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06/30/2010 08:18:37 PM · #76 |
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06/30/2010 08:53:34 PM · #77 |
Originally posted by pixelpig:
I've come to the dismal conclusion that photography is always going to be just outside my grasp. I'll never be anything more than a little creative. But I will probably never stop having fun trying. As long as it's still fun, I'll be cliking that shutter/mouse. |
Herein lies an issue that I struggled with for some time. I personally don't feel that I have much if any creativity at all. I know I'm really unlikely to come up with an original image. That said, so be it. That's not going to stop me from enjoying photography, and leaning to shoot, and process images that I like. What I've concentrated on for the past couple years now has been learning exactly what my strengths are and working to develop them through examination, and concentrating on the details that make my strengths what they are. I'm no Ansel Adams, Richard Avedon.......heck, I'm no Joey Lawrence, IreneM, or Shannon Calvert. But I no longer want to be, either. I get the gratification from developing the photographer that I am, and I've found that attitude and perspective make all the difference when it comes to that. Sure, I can pick apart my work, but why not concentrate on what I do well? I dunno if this will resonate with anyone, but I've noticed an amazing proclivity amongst those of us who aren'tthe best of the best to completely and totally tear apart our work.It's simply not constructive. I'm not saying that you cannot examine your work and see what you might do to improve it, but I too often see reasonably decent wok categorically dismissed out of hand because of the slightest of issues. You have to be able to look at an image and see what it is that you like about it as well as see potential problems. Remember......there was a reason you pushed the shutter button. Look for that reason in every image, and try to bring that out. But don't castigate yourself if it just didn't pan out either. Move on to the next one.
I hope you guys don't mind if I air some of these thoughts because I see and hear so much unnecessary self-flagellation from decent photogs 'cause they didn't get that stellar shot. Sometimes it's okay to get a good shot, even though it may only work for you to jog a memory.
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06/30/2010 09:06:42 PM · #78 |
Jeb: Please let me say this... this post has moved me. It came straight from your heart, and has every little advise that a noob or even a DPC-struggler needs to hear. If you do not mind I would like to preserve parts of these lines on my profile page, of course citing you as the original author. In the end, I apologize if I offended you one of the last times in the threads.
(Sorry Steve for hijacking the thread, I just had to say it. I will shut up now).
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
Originally posted by pixelpig:
I've come to the dismal conclusion that photography is always going to be just outside my grasp. I'll never be anything more than a little creative. But I will probably never stop having fun trying. As long as it's still fun, I'll be cliking that shutter/mouse. |
Herein lies an issue that I struggled with for some time. I personally don't feel that I have much if any creativity at all. I know I'm really unlikely to come up with an original image. That said, so be it. That's not going to stop me from enjoying photography, and leaning to shoot, and process images that I like. What I've concentrated on for the past couple years now has been learning exactly what my strengths are and working to develop them through examination, and concentrating on the details that make my strengths what they are. I'm no Ansel Adams, Richard Avedon.......heck, I'm no Joey Lawrence, IreneM, or Shannon Calvert. But I no longer want to be, either. I get the gratification from developing the photographer that I am, and I've found that attitude and perspective make all the difference when it comes to that. Sure, I can pick apart my work, but why not concentrate on what I do well? I dunno if this will resonate with anyone, but I've noticed an amazing proclivity amongst those of us who aren'tthe best of the best to completely and totally tear apart our work.It's simply not constructive. I'm not saying that you cannot examine your work and see what you might do to improve it, but I too often see reasonably decent wok categorically dismissed out of hand because of the slightest of issues. You have to be able to look at an image and see what it is that you like about it as well as see potential problems. Remember......there was a reason you pushed the shutter button. Look for that reason in every image, and try to bring that out. But don't castigate yourself if it just didn't pan out either. Move on to the next one.
