I have nothing deep or earth shattering. I followed a friend of mine from high school here and thought it would be good to force me to finally move my camera off of "auto" mode and figure out what all those bells and whistles I paid all that money for actually do.
Right now I take snap shots. I want to take pictures.
Really what I wanted to say that in just a couple of days of drifting aimlessly around the site is WOW there are some really amazing pictures on here.
I was feeling a bit like that 50 odd days ago ....... but its amazing how quickly you learn and I don't feel at all intimidated now. Its like doing an on line photography course :)
Welcome to the madness - jump in with both feet and the best advice I can give you is stop being jealous, intimidated or nervous and get more excited! lol. If you see something you like try it, if you don't know how then ask. I think most people on here are quite happy to share their techniques
Just like @willowdragon and @amandalomonaco have said, you will pick it up very quickly when you apply yourself! There is so much opportunity and help right here, you'll be noticing differences in the way you shoot in no time!
I felt the same way when I started, about 150 days ago. That's a good start towards becoming a better photographer. Once the feeling subsides after seeing a new photographer's work, I go back and see how well I can imitate their work.
The learning process is the trick. Once you have that, you only need to fuel it with interest and a good amount of trial and error. Shooting, editing, and publishing every day will give you the opportunity to put those all into gear.
Keep going. I would say if you like a shot hit fav and ask the person who took it some advice. Lots of people happy to help and give advice. Most important is to enjoy and have fun.
First time a photo of mine had a comment.. I was giddy.
First time a photo of mine hit the Popular Page...I gave my version of the Sally Field Oscar acceptance speach. You like me. You really like me.
Started a year ago in January and have learned just tons about my camera, lighting, terminology and how to have a great time with nothing but a long walk and my camera!
Welcome to 365 and a world of wonderful, helpful and inspiring photographers. Jump right in, we are all just here having some fun!!!
I used to be pretty decent back in SLR days with you know..film. Then digital cameras came along and its been a long time. I will say that a huge advantage with DSLR is that you take just fire away and see what happens. Experimenting in film days was really costly and then by the time you get the pictures back you've forgotten what you did.
never be afraid to ask questions. When you see a shot you really like and you want to be able to produce similar results, just ask. you'll find the vast majority of people on here are very accomodating and willing to share their knowledge and wisdom. In the themes and competitions threads you'll find a camera settings challenge, these are ongoing and will provide a wealth of knowledge to people of all levels
I agree - stick to the DSLR and dump the auto mode - you'll make some awful mistakes but gradually you'll get to see the full potential of your camera. Best of luck!
Nothing to be intimidated about because everyone I've communicated with since i started is all about positive reinforcement and helping each other learn and grow. I thought I was an "ok" photographer when I started, but was quickly humbled by the amazing levels of talent I found here. In 280 days I have learned and tried so many new things, and seen some stunning photos. But I've also seen some of the most wonderful photography by people just starting out with no experience. My best advice is: be open to critique, never hesitate to ask questions or advice, experiment as much as you like, and HAVE FUN!!!
@aponi I agree Kathryn - I also was very involved in photography back in the 70's and 80's with film and my own darkroom. The greatest thing about digital is that you get an immediate visual of what you've shot. Also you can take tons of photos and just delete the rubbish - it doesn't cost anything.
I've had a lot of fun just looking at everyone else's pictures. Its giving me a lot of ideas, now to attempt to execute them ah that's a different matter.
@aponi You will be fine! There are so many generous, kind people on this site. There are also many levels of experience and knowlege to draw from. Just try to keep in mind this is your project and you can do whatever makes you feel good and just enjoy your journey! WELCOME!
Some of the most important photographs ever taken were snapshot's.
Finding your style takes a lot of time and patience, and no photographer never stops learning. You have to immerse yourself in it, become obsessed with it, read books about it, go to galleries, look at photo's all the time. If you are serious about it then the above will be what you naturally want to do anyway.
Be all means be inspired by other's, but never intimidated.
Welcome to 365! I hope you are inspired here. This is just for fun and you make your own rules. Most of my best shots are complete accidents or snapshots of my kids.
The only photographer you need to compare yourself to, is the one you were yesterday...carry on!
Ditto to what all the others have said. I've found that everyone on this site seems to be helpful and encouraging. This is a great place to learn, be inspired, find your style, and grow!
Welcome! You ought to participate in some of the themes and challenges too. For instance, the camera settings challenges are great to help you learn your camera, the get pushed ones can help you branch out, and the others can provide inspiration especially on days where you can't think of anything to shoot.
Don't feel nervous - if you look at the start of my project it is very mundane, but as it goes through it gets better as you learn more and see what other people are doing. But if you just want to keep it as snapshots that's also fine - it's your project so do what you like with it!
@ aponi - Me too!! Inspired but definitely intimidated... terrified when someone started following me because then knew that people were looking!! Felt so much pressure!! Sad but true... But everyone is so friendly, it seems like a great community here!
I coudn't have said it any better, this is exactly how I feel! I started with the idea of taking random pictures everyday, but when I saw all the amazing photos on this website I feel a bit intimitated, knowing I will never have the skills to do something like that myself.
I can only hope I get better at it one day at a time.
Hey Kathryn! I'm right with you! All that photography I did in high school through college and a bit after, and I feel lost with digital. We have no excuse now! :-)
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The learning process is the trick. Once you have that, you only need to fuel it with interest and a good amount of trial and error. Shooting, editing, and publishing every day will give you the opportunity to put those all into gear.
Welcome, and good luck!
First time a photo of mine hit the Popular Page...I gave my version of the Sally Field Oscar acceptance speach. You like me. You really like me.
Started a year ago in January and have learned just tons about my camera, lighting, terminology and how to have a great time with nothing but a long walk and my camera!
Welcome to 365 and a world of wonderful, helpful and inspiring photographers. Jump right in, we are all just here having some fun!!!
I've been here for three years and I still take snapshots with my point and shoot on auto! :-)
Finding your style takes a lot of time and patience, and no photographer never stops learning. You have to immerse yourself in it, become obsessed with it, read books about it, go to galleries, look at photo's all the time. If you are serious about it then the above will be what you naturally want to do anyway.
Be all means be inspired by other's, but never intimidated.
The only photographer you need to compare yourself to, is the one you were yesterday...carry on!
Welcome! You ought to participate in some of the themes and challenges too. For instance, the camera settings challenges are great to help you learn your camera, the get pushed ones can help you branch out, and the others can provide inspiration especially on days where you can't think of anything to shoot.
I can only hope I get better at it one day at a time.
Look at you! Swimming in no time! :)