Getting more out of what I've got

Irish_Tom

Irish_Tom

Irish_Tom

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
15,177
Lo all,

As most of you know, I've been a regular in P&V for quite a few years and while my style isn't quite to everyone's taste, I have a passion for photography led by my career in design.

I've not been contributing any photos lately (apart from my trip to the US last month) because I'm starting to get a bit dejected with the quality of my photography.

I've been studying and taking photos for 6 years or so which, without trying to sound arrogant, leads me to believe I know most of the theory, although I realise that there is always something new to learn.

I also use Lightroom/Photoshop on a daily basis so my knowledge of the software is pretty good.

Something just isn't 'clicking' with me at the moment. I know what I wan't to achieve, it's just that the final images don't live up to my expectations. They either aren't sharp enough or don't 'pop' the way I want them to...

Part of me wants to blame my kit: D50, 18-200VR and Nifty Fifty. I've already decided to sell the 18-200VR because of it's image quality.
However, I
use a D200 + 18-200VR at work and find I get similar problems with sharpness/noise on that. I actually find it harder to get a decent exposure on the D200 than I do on the D50. Maybe I'm expecting too much from the last generation of technology but I'm loath to blame my tools.

I'm saving for a new car at the moment so I can't afford the kit I'd like: D700, 14-24 and 24-70.

As such, I'm looking for ways to get more from my current kit.

The Nifty Fifty is great for shallow DOF shots, but the D50 doesn't have DOF Preview which makes it a bit hit-and-miss. the lens is also sharp above f4 but the camera really can't be taken off ISO200 so shutter speeds can then become an issue depending on light levels.

Sorry if I'm rambling.

Has anyone else had 'photographer's block' and if so, what did you do to get over it?
 
i was having similar problems to yourself. i got over it by going and taking pictures i'd not tried before. the sheer joy that comes from experimenting and getting it right snapped me right out of my fugue.
 
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Awesome link lewis and another good suggestion TG.

I have to say, I really enjoyed getting out and taking photos in Boston/NYC I just wasn't very happy with the results. few worked but most didn't.

I have to admit that Southampton doesn't really inspire me to go out shooting – maybe that's the rut I need to get out of.

I'll push myself to get the camera out over the next week and post back here for thoughts/crit. :)
 
nice link;) I need that too.

OP, maybe print a couple out and step away from the computer for a bit? Then go out and take pics that you'd like to have up around your house, rather than just capturing events/routine.
 
if you dont like how things are turning out, try using a completely different lens than you usually would.

you get extra challenge from a technical standpoint, and the pictures you get will look different. rent something and see how you go :)

stupot makes a good point- just get out and about. my camera goes everywhere with me, and im always on the lookout for something interesting/different/pretty/colourful etc.
 
Panzerbjorn said:
Awesome link lewis and another good suggestion TG.

I have to say, I really enjoyed getting out and taking photos in Boston/NYC I just wasn't very happy with the results. few worked but most didn't.

I have to admit that Southampton doesn't really inspire me to go out shooting – maybe that's the rut I need to get out of.

I'll push myself to get the camera out over the next week and post back here for thoughts/crit. :)
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Stupot_ said:
nice link;) I need that too.

OP, maybe print a couple out and step away from the computer for a bit? Then go out and take pics that you'd like to have up around your house, rather than just capturing events/routine.
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Us Southerners should arrange a meet :)
 
I was feeling a bit like this the last few months, the dreary cold weather and boring scenery meant I didn't even want to take my camera out of my bag when I went for a walk one afternoon.
Now the weather has picked up I've been out nearly every day I can just walking around or driving somewhere and exploring, it's surprising what you can find in your own back yard.

I just got 3 new (well old) manual lenses today and have had a great time wandering around trying them out, people on here have always said buy good glass and now I see why. If you aren't afraid to go fully manual then I would recommend getting some good older lenses, they can be picked up pretty cheap these days, as you've got a D50 you can even use the pre-AI lenses I think which are even cheaper than the AI/AIS versions and are usually optically identical.

I can see what you are trying to achieve with your photos from the US, I would have tried similar shots (have some from Toronto last year which when I took them thought would look great but when you get home you think "meh").

