I’ve wanted to learn photography using a good camera forever. I finally got my camera several months ago so I thought this project would be a fun way to document a year in my life and learn to use this incredibly complex toy I bought. I’ve snooped around looking at all of the wonderful pictures here and realize I’m just waaaaayy out of my league. I’m almost embarrassed to post anything! But alas, I’m bound to get better even if I’m never great and what better way to learn than hanging out with talented photographers. So please, if you happen across my photographs and have the urge to cringe, I hope you’ll forgive me because I’m barely a toddler in photography! Oh, and critiques are always welcome!
You're not out of you're league. I have submitted art on several other websites in the last couple of years, and have determined that this site and Deviantart.com are much more worth my time than any other. This is a very supportive community and offers much more to the amateur than many of the others. Use the other photographers as inspiration for your own design and learn from the Exif data to setup your camera for similar situations. Enjoy your pics, because it's your art and should benefit you more than anyone else!
@lisabelljamison I'm feeling the same way... I don't even have a good camera! I love what you're posting. It's everyday life photos which at times I find more intriguing than set up artistic type shots (mind you, some of those are mind blowing!) Keep posting; I'll keep looking at them!
That's exactly why I started this project in 2010. I found that by taking photos every day my skills began improving. Then I started searching the net for tutorials and tips, talking to people on here about how they got their shots and reading books and magazines and my skills continued to improve. I still have a way to go but I can definitely see progress.
Everyone here is really friendly an supportive and I've had some great feedback on my shots. Don't worry about the quality of your shots now. We all started right where you are at one time or another. What's important is that you have the desire to learn and improve and I think this community is really beneficial in assisting with that.
Now if only I could find the time to process the backlog of shots I have. Maybe this evening.
I have a Samsung P&S 10mp & the 5mp camera on my Samsung Captivate, no fancy camera at all....nowhere close to it but I figured I'd do the project as a way to practice getting the best fro what I have and also as a journal of sorts so that at the end of the year I can look back on a little piece of each day. I can't wait to see how all of us document the year!
@lisjam1 OMG do NOT think that!
wow, some of the photos I've seen on here I've thought, um...ok....I'm sure the person that took that is proud of them....ummm *cough*
And of course I've seen plenty that make me think "why do I even bother!"
But like you said, you want to learn your toy, that's important. Heck if I've gone too long without using my SLR and switch back from my P&S I"ve been known to hold the slr up looking at the black square on teh back and go "where's the image" totally forgetting to use the view finder (um duh!)
Just post what you want, anyone who likes taking photos belongs here for sure.
My 365 has been more of a diary than anything with photos really. Every now and then I'll "be serious" about a photo, or try out a new trick that I've learned. Make of it what you want, and stick around!
Hey Lisa,
Welcome to 365, and never think that you shouldn't be here, if we all had that opinion then no body would be here. as we all have these moments of self doubt. This is your project and so there for can fill it with what ever photos you want.. the good, the bad and the ugly.. lol
We all have days were we look at our work and think .. "what was I thinking" and yet we will get very good reviews on that shot... One mans trash is another mans treasure..
I look forward to following you and seeing your wonderful shots !!
I know what you mean, but if you want to feel better, just follow me. I am light years away from being professional on any level. I agree with @margs that I sometimes find the more everyday life more fascinating too.
same here....sometimes i look at all the other pictures, and the ones on the popular pages and i wonder what i'm doing here
i think that's part of the reason i gave up last time...this time i'm not going to let it discourage me, and just take whatever pictures i like.....
but last time i did realize what a great and welcoming community this really is...and that's why i'm back....
have fun!
you do belong. besides with all the great photographers you can learn even more and eventually become great as well. the first advice i can give you is one take your camera off auto and go crazy learning all the manual features. secondly if you don't have it all ready get an off camera flash the 403 ex2 would be a great one. You will see an improved quality in your pictures just from that alone. last of all ask questions.
This is a project for you.. not a comptetion.. record your year on "film" ( boy I'm getting old ).. 365 is meant for you to capture your year.. it's your project! It's your anything. Hmm.. did I get my point across?..LOL.. Everyone belongs here..and to boot we are a great bunch of people to talk with and to get inspiration from :)
Everyone belongs here. And that is exactly why this site is so great. I'm no great shakes but I've improved since I started this in March - and I've learned a lot and had fun. What more could you ask?!
