Comments on: Taking Stock of Your Own Photography

By: Don Burt

Don Burt — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:03:14 +0000

Some excellent ideas. I know that this is about self-reevaluation but do not discount the value of constructive feedback from peers. Include thie feedback with your own evaluation – the information might be valuable or you might not agree with your peers.

By: SusanG

SusanG — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:55:16 +0000

@Lana – Arun gave some good advice! To clear up the “shoulder” Arun that’s the side of the road where one can pull over a vehicle.

This happens to me all the time as I live in the country and our roads are sometimes only seven feet wide for two ways and absolutely nowhere to pull over. The best thing to do is note the time of day for the lighting and go back when you can park where it’s safe and hike in. The nice thing about walking is you get a better idea of POV’s to shoot from as you’re not worrying about causing an accident. Most farmers here don’t mind if you’re in their field as long as it’s a) not an enclosed pasture and b) you walk along the SIDES of the field so as not to disturb the crops. Ditto using their lay-by/ field access. Be close enough to move your car if a tractor needs to use the way

By: Arun

Arun — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:08:58 +0000

@lana: I think I face a somewhat similar problem, though not 60 miles, but about 30! Well, most of the time, that’s what happens with me as well. And there have been so many situations which I’ve missed out. Numerous!

Here’s some solution(s) –
1. Take your cam along where ever you go. If you’re not taking it, you can’t blame, since it’s always the timing.
2. If you decide not to take your cam equipments, I think all you need to do is scout the area and look for suitable locations to shoot. And the next time, just plan a shoot around the area on a Sunday or something, hoping for a similar scenery. If not, you’ve only got to try again.
(One word of advice – Everyday is unique. So even if you’ve lost a moment before, you’re gonna get something better, or so you should hope! But from my experience, I can guarantee that that hope won’t fail you!)

As far as the shoulder goes, did you mean helping hand with your stuff or what exactly? If you’re asking about trespassing, it could be a problem – all depends on who the someone is! I’ve had problems as well as fun stuff as far as my experience goes.

By: Lana

Lana — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:15:54 +0000

@pamc — I find that to be my biggest problem also! I drive 60 miles a day, to and from school. Often I will see a “perfect” shot, but can’t stop long enough to take it. When I come back, the light is wrong, or the subject (often an animal, or lately, a snow formation) is gone…. Any tips from the seasoned pros/semipros? Also, where I drive is a very narrow, hilly little highway. There is no shoulder to speak of. What are your experiences with stopping in someone’s field access?

By: Jerry

Jerry — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:20:39 +0000

Three black & whites. Is this a message?

By: SusanG

SusanG — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:30:10 +0000

@lesley – Big ) It happens to everyone.

@pamc – Absolutely post to the Forum. There is a Critique My Shot section with image categories. Every forum category has a “sticky” posted by its administrator that tells you how to go about it. It’s always the very first post on a forum. One of the best things anyone can do when wanting to learn is to join in a forum. You’ll make friends with the same interests and get some great feedback.

By: PamC

PamC — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:00:41 +0000

I’m just starting out in photography and didn’t know if a site like this was a proper place to post VERY newbie shots. I do some planning of shots but mostly seems to go with my gut – what I seem to like when I’m seeing it. And I like to crop and/or color correct one the computer. I have Photoshop and am just learning how to use it also.

The biggest thing I can kick myself about it seeing something I want to shoot but driving somewhere that I have to be can can’t stop. Of course the same lighting, etc isn’t there when I come back. And I’m just an rank beginner (did I mention that lol) who has a hard time getting to places I want to photograph – long story.

Anyway, are the forums here an ok place to post for help even though I’ll probably never be more than a photo-loving amateur?

By: Lesley

Lesley — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:35:46 +0000

This article came just in time. I was trying to rush to prepare for a very small showing of my work and I had that, why is everything rubbish moment. Thanks for this!

By: SusanG

SusanG — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:48:10 +0000

@Lon – I can only encourage you to start sharing your work. It is frightening for any level of photographer, but the feedback you can receive is priceless. Look for local groups if you feel ready for some real world interaction, or find an online community with a combination of expert to novice photographers. That combination is what will give you resources to learn from. You can always start here at DPS on the forum

@Whalebone – Great attitude! And you make preplanning ( a key part of workflow) sound like fun!

By: Whalebone

Whalebone — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:03:12 +0000

I like to critique my worst shots. For example, if after a shoot I like 5 out of 50 shots, I want to know what was wrong with the other 45 shots. This can sometimes feel that 90% of your shots are dud, but I think that once you get to the stage where you cant find any improvements, you could be stuck.

I also like to plan beforehand – choose whether I want an atmospheric shot, a calming shot or a fun shot and try to ‘fill in the gaps’ on what could have been improved the last time I had my camera.