… Insight, advice, or encouragement

[Iain G Foulds]

… Super good thoughts everyone. Was out shooting this morning, and considering them all. Thanks for taking the time to share.

 

[Phil A Martin]

… An opportunity to share a few thoughts of insight, advice, or encouragement from one’s experience in photography.

 

[Smaug01]

I try to keep myself aware that gear is only a very small part of photography.

"The most important piece of equipment is the 12 inches behind the camera."

-Ansel Adams

Henri Cartier-Bresson had a lot of quotes along this line of thought:

• “It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head.”
• “The picture is good or not from the moment it was caught in the camera.”
• “We must avoid however, snapping away, shooting quickly and without thought, overloading ourselves with unnecessary images that clutter our memory and diminish the clarity of the whole.”
• “In photography, the smallest thing can be a great subject. The little, human detail can become a Leitmotiv.”

Because of this, I try to challenge myself to do more with less. You've seen my Toy Cameras and their Photos threads. Those threads have two points:

1) To relieve the pressure of feeling like one has to shoot masterpieces all the time because one has a great kit.

2) To also remind us how well we can do with simple gear.

I'm also shooting with a Leica IIIc from 1949 right now and having a ball with it. Technically, it is good enough. The rest is up to me.

 

[Iain G Foulds]

… An opportunity to share a few thoughts of insight, advice, or encouragement from one’s experience in photography.

Iain and I have our differences but I still think it sad to see so many people here being so determined to derail what could be a useful discussion. Many of these off topic comments have been deleted but others continue to be added.

… Appreciate that Phil. Was considering your thought about how images don’t have to be beautiful to be interesting. It’s interesting. Need beauty myself. But, also need something new, fresh, original, and creative.

 

[Iain G Foulds]

I try to keep myself aware that gear is only a very small part of photography.

"The most important piece of equipment is the 12 inches behind the camera."

-Ansel Adams

Henri Cartier-Bresson had a lot of quotes along this line of thought:

• “It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head.”
• “The picture is good or not from the moment it was caught in the camera.”
• “We must avoid however, snapping away, shooting quickly and without thought, overloading ourselves with unnecessary images that clutter our memory and diminish the clarity of the whole.”
• “In photography, the smallest thing can be a great subject. The little, human detail can become a Leitmotiv.”

Because of this, I try to challenge myself to do more with less. You've seen my Toy Cameras and their Photos threads. Those threads have two points:

1) To relieve the pressure of feeling like one has to shoot masterpieces all the time because one has a great kit.

2) To also remind us how well we can do with simple gear.

I'm also shooting with a Leica IIIc from 1949 right now and having a ball with it. Technically, it is good enough. The rest is up to me.

… Jeremy: Good thoughts. Would have to credit “The Angry Photographer” for getting me out of the “latest is greatest” marketing parade. Actually, lining up to get my next camera (even though the 5MP Coolpix 5700 is perfection)- the 2MP Coolpix 950 (1999).

… But, gear does matter. Two years ago I was so repulsed by the colours I was getting out of my modern Nikon SLR that I had lost interest in photography. Then a few comments about vintage Nikon colours caught my interest…

 

[Sue Anne Rush]

I love to shoot with my7D , all my digital camera, and film cameras.

… An opportunity to share a few thoughts of insight, advice, or encouragement from one’s experience in photography.

 

[Iain G Foulds]

… Don’t let the camera decide the exposure.

… Work your shutter speed. A “properly exposed” image can be dull as dirt, and not worth taking. But, over or underexposed can become a completely different dynamic- a unique and interesting composition.

 

[RetCapt]

I see a fairly constant stream of threads in which OP is complaining because (insert brand name of choice) has not yet introduced (insert features necessary to satisfy OP) to enable the taking of acceptable (to OP) photographs.

I would counsel taking these threads with a strong degree of skepticism, and resist any urge to buy into the illusion that acquiring the latest (at the present time) is going to generally improve one's photographs. It does not work that way.