@lisjam1 We'll learn together. I got a Canon Rebel T2i for Christmas and it's a huge learning curve. I like to use the photos I see on 365 as inspiration...helping me to see the photo and see the possibilities...lots of tips and tricks being shared too. I'm no Ansel Adams but I try to take pictures that I like and pictures that mean something to me.
It's normal to feel less than average with anything new you try (you are new!). I know I tend to back off and hide in my corner when I feel discouraged or overwhelmed.
But this project is awesome, getting me out there and looking around more. It's discouraging with no comments or followers, but I know that will come in time. You can't be the best on the first day (even though we so want to!)
I second what most are saying... some people post only there best here and love the praise and the comp... but for many of us we just do it for fun.. I have nothing to prove... I post whatever... odd things... wrong things... screen caps... scans... anything really... it is about a community of images in all forms... and I like racing @jinximages to answer questions... because we I feel you get more from teaching others... plus I cannot get my 6 day old son to use proper handholds on a MF camera... sigh... he needs to headbutt the shutter to have it fire...
i felt exactly the same way, and am very proud of what i have learned and how i have grown by shooting everyday. don't be hard on yourself; we are all critical of our own work. alot of people use this as a photographic journal, not a portfolio of their amazing work. i am using it to better myself at taking photos. have fun and good luck..i hope you stick with it! like others have said, this community is really unique in how it is super supportive and encouraging. :)
I never knew anything about photography before starting this project. Only the fact that I loved taking photos and journaling. Now I realize how much fun it is and I can't get enough! It's fun. Glad you are staying on.
Hi there, I've just joined 4 days ago, having gotten a new camera as an early Christmas gift that I have no idea how to use. I've always appreciated photography, been interested in it, but never knew anything... so now, I learn. My pictures are mundane, but I hope to improve, be inspired, and HAVE FUN! Next year at this time, maybe I'll be a bit better and inspire someone else. Let's have fun being new to this... everyone seems really nice.... seems worth a try!
Hey I have felt exactly the same, right now, I could NEVER take some of the photos that have been posted, not even close. I don't even have a good camera. I have a fairly basic point and shoot with a few "fancy" features on it. But what I have is a love of taking photos and a desire to learn.
Also, I'm not sure doing this project to take award winning pictures, for me this is also to record a year of my life, even if the picture is boring for some it's a memory for me. Along the way I'll try new things and get better and get some awesome tips that even I can use.
Then I'll save up lots of money and get me a flash as camera and do it all again!!!
Glad you're staying! I don't belong here either and I'm staying too! I got my camera as a Christmas gift and started this as a way to learn. But I'm having a lot fun just viewing the photos, reading the stories behind them and meeting the great people who take the pics.
If you have shots that satisfy you as the person taking them, that is what counts.
It is your memory, your shot the way you wanted it. Sure there are things that can make them (dazzle), that is in the editing, and too much editing to me it is no longer a great (true) photo, just minulipation, something you wanted to make different/or better just so you can be satisfied. I looked at the shots you put into the program and think they are just fine. Keep up the good work and welcome to the project.
You are so NOT out of your league!! There are all levels of photographers here, and everyone is so supportive, that it doesn't matter what level you are at, you'll feel right at home immediately. This forum is awesome! And I can't wait to see your work! I bet it will just get better and better the more you keep at it. Good luck!! =D
We're all here for different reasons - although I think a recurring theme is to learn to handle our cameras better!
Documenting a year in your life is *important* - I know that sometimes I'm too busy looking for my next 'shot' that I forget to photograph the 'everyday'.
So, good on you Lisa! And happy shooting!!
I feel the same way! I am hoping that the lack of enthusiasm for my work is just cause there are so many new people on the site. I plan trying harder and harder to peak someones interest, I did however mainly want to chronicle my year through pictures, whether they are creative, or just summing up what happend that day. We shall see!
everyone belongs here. you have some cool photos! I started out only using my iPhone 3 (not even a 4!). to me what is fun, is the challenge, the new observational skills I am developing, and how much I am learning about the world and myself.
welcome and enjoy the ride!
