yup, another encounter with that same coworker who said I must have a lot of time on my hands
It al started when someone stopped by to say that they really liked a photo I put on FB. I said that I've been lugging around a wide angle lens aka "the beast" this week because I want to learn how to use it.
My infamous coworker just had to chime in. First she sneered about my "naming all of my lenses". I said no just this one well and the nifty-fifty but it isn't like I'm anthropomorphizing here, I just think I'm funny.
Then she said that she doesn't like her wide angle lens because it distorts everything. I said yea its a tricky thing to use really that's why I'm lugging it around this week.
She asked me if I head out with a plan or just see what I find when I go. I said a little of both really. Sometimes I have a plan but mostly I just go see what I can see, then other times I just see what I might want to come back later and shoot.
She said that she only takes pictures when she has something to take a picture of and that she just never thinks about taking pictures of nothing.
I'm sorry I probably should have been offended but it was such a silly comment that I burst out laughing. She got a bit huffy. It was even worse when one of the guys in our area said that's really the difference between someone whose hobby is photography and someone whose hobby is traveling and they have a camera.
no she did not like that
I didn't tell her this but I used to think that way too. Then I'd get back from a trip and be really disappointed in how my pictures turned now. Best to learn how to use The Beast on a random Tuesday isn't it?
You should show her this and say 'this is my photo of nothing, what do you think?' Nothing = an interesting statue, a beautiful blossom tree and some architecture. Some folk eh? :-) Where is this unusual statue on a dial of some sort?
Hahahaha!!!! I've been asked a few times what I see. Usually it's when the camera is pointed at seemingly nothing. Sometimes people are really interested in what I do see and other times they just walk away mumbling about something. ;-)
I see a couple things going on here- first and foremost, she's obviously jealous that you know more than she does! Secondly and more importantly- there is a huge difference between a "happy snapper" and someone who has an artistic interest in photography. She probably belongs to the former group, and you to the latter. I think you did the best thing you could have done- laugh! Her second "observation" really shows she has no interest in improving, so not taking her comments seriously is spot on! Also, not retaliating with a snide comment like hers proves all the more that you are an artist, and she is not. Hooray for you!!
I bought a wide angle lens and wasn't sure I'd either like it or find a use for it but I'm completely hooked and now rarely use anything else. Mostly I use a 14mm on full frame but I also have a 7.5mm fisheye for micro four thirds which does distort but can be very effective.
And who cares what other people think. Keep taking the pics and sharing them here.
I like the way you think! For a long time, I didn't really use my 70-200mm lens because it wasn't wide enough or it wasn't long enough so I made myself lug it around and use it. Surprise, surprise I found it to be a really beautiful lens! As for taking pictures of nothing... I did one of a set of escalators at our local Marks and Spencer store - it's nothing really but it worked quite well considering I used a small point and shoot
@Cherrill there are three of those big fish out there, it's a fountain. During the summer they spit water and there are places on the ground where water shoots up. Kids & dogs just love it. Ok adults too but most adults are too cool to race around to where the water is going to shoot out next.
I love the photo above. I volunteer at church with a group of very talented photographers. Some of them are full time professionals. I have to say the lady who leads the group is wonderful. She always tells each of us how much she appreciates us and the work we do. She says so many photography sites are nasty. I think people get jealous. This must be your co-worker. How fortunate you have a good sense of humor!
I totally sympathize! I have a couple of co-workers who absolutely do not understand the concept either. I was out taking a photo of the fascinating light reflection on the building across the street and one of my co-workers was completely at a loss as to what I was photographing... he just saw a wall. I was like: Seriously? Don't you SEE it? Isn't this the coolest thing ever? He just shrugged and walked away. I do think some people just lack that creativity and ability to really see the world in that way. There's no such thing as a photo of nothing!
The small detail, perhaps even of "nothing" is often where the originality lies. Happy Snappers just don't get it, that's why what they produce is usually badly shot even of the "easy" grand views, most of which have all been done before, and significantly better than they will ever be able to achieve. Most can't even use a camera phone properly. Here's a "nothing" shot of a chimney and a roof line I rather like. I hope it has something to say.
I'm a complete beginner, but I totally agree that there is always something to take a picture of. To me, everything out there is a photo waiting to happen. I took this one outside of my doctor's office after an appointment. I noticed the plant because I have one in my backyard and for 25 years did not know what it was. (I do know, thank you internet!). But the point is that of all the photos I've taken this year, this is one of my favorites, and it just randomly happened. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, but that just means it is everywhere.
No no, you guys don't understand! The world is one great pool of useless objects and incidents. I'm doing my utter best but the great nothingness keeps piling up in my albums.
You and The Beast are getting on fine!
I'm enjoying your encounters with your co-worker and the comments on them.
I know I want to be ready when I have an "important" photo to take, so I make a point of practicing with the camera (last year was one annoyance after another, but that's another story!) and then I find the camera helps me see and enjoy the world.
It's obvious from this site that a lot of other people feel that way. But this co-worker story made me think about how precious everyday beauty is to me.
