Burned out . . . Need Advice

Diane B · Sep 22, 2002

Matthew Cromer said:
Most all my pictures are taken with a Sony DSC-F707.

At some point I will pick up an SLR, probably an OlyDak or a Canon.

Didn't realize that--I was going to suggest going to the same places you have taken and use different lenses which can result in totally different images--different settings, different times of day. I, too, live in NC--but many of my images are from my own property and in the very close area. I'm not particularly a landscape photographer and not a wildlife photographer. I think traveling can give one some wonderful images, but maybe it would be a good thing to try some other styles--still lifes, macros, B/W (you really have to 'see' differently at times for b/w). You could surprise yourself and find other styles you really like smile . Sounds to me as though this is a good time to challenge yourself since you can't just move so you can shoot other subjects LOL.
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Patrick F Martin · Sep 22, 2002

TonyK_in_Texas said:
Most, if not all, of us deal with this in one form or another.

I saw your "pier" shots and noticed there were only 2. Why not do
a study of that pier? Take a day and just sit and wait. Take it
early, mid-day, late and night. Crammed with people and with no
one present. Look for unusual angles and perspectives.

Reminds me of Rembrandt and the Haystacks! Its true though. The obvious shots jump out at you (and everyone else); the elusive ones are what makes photography so rewarding.
patricknyc

Diane B · Sep 22, 2002

Matthew Cromer said:
I've shot my local area about as thoroughly as I can and I'm burned
out (Raleigh, NC). I recently got back from a trip to the
southwest and other than the rainy weather which limited my shot
opportunity felt like I was in photographer's paradise.

I've spent time in the southwest--there is a culture shock (and certainly an environmental one LOL) coming back to 'green' in NC. Everything seems like a photo op there--light is different, things are so SOOOOOOOOO.

But--I looked at your galleries (nice) and knowing you are in Raleigh area--what about going DT and shoot architectural shots or 'details', over to the state fair in October, down to Pittsboro area or out in the country, the arboretum over near the State campus or the botanical gardens in Chapel HIll, out toward the coast-particularly in the Fall--LOTS of wildlife out on the Outer Banks as the migratory birds and waterfowl come through. I'm at the other end of the state, but know that end a bit. I just think you are having a hard time after leaving the marvelous landscapes, people and places--and color--of the southwest. We live in a glorious area too--just different. I suspect you are just in a 'funk' smile .

BTW, that pier looks strangely familiar--but its not the same one.
http://www.pbase.com/image/523396
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

matt frederick · Sep 22, 2002

John, all creative ventures need growth. No growth = no creativity. Give the guy a break. (I was going to share my 'label' for you, but have decided not to.)

Matthew, I've experienced that in other mediums (painting, design, etc) I find that changing focus, or hooking up with other like minded individuals brings great inspiration.

Matt.

--
Be Good Humans.

http://www.theMirrorpool.com
http://www.digart209.org
http://www.mattfrederickdesign.com

Matthew Cromer · Sep 22, 2002

But--I looked at your galleries (nice) and knowing you are in

Diane B said:
Raleigh area--what about going DT and shoot architectural shots or
'details',

I've tried shooting the Raleigh downtown a few times and never got something I really loved. I do want to shoot it sometime on a foggy morning, but I am always in a rush to get to work. Maybe tomorrow. . .

Diane B said:
over to the state fair in October

Maybe I'll go shoot the state fair without my family. I can't afford to take the family this year -- I always blow $100 or more, and we spent our money in the southwest this year.

Diane B said:
down to Pittsboro
area or out in the country

Any particular places in Pittsboro area you recommend?

, the arboretum over near the State

Diane B said:
campus

Ahh, the J.C. Raulston Arboretum. I must say I feel justified to say I have truly shot the arboretum. Probably at least 2500 frames on 20+ occasions. Some really good stuff, including most of my frog and dragonfly photos.

or the botanical gardens in Chapel HIll, out toward the

Diane B said:
coast-particularly in the Fall--LOTS of wildlife out on the Outer
Banks as the migratory birds and waterfowl come through.

