HOW HUNGRY ARE YOU TO IMPROVE?

[68lbs]

Do any of you dream of opening a gallery and selling your work, do you dream of releasing best selling photographic books?

Yes!

Not likely to ever achieve it, but I can daydream

 

[EdinburghGary]

You are a very talented photographer, but perhaps you're stuck against a wall?

I personally don't think you are, I'm always inspired and rarely disappointed in your work, but we all know what we are.

Perhaps you need a change in scenery!

I think that's a huge part of it mate. I tried to convince my other half to sell up with me, so we could buy a house in the highlands. Not happened, but one day I will live there.

Gary.

 

[cyclone]

Dude!
You've spent £80K on photography???

 

[lukewoodford]

That's a lovely thing to say, and perhaps I have some talent. I do NOT have the consistency to use it all the time then It can be hit and miss which is extremely frustrating.

Gary.

Its funny you should say that, the other day I had the most fustrating photos of my life. This one:

I can usually crop any photo a bit and be happy with it, this one however was a complete nightmare. I think it might be because he had two girls sitting next to him so I was extremely limited to compositions. This centre crop was the best I ended up with but it just doesn't look right, soooooo annoying and I think thats probably the first time I have really had a photo that I really wanted to work but just didn't. Even the processing I couldn't get to look right. But today ill go out and just try to do better, and when I do I will feel pround that I achieved something and overcome a slight knock.

 

[foodpoison]

Dude!
You've spent £80K on photography???

That's what I was thinking aha.

Gary you must be a vulcan (star trek film reference anyone?) millionaire!

 

[PMK]

Other people enjoy photography as a hobby, and while they would like to improve, a) they might not have the dedication and b) they might not have the time.

This is the problem I am having. As stated before I am relatively new to photography, especially DSLR. But I have always enjoyed going to exhibitions and art generally so I thought I'd give it a go. I am a dedicated guy when it comes to anything I have a passion for and I think I am starting to develop this with photography, however time is a major factor and obstacle. Working full time outside the photography industry does prove difficult at times - especially when I want to learn so much. For example at the moment I am trawling through photos, websites, reviews of equipment, photoshop tutorials etc etc and I feel I am maybe trying to learn too much at once. If there is any specific thing people think i should focus on just say as it may help me!

Also, I still don't think I know what I want to take photos of yet either. I like the idea of doing sports shots (live right next to Hackney Marsh) so that would be good on Sundays until end of the season. I guess it's just about keep shooting and see what I enjoy...

 

[jerry12953]

A guy I used to work with loved landscape photography, but it was all about the planning, the early starts then the chance you wouldn't get the light, mist, the effect, the shot...

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That's it. If that's mad then I'm mad.

But I'm madder when I'm not doing it.

 

[DiddyDave]

That's what I was thinking aha.

Gary you must be a vulcan (star trek film reference anyone?) millionaire!

I think the spending will be more like...

Camera gear & computers £15,000
Camper van to use camera gear £50,000
Cash to placate wife for above £15,000



DD

 

[EdinburghGary]

Dude!
You've spent £80K on photography???

Well.

On pure photography no, about £30k.

But, after getting obsessed with Landscapes I bought a £10K campervan to allow me to stay at said landscapes, and because it was too small, bought a £35K one a month later. My wife never ever lets me forget it either.

Other bits and bobs, etc.

Scary, but worth it

Gary.

 

[jerry12953]

Dude!
You've spent £80K on photography???

That would include the camper van presumably?

30k is still a lot of dosh....

 

[EdinburghGary]

Its funny you should say that, the other day I had the most fustrating photos of my life. This one:

I can usually crop any photo a bit and be happy with it, this one however was a complete nightmare. I think it might be because he had two girls sitting next to him so I was extremely limited to compositions. This centre crop was the best I ended up with but it just doesn't look right, soooooo annoying and I think thats probably the first time I have really had a photo that I really wanted to work but just didn't. Even the processing I couldn't get to look right. But today ill go out and just try to do better, and when I do I will feel pround that I achieved something and overcome a slight knock.

To me if the background had been much kinder, that would be a stonking shot.

 

[EdinburghGary]

That would include the camper van presumably?

2 of them

Can I delete the reference to money!!!!

 

[EdinburghGary]

That's what I was thinking aha.

Gary you must be a vulcan (star trek film reference anyone?) millionaire!

No, not even close!

 

[foodpoison]

Oh, I see, sold your wife

 

[lukewoodford]

To me if the background had been much kinder, that would be a stonking shot.

Thats it im off to find him, and remember to shoot at f/2.8 god damn it!

 

[jerry12953]

And you're an insomniac?

