What is the one thing that has made you a better photographer?
Aug 1, 2013 18:09:04 #
Clicksy wrote:
I agree, Bryan Petersons books are fantastic. Thankyou for the advise :)
That too...plus Kelby's books...plus taking lots of shots as many have noted.
Aug 1, 2013 18:11:09 #
Another just came to mind. The Boise Camera Club rocks! The people there help on everything.
Find your local camera club and give it a try.
Find your local camera club and give it a try.
Aug 1, 2013 18:18:27 #
It's got to be my camera, without it I would not be able to take any pictures
Aug 1, 2013 19:28:21 #
Bruce Barnbaum's book 'The Art of Photography' helped me turn a big corner. I focused on taking technically correct snapshots for a very long time. They usually weren't very interesting. Bruce's book put me onto the road of putting personal expression into my photography to compose creative pictures that tell a story.
I've already been through the book three times and practice what I'm learning by taking pictures every day. I now spend a great deal of time thinking about what I want to shoot and planning before actually taking a picture. I'm starting to see a little improvement in my pictures but still have a long way to go.
I also get ideas and inspiration looking at the pictures in books, magazines, on-line and in sites like this one. My pictures are only for my own enjoyment so I don't hesitate to try some of the wonderful ideas I come across. It's a start that will hopefully lead to coming up with some good ideas of my own.
Good luck and have fun.
I've already been through the book three times and practice what I'm learning by taking pictures every day. I now spend a great deal of time thinking about what I want to shoot and planning before actually taking a picture. I'm starting to see a little improvement in my pictures but still have a long way to go.
I also get ideas and inspiration looking at the pictures in books, magazines, on-line and in sites like this one. My pictures are only for my own enjoyment so I don't hesitate to try some of the wonderful ideas I come across. It's a start that will hopefully lead to coming up with some good ideas of my own.
Good luck and have fun.
Aug 1, 2013 21:27:22 #
Learning to "really" see.
Only shoot in good light. Harsh blown out highlights are a distraction.
Planning the shot instead of wandering around looking for a shot.
Planning sunrise photos during the day and being completely prepared to take the shot early the next day in the morning.
Practice good technique until you can do it without conscious thinking.
Learning the importance of the foreground component.
Only shoot in good light. Harsh blown out highlights are a distraction.
Planning the shot instead of wandering around looking for a shot.
Planning sunrise photos during the day and being completely prepared to take the shot early the next day in the morning.
Practice good technique until you can do it without conscious thinking.
Learning the importance of the foreground component.
Aug 1, 2013 21:51:55 #
Clicksy wrote:
Looking through the photos on this wonderful site I see such talent, which got me thinking that everyone had to start somewhere......... so my question is If you could offer only one piece of information to a beginner photographer (like myself) that has greatly improved your skills what would it be?
The simple answer is to practice and to be objective in your self-criticism.
But what helped me most was reading about how the really good photographers worked - people like Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Youseph Karsh, Edward Steichen and too many others to list here.
Aug 1, 2013 22:08:32 #
take my time and really see the picture before I push down on the shutter. 5 minutes spent before can save me 1/2 an hour "fixing" an issue in photoshop that could have easily been avoided.
Aug 1, 2013 22:13:47 #
Morrisdh wrote:
Clicksy, The answer to that one is easy. You actua... (show quote)
Thank you for your great advice Morrisdh! I will definitely take note
:thumbup:
Aug 1, 2013 22:18:55 #
MT Shooter wrote:
the two things that contributed most to advancement as a photographer were:
1. Better lenses.
2. A GOOD tripod.
1. Better lenses.
2. A GOOD tripod.
Thankyou for your reply MT Shooter. I have just updated my camera to a canon 6D and purchased the 24-105mm lense and I am loving the combination. I will definitely add to my lenses as my skill improves (and my bank balance). I have the a vanguard tripod at the moment and while I love it it is just a tad too heavy so I'm on the lookout out for a lighter weight sturdy tripod. Are there any you can recommend?
Thanks again MT Shooter
Aug 1, 2013 22:24:27 #
Bmac wrote:
Think before you shoot, observe your surroundings, and see things others are not seeing. 8-)
So simple but so true! Thankyou Bmac for your advice :)
Aug 1, 2013 22:29:53 #
A few months ago, I decided to spend $25 a month on my photography education ... with Lynda.com ... and have learned so much from their professional instructors. They've answered questions I didn't know how to ask!
Aug 1, 2013 22:31:23 #
Other photographers!
I'm terribly competitive, and I can't stop comparing myself to others. I always try to find what they did right, then I find what I felt they did wrong. The Photographers I can't find anything wrong with, are the ones I admire, watch, and listen too.
The photographers who works is less then desirable I stop and look at there work and wonder what direction they are coming from. Even if they don't know how to take a great picture, it doesn't mean they do not have a good eye. It may be they are just inexperience with their camera's, but not with incredible photography.
I'm terribly competitive, and I can't stop comparing myself to others. I always try to find what they did right, then I find what I felt they did wrong. The Photographers I can't find anything wrong with, are the ones I admire, watch, and listen too.
The photographers who works is less then desirable I stop and look at there work and wonder what direction they are coming from. Even if they don't know how to take a great picture, it doesn't mean they do not have a good eye. It may be they are just inexperience with their camera's, but not with incredible photography.
Aug 1, 2013 22:34:59 #
SharpShooter wrote:
SCHOOL
Clicksy, most will never tad this step. It's criticle to becoming a top notch photographer. No matter what level your at, you will move to a level you didn't know existed. SS
Clicksy, most will never tad this step. It's criticle to becoming a top notch photographer. No matter what level your at, you will move to a level you didn't know existed. SS
I must admit, this is one avenue I would love to pursue! Hopefully in the future when time is a little more abundant I can enrol. Did you ever do any correspondent courses? Thanks for your reply sharpshooter :)
Aug 1, 2013 22:36:20 #
Aug 1, 2013 22:56:48 #
juicesqueezer wrote:
Rule #1: Take lot's of pictures!
Rule #2: See rule 1
My Dad had a great eye for composition. I only wish I could come close. Have fun and keep clicking!
Rule #2: See rule 1
My Dad had a great eye for composition. I only wish I could come close. Have fun and keep clicking!
Yes, composition seems to be a real knack. I will definitely heed your advice in taking LOTS of pictures! Thankyou juicesqueezer :)
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