Yeah, the coast should be great, but it is something of a drive. Maybe I'll take the kiddos there this fall.

--
my favorite work: http://www.pbase.com/sdaconsulting/favorite_work

Kool March One · Sep 22, 2002

Matthew Cromer said:
I've shot my local area about as thoroughly as I can and I'm burned
out (Raleigh, NC). I recently got back from a trip to the
southwest and other than the rainy weather which limited my shot
opportunity felt like I was in photographer's paradise.

I basically shoot landscape and wildlife along with the obligatory
family pictures. I haven't found any other flavor of photography
very interesting.

There are some good places to shoot landscape / wildlife in North
Carolina, but they are mostly 3-4 hours away.

Is the only answer to do more travel? I see a bottomless hole in
my time / finances opening up here, but I feel drawn in that
direction. The muse is calling. . .

--
my favorite work: http://www.pbase.com/sdaconsulting/favorite_work

andyfrazer · Sep 22, 2002

Patrick F Martin said:
Reminds me of Rembrandt and the Haystacks!

Hmmmm...I didn't know Rembrandt painted any haystacks.

Rembrandt -> dark, brooding portraits
Monet -> haystacks

Andy Frazer
My website -> http://www.gorillasites.com
Please comment on this one -> http://www.photosig.com/viewphoto.php?id=229781

Juan A Pons · Sep 22, 2002

Matt,

You may want to join some other like minded individuals. There are a few photo orgs in the area. You may want to try:

Capital City Camera Club
http://home.nc.rr.com/cccc/

Chapel Hill Camera Club
http://chcc.webjack.com/

Carolina's Nature Photographers Association
http://www.cnpa.org/

I belong to the Chapel Hill Camera club myself.

I have found myself in the same situation, and what I do is I work through it. Usually by shooting Macro. I live just outside of Chapel Hill on 5 acres of land, and with my macro lens I can literally spend an entire day just covering a vary small area. Just today I spent about 4 - 5 hours shooting some mushrooms and a Painted Box turtle that I found crawling around my property.

Macro subjects are plenty and varied, you have to have proper macro equipment to make it worth it though.

What I also find myself doing is visiting some fo the local state and national parks that are MUCH closer than the mountains or the shore. Such as Raven Rock, Uwharrie, any pf the Triangle land conservancy lands, or just drive around looking for old farms, mills, etc. If you travel Around Chatham, Orange, and Harnett Counties, you will find no end of subjects. All of these Counties are less than 30 mins away from you.

If you want to shoot together some time, feel free to shoot me an email.

-J

Matthew Cromer said:
I've shot my local area about as thoroughly as I can and I'm burned
out (Raleigh, NC). I recently got back from a trip to the
southwest and other than the rainy weather which limited my shot
opportunity felt like I was in photographer's paradise.

I basically shoot landscape and wildlife along with the obligatory
family pictures. I haven't found any other flavor of photography
very interesting.

There are some good places to shoot landscape / wildlife in North
Carolina, but they are mostly 3-4 hours away.

Is the only answer to do more travel? I see a bottomless hole in
my time / finances opening up here, but I feel drawn in that
direction. The muse is calling. . .

--
my favorite work: http://www.pbase.com/sdaconsulting/favorite_work

andyfrazer · Sep 22, 2002

Matthew Cromer said:
Well it's good that you can take pictures on one rotten log for the
rest of your life and feel inspired. I can't. I feel like my
thirst for more and different sights is more curse than blessing.

I've always been like this even before I got into photography.
Always needing to move, to see the next sight.

You might try to take your local landscapes with a different angle: severe weather, infrared or even night photography. But the bottom line seems to be that, to me, extensive travel is a requirement to become a "great" landscape photograper, particularly travel to places that most people have never been to. I think if you want to get into landscape photography for the long haul, you need to plan on spending some big bucks.

