Reading mode: Light Dark

Learning Curves have plateaux

Go to last post
L

Lynnelanne

Well-known member
Messages
126
Reaction score
19
As most of you regulars know by now, I have been learning wildlife phography for a very short time. I have surprised myself with some OK images, thanks in large part to great advice on this forum. Today was not a great day - my curve plateaued today. So just in case you thought I was getting a little ahead of myself, here are some examples of today’s work. :-D :-P



6886963969cd4591a2cff0c0f007c798.jpg



a61fee8dc6224cfbb0f3189a22ee379c.jpg



efc116d53d0748fab75ace2971376a6b.jpg
 
I have days where I take my camera out in perfect conditions and come home without a single useful image. Don't let it discourage you, it's not the end of the world. Tommorow you'll manage to take some great shot and these will all be forgotten.

Ever happened to you, you go out in the field, turn your camera on and nothing happens? Happened to me. Dead battery although I knew it had about 85% charge the night before.
 
Toaster79 said:
I have days where I take my camera out in perfect conditions and come home without a single useful image. Don't let it discourage you, it's not the end of the world. Tommorow you'll manage to take some great shot and these will all be forgotten.
Click to expand...
Haha, thanks but I’m fine: I don’t take myself that seriously. I can laugh at it now and will no doubt laugh a lot more later.
Toaster79 said:
Ever happened to you, you go out in the field, turn your camera on and nothing happens? Happened to me. Dead battery although I knew it had about 85% charge the night before.
Click to expand...
No, I’ve done worse, I’ve taken it out without the battery in it!
 
We all have days like that! Last time I got out with my gear I came home with around 50 shots, think I saved 2 as the rest was rubbish.
In the past though I used to just delete the "doh" moments but have of late found a home for them in a Facebook group called "crap bird photography", puts a bit of humorous spin on what otherwise would be a total loss.

As for the "dead camera", did the flip side to it a year or so back. Spotted a Square-tailed Kite circling over the neighbors backyard and rushed in for the camera. Shot 100+ frames in near perfect late afternoon light before it moved on and I went to chimp my shots....shame the SD card was still in the laptop card reader and not in the camera. :-|
 
OMG, I just had a quick look at that FB group and joined. What a joy that is going to be, bloody hilarious. See, you put out crap on this site and you still get gold in return. Love the SD card case study too, bet that hurt at the time.
 
Be prepared for months of terrible photos after a good year with a steep learning curve. They will be that horrible that you will consider to sell all your gear.

However, after months of trying, you suddenly make a leap forward and your images are way better than before.

Is this possible? Yes, happened to me a few times ;-)
 
I'd be willing to bet that everyone who shoots quite a bit has or had thousands upon thousands of photos just like these. I know I do. Or did. I think many just don't admit it.
 
TheBlackGrouse said:
Be prepared for months of terrible photos after a good year with a steep learning curve. They will be that horrible that you will consider to sell all your gear.
Click to expand...
At the moment my partner would think that an excellent outcome :-D
TheBlackGrouse said:
However, after months of trying, you suddenly make a leap forward and your images are way better than before.

Is this possible? Yes, happened to me a few times ;-)
Click to expand...
It’s great to share these experiences too, thank you BlackGrouse! Without wanting to sound self important, I have a PhD in education so I know this IN THEORY, but when it happens to you in practice it’s still somewhat deflating. Cheers, get some good ones today.
TheBlackGrouse said:
--
TheBlackGrouse
Active Outdoor Photographer
Click to expand...
 
Lynn876 said:
I'd be willing to bet that everyone who shoots quite a bit has or had thousands upon thousands of photos just like these. I know I do. Or did. I think many just don't admit it.
Click to expand...
I’m sure too, at the moment if I get about 5% worth considering keeping, I’m happy!
 
5% is pretty good. As your skill and composition get better you'll be happier with less and less. And you'll still probably consider 5% a good day. 5% is a good day for anything that moves uncontrollably.

I'm learning too- have only been shooting for about 4 or 5 years.

The most important thing is to enjoy it. God knows most of us don't exactly get paid for this.
 
Lynnelanne said:
TheBlackGrouse said:
Be prepared for months of terrible photos after a good year with a steep learning curve. They will be that horrible that you will consider to sell all your gear.
Click to expand...
At the moment my partner would think that an excellent outcome :-D
Lynnelanne said:
However, after months of trying, you suddenly make a leap forward and your images are way better than before.

Is this possible? Yes, happened to me a few times ;-)
Click to expand...
It’s great to share these experiences too, thank you BlackGrouse! Without wanting to sound self important, I have a PhD in education so I know this IN THEORY, but when it happens to you in practice it’s still somewhat deflating. Cheers, get some good ones today.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top