I have countless photographs going back to my transition from film to digital in 2009 which are 8X10" to 13X19" prints (the size limit of my printer) on the walls. I can't go back and take these photographs now with the latest iteration of anything. Nor would I need to, because the technology even then was/is so good that if I did/do my job behind the camera and in post, I can produce prints indistinguishable between my cameras of differing ages.

There are circumstances where a photographer, especially a new one, will identify the need for additional gear based upon specific needs, especially as one's range of interests and knowledge expands. That is reasonable and is completely different from the generalized assertion or impression that the latest and greatest will magically make one a better photographer.

For most of us photography is a hobby. For me, one of the enjoyable elements of the hobby is the peace of mind I derive knowing my equipment, even though no longer new, is capable of getting the photograph I want.

It is my responsibility to bring the skills necessary to get that photograph.

The buck stops with me, not my camera.

 

[Cherry_F]

… Don’t let the camera decide the exposure.

… Work your shutter speed. A “properly exposed” image can be dull as dirt, and not worth taking. But, over or underexposed can become a completely different dynamic- a unique and interesting composition.

+1.
A French photographer gave me the following advice: sometimes, try to push your camera beyond its limits.
Here is an example I am really happy with, although I'am apparently the only one:
https://www.dpreview.com/challenges/Entry.aspx?ID=1193958

 

[LeicaEye]

I see a fairly constant stream of threads in which OP is complaining because (insert brand name of choice) has not yet introduced (insert features necessary to satisfy OP) to enable the taking of acceptable (to OP) photographs.

I would counsel taking these threads with a strong degree of skepticism, and resist any urge to buy into the illusion that acquiring the latest (at the present time) is going to generally improve one's photographs. It does not work that way.

I have countless photographs going back to my transition from film to digital in 2009 which are 8X10" to 13X19" prints (the size limit of my printer) on the walls. I can't go back and take these photographs now with the latest iteration of anything. Nor would I need to, because the technology even then was/is so good that if I did/do my job behind the camera and in post, I can produce prints indistinguishable between my cameras of differing ages.

There are circumstances where a photographer, especially a new one, will identify the need for additional gear based upon specific needs, especially as one's range of interests and knowledge expands. That is reasonable and is completely different from the generalized assertion or impression that the latest and greatest will magically make one a better photographer.

For most of us photography is a hobby. For me, one of the enjoyable elements of the hobby is the peace of mind I derive knowing my equipment, even though no longer new, is capable of getting the photograph I want.

It is my responsibility to bring the skills necessary to get that photograph.

The buck stops with me, not my camera.

To be honest it's ALL be said before, New Camera crap skills, good skills old equipment, skill/no skill.. Some will always want the latest, some will be happy with what they have, and skills sets vary.. Be thankful you can do what you do, many cannot.. L

 

[Travis Nicky Bombastus]

I see a fairly constant stream of threads in which OP is complaining because (insert brand name of choice) has not yet introduced (insert features necessary to satisfy OP) to enable the taking of acceptable (to OP) photographs.

I would counsel taking these threads with a strong degree of skepticism, and resist any urge to buy into the illusion that acquiring the latest (at the present time) is going to generally improve one's photographs. It does not work that way.

I have countless photographs going back to my transition from film to digital in 2009 which are 8X10" to 13X19" prints (the size limit of my printer) on the walls. I can't go back and take these photographs now with the latest iteration of anything. Nor would I need to, because the technology even then was/is so good that if I did/do my job behind the camera and in post, I can produce prints indistinguishable between my cameras of differing ages.

There are circumstances where a photographer, especially a new one, will identify the need for additional gear based upon specific needs, especially as one's range of interests and knowledge expands. That is reasonable and is completely different from the generalized assertion or impression that the latest and greatest will magically make one a better photographer.

For most of us photography is a hobby. For me, one of the enjoyable elements of the hobby is the peace of mind I derive knowing my equipment, even though no longer new, is capable of getting the photograph I want.

