I took a big step tonight. I attended a photography club meeting that is held in my area. Each photographer submitted three photos ahead of time for master photographer Marc Beerman to critique that night. While the picture was projected on the large screen and suggestions were made, another member implemented the changes in Light Room while we watched. I was a little nervous- no, I was REALLY nervous about showing my pictures to a pro let alone a bunch of people who know nothing about me and my little point and shoot! But I purposely chose photos that although I loved them, I wasn't sure if they were good enough for competition. The first one up was the shot of Betsy and Christopher holding Micah's head in their hands. The minute the picture came up, I was amazed to hear the reactions. Marc Beerman said, "This is such a powerful shot!" and others said some wonderful things- I can't tell you how surprised I was. Yes, there was a little tweaking, but mostly to improve the contrast, but I have to tell you, I would never have had the courage to go through with this had it not been for the encouragement, advice and gentle honesty of this site!! So thank you to all my faithful friends here- you are the best!! It was only when I pulled in the driveway that I remembered I'd planned to take a nightscape shot for the Shoot 4 September challenge today and I'd been so excited about the evening that I completely forgot!! So, you get my front door instead- it is technically a night shot, so I guess it counts!
Shoot 4 September word: nightscape
ps. I will try not to complain too much about my point and shoot now. I think it finally got through to me that I am using it to the best of its abilities and getting some pretty great shots when one lady said of Micah's picture, "If you can take something like this with a point and shoot, you are only going to get better and better." Wow.
Wow, congratulations, Ann. I, too, am afraid of showing my pictures to professionals. My son-I-law, Ian, who is not a pro but has a fab camera always criticizes my shots and I don't like it though I don't show.
your imagination, creativity and good judgement are no match against your point and shoot and so it just does your bidding. congratulations, ann. i'm so happy for you. keep it up!
Thank you Nada, Claire, Kerri, Cindy (thanks for the fav on the original picture!), Colleen, Rick, Taffy, Simmy, Dione, Terry, Vikki and Carole! Thanks for all the nice words of congratulations and compliments on the "last minute" shot. I really appreciate them so much!!
@summerfield Not yet, maybe when the inheritance comes through (after the dust of the estate settles) and I have a camera that is slightly more versatile as far as the range of photos it can take.
Nice shot, Ann! Love the orange glow of the light. It's soft and inviting and saying "Welcome Home"... Congrats on such great reviews of your photo of Micah and Christopher and Betsy. That was a wicked good shot. It was professional photography, just like your other shots. I wouldn't ever dare to show any of my photos like that. But lucky for me, we don't have places like that around here. I know my photos aren't good enough for any competitions. I see the results daily here. Yours are most definitely competition worthy and you could probably sell them or display them in an art gallery. You're photos are always that good. Well done all around Ann... both on the commentary on your photo at the show and on this one.
@prttblues Thank you Bev- you are very kind! I don't know if I'm "professional" yet, but I have one or two that might sell if the buyer's in the mood for it- lol. I look at some of the shots here by folks like Peter deGraaf and Aaron (I think he goes by the name Grizzly Ghost) and a few others and I know I have a LONG way to go. But I figure the only way I'll ever get there is to join something like this camera club and get some hard critiques of my work. I was really not expecting the reaction I got on that shot, but it did make me feel good! I think it depends on what you want to do with it. If you're happy to just enjoy the adventure of going out and taking pictures then that's what you should do and not compare yourself with others. I'm just hoping to do small sales. And I figured now is the time to explore it since I'm unemployed and can't seem to get a job. I know I won't become the next Ansel Adams but I might not do too badly at craft sales and such. Thank you again for always being there to cheer me on- I do appreciate it!!
Oh Ann I'm so pleased to read your story ... I think we all hide our light under a bushel thinking we're not good enough, it's heartwarming to hear the reactions you got - well deserved and well done my dear! Love the warmth in this shot too.. which seems appropriate x
@jesperani Thank you Jennifer! It will be good for me. I have so much to learn and I will definitely need help when I can upgrade my camera. @northy Thank you Northy! It was a great feeling. I know I will need to learn a lot more, but this definitely was a good start!
I loved reading about your camera club experience--congratulations! It takes courage to submit photos to be critiqued. And it's not the camera, it's the photographer....
HOW ENCOURAGING! i am not brave enough to do something like that, so hats off to you and what a great reward to get positive feedback! so happy for you. nice porch light shot too!
@eudora Thank you Diane! It's going to be interesting as I continue to attend- and hopefully when I can upgrade my camera I will be in a good place to learn how to use it. @moreyoulessme Thank you Jerri! It was a bit scary- but I figured if I want to grow and improve as a photographer, I have to put myself in places where I can learn.
September 23rd, 2013
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Thank you Nada, Claire, Kerri, Cindy (thanks for the fav on the original picture!), Colleen, Rick, Taffy, Simmy, Dione, Terry, Vikki and Carole! Thanks for all the nice words of congratulations and compliments on the "last minute" shot. I really appreciate them so much!!
@summerfield Not yet, maybe when the inheritance comes through (after the dust of the estate settles) and I have a camera that is slightly more versatile as far as the range of photos it can take.
@northy Thank you Northy! It was a great feeling. I know I will need to learn a lot more, but this definitely was a good start!
@moreyoulessme Thank you Jerri! It was a bit scary- but I figured if I want to grow and improve as a photographer, I have to put myself in places where I can learn.