So now that I've come clean about my dream, I am forcing myself to be more adventurous with my camera. And I have to say that the more I learn about this machine, I find myself both in awe and utter frustration. What a complex and fickle machine it is. At the moment, I feel it has the upper hand in our relationship.
But I have sat my camera down and explained to it in no uncertain terms that I will be the boss. Sure there are many mysteries that it beholds at this point. Sure, I'll admit that when I go to upload my photos onto my computer I am baffled at the small amount of pictures that turn out. I am glad I have the discretion to post only those photos that do turn out...if only you saw the ones that don't! It feels like my dirty little photography secret. Can any other photographers relate or is it just me?
I see taking a class and joining a meet up group somewhere very near in my future. Either way, I have told the camera that I WILL arise victorious. Just maybe not today.
(The above photo was taken a few weeks ago at Barnes and Noble as I attempted to read about my camera in the Nikon manual. See? I'm really trying!)
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9 comments:
alina,
ha! unfortunately, the camera will always have the upper hand. but, i've found my best pictures are taken when i'm able to let go and allow the pictures to take themselves. the results are so much more vibrant and brimming with pulse and personality. you already do that. don't stop.
also, everyone gets weird when they see their digital negatives. don't worry. just go with your gut as you shoot, and don't overthink it. your work is gorgeous, alina. i truly think you have a natural gift. don't start meta-ing. just keep creating....i love it.
<3 <3 <3
*kristine
Thanks, Kristine! That's helpful, and encouraging....as always. :-)
Yes, I can relate. Often times, I will take tons of pictures and only be happy with a small handful. It gets frustrating sometimes to try to capture what we envision in our minds, but that's part of the photographers learning process.
Have fun!
Me too! Wish we lived closer and could compare notes in person! But I love the shots that you do post.
Joc
Wow, that pic of Karis is so.......well, so........thoughtful and angelic,
love,
mom
He he. You will NEVER EVER have 100% of your pictures turn out good and the way you want them. I usually shoot upwards of a hundred photos with my digital if it's an important event - that way I know I'll have at least 30 keepers. And when I did my fashion project, I took over 200 photos and deleted all but 74! So don't feel bad. In my head, the mark of a good photographer is that they know not every photo will turn out well, but they experiment and learn anyways.
And don't get me started about film. Whoo, that's a whole other story! I'm doing a film photography class and for a project I'm doing right now, I was doing a rather experimental idea - and pretty much the WHOLE ROLL turned out bad.
So, my point is... keep shooting, keep experiment, and if it's your dream, your passion will win out in the end.
Alina,
Thanks for the comment on my photos.
Yes, there are a ton no one will ever see. Digital makes it a bit easier to be lazy and not take the time to stop, compose, focus, check metering then shoot. With practice the percentage goes up for a bit, then you start experimenting more (one of the wonderful aspects of digital) and it goes down. It's part of growing and getting used to different subjects.
And sometimes we're our own worst critic! I've shown some ok shots to friends and they gobbled them up! So don't be too hard on yourself.
Doing a meetup or asking for a critique is a great way to turn the bad photos into good ones. From looking around your blog, I like what you've posted. It shows you have a good eye, which is hard for most to learn. Learning the technical aspect of making that little black box with a piece of glass on do what you want is actually easier to learn for most. So take some solace in the fact that you can and will learn and improve.
good luck and keep shooting!
pwc
PS, don't worry about percentages too much. some people think there is a magic number, but I think it's hogwash.
I want to play with Karis!! How about Jeffery and I stop your way again on our way back from SC. Perhaps he can leave me there for a few days and I can rent a car home since I might have a few extra days off. I'm thinking and planning. We'll keep in touch. Love you!
I, too, am trying to figure out all the bells & whistles on my camera. I've had him for almost 2 years now. I understand about two inches worth of the five miles of capability he has. (if that makes any sense!) :-)
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