It is my responsibility to bring the skills necessary to get that photograph.

The buck stops with me, not my camera.

To be honest it's ALL be said before, New Camera crap skills, good skills old equipment, skill/no skill.. Some will always want the latest, some will be happy with what they have, and skills sets vary.. Be thankful you can do what you do, many cannot.. L

Very true! None of us is promised tomorrow, though we often take it for granted.

 

[tony field]

… An opportunity to share a few thoughts of insight, advice, or encouragement from one’s experience in photography.â

Photography is all about the choice of your subject and how you relate to the subject.1

The most important aspect of photography is to choose subjects that you find most interesting and become attached to. this could be any photographic subject be that sports, people, macro, scenic, performing arts. Once you have chosen a subject you will find that other technical attributes of photography such as editing, composition, etc will fall into place as you learn how to approach your subject material

--
Charles Darwin: "ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge."
tony

 

[Brev00]

I find myself framing up photos in public places in ways that probably make me seem odd to passersby. Standing a few inches from a tree. Sizing up a garbage can. Focusing on shadows rather than a fixed subject. But, can I possibly know what others are thinking? Are they even paying attention to me at all? Kind of narcissistic of me to think I am the center of the world's attention. These thoughts of others are probably just projections of my own internal criticism. I enjoy myself the most when I ignore that judgmental voice and continue to let my focus flow wherever it goes. Photography can become similar to meditation. A way to gain freedom from the static of worrying about what others think.

Of course, after getting home and processing my pics, I share them on social media and pray for likes! :-D

 

[Iain G Foulds]

… An opportunity to share a few thoughts of insight, advice, or encouragement from one’s experience in photography.â

Photography is all about the choice of your subject and how you relate to the subject.1

The most important aspect of photography is to choose subjects that you find most interesting and become attached to. this could be any photographic subject be that sports, people, macro, scenic, performing arts. Once you have chosen a subject you will find that other technical attributes of photography such as editing, composition, etc will fall into place as you learn how to approach your subject material

... Appreciate that, but disagree. I believe that the greatest flaw in most photographs is the photographer considering the subject alone. It is crucial to equally consider the context of the subject in the composition.

 

[Iain G Foulds]

I find myself framing up photos in public places in ways that probably make me seem odd to passersby. Standing a few inches from a tree. Sizing up a garbage can. Focusing on shadows rather than a fixed subject. But, can I possibly know what others are thinking? Are they even paying attention to me at all? Kind of narcissistic of me to think I am the center of the world's attention. These thoughts of others are probably just projections of my own internal criticism. I enjoy myself the most when I ignore that judgmental voice and continue to let my focus flow wherever it goes. Photography can become similar to meditation. A way to gain freedom from the static of worrying about what others think.

Of course, after getting home and processing my pics, I share them on social media and pray for likes! :-D

... Absolutely. The Zone. Out photographing, it takes time to enter The Zone. That's why it is important to spend as much time as possible photographing- to more quickly and completely enter The Zone.

... Definitely, I have found myself occasionally standing in the middle of the road, drivers waiting patiently for the fool with the camera to get out of the way.

 

[Brev00]

… An opportunity to share a few thoughts of insight, advice, or encouragement from one’s experience in photography.â

Photography is all about the choice of your subject and how you relate to the subject.1

The most important aspect of photography is to choose subjects that you find most interesting and become attached to. this could be any photographic subject be that sports, people, macro, scenic, performing arts. Once you have chosen a subject you will find that other technical attributes of photography such as editing, composition, etc will fall into place as you learn how to approach your subject material

... Appreciate that, but disagree. I believe that the greatest flaw in most photographs is the photographer considering the subject alone. It is crucial to equally consider the context of the subject in the composition.

This also assumes that all photographs contain a figure/ground relationship. What about abstracts such as intentional camera movement images where the image is a flow of colors and hazy shapes without any one point of focus at all? Images can be completely sharp but feature geometric shapes, lines and angles that cover the entire frame.

