cook so I’ve started doing some food photography at home. I’ve attached one of my images to offer some encouragement. My wife also drives me to interesting places now and then. It took a while but I’ve adjusted to my new lifestyle. Wishing you all the best.

John



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Nov 6, 2019 09:35:57   #
PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon
 
Bob Mevis wrote:
I have assigned myself two tasks to accomplish this winter. I have an older version of PS, (2013 I believe). I am also writing a book. Both of those should keep me busy.

Once again, thank you.


The writing of a book is brilliant!

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Nov 6, 2019 09:43:13   #
GreyOwl40 Loc: Quebec City
 
Bob, Just another suggestion for the future. When you are out car shopping, turn that into a photo shoot. You will get some great images of new cars which may even help you arrive at a decision. This may have been already mentioned, but instead of just family, you could probably get some really interesting photos of kids having fun in the park.

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Nov 6, 2019 09:46:37   #
Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana
 
dsmeltz wrote:
Start by using a more interesting term than "depression", which sounds so ordinary. Personally I like "ennui." "Melancholia" is a close second. I do not believe there is any environment where you cannot find images to photograph that would capture either "ennui" or "melancholia." Capturing "depression" though would just be .. well .. sad. After capturing a few shots like that your view of your surroundings might change.

Also read the book "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron (https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-4nuBRCnARIsAHwyuPqXpbsiJqqCOSd_1L-8STLGi_-HcQ0jUs2HrXwphYVcdbIvQOZzuOgaAvzKEALw_wcB&hvadid=241953411827&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9003957&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=2485926443696533637&hvtargid=kwd-468317885&keywords=the+artists%27+way&qid=1573049836&sr=8-1). The exercises can really help you break out of this kind of block. Possibly even better than using $5 words like "ennui" or "melancholia."
Start by using a more interesting term than "... (show quote)


I like the term ennui. It is much better than depression. Thank you for that.

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Nov 6, 2019 10:10:14   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
Bob Mevis wrote:
Thank you all, for your well wishes and suggestions. I live in an apartment now, and wherever I point my camera, All I can get in the
background are parts of other apartment buildings. I do have room to put out a birdfeeder and birdbath and that's it. So, in the Spring I will. I can't solve the background issue though.

I have the same problem with sunrises and sunsets. There are a lot of signs in the way. The only people I'll take, are of family. I do sometimes take macro shots.

I have assigned myself two tasks to accomplish this winter. I have an older version of PS, (2013 I believe). I am also writing a book. Both of those should keep me busy.

Once again, thank you.
Thank you all, for your well wishes and suggestion... (show quote)


Folks always seem to put bird feeder up high. When the feeders are lower a small log or tree branch, real or fake, on the ground near the feeder gives the birds a place to land and eat their seed. Shooting down when the birds look up let's you use the ground as a background. Even concrete or black top looks fine if you shoot with a wide aperture.

My neighbor lost a leg a few months back. He was really depressed for about a month. Then he kicked himself in the butt one morning with the foot he still had. He started looking for things he could do instead of concentrating on what he can't. Once his spirits were raised he began to find ways to do some of the things he thought he could never do again.

Keep doing what you can, and vent your frustrations here on UHH about the things you can't do ... yet!

And, no matter what denomination start visiting the closest churches. Even if you don't share their beliefs you will find plenty of photo ops!

----

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Nov 6, 2019 10:17:00   #
CWGordon
 
Taking pictures of children playing in the Park is a great idea. Unfortunately, you can be approached and accosted by the parents who may fear you are a molester.
Before we get upset with the parents, let us remember how often such child molesters are seen taking photos of children. Often, after arrests are made, evidence, in the form of hundreds and even thousands of pictures of children are located in the domicile of the offender. Often, there is nothing pornographic whatsoever about these pictures.
I’m not saying...I’m just saying.
Issues today are often simplified by people looking to find a black and white solution to a problem. Rarely, is it that easy.