What everyone else has said! And I would add that a Project365 is such a personal thing - YOU choose whether you'll follow a theme, or whether you'll post photos that make you smile/cry/think/cringe, or whether you'll post only the absolute top-class photos you can possibly produce. It's YOUR project :-)
I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way! I just started my project too and I whenever I look at other people's pictures, I feel like I should be posting somewhere else where no one can see mine! But I'm doing this project for me and as way to document my year and that's all that really matters. And hey, if I become a better photographer & pick up a few tips in the process, that works too :)
Some of you have said exactly what I have been thinking. "Why am I even here?" because I am definitely NOT a photographer. I only have a little point and shoot digital camera, nothing fancy. I decided even if no one looks at my pictures it will be fun for me to look at a year from now and just see what has happened in my life.
I"m glad to see that I'm not the only one who feels this way.
This site is for everyone who is interested in taking photos. From beginners like us to some very inspirational photographers, many who take the time to give great tips and advice. I have found everyone so supportive and everyone has such a different take on their project which makes the site interesting. Enjoy it for yourself and enjoy seeing what others do!!
Wow!! I logged on to my computer this morning and couldn’t believe how many great responses I got! I read each and every one and I really appreciate your comments. I’m glad I’m not the only rookie, but I also appreciate the sage advice of the more experienced. Yes, I think I’ll hang around and try to get to the point of using my in a mode other than “creative auto”. Lots and lots of nice people here. Thanks so much for your positive feedback!
I echo what @jo365 says. Its a place for those enjoy photography at any level. I only use a P&S but I'm now into my 2nd year here and love it! The community is very supportive and as we learn a little about each other you find we support each other in other ways too. I've seen birth, death and marriage through my friends here and its all reflected in the pictures. I have found it very inspiring and very addictive. Welcome to everybody! :-)
yep, i dont think there's anything new that I can say that others haven't... your project, your life to document, whatever means the most to you is what counts :)
If you ever feel bad about photos, take a look at some of the horrible ones in my project. Enjoy and good luck!
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Everyone here is really friendly an supportive and I've had some great feedback on my shots. Don't worry about the quality of your shots now. We all started right where you are at one time or another. What's important is that you have the desire to learn and improve and I think this community is really beneficial in assisting with that.
Now if only I could find the time to process the backlog of shots I have. Maybe this evening.
wow, some of the photos I've seen on here I've thought, um...ok....I'm sure the person that took that is proud of them....ummm *cough*
And of course I've seen plenty that make me think "why do I even bother!"
But like you said, you want to learn your toy, that's important. Heck if I've gone too long without using my SLR and switch back from my P&S I"ve been known to hold the slr up looking at the black square on teh back and go "where's the image" totally forgetting to use the view finder (um duh!)
Just post what you want, anyone who likes taking photos belongs here for sure.
My 365 has been more of a diary than anything with photos really. Every now and then I'll "be serious" about a photo, or try out a new trick that I've learned. Make of it what you want, and stick around!
Welcome to 365, and never think that you shouldn't be here, if we all had that opinion then no body would be here. as we all have these moments of self doubt. This is your project and so there for can fill it with what ever photos you want.. the good, the bad and the ugly.. lol
We all have days were we look at our work and think .. "what was I thinking" and yet we will get very good reviews on that shot... One mans trash is another mans treasure..
I look forward to following you and seeing your wonderful shots !!
i think that's part of the reason i gave up last time...this time i'm not going to let it discourage me, and just take whatever pictures i like.....
but last time i did realize what a great and welcoming community this really is...and that's why i'm back....
have fun!
But this project is awesome, getting me out there and looking around more. It's discouraging with no comments or followers, but I know that will come in time. You can't be the best on the first day (even though we so want to!)
Also, I'm not sure doing this project to take award winning pictures, for me this is also to record a year of my life, even if the picture is boring for some it's a memory for me. Along the way I'll try new things and get better and get some awesome tips that even I can use.
Then I'll save up lots of money and get me a flash as camera and do it all again!!!
It is your memory, your shot the way you wanted it. Sure there are things that can make them (dazzle), that is in the editing, and too much editing to me it is no longer a great (true) photo, just minulipation, something you wanted to make different/or better just so you can be satisfied. I looked at the shots you put into the program and think they are just fine. Keep up the good work and welcome to the project.
Documenting a year in your life is *important* - I know that sometimes I'm too busy looking for my next 'shot' that I forget to photograph the 'everyday'.
So, good on you Lisa! And happy shooting!!
welcome and enjoy the ride!
I"m glad to see that I'm not the only one who feels this way.
If you ever feel bad about photos, take a look at some of the horrible ones in my project. Enjoy and good luck!