 

[D Cox]

… An opportunity to share a few thoughts of insight, advice, or encouragement from one’s experience in photography.â

Photography is all about the choice of your subject and how you relate to the subject.1

The most important aspect of photography is to choose subjects that you find most interesting and become attached to. this could be any photographic subject be that sports, people, macro, scenic, performing arts. Once you have chosen a subject you will find that other technical attributes of photography such as editing, composition, etc will fall into place as you learn how to approach your subject material

... Appreciate that, but disagree. I believe that the greatest flaw in most photographs is the photographer considering the subject alone. It is crucial to equally consider the context of the subject in the composition.

Yes. The same subject with different lighting, perspective, choice of film or digital, colour or B&W, lens, etc can give quite different photos.

And then if you take a broad subject such as Dogs, the possibilities are endless.

Also, there are times when there is a client who wants a straight accurate record of some object such as a piece of ceramics, and there are times when you're shooting for yourself and just want a nice picture.

Don Cox

 

[Brev00]

I find myself framing up photos in public places in ways that probably make me seem odd to passersby. Standing a few inches from a tree. Sizing up a garbage can. Focusing on shadows rather than a fixed subject. But, can I possibly know what others are thinking? Are they even paying attention to me at all? Kind of narcissistic of me to think I am the center of the world's attention. These thoughts of others are probably just projections of my own internal criticism. I enjoy myself the most when I ignore that judgmental voice and continue to let my focus flow wherever it goes. Photography can become similar to meditation. A way to gain freedom from the static of worrying about what others think.

Of course, after getting home and processing my pics, I share them on social media and pray for likes! :-D

... Absolutely. The Zone. Out photographing, it takes time to enter The Zone. That's why it is important to spend as much time as possible photographing- to more quickly and completely enter The Zone.

... Definitely, I have found myself occasionally standing in the middle of the road, drivers waiting patiently for the fool with the camera to get out of the way.

Drivers waiting patiently? You reveal your location. Only someone living across the border would find drivers patiently waiting for any pedestrian to cross a street. One risks one's own life crossing a street here in the USA let alone stopping in the middle and taking a pic.

 

[Iain G Foulds]

… Don’t let the camera decide the exposure.

… Work your shutter speed. A “properly exposed” image can be dull as dirt, and not worth taking. But, over or underexposed can become a completely different dynamic- a unique and interesting composition.

+1.
A French photographer gave me the following advice: sometimes, try to push your camera beyond its limits.

Absolutely. Push the edge.









--
... “Photographers have been gaslighted by camera companies to obsess about every leaf on the trees, and have lost sight of the forest.” IGF

 

[tony field]

… An opportunity to share a few thoughts of insight, advice, or encouragement from one’s experience in photography.â

Photography is all about the choice of your subject and how you relate to the subject.1

The most important aspect of photography is to choose subjects that you find most interesting and become attached to. this could be any photographic subject be that sports, people, macro, scenic, performing arts. Once you have chosen a subject you will find that other technical attributes of photography such as editing, composition, etc will fall into place as you learn how to approach your subject material

... Appreciate that, but disagree. I believe that the greatest flaw in most photographs is the photographer considering the subject alone. It is crucial to equally consider the context of the subject in the composition.

Flaws in photography is a pretty advanced artistic concept and possibly a subject for a different thread.

If you are starting to choose subjects that you like at the beginning you have a greater possibility of doing well. When I was a student back in the 1970s I had to shoot some theater images for the student newspaper newspaper immediately grabbed my attention. Lighting and composition were instantaneously obvious and I had to be careful about these two things. It did not take very much intensive practice other than shooting four or five rolls at each production.

Here are two images from those first productions I shot and I could use the student dark room to generate the images. IMHO it is all a matter of how you relate to the subject material and you could learn very quickly all. Shooting dance productions was much more difficult simply because of lighting and shooting only HP 5 film





--
Charles Darwin: "ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge."
tony