I hope you guys don't mind if I air some of these thoughts because I see and hear so much unnecessary self-flagellation from decent photogs 'cause they didn't get that stellar shot. Sometimes it's okay to get a good shot, even though it may only work for you to jog a memory. |
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06/30/2010 09:18:55 PM · #79 |
Originally posted by Prash:
Jeb: Please let me say this... this post has moved me. It came straight from your heart, and has every little advise that a noob or even a DPC-struggler needs to hear. If you do not mind I would like to preserve parts of these lines on my profile page, of course citing you as the original author. In the end, I apologize if I offended you one of the last times in the threads.
(Sorry Steve for hijacking the thread, I just had to say it. I will shut up now).
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
Originally posted by pixelpig:
I've come to the dismal conclusion that photography is always going to be just outside my grasp. I'll never be anything more than a little creative. But I will probably never stop having fun trying. As long as it's still fun, I'll be cliking that shutter/mouse. |
Herein lies an issue that I struggled with for some time. I personally don't feel that I have much if any creativity at all. I know I'm really unlikely to come up with an original image. That said, so be it. That's not going to stop me from enjoying photography, and leaning to shoot, and process images that I like. What I've concentrated on for the past couple years now has been learning exactly what my strengths are and working to develop them through examination, and concentrating on the details that make my strengths what they are. I'm no Ansel Adams, Richard Avedon.......heck, I'm no Joey Lawrence, IreneM, or Shannon Calvert. But I no longer want to be, either. I get the gratification from developing the photographer that I am, and I've found that attitude and perspective make all the difference when it comes to that. Sure, I can pick apart my work, but why not concentrate on what I do well? I dunno if this will resonate with anyone, but I've noticed an amazing proclivity amongst those of us who aren'tthe best of the best to completely and totally tear apart our work.It's simply not constructive. I'm not saying that you cannot examine your work and see what you might do to improve it, but I too often see reasonably decent wok categorically dismissed out of hand because of the slightest of issues. You have to be able to look at an image and see what it is that you like about it as well as see potential problems. Remember......there was a reason you pushed the shutter button. Look for that reason in every image, and try to bring that out. But don't castigate yourself if it just didn't pan out either. Move on to the next one.
I hope you guys don't mind if I air some of these thoughts because I see and hear so much unnecessary self-flagellation from decent photogs 'cause they didn't get that stellar shot. Sometimes it's okay to get a good shot, even though it may only work for you to jog a memory. |
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I agree that these are great words!!
Message edited by author 2010-06-30 21:19:26. |
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06/30/2010 09:23:57 PM · #80 |
Originally posted by Prash:
Jeb: Please let me say this... this post has moved me. It came straight from your heart, and has every little advise that a noob or even a DPC-struggler needs to hear. If you do not mind I would like to preserve parts of these lines on my profile page, of course citing you as the original author. |
Sure.....no problem. It was posted to hopefully resonate with people who may have the same issues that I struggle with and have managed to work through to a certain extent. I'm not really worried about credit.I'm sure this is primarily simple positve attitude self-reinforcement technique.
Originally posted by Prash:
In the end, I apologize if I offended you one of the last times in the threads. |
Oh,like I'd be someone who would have the slightest right to get indignant about things said in threads! LOL!!! No apologies necessary, my friend.
Originally posted by pixelpig:
I've come to the dismal conclusion that photography is always going to be just outside my grasp. I'll never be anything more than a little creative. But I will probably never stop having fun trying. As long as it's still fun, I'll be cliking that shutter/mouse. |
One point well worth mentioning.....and I hope I don't get into trouble for mentioning this.  pixelpig was a major player in helping me start to see some of what it is that I am as a photog. If you want to see why I say this, read the comment on this image......
When I see something like this,  my mind's eye sees what I can (hopefully) produce when I edit. So though I don't produce an accurate rendition of what's actually there, I am sometimes capable of producing what I envision, and that's what this is about for me.
So......where I fall short is in trying to recreate what I want from an image instead of what is actually there. Sometime it's simply not possible to achieve that. So I try the next time and keep practicing.
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06/30/2010 09:27:16 PM · #81 |
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
Originally posted by Prash:
Jeb: Please let me say this... this post has moved me. It came straight from your heart, and has every little advise that a noob or even a DPC-struggler needs to hear. If you do not mind I would like to preserve parts of these lines on my profile page, of course citing you as the original author. |
Sure.....no problem. It was posted to hopefully resonate with people who may have the same issues that I struggle with and have managed to work through to a certain extent. I'm not really worried about credit.I'm sure this is primarily simple positve attitude self-reinforcement technique.