Very useful. You should go far.

 

[Byker28i]

To me if the background had been much kinder, that would be a stonking shot.

That's what it is! I was looking at it and trying to decide what it was that didn't fit.

Why not just darken the background?

 

[cyclone]

Sorry mate,
what's yours is yours and yours to do with as you see fit.
You've obviously been very successful, I also note that you're quite generous, I have seen you offering a basically free trip to France to forum members.
The figure just shocked me a little (would finish my mortgage), seeing as the D200 only came out about 4 years ago.

I'm following this thread with great interest, but it seems to be lacking the pro advice you asked for...

 

[lukewoodford]

That's what it is! I was looking at it and trying to decide what it was that didn't fit.

Why not just darken the background?

I don't know how to use photoshop really, I mainly use Lightroom. Sorry I didn't wantthis to turn into a thread about that image, im genuinly not happy with, maybe because the Donald ones were much better. Anyway back on topic

 

[EdinburghGary]

And you're an insomniac?

I DETEST sleeping. I feel the minute I close my eyes, life stops. You start to waste the whole point of being here, experiences. When you sleep, you experience nothing. Perhaps a dream, that's about it.

Used to take tablets for it, turned me into a Zombie that slept 16 hours a day.

I now embrace it, sleeping sucks. Fact.

Gary.

 

[DiddyDave]

Back to the question then... yes, very hungry indeed

I finally progressed to a place in my Landscape photography where I could turn up with fellow togs and most likely get the best shot on the day. This led to a string of comp victories inc. a 5th placed national mag one

Was I happy - err NO

Why... because these were all just 'Snaps' - turning up on any given day to a new place and getting anything other than good (perhaps brilliant) snaps is just bloody good luck. I too wanted to put the time & effort into a 'proper' planned Shoot as per Cornish et al, but this side of retirement or sudden wealth it's just not going to happen - and that frustrates the Hell out of me

So I turned my attention to Shooting people instead, and eventually got into Weddings properly

My first few Weddings I did pretty well, all exposed ok, all in focus, composition not bad, all couples were delighted - but I wasn't. So over the last couple of years especially I've spent lots of time & money on loads of books, software and specific Pro training days trying to get better, and it's working

This year's Weddings have been far better than previous (though I've not yet updated the website properly! Pillock!), there's far more drama & artistry coming through and I'm loving it more & more each Shoot

But drop a ton of cash on me though and I'd be on that beach, lakeside or up that hill for a week or more like a shot - waiting for those special moments

DD

 

[jerry12953]

I don't know how to use photoshop really, I mainly use Lightroom. Sorry I didn't wantthis to turn into a thread about that image, im genuinly not happy with, maybe because the Donald ones were much better. Anyway back on topic

Off topic, the b/g is the problem....

 

[EdinburghGary]

Sorry mate,
what's yours is yours and yours to do with as you see fit.
You've obviously been very successful, I also note that you're quite generous, I have seen you offering a basically free trip to France to forum members.
The figure just shocked me a little (would finish my mortgage), seeing as the D200 only came out about 4 years ago.

I'm following this thread with great interest, but it seems to be lacking the pro advice you asked for...

No need to apolgise at all matey Was my own fault for blowing my own trumpet I guess. I often type without thinking, hit reply - and go wow - why did I type that.

Perfect example

The free french trip is off, but we replaced it with another freebie which kicks off im just over a month. Purely due to the lack of time for enjoying the french one properly.

8 of us leave for the highlands in about 4 weeks for a week. Still 3 or 4 places left

Gary.

 

[jerry12953]

(though I've not yet updated the website properly! Pillock!),

DD

Don't forget to mention that you wave your light meter around. They'll like that.

 

[EdinburghGary]

Back to the question then... yes, very hungry indeed

I finally progressed to a place in my Landscape photography where I could turn up with fellow togs and most likely get the best shot on the day. This led to a string of comp victories inc. a 5th placed national mag one

Was I happy - err NO

Why... because these were all just 'Snaps' - turning up on any given day to a new place and getting anything other than good (perhaps brilliant) snaps is just bloody good luck. I too wanted to put the time & effort into a 'proper' planned Shoot as per Cornish et al, but this side of retirement or sudden wealth it's just not going to happen - and that frustrates the Hell out of me

So I turned my attention to Shooting people instead, and eventually got into Weddings properly

My first few Weddings I did pretty well, all exposed ok, all in focus, composition not bad, all couples were delighted - but I wasn't. So over the last couple of years especially I've spent lots of time & money on loads of books, software and specific Pro training days trying to get better, and it's working

This year's Weddings have been far better than previous (though I've not yet updated the website properly! Pillock!), there's far more drama & artistry coming through and I'm loving it more & more each Shoot

But drop a ton of cash on me though and I'd be on that beach, lakeside or up that hill for a week or more like a shot - waiting for those special moments

DD

I am still gonna take you up on that offer of shooting some landscapes

Gary.

 

[DiddyDave]

No need to apolgise at all matey Was my own fault for blowing my own trumpet I guess. I often type without thinking, hit reply - and go wow - why did I type that.

Perfect example

The free french trip is off, but we replaced it with another freebie which kicks off im just over a month. Purely due to the lack of time for enjoying the french one properly.

8 of us leave for the highlands in about 4 weeks for a week. Still 3 or 4 places left

Gary.

I took the £80,000 merely as a showing of commitment to photography - not a fanfare of money - trumpets or otherwise

I'd love to join the Highlands' camper group, just can't afford the time

DD

 

[DiddyDave]

I am still gonna take you up on that offer of shooting some landscapes

Gary.

I still aim to let you

Sadly won't be soon :thumbsdown:

DD

 

[cyclone]

Funnily enough, I have the time.
It's the money that's an issue

 

[Byker28i]

I don't know how to use photoshop really, I mainly use Lightroom. Sorry I didn't wantthis to turn into a thread about that image, im genuinly not happy with, maybe because the Donald ones were much better. Anyway back on topic

LOL - I had a play by now. Rough and ready 30 secs job

Duplicate the layer, darken it using levels, then use the eraser and rub out the bits you want at the original lightness. Adjust the fill level to help see what you're doing. A little bit of clone to take out the remaining bright spots.

Hadn't spotted the vinegaretting until I darkened it

 

[foodpoison]

I took the £80,000 merely as a showing of commitment to photography - not a fanfare of money - trumpets or otherwise

I'd love to join the Highlands' camper group, just can't afford the time

DD

I didn't take it the wrong way, I was merely astounded at your dedication. And, yes, admittedly, a little envious because I'm CRAVING a 5d and a 85L

Gary don't you dare stop doing those trips because I'm coming with you one day!

DD any chance you could give some titles of books?
I've read a few, understanding exposure and business practises for photographers, and they've both been really helpful but I find it difficult to separate the men from the boys as far as photography books go!

 

[Byker28i]

Back to the question then... yes, very hungry indeed

I finally progressed to a place in my Landscape photography where I could turn up with fellow togs and most likely get the best shot on the day. This led to a string of comp victories inc. a 5th placed national mag one

Was I happy - err NO

Why... because these were all just 'Snaps' - turning up on any given day to a new place and getting anything other than good (perhaps brilliant) snaps is just bloody good luck. I too wanted to put the time & effort into a 'proper' planned Shoot as per Cornish et al, but this side of retirement or sudden wealth it's just not going to happen - and that frustrates the Hell out of me

So I turned my attention to Shooting people instead, and eventually got into Weddings properly

My first few Weddings I did pretty well, all exposed ok, all in focus, composition not bad, all couples were delighted - but I wasn't. So over the last couple of years especially I've spent lots of time & money on loads of books, software and specific Pro training days trying to get better, and it's working

This year's Weddings have been far better than previous (though I've not yet updated the website properly! Pillock!), there's far more drama & artistry coming through and I'm loving it more & more each Shoot

But drop a ton of cash on me though and I'd be on that beach, lakeside or up that hill for a week or more like a shot - waiting for those special moments

DD

I kinda think those people at the Mach Loop must be like that. Fair play to them, we all admire their photo's but the commitment to hours on a cold mountain waiting for a few secs rush is commendable (or commitable - one of the two )

 

[Briony]

I just want to take some nice shots that I am proud of.


I will never be "perfect" a this but would like people to comment on how nice the pictures are. (well the ones I want to print anyway) also cheaper than buying piccys to put around the house.

 

[jerry12953]

I DETEST sleeping. I feel the minute I close my eyes, life stops. You start to waste the whole point of being here, experiences. When you sleep, you experience nothing. Perhaps a dream, that's about it.

Used to take tablets for it, turned me into a Zombie that slept 16 hours a day.

I now embrace it, sleeping sucks. Fact.

Gary.

 

[Tazmaniandevil]

I would love to improve my skill to a level where people would like to have the result hanging on their wall, but I couldn't do it professionally. My life is chaotic with family, wee dog, work, car and house. Photography is an escape from everyday life for me. I am often very lazy on weekends if work has been particularly hectic, especially when the weather is bad. This can make it quite difficult to get out taking photos.
I have been interested in photography since childhood, and have owned may film cameras. I have always been guilty of shooting rolls of film then not having them developed, and of hating the results of what I did have developed.
I bought my DSLR because I had a digital compact and quite liked the results, but found the lack of range frustrating. With the DSLR I can swap lenses when necessary to help with the distance from the subject. (Actually that's probably explained quite badly, but hey I'm a noob)
Out of the many thousand times I have pressed the shutter release, I have maybe a handful of photos I can honestly say I think are OK. Not good or owt, but OK.
I am getting better though.
My current aspiration is to be able to get at least one OK shot from each outing. Not much there in the way of ambition granted, but much better than my normal results.
If my efforts were even 3% as good as your results Gary, I would be a happy bunny.

 

[cyclone]

Right, to throw another question into the mix.
I have seen photo's from pro togs that are, quite frankly, cr@p. I'm not talking about anybody on here I should add, actually these are pro's that don't hang around on forums and... QUOTE

"To be honest with you, I'm not really that interested in Photography, I just do it to make money."

END QUOTE ... so are we thinking about improving too much?


Again Luke Woodford comes to mind (just with decent photo's), gone from never held a camera to pro in a few months?

 

[jerry12953]

Right, to throw another question into the mix.
I have seen photo's from pro togs that are, quite frankly, cr@p. ?

Yes, even the top names publish stuff that would go straight in my bin.

 

[The_Bulb]

This thread is great - a full on discussion that has really got me thinking about what I want to get out of my photography!!!!!

I find myself aching to get more and more into photography, I sit here most days in my office keeping an eye on the forums, researching equipment, visiting blogs trying to suck as much information as I can in from the internet - all on my lunch break of course

I consider myself fortunate that I know what area of photography really inspire me and that is people - preferably unposed, showing their natural feelings or letting the image itself portray the feeling. I have been doing some portrait work recently, free shoots for friends and family and it has escalated to some paid work for portraits and some wedding work and I just want to do more and more!

This bug for me started a couple of years ago when Duncan Kerridge photographed my sisters wedding. When I saw his images I thought his work was wonderful - Although I have always had a camera, and my Grandad used to develop his own film and stuff, I suppose I had always thought of it as a bit of a stuffy and old fashioned hobby. I used my camera at birthdays, christmas, meals out etc taking snapshots - yet here were these beautiful images of my sisters wedding, they felt so modern and contemporary, I was amazed that hardly anyone was actually looking at the camera!!! Knowing everyone at the wedding showed to me how a photographer with no emotional involvement can step outside the box and capture a persons feelings without them even knowing - and there it was, an instant capture of a persons true feelings at that exact moment.

In terms of aspiring to be the best, I aspire to be the best that I can be of course, but I have no worries about being compared to the greats, in fact I don't even recognise the names of half the people you mention in the OP - why am I not bothered? Because that for me takes me back to the stuffy environment I imagine camera clubs to be, some bearded old fart with an adenoidal problem and beige cardy commenting how it's slightly over exposed or the famous "it's soft" or "it needs a straighten" in that moment dismissing the image as a failure. I would much rather be judged by the people who I take pictures for, and who knows, maybe someone will see my images and change their perception of photography like I had mine changed! That would mean more than being the next .............. (insert whatever name you want)

 

[DiddyDave]

Yes, even the top names publish stuff that would go straight in my bin.

I think this is often the 'art' side of things though :shrug:

Here's my thinking...

Top tog, top location, top camera gear, top processing ability and still a 'crap' shot

So I'm thinking there's an arty element I'm just not seeing is the more likely explanation - same as when I (rarely) see any other form of art exhibition, piles of bricks, unmade beds and pickled sheep come to mind, just cause it's crap to me doesn't necessarily mean it is - I just don't 'get it'

There again - the top etc. tog may well have had a seriously off day and produced crap - who knows

DD

 

[jerry12953]

I think this is often the 'art' side of things though :shrug:

Here's my thinking...

Top tog, top location, top camera gear, top processing ability and still a 'crap' shot

So I'm thinking there's an arty element I'm just not seeing is the more likely explanation - same as when I (rarely) see any other form of art exhibition, piles of bricks, unmade beds and pickled sheep come to mind, just cause it's crap to me doesn't necessarily mean it is - I just don't 'get it'

There again - the top etc. tog may well have had a seriously off day and produced crap - who knows

DD

But then it appears in a book by said top tog....?

No I know what you mean. There's a lot personal taste involved. One man's meat, etc...

 

[DiddyDave]

But then it appears in a book by said top tog....?

I suspect there's a point where you can become so 'arty' you produce crap thinking it's ace

Problem is, if by then you've convinced many others you are arty and way out too, those silly buggers may go along with it too

DD