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Nov 6, 2019 10:21:02   #
Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana
 
CWGordon wrote:
Taking pictures of children playing in the Park is a great idea. Unfortunately, you can be approached and accosted by the parents who may fear you are a molester.
Before we get upset with the parents, let us remember how often such child molesters are seen taking photos of children. Often, after arrests are made, evidence, in the form of hundreds and even thousands of pictures of children are located in the domicile of the offender. Often, there is nothing pornographic whatsoever about these pictures.
I’m not saying...I’m just saying.
Issues today are often simplified by people looking to find a black and white solution to a problem. Rarely, is it that easy.
Taking pictures of children playing in the Park is... (show quote)


That reason you spoke of, is exactly why I don't take pictures of people.

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Nov 6, 2019 10:24:51   #
CWGordon
 
Bird feeders being mounted high off the ground is often done to discourage Squirrels from getting in on the action. Also, different breeds of birds have places - and heights - where they are most comfortable eating. Some will not eat from a low hanging spot. Some will eat off the ground. Perches v Platforms are also variables. All of these factors will determine which birds will take advantage of the hospitality being offerred.
I know almost nothing about those things, but can tell you that many places that sell seed can tell you what you need to know to attract the birds that interest you. Alternately, call the nearest local Audubon Society office. Can’t be one too far away from just about anyone in this country.

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Nov 6, 2019 10:27:36   #
CWGordon
 
It’s tough out there and not getting any easier!
You show great restraint and wisdom in considering whether or not...

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Nov 6, 2019 10:41:47   #
GreyOwl40 Loc: Quebec City
 
CWGordon wrote:
Taking pictures of children playing in the Park is a great idea. Unfortunately, you can be approached and accosted by the parents who may fear you are a molester.
Before we get upset with the parents, let us remember how often such child molesters are seen taking photos of children. Often, after arrests are made, evidence, in the form of hundreds and even thousands of pictures of children are located in the domicile of the offender. Often, there is nothing pornographic whatsoever about these pictures.
I’m not saying...I’m just saying.
Issues today are often simplified by people looking to find a black and white solution to a problem. Rarely, is it that easy.
Taking pictures of children playing in the Park is... (show quote)


CW, Good point! Grew up in an era where these kinds of things never seemed to be an issue. How about getting to know some teachers (and maybe the parents ) at a local nursery school or kindergarten and then volunteering to take photos when they have special events like Halloween, or Thanksgiving, etc. Just a thought.

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Nov 6, 2019 10:45:32   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
CWGordon wrote:
Bird feeders being mounted high off the ground is often done to discourage Squirrels from getting in on the action. Also, different breeds of birds have places - and heights - where they are most comfortable eating. Some will not eat from a low hanging spot. Some will eat off the ground. Perches v Platforms are also variables. All of these factors will determine which birds will take advantage of the hospitality being offerred.
I know almost nothing about those things, but can tell you that many places that sell seed can tell you what you need to know to attract the birds that interest you. Alternately, call the nearest local Audubon Society office. Can’t be one too far away from just about anyone in this country.
Bird feeders being mounted high off the ground is ... (show quote)


You are absolutely right. But since the OP can not control the background when shooting higher, I was pointing out an option. I use nothing but sunflower seed, with only one feeder. Over the course of 12 months I have over 2 dozen varieties coming to my feeder that sits about two and a half feet off the ground. . The small ones like the Chipping Sparrow, Chickadees, Gold Finches get along just fine with the Blue Jays, Thrashers, Mourning Doves, etc. When the Cooper's Hawk decides to hang out the larger birds scatter while the smaller ones hide in a large Barberry bush.

Birds are opportunist. Put a little food out regularly and they will show up. It took a number of years before the Woodpeckers made my feeder a regular stop.

---

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Nov 6, 2019 10:54:22   #
PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon
 
Just a random thought!

This is a very caring bunch of people. The response to Bob's post has been terrific!

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