Oh,like I'd be someone who would have the slightest right to get indignant about things said in threads! LOL!!! No apologies necessary, my friend.
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Thank you very much.
ETA: Your words now shine on my page:-)
Message edited by author 2010-06-30 21:31:32. |
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06/30/2010 10:29:41 PM · #82 |
Steve,
If you're still trying to figure out which "students" to match with which "mentors", I'd like to request the following (in no specific order).
Wendy - I believe she's the only other Oly user out of the bunch. So she may be able to help me out there, just upgrading to an e-500 from my e-10. So there's common ground there. Also, I like her "eye", and her processing skills.
Robert - I believe him to be the most experienced out of the bunch (behind the glass). Also, I am moving recently from using film to digital media. I know that Bear has had years of film experience and that may be helpful.
Paul - He's another one that has an "eye" for things that I feel to be similar to mine. One of my best received comments was from Paul, seeing things in my entry that others didn't, simply from taking the time to actually look. I feel that extra time spent may spill over into his mentoring, as well.
Thanks to all... |
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06/30/2010 10:33:11 PM · #83 |
Originally posted by e10icus:
Steve,
If you're still trying to figure out which "students" to match with which "mentors", I'd like to request the following (in no specific order). |
I'd like the "students" to decide for themsleves who they would like to get coached by. I would not presume to know best on something like that.
So whoever is playing, contact the person(s) you want helping you this month. |
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06/30/2010 10:38:52 PM · #84 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
Originally posted by e10icus:
Steve,
If you're still trying to figure out which "students" to match with which "mentors", I'd like to request the following (in no specific order). |
I'd like the "students" to decide for themsleves who they would like to get coached by. I would not presume to know best on something like that.
So whoever is playing, contact the person(s) you want helping you this month. |
You want the students to contact the teachers?? How many do we contact?? 2?
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06/30/2010 10:41:28 PM · #85 |
Originally posted by JustCaree:
You want the students to contact the teachers?? How many do we contact?? 2? |
However many you feel is appropriate. I think too many different opinions and suggestions could make it overwhelming, though. I think 2 or 3 people is about right, whether one is a coach or player. |
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06/30/2010 10:43:30 PM · #86 |
ummm...
I hope I just did???
8-)
This is kind of awkward to me, so if any of you that I mentioned think I'm teachable, could you drop me a PM?
Thanks. |
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06/30/2010 10:44:34 PM · #87 |
crap I dont know how to ask LOL I always go to the same two people you and PGerst... LOL Im sure you two would like a break.... if anyone wants to volunteer to work with a naroctic crazy chick who is likely to drive you crazy and reallllllly needs editting help. Knows the basics, has general knowledge, knows Paintshop well but doesnt know how to apply it to a photograph. Has photoshop but is a complete stranger to it. ... let me know!!
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06/30/2010 10:52:19 PM · #88 |
Oh, yes...
Even though I'm photo-editing-progam challenged (using GIMP), I've recently gotten some suggestions from another DPC user on processing, and she just sent me general "what I did in Photoshop" suggestions.
I think I learned more in the process of converting between the two (finding the PS equivalent in GIMP) than I would have just getting settings to use, without having to think about it.
...so don't let that scare ya'.
;-) |
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06/30/2010 10:55:45 PM · #89 |
Originally posted by JustCaree:
crap I dont know how to ask LOL I always go to the same two people you and PGerst... |
I wouldn't offer the help if I minded. Another perspective would be good as well. |
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06/30/2010 10:59:05 PM · #90 |
Steve - could you give me some concrete examples of how you expect this to run? I'm a little confused. Are we critiquing images that are going into regular challenges or are we working on images that stay within the thread - a la a side challenge.
I personally would like to help someone work on a photo for a challenge, this way we can start to get a feel on what is working and what is not. That is how I'd like to proceed but if that does not work with what you envