So I couldn't decide whether to put this under critique or discussion. But... it's under discussion, because I feel like it's something most of us all struggle with it at some time or other.
As I've been working on this project, I feel like I've progressed so much in soo little time; I'm not sure it shows in my pictures yet, but I know my perception of photography and what it is to be a good photographer definitely has. And I've come to find that my perception of good photography means to have variety, and be good at delivering that variety. That's what it's become to me....well...part of it.
Anyway, I'm having trouble finding that variety. I look back at my pictures, and waay too many of them seem like I'm using my camera to take photos....at things instead of...well, with them. I want to learn to work more with what isn't obvious and make it...well...obvious. But all I can do is look at what's right in front of me and snap a photo of it. How do I...not do this?!
I can see that sooo many of you all have overcome this thing...or have never had trouble with it....so advice for the rest of us??
Thanks so much!!!
I think I know what you mean. I would say look for symmetry and lines, colours and shapes, instead of seeing them as objects. Try to think in an abstract way. This is a good page for advice, in my opinion:
Im with you Soph, we jut need to go anywhere but lil ol' monument and get inspired. Not matter what sophie, you are a brilliant photographer and it SHOWS how much youve improved. And Youre my best friend, so im of course i little biased, but i can still see your talent.
p.s. im watching harry potter right now...join me?? :) xoxox
Are these things personal to you? Are they a random part of your life? I think I have learned to take my everyday life and use it for the weekly challenges and the assignments on dailyshoot.com. I've always wanted this project to document something in my day or life in general. Sometimes it's something different happening in the day but most days it's just what about everyday things in my life. This includes self-portraits, my cat, family, and friends. I think, if I understand what you are asking, this is how I put myself into the pictures. They are personal to me. At the end of the month I print out a copy of the screen for the month and tape it to my calandar. Each day I can recall things that I would have forgotten without this visual reminder.
Wow - that's a great idea to print out the month's page of photos, Dorrena. I totally agree with you. I have learned to notice my surroundings more. I used to take it all for granted - and that's what I'm photographing ... so it's really personal to me. Not each and every day is like that - but many are. The photos that I believe have turned out the best are the ones where I tried different angles - not the normal every day perspective. I think Vikdaddy is right about looking at things in an abstract way. But after all of that, I have to say I'm still such a novice and I'm still learning. I have the same problems you do so I have no great words of wisdom except to enjoy!
Thank you everyone for the great ideas!!! What you're saying enlightens some more things that i need to focus on. Thank you!!!
But I do realize that it isn't very clear what I'm saying.... geeze. it's really difficult. So I'll try a bit differently.....
I guess I'm saying that all i take pictures of is what's right in front of me. I walk outside my door, say; that would be a good picture, and snap the photo. I don't seem to be able to look around and work more with what is there. I want to be able to create something out of nothing with photos. I'm having trouble with that...
Does that make more sense? It's fine if it doesn't...I guess it helps me to put out there what exactly I am having trouble with...
Sorry for the confusion everyone!! Hope that clears it up!!
I think I understand your goal. If you go to Ross' Top 20 of the week you will see amazingly creatve photos like:
Nothing too difficult to create--if you just had the artistry to think of it. My suggestion is to keep looking at great pictures to school yourself.. Then do something outrageous and see how it turns out. I'll bet you will continue to grow creatively.
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Im with you Soph, we jut need to go anywhere but lil ol' monument and get inspired. Not matter what sophie, you are a brilliant photographer and it SHOWS how much youve improved. And Youre my best friend, so im of course i little biased, but i can still see your talent.
p.s. im watching harry potter right now...join me?? :) xoxox
But I do realize that it isn't very clear what I'm saying.... geeze. it's really difficult. So I'll try a bit differently.....
I guess I'm saying that all i take pictures of is what's right in front of me. I walk outside my door, say; that would be a good picture, and snap the photo. I don't seem to be able to look around and work more with what is there. I want to be able to create something out of nothing with photos. I'm having trouble with that...
Does that make more sense? It's fine if it doesn't...I guess it helps me to put out there what exactly I am having trouble with...
Sorry for the confusion everyone!! Hope that clears it up!!
Nothing too difficult to create--if you just had the artistry to think of it. My suggestion is to keep looking at great pictures to school yourself.. Then do something outrageous and see how it turns out. I'll bet you will continue to grow creatively.