Original post: I’ve always been a good photographer. It just took a while for others to recognize it! 🙂



Glad I brought a smile.

There is actually a more serious messege behind the humor however. When I first started experimenting with photography I believed I had the “potential” to be a pretty good photographer. I had painted for decades and had a decent knowledge of art history. I had a working sense of composition and color sense. My first efforts were fair at best, but not terrible. When I compared my photos to others I thought were very good I came to recognize areas of limitation that could be improved, primarily technical knowledge specific to photography. I took a few community college courses. As my knowledge grew so did my perception of my success, which in turn increased my motivation to continue to improve my skills. I got to a point where the whole creative package of photography became the important thing, not just the images themselves.That was the point where I changed from thinking I had the potential to be good, to i am a good photographer. This is also the point where others consistently gave me feedback that my image were worthwhile. From there on, it became a journey to discover where I could continue to improve further.

Here’s the thing. I believe that in any creative endeavor, it is possible for us to think of ourselves as being “good“, artistically, relative to our knowledge of what our artistic discipline demands. In early stages our standard for being good is a lot lower than it will be later on in the journey, and it may be much lower than others who see our efforts along the way. As we learn more, hopefully, we raise our own standard of “goodness” and we become more focused on the process rather than just the images themselves.

“Good photographers“ are those who see themselves as progressing through a creative process. As they progress, others around them will recognize their point along that journey. “Bad photographers” are those who are focused solely on producing images. They don’t see what they do as part of an evolving process. They are doomed to stagnate.

I’ve always been a good photographer. It just took a while for others to recognize it! 🙂

I use my tripod probably 95% of the time. My shooting style pretty much requires it. When I come across a scene that interests me, I start hand held on auto, moving around taking a few quick shots from various angles and heights. I keep chimping them until I see something on my camera’s screen that I want to pursue further. At that point I set up my tripod and start perfecting the composition. I may spend a number of minutes getting the composition the way I want it (zooming in/out, adjusting height, possibly shifting left or right, etc.). At that point I might either take the shot or settle in the wait for conditions to change (sunrise/sunset, less/more wind, Change in sun or cloud position, etc.). I prefer to shoot at base ISO and with small apertures as much as possible. I usually bracket for possible HDR, and for a bit of insurance for my exposure.

The way I compose makes going handheld pretty ineffective. I find my tripod to be indispensable. While camera technical abilities may make it possible to get acceptable exposures and in focus shots handheld, getting the best composition may require the time and attention to detail best achieved when using a tripod.

I have used Moab Desert Varnish, but not for its UV protection. I’m using pigment inks which generally have longer life than those printed with dye inks. I primarily use it to counter any bronzing effect I might get when printing, especially on larger prints. With the newer ink formulas, bronzing is less of a problem than it used to be, but can still occasionally show up as a problem on larger prints on certain papers. A double (but light) coat, one applied horizontally and one applied vertically works well to eliminate any bronzing effect that might arise. As to UV protection, I find using high grade papers and framing with TruView museum glass gives me the most peace of mind.

Would Galon Rowell’s photos be as stirring in B&W?

I’ve never quite understood the need to determine if one medium was better than the other. In the hands of the right artist both can result in exceptional (and “soulful” if you will) images. I sometimes think the debates are simply efforts to try to elevate one’s own preference to the level of “truth”. Hopefully, no resolution will be found anytime soon, and I can continue to shoot either without guilt or ridicule! 😈

Duplicate post

A few years ago a buddy and I took a trip to Florida to watch and photograph one of the final space shuttle launches. While there we took two days and went up to the Okefenokee. Truly a great place. We didn’t take a tour. Instead we rented a small aluminum rowboat with a 10 hp motor and spent two days roaming the swamp. (With your permission I’ll post one of my favorites from the trip)

It is a risk one takes, without doubt. Unfortunately, it is difficult not to have a web presence if one is selling art, so one is more or less forced to take that risk. The fact that I do take that risk does not make downloading and printing my images without gaining my permission any less of a theft, or the person who does it any less of a thief.

As someone who spent five years on the art festival circuit I feel quite strongly that anyone who would take my images from this or any other website, then print it and hang it in their home for their use without my explicit permission is nothing more than a common thief.

While I realize that it is difficult to totally prevent people from stealing an image posted on the web (even with efforts to minimize the ability to make a suitable print from the post) the fact that it can be done does not negate the fact that doing so is still theft.

I have spent many many hours finding the images I photograph, editing them, printing them, mounting and framing them. I have also spent many hours traveling, putting up and taking down my booth, and spending weekends meeting and greeting the public in order to sell my images to those who enjoy them enough to purchase one to hang in their home or office. There has also been significant financial investment made by me to be able to do so. To simply take my image without compensation is stealing.

Period.

Given that photography is (or at least can be) a creative art form, how is an abundance of “personal renditions” a bad thing?

If one wants to use wood frames but still maintain archival quality, one can use frame sealing tape, a metal based tape applied to the rabbet of the frame. The tape protects against acid migration.

When asked about digital signatures, a gallery owner I worked with replied, “We sell art here, not posters”.

Most people who are buying original artwork, expect authentic artist signatures. Sign your work proudly.

I wouldn’t let comments by UHH members discourage you from entering any of your photos in local contests. Local contests, especially if you are provided critiques, can be an excellent way to get feedback for improving future images.

When I first started entering local contests I didn’t come close to placing for an award, but I did continually learn from the critiques, which provided one source of feedback allowing me the improve to where I am now

Take, and enjoy, whatever opportunities for improving your skills that are presented to you. 🙂

I was thinking the same thing. It looks like one of RRS’s carbon fiber tripods, which I know from personal experience weighs nothing close to 20 lbs.

Is there really anything to be accomplished by criticizing what other photographers carry in terms of their gear? If it works for the guy, great. If it doesn’t work for you, carry what you prefer or need instead.