So I think my project is going quite well at the moment - I am happy with the diversity of types of shot I am getting and most are fairly good, but feel I am lacking those 'wow' images that so many of you seem to produce day after day! Does anyone have any suggestions what I can do to improve things? - composition/ideas/processing tips as well as any critique are all welcome :) http://365project.org/katharinehubbard/365
Thanks in anticipation!
Katharine :)
I just browsed your album and found little fault in your photos. I appreciate you striving not to be repetitive in your shots. You also have a great eye for detail and composition. Keep capturing the unusual, not the average as you've been doing. Cambridge might seem boring to you, but remember 365ers are scattered all over the world. many will never see the part you call home. Show them the wonders big and small and soon even you will notice things you've never noticed before.
Now that is the question most of us are asking. If there was a simple answer, then there probably wouldn't be a question.
Time and experience is really the only thing that will help you to improve not only your camera skills but also your view of your world. It's inevitable things will change as you gain confidence and experience.
If you look at those wow shots what do you see? Are you drawn to flowers, sunsets, babies,, or maybe landscape pictures? Wow shots are truly in the eye of the beholder.
Another thing to consider is location, location, location. Are you drawn to specific locals? City, suburban, country? Unless you are fortunate to travel you will be limited by your location.
What about your camera? The exif info on your pictures only reference a photo number + copy.png. There is no camera information available on which to formulate an opinion. There is a camera challenge on here somewhere that will help you to learn to use your camera.
One thing I've learned by doing this project is everyone, even those who are seasoned photographers, can't do it all. Everyone seems to have things they gravitate to with their photography. Some people take better shots of people and others do fantastic macro work. If you ask them to switch you will probably hear some complaints. Part of what makes photographers good at what they do is because they practice over and over until they perfect their work. They have learned by doing. That's really the only way to improve.
Keep challenging yourself and with time you will find what will work for you. That's what will make your photos WOW photos.
your work is cool. your 25th August photo is pretty wow. I don't have wow pictures so I know what you mean. It inspired me actually to spend the month uploading my fav photographers pics actually to help study their wowness.
at the end of the day do your photos make you smile?
your images aren't lacking anything, but you are only following 47 people, have 28 followers, and have only faved 54 photos. You'll probably see a more favorable reaction to your shots if you get more people to view them, and the way to do that is to follow more people, comment on more people's photos, participate in discussions, and fav more photos..
I completely agree with Dave and Jeff. You photo on the 25th is definitely one of those wow images, and the way to get them seen, commented on, and Fav's is to follow more people you like, comment on photos you like, and post your images in related threads. And keep having fun with your pictures. The more you experiment and learn from others, the more you'll wow yourself and your followers
I'd say you have a fine collection of photos and pretty much agree with all that's been said. I don't know if I'd consider myself to be the photographer who constantly takes those "wow" shots, but I do think I've had a few in my 1 1/2 yrs on 365. I have a p&s at present and it doesn't always have the ability to take the shots I see in my mind. But like you, I'm happier taking a wide variety of shots and I know what my camera can and can't do. I would encourage you to keep shooting. I think you have a good eye and as has been said already, the more you shoot, the better you become.
Hi, Katherine. . .everybody answering your question here is simply right on. One other thing I'd add is for you to participate in some of the weekly challenges or discussions. I have been hosting the "Your Favorite Fav of Someone Else for the Week of. . ." discussion. It's a great place to see those wonderful shots that others feel deserve attention. Then there is a discussion thread of "Your Favorite Shot of Your Own for the week of. . ." and "Your Favorite b&w for the week of. . ." Posting your shots here puts them in threads where more people will see them and gives you an exceptional experience to review others' postings. Good luck!
Hi Katherine, you have nice pictures with a lot of variety, but I agree you seem to be on a plateau. This happens (I’m on one myself at the moment). You might benefit from the "Get Pushed" challenge, which gets you doing things you hadn't thought of and trying out new techniques or themes. Still time to sign up if that appeals.
Meanwhile, have a closer look at the pictures that really impress you and see if you can pinpoint what it is that you want to achieve. Maybe try some processing effects out. I’d suggest doing some monochrome work – this will make you look more for textures, light and shade, contrast, than colour. Monochrome can be b/w, sepia, blue, green (any colour really though those tend to work best). Or aim for a particular mood in a shot, rather than what just makes a nice picture. Experiment with high key and low key. Try some filters. Go for reflections. Think of something difficult, like water crowns, or moving objects – and have a go yourself.
