I have been doing some thinking and reflecting lately about photography and what I feel that I have learned, particularly from this site. My latest blog post, "Photography Is ..." ( http://www.archaeofrog.com/2013/10/photography-is.html ) summarizes my thoughts about three critical elements of the process of photography: timing, patience, and luck.
I'd be curious about whether you agree or disagree with this formulation. What have you learned about yourself and about your photography? Feel free to share your thought below or on the blog post itself.
To me photography is my heart in action expressing the beauty and creation there is about us. It's creative and exciting! I always can't wait to see what I capture through the lens. It is art through the lens. Love it!
I agree with those elements ,Katie.They are especially true for me as it relates to nature photography.But I believe photography is also Personal. It is truly a reflection of the individual in terms of what they see ,what they choose to shoot and how they chose to capture and present it.
The most successful images ( to me and my eye) are the ones that have been shot with a loving hand. I feel like I can just tell when someone has a true passion for the subject matter,it is reflected in the image.
Where do I start , of all art forms photography is where i feel best able to express myself on an emotional level. I have several stacks of photography books next to my bed, my equipment has taken over so many corners of the house. I tend not to think of it in technical terms - mine are never perfect, never will be but if I feel I can speak through images I'm happy. I feel lost without a film to develop, there are a million techniques on my to do list . I could go on and on but like John - it's therapy. I agree with a lot you've said - patience etc, however I've seen so many fantastic images on here that prove you don't need luck but can make an amazing image with imagination. I'm rambling...
I would add "craft" to your three. In many ways it could be considered at least as important as any of the others. So many images, here on 365 is a good example, are spoiled by poor camera technique. Not so much "skill" but simply technique that indeed can and should be learned.
My off-the-top-of-my-head response would be: vision, intrigue, story. How do I 'see' and 'feel' the world? What interests and intrigues me? What am I trying to communicate/capture?
hmmm . . . seems I am putting the craft of photography at a secondary level, but I absolutely value the skills it takes to do photography well.
@frankhymus I was just talking to my husband about this yesterday.I love photography.It is a passion,a therapy a joy and a way to express myself.But I really need to learn more about all the things my camera can do...and the things I can do with it.I am learning by trial and error..But I know it isn't cool that the only photography book on my shelf that is untouched is the one about technique ( hanging my head shamefully) Sometimes I feel like someone who is driving a sport car with the top down and music blaring..and who has no idea what's under the hood.:)
@mzzhope Well, it will come Hope. I was actually more concerned that often the basics are either ignored or just forgotten in the excitement of proper focus, correct exposure (don't blow anything out, but don't go dark on me), holding the camera steady and simply holding the camera straight are the four big ones that I see many people here just forgetting about all the time. :) You don't need an expensive or complicated camera to do any of that.
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The most successful images ( to me and my eye) are the ones that have been shot with a loving hand. I feel like I can just tell when someone has a true passion for the subject matter,it is reflected in the image.
hmmm . . . seems I am putting the craft of photography at a secondary level, but I absolutely value the skills it takes to do photography well.