One thing that helps me, with my photography, more than anything else is helping others with their photography. I love to go out to shoot with friends. Photography excites me so much that sometimes I can’t control my enthusiasm! It just bubbles out!! Lol I love to learn new techniques or skills in photography. Once I do learn something new, I can’t wait to share it with anybody who will listen! It’s fun to go out with somebody to put the new technique into practice. It’s this repetition of the new skill that reinforces it in me. Having to describe the steps repeatedly, makes them stick in my own head. Going through these steps with others, slows me down and keeps me in the present moment. I find it meditative. I know this is a side benefit of teaching but slowing down also makes me sure that I don’t miss any of the details in taking a photograph. Such as checking the corners of my frame and turning off image stabilization when I’m using a tripod. In addition to these things, teaching others or just going out with friends, gives me the motivation to go out to shoot--especially at 5 o’clock in the morning! Sometimes, it’s hard to find the energy to get up early but knowing that somebody else is relying on me gets me moving. So, THANK YOU to all those who’ve been teaching me photography! Want to Learn More Photography?
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This image is one of my first attempts at using a flash in my photography. Not knowing where to start, I watched a lot of videos and found an image that I wanted to try to duplicate. When I first started photography that is something that did—try to duplicate the work of someone that inspired me. It was part of my learning experience. I learned composition and techniques by trying to copy others. I’ve always put my own twist on the work, but I definitely found my inspiration from others. As I’ve progressed, I’ve tried to move past using other people’s photography and made my own creations. That is part of the learning process and growth. I find that it feels good to be creative. I feel as though I can fully take ownership of what I make. Now, as I’m learning to use flash, I find myself reaching back to others for inspiration. Although I can’t take credit for the idea behind this picture, I am working towards making my own original work. To progress to that point is what it’s all about—growing and making one’s own creations. I’m trying to get over my fear of letting other people see my photography. I fear being judged when I share my work. I remember the first time I entered an image for a group to critique. It was a photography club that I belonged to, and it was supposed to be to help one learn how to improve one’s techniques. I had been learning, on my own, for about 1 ½ years and I needed feedback on my images. I didn’t really know if I was on the right track or had totally derailed with how I was taking photos. Up to this point, I hadn’t shared any of my images with anyone. I worried, ‘what if they don’t like it?’ And ‘what if I make a fool of myself?’ Hiding behind the fact that my image would be submitted anonymously, I decided to share my image with the club. It was a picture of a flower. I made sure that I followed the rule thirds. It was properly exposed. I made sure that there were no distracting objects in the frame that would take away from the photo. At the time, I didn’t know what else to focus on. Well, the club did NOT like it. They called it a “snapshot” and offered NO constructive criticism. They just moved on to the next person’s photo. They had completely ignored my image. I was crushed, felt like I failed and had learned nothing—except that I would keep my photography to myself, in the future. I waited years before I started this website. I promised myself that I would not open myself up to be judged by someone for my art. First, I needed to realize that “I” was not being judged. In my club example, it was anonymous. “I” couldn’t have been judged. They didn’t even know who submitted the image. Secondly, I’ve decided to try to be more “choosey” about whom I’d allow to help me with my photography. Although my confidence is still low, and I fear being deemed a failure, I try to share my work. I dropped that club and have since joined a great local club. I’ve been a member for two years now, and although I’ve not shared any photos with this group, I’m learning a lot. That, in my opinion, is what is important. I’m sharing this flower photo with you. It is from my first attempt at using off camera flash. I’m learning about directional light, what’s considered harsh/soft light, etc… Let me know what you think. I’m learning to be open to CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. |
What Is This Page?Since I love photography and teaching, I thought I would start a Blog page and share how I take my images, what I was thinking and about me. Categories
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March 2022
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