@katharinehubbard One of the reasons I am here is to build my self confidence in my amateur head. I am so intimidated with the ability of some on this site. I am doing the same as the advice above. I search for amazing photogs, and follow them. I watch their work, and analyze their technical setup, via exif information, settings, etc. That is how I learn. I live in the middle of the USA, and your architecture is beyond my scope of reach. The simple things in life can take your breath away. I love the 28th of Aug.....the old pier pilings.......
Katharine, I recently started following you as I think your work is wonderful! It's ok to hit those "low" moments, they happen. I think its part of the natural process as we develop our photography skills. I use those times to view others' photos, find new approaches to think about, study, and try them out...
As for WOW photos...you've got a few in your album, whether you realize it or not ;)
@cromwell Nice words, I'm going to keep this in mind.
It's easy to think of our world as being humdrum compared to other places we see on this website. But our world has a lot to offer viewers from other places.
This project has made me see my town, my back yard, my favorite park through different eyes than when I started. Thanks for the reminder!
Thankyou so much everyone for your feedback, and to everyone who took a look at my album - am quite overwhelmed by the lovely comments you have all made. @dmortega - I hadn't realised I was losing exif info when I sent things through photoshop - will try and find out a way of keeping that information associated @cromwell - you're right, I actually haven't explored Cambridge itself much on here yet, so will definitely try and fix that over the next few weeks :)
Am taking part in 'Get Pushed' to try and stretch myself, but might also try a few others, and will try and participate in the forums more as this has genuinely been really helpful and the confidence boost I needed
Thanks so much guys!
Keep smiling
K :)
Katherine I have just looked at your blog and then checked out your photos, I think they are fantastic. Certainly the 'WOW' factor for me, but love that you want to keep improving - think that's why we are all on this project, looking forward to seeing more of your pix.
I don't see why you would be losing the information. I use both lightroom and ps elements and I haven't lost any information. Maybe there is a setting when you are saving the file. Maybe it's because you are saving the photos as png. I save as jpg.
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Time and experience is really the only thing that will help you to improve not only your camera skills but also your view of your world. It's inevitable things will change as you gain confidence and experience.
If you look at those wow shots what do you see? Are you drawn to flowers, sunsets, babies,, or maybe landscape pictures? Wow shots are truly in the eye of the beholder.
Another thing to consider is location, location, location. Are you drawn to specific locals? City, suburban, country? Unless you are fortunate to travel you will be limited by your location.
What about your camera? The exif info on your pictures only reference a photo number + copy.png. There is no camera information available on which to formulate an opinion. There is a camera challenge on here somewhere that will help you to learn to use your camera.
One thing I've learned by doing this project is everyone, even those who are seasoned photographers, can't do it all. Everyone seems to have things they gravitate to with their photography. Some people take better shots of people and others do fantastic macro work. If you ask them to switch you will probably hear some complaints. Part of what makes photographers good at what they do is because they practice over and over until they perfect their work. They have learned by doing. That's really the only way to improve.
Keep challenging yourself and with time you will find what will work for you. That's what will make your photos WOW photos.
at the end of the day do your photos make you smile?
Meanwhile, have a closer look at the pictures that really impress you and see if you can pinpoint what it is that you want to achieve. Maybe try some processing effects out. I’d suggest doing some monochrome work – this will make you look more for textures, light and shade, contrast, than colour. Monochrome can be b/w, sepia, blue, green (any colour really though those tend to work best). Or aim for a particular mood in a shot, rather than what just makes a nice picture. Experiment with high key and low key. Try some filters. Go for reflections. Think of something difficult, like water crowns, or moving objects – and have a go yourself.
Hope these ideas help!
Katharine, I recently started following you as I think your work is wonderful! It's ok to hit those "low" moments, they happen. I think its part of the natural process as we develop our photography skills. I use those times to view others' photos, find new approaches to think about, study, and try them out...
As for WOW photos...you've got a few in your album, whether you realize it or not ;)
It's easy to think of our world as being humdrum compared to other places we see on this website. But our world has a lot to offer viewers from other places.
This project has made me see my town, my back yard, my favorite park through different eyes than when I started. Thanks for the reminder!
@dmortega - I hadn't realised I was losing exif info when I sent things through photoshop - will try and find out a way of keeping that information associated
@cromwell - you're right, I actually haven't explored Cambridge itself much on here yet, so will definitely try and fix that over the next few weeks :)
Am taking part in 'Get Pushed' to try and stretch myself, but might also try a few others, and will try and participate in the forums more as this has genuinely been really helpful and the confidence boost I needed
Thanks so much guys!
Keep smiling
K :)