I like everyone's pictures of nothing. You know, fact is anyone can get an amazing shot in the Galapagos. She has some nice ones, but even those I look at and think (to myself), "gosh you know maybe if you had gotten down on eye level with that tortoise instead of shooting the top of him this would be a really great shot."
this is one of my favorites, I took on New Year's Day - oh you know there's a back story here
I've read every word to here and I just want to embrace you all! I love this community because "you get it"! We can appreciate what others have captured, wish we'd seen and captured that ourselves, and learn to watch for such a moment when we encounter it! Just last night I came across a wonderful photo by Kathy @radiogirl, and hers inspired me to post one of similar ilk I'd taken just days before. My back story was that I was on the school grounds at Lahainaluna HS in Maui. I'd shot this photo of the metal shed and was in the process of taking a photo of the weathered wood window when a workmen came out, paused and said it was wonderful that I saw that as a worthy photo! I immediately switched to the previous photo of the side of the shed and (of course it was small) and he said, "Where did you take that *sunset*?" Wow! Here's *that sunset*...
"To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them" - Elliot Erwitt
I hope one day to be able to learn and develop enough so I could consistently capture an artistic image when the light IS bad, when I have the 'wrong' lens, I am not in an exotic location, had a really bad day at work, there is only 2 minutes available, my battery has only enough charge to shoot just one more image, and.... there is apparently 'nothing' to shoot. :-D I think I develop a far deeper understanding of photography & creativity on those days, and I value that 365 concept very much!
I guess your co-worker wouldn't see the point of our EOTB challenge - beauty is in the "Eye Of The Beholder" - it's essence is pictures of "nothing". It's a wonderful challenge, my favorite to participate in, for both my challenge of seeing beauty is what others consider nothing - and seeing what others can see too!
@aat3877 Thanks Ann! I can't take total credit for it, but I don't remember where I first heard/read it either- maybe here on 365 actually! But quote away- I think your students will like it!
Keep going, see the interesting everywhere, use your eyes to find design lines, shadows, curves and shapes. Enjoy.
How lovely to have a sensible creative hobby which you enjoy.
A terrific supportive community here and a collection of stunning photos to browse through time and time again. Who is the loser here?
I think like any hobby, the important thing is how you feel about what you're doing. I like taking pictures. I think it has changed how I look at the world around me. If other people like my pictures then that makes it more fun certainly.
My boss wanted me to look over a presentation she was making. She asked me what I thought and I said the sky in the cover picture was a bit blown out but I liked what they did framing the shot with the trees. Oh the stuff inside? All the black and white stuff, yea that part was fine. haha Actually I did do some editing on the content too.
Sounds like your co-worker has issues... I don't talk photography at work much... But when I do the reaction is curiosity, not disdain... Other than from an individual who is also a hobbyist and we're more likely to talk about good shooting locations around town and relative merits of shadows over salt stain patterns left by the melting snow as photographic subjects...
I have heard some inane comments when out and about, but while they are sometimes a bit ignorant (you have a big camera - does it take good pictures?) they are rarely rude or mean spirited...
Maybe we should have a weekly "dumb comment" thread ;p
@aponi haha I have a friend on one of my regular social media sites that regularly posts pictures of shoes he finds in New York City. He usually has one or two a week. I'll probably send him a link to your picture.
A bit of an update on my buddy. All week I've been shooting with this wide angle lens and all week she's been telling me that she doesn't like shooting with a wide angle lens. I told her I bought it last year when we were heading to Arizona and pulled up a couple of shots I took of the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. She audibly gasped at the GC shot. She said that her GC shots didn't turn out and then in a moment of complete lack of self-awareness she asked me how I was able to nail that shot.
well...wait for it....PRACTICE
you know shots of nothing n'all
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And who cares what other people think. Keep taking the pics and sharing them here.
I'm a complete beginner, but I totally agree that there is always something to take a picture of. To me, everything out there is a photo waiting to happen. I took this one outside of my doctor's office after an appointment. I noticed the plant because I have one in my backyard and for 25 years did not know what it was. (I do know, thank you internet!). But the point is that of all the photos I've taken this year, this is one of my favorites, and it just randomly happened. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder, but that just means it is everywhere.
I'm enjoying your encounters with your co-worker and the comments on them.
I know I want to be ready when I have an "important" photo to take, so I make a point of practicing with the camera (last year was one annoyance after another, but that's another story!) and then I find the camera helps me see and enjoy the world.
It's obvious from this site that a lot of other people feel that way. But this co-worker story made me think about how precious everyday beauty is to me.
this is one of my favorites, I took on New Year's Day - oh you know there's a back story here
She doesn't 'see' and I can't help but feel sorry for her! My whole project is made up of nothing!!
Wow, that's just dumb.
"To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them" - Elliot Erwitt
How lovely to have a sensible creative hobby which you enjoy.
A terrific supportive community here and a collection of stunning photos to browse through time and time again. Who is the loser here?
My boss wanted me to look over a presentation she was making. She asked me what I thought and I said the sky in the cover picture was a bit blown out but I liked what they did framing the shot with the trees. Oh the stuff inside? All the black and white stuff, yea that part was fine. haha Actually I did do some editing on the content too.
I have heard some inane comments when out and about, but while they are sometimes a bit ignorant (you have a big camera - does it take good pictures?) they are rarely rude or mean spirited...
Maybe we should have a weekly "dumb comment" thread ;p
A bit of an update on my buddy. All week I've been shooting with this wide angle lens and all week she's been telling me that she doesn't like shooting with a wide angle lens. I told her I bought it last year when we were heading to Arizona and pulled up a couple of shots I took of the Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. She audibly gasped at the GC shot. She said that her GC shots didn't turn out and then in a moment of complete lack of self-awareness she asked me how I was able to nail that shot.
well...wait for it....PRACTICE
you know shots of nothing n'all