Definitely recommend others suggestions to ask your friends to help you, looking at your photos I get the feeling you shy away from portraiture (I could be wrong), why not get some friends to pose for you, always good for a laugh even if the photos turn out rubbish.

Other than that, see whats going on in your area, I've noticed quite a few things going on up here soon and I don't even live in a city.

Get out there and start enjoying photography again :)
 
First of all, do you know what you like to photograph? That is part of the problem with quite a few people i find. They don't know what they like to photograph.

Personally i like to photograph people, candids, documentary, portraits, and that's 99% it. I don't even attempt macro, landscape, wildlife etc. Purely because I never have that urge to photograph in those areas. I spend my time doing what i know and love, in the area that i am good at. I suppose if i try i could get a half decent macro or landscape shot but they just don't really interest me.

That said, I can still go months without picking up my camera, but that doesn't bother me, not one bit. Why? Because I see photos everyday with my eyes, like i said before, i am constantly looking for that picture, even without my camera. I am typing this on the train now and am surrounded by commuters and If i had my camera this would make a nice photo I think, in B&W. The conductor is in the frame too checking tickets, there is a lady standing next to the luggage space, there is a guy reading a book named CARTER, there are 2 people reading the Metro, a businessman holding a pen thinking pensively. A nice wide angle shot, i think 16mm on FF would do it nicely.

Things like that, i don't find myself need to take the photo, but knowing I can see them everyday, that's a constant drug in my system.
 
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Thanks to everyone who's contributed so far. There are some really good suggestions and it's nice to know there's always some support from OcUK Photography!

Jimmy1983 said:
Us Southerners should arrange a meet :)
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That would be awesome. My Girlfriend lives in Portsmouth so I'm usually there at the weekend. :)

BruceLee & Raymond Lin said:
Two very good posts...
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My favourite subjects are abstract/macro (but I don't have a macro lens) landscape (but I don't have a super wide angle) and general candid/walk about stuff (which the 50mm is perfect for).

I've felt held back by the lack of funds to buy the above lenses but going for older manual lenses could be the way to fill the gap.

Portraiture, wildlife and aircraft photography don't interest me but maybe I should try something new as a bit of a challenge (although the 50mm might make wildlife/aircraft a bit difficult). :p

Raymond, I know what you're saying about always 'seeing' the photo. I do the same thing but rarely have the inclination to actually take the shot. I do sometimes grab the iPhone for a cheeky photo though.

I also think working as a designer every day makes me quite blaze about images. I see so many on a daily basis that I either a) don't want to do more photography/design in my free time or b) feel the shots I do take don't compare to some of the amazing things I see day-in day-out.
 
Have a baby! That perked my interest, bit extreme for most though I guess :D

Have you got extension tubes? Could use those with the nifty for a cheaper way into macro?
 
Panzerbjorn said:
I also think working as a designer every day makes me quite blaze about images. I see so many on a daily basis that I either a) don't want to do more photography/design in my free time or b) feel the shots I do take don't compare to some of the amazing things I see day-in day-out.
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Know that feeling only too well!!!

Valve
 
Raymond Lin said:
First of all, do you know what you like to photograph? That is part of the problem with quite a few people i find. They don't know what they like to photograph.

Personally i like to photograph people, candids, documentary, portraits, and that's 99% it. I don't even attempt macro, landscape, wildlife etc. Purely because I never have that urge to photograph in those areas. I spend my time doing what i know and love, in the area that i am good at. I suppose if i try i could get a half decent macro or landscape shot but they just don't really interest me.

That said, I can still go months without picking up my camera, but that doesn't bother me, not one bit. Why? Because I see photos everyday with my eyes, like i said before, i am constantly looking for that picture, even without my camera. I am typing this on the train now and am surrounded by commuters and If i had my camera this would make a nice photo I think, in B&W. The conductor is in the frame too checking tickets, there is a lady standing next to the luggage space, there is a guy reading a book named CARTER, there are 2 people reading the Metro, a businessman holding a men thinking pensively. A nice wide angle shot, i think 16mm on FF would do it nicely.

Things like that, i don't find myself need to take the photo, but knowing I can see them everyday, that's a constant drug in my system.
Click to expand...

I think advise like this is to be remembered!!!

Very very true and good read Mr Asos.
 
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