If I lived in NC, I could find tons to photograph: abandonded buildings at night, overgrown cemeteries, the Outer Banks during a storm...

Good luck,

Andy Frazer
My website -> http://www.gorillasites.com
Please comment on this one -> http://www.photosig.com/viewphoto.php?id=229781

andyfrazer · Sep 22, 2002

John Davis said:
Photographers never burn out. Photographers shoot the same subject
over and over gain. Ansel Adams reprinted the same negative several
times, differently over a period of forty years. Should I go on?

If you are burned out... maybe you need a different hobby.

John

Take a minute and study the biographies of any famous artists. All artists worth their salt burn out at some point. The best ones probably burn out many times. It's that frustration that drives them to get their breakthroughs and create their best work (at least, the ones who react positively to their burnout).

Andy Frazer
My website -> http://www.gorillasites.com
Please comment on this one -> http://www.photosig.com/viewphoto.php?id=229781

Diane B · Sep 22, 2002

Matthew Cromer said:
Any particular places in Pittsboro area you recommend?

No, I would just reiterate what someone else said--get out and walk and look--there are some fine craftspeople in that area, some scenic areas--I just wander. Or drive within your area to somewhere near--and get out and walk slowly and just look around. I understand your feeling, but sometimes you just have to look for something different. If you lived in Bryce canyon area--you would get jaded on shooting there LOL.
--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Andy Biggs · Sep 22, 2002

My wife and I just moved back to Austin, after a 2-year stint in the San Francisco Bay Area. Trust me, we got spoiled. Street photography. Check. Landscapes of the sea. Check. Mountain shots in the Sierra Nevada. Check. Lake Tahoe. Check. Wine country. Check. Big Sur. Check. Redwoods. Check. Carmel. Check.

You get the drift.

Well, I have started to move in a different direction, now that I am not near such places anymore. There are wonderful places to shoot here in Texas, it's that the areas are just more subtle than what I got used to. Ever thought of moving to b&w work?

I have matured as a photographer, since our move back from the bay area. I have learned to see the subtleties in nature. Big time. I have also come from an area that is all about the 'large landscape'. Well, now I am into macro photography. Ever seen a spring blossom on a prickly pear cactus up close? Neither had I.

Keep in mind, you don't have to photograph ever minute of the day. Case in point: my wife and I went on a 5-week trip to Africa during the move back to Texas. I took 3,000 photos with my D30, and I have been working on those images in Photoshop ever since. Since photography isn't all about the capturing process, it is about all other things; the processes in between the capture and the print. It is even about the framing and displaying of these wonderful images.

I have spent the last 3 days printing 20 images from Africa for a local exhibition that begins next week. Printing 12x18 prints takes about 40 minutes, so that freed me up to frame the photos that were already printed.

My point is this: I am a much more contemplative photographer since I am not in my ideal photo environment. That is 'ok'. Just be more deliberate about your work. Create a portfolio of just 1 subject. Try to tell a story.

I was a studen of Galen Rowell, who recently passed away. For those who did not know who he was, visit http://www.mountainlight.com for a quick idea. Since his death, I have a burning desire to convey nature to all that will look. And hopefull my passion will be noticeable, whether I am shooting a beautiful waterfall in Yosemite, or a cactus in Texas.

Sorry for the rant.....

Matthew Cromer · Sep 22, 2002

Half of my portfolio is macro shots. Look at the bugs, frogs and toads, and butterfly ports for examples.

--
my favorite work: http://www.pbase.com/sdaconsulting/favorite_work

Matthew Cromer · Sep 22, 2002

In going on a photo shoot with you sometime. Your email is blocked, so I can't send you an email.

--
my favorite work: http://www.pbase.com/sdaconsulting/favorite_work

Ian S · Sep 22, 2002

Stephen

Thanks for your great post. The comment below particularly caught my eye. Every now and again in the real world or in a book or movie, or on National Geographic, etc etc I see an image that literally does "bring tears to my eyes". That's what keeps me going in photography.

Cheers

Stephen Cook said:
What is important to you? What breaks your heart? What
makes you so happy tears come to your eyes?

--
Ian S
http://www.rainpalm.com

TonyK_in_Texas · Sep 23, 2002

Hi Stephen,

I don't do 6th Street. Too crowded for me. Now Ren Faires I do and with October on the way, there is Texas Ren Faire near Houston.

I like to drive to San Antonio and shoot down there, though I've not been this year.

There are other Texans here. Mostly Oly E10 or former E10 owners that I am aware of.

Take care,

Stephen Cook said:
I mean, if you live in Texas, what else could you want?

Seriously, there's you, me, David P. How many Texans are on this
board, anyway? BTW, 6th Street, Halloween night. Now, that's a
place to take photos, if you can get enough room to get the camera
up.

--
TonyK

Mike Flaherty · Sep 23, 2002

We think similarly on this subject. I'm retired and take long drives a couple of times per week in search of interesting buildings (I like old barns and abandoned homes). I also love shooting animals in nature. With old buildings, I've determined that the best results are achieved under cloudy and overcast conditions. Shadows are reduced or eliminated and colors become more saturated. So, on sunny days, I drive around and find subjects that I can go back to under the right light and shoot. It would be a waste of my time to attempt shooting if the light isn't right, IMHO. Patience is the key here.

TonyK_in_Texas said:
I saw your "pier" shots and noticed there were only 2. Why not do
a study of that pier? Take a day and just sit and wait. Take it
early, mid-day, late and night. Crammed with people and with no
one present. Look for unusual angles and perspectives.

The wildlife folks don't have a lot of choice. Landscape folks get
paid to bring in beautiful images that make people want to visit or
just drool.

Moving is not always the answer. I noticed you said you lived in
NC. That means you are in the middle of Civil War country. Why
not think about taking photos of the different war sites, both
Civil War and American Revolution, and study them. Study the lay
of the land. Look for points of interest and what type of light
would make them dramatic. Wait for the light.

There are shots within 50 miles of Austin that I am still waiting
for the right light at a time I can get to them. One shot
specifically needs either dawn or dusk and I am never close enough
to get it. One of these days I will and it will be worth the wait.
In the meantime when I drive by, I think of how I want to set the
camera up. What angle I will shoot at, how I will crop the image,
etc.

Good luck,

Matthew Cromer said:

Most of the published landscape / wildlife photogs I know travel
all the time in search of the next inspiring photograph.

I feel driven to do the same thing.

Maybe I need to work on my wife again about moving out west. . .

--
my favorite work: http://www.pbase.com/sdaconsulting/favorite_work

Click to expand...

--
TonyK

--
Mike Flaherty
http://imageevent.com/mflaherty/mikesgallery

hyslopc · Sep 23, 2002

Have you shot any panoramas? If not, they should keep you busy for a while...

alFR · Sep 23, 2002

I've found some articles from Luminous Landscape to be quite inspiring. Have a look and tell us what you think:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/sm-02-09-01.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/same_old_shot1.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/the_project.shtml

Al

Diane B · Sep 23, 2002

alFR said:
I've found some articles from Luminous Landscape to be quite
inspiring. Have a look and tell us what you think:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/sm-02-09-01.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/same_old_shot1.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/the_project.shtml

Al

These are great links Al. I sort of follow the 'project' one and at the moment am trying to create a new one for myself for the winter months. I'll have plenty of photography in the next month but it will mostly be commercial--and when its done I want to go back to personal work but perhaps something different. These columns help one to think about the 'how' 'what'.

--
Diane B
http://www.pbase.com/picnic/galleries
B/W lover, but color is seducing me

Burned out . . . Need Advice

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