Percent of good pictures: I had my first class last night. Our instructor said that out of 100 pictures we should be jumping for joy if we have 5 great pictures from this. She said...

lindann

I had my first class last night. Our instructor said that out of 100 pictures we should be jumping for joy if we have 5 great pictures from this. She said professionals get about 20% and that is a wonderful thing.

I learned a lot last night. I loved it.

notnoBuddha

Can't argue with your instructor - I would surmise the rub may be in the knowing and learning so one can tell the difference at a glance and idealy before the shot is taken.

PNagy Loc: Missouri City, Texas

I agree with your instructor. Most of my shots are good to serviceable, but I would not submit them for publication.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

I will argue with your insturctor. If you will take the time to think about composure,background, white balance,depth of field, what you want to say etc. etc. you should get a lot better precentage of good and great pictures. You will also learn why you didn't. The only drawback that I see in digitel of film is taking too many shots that are not thought out. With film each shot costs. I used to do 36 shot weddings and used two 20 shot rolls of film. I would often give two or three extras becuse while not great all the pictures were good enough to please my customers. Dave

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

if the photos you take give you pleasure or an emotional response then they are perfect, no matter what tecqnical fllaws they might have. if you are producing photos for others then his percentage mayy be a little high. since i don't sell to others and don't require external valiidation to value my work, i would say about 80-85% of my work is good and above by my standards. if others like what I do that is great if others don't that is also fine.

billybob40

I'M WITH YOU ON THAT.

Heather Anne Loc: Moncks Corner Sc

I had a professor tell me that, but he also said that if you had the eye for it and understood about lighting, you would probably get a lot more pictures that were good for use.

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

lindann wrote:

I had my first class last night. Our instructor said that out of 100 pictures we should be jumping for joy if we have 5 great pictures from this. She said professionals get about 20% and that is a wonderful thing.

I learned a lot last night. I loved it.

That's about right if you have good light to start shooting.

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

wilsondl2 wrote:

I will argue with your insturctor. If you will ta... (show quote)

I think you are arguing the point from the prospective of a professional. I shot 12 & 24 exposure roll film in my wedding profession. I had to pre-plan every shot or pose every shot. The folks in here are just learning so it's wise to choose a number of angles, lighting and F-stop exposures to learn the differences. I bracket my shots in testy lighting to assure a good exposure or HDR shot.

Troy Loc: Wisconsin

lindann wrote:

I had my first class last night. Our instructor said that out of 100 pictures we should be jumping for joy if we have 5 great pictures from this. She said professionals get about 20% and that is a wonderful thing.

I learned a lot last night. I loved it.

I must be a really very bad photographer. I feel elated if I get 1 out of 100 pictures that live up to my standards. I'm pretty picky though and as time goes on my standards are raised. Customers demand that now with so many photographers offering their goods.

I specialize in local Wildlife Photography and don't always have the opportunity for do-overs and have perfect weather/lighting conditions.

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

lindann wrote:

I had my first class last night. Our instructor said that out of 100 pictures we should be jumping for joy if we have 5 great pictures from this. She said professionals get about 20% and that is a wonderful thing.

I learned a lot last night. I loved it.

Hello, I teach photography and I tell my students that every image you shoot should be considered your best work. I tell my students to slow down and really look through the viewfinder before shooting. Spend a couple of extra minutes looking at all 4 corners of the viewfinder and just take your time. I am not a perfect image maker but when I go out shooting, most of the time I dont shoot anywhere near 100 images, sometimes just 4 or 5. Most of the time that 4 or 5 set of images is pretty darn good. Enjoy what you do and always strive to be a better artist. One other thought. Its not the medium you choose to record to or the output method you decide to use. The content within your frame and the execution of your vision is all that matters. If only one person is moved by your work then it has spoken. Dont shoot 100 images to realize 5. Shoot 5 images to realize 5 really good ones.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Ansel Adams--"If you get 12 goods shots a year, you have had a good year." (or something close to that sentiment.)

LarryD Loc: Mojave Desert

I would agree in general with the instructor if we differentiate between "good" and "great", as in the original post..

Many of my shots come out pretty good.... but only a few come out "great" and become worthy of hanging on a wall..

photo1017 Loc: East NJ

Taking the time and effort to perfect every shot is a great goal, but all too often a shot must be 'rushed' to capture that moment in time.
When you have the chance, take the time for 100% effectiveness. Spray and pray is very ineffective.

silver Loc: Santa Monica Ca.

photo1017 wrote:

Taking the time and effort to perfect every shot is a great goal, but all too often a shot must be 'rushed' to capture that moment in time.
When you have the chance, take the time for 100% effectiveness. Spray and pray is very ineffective.

One should always take the time to realize the goal. I have never been "rushed" when I am out making images. I am not talking about wedding photography or sports photography. Why be rushed doing something that you love. Savor the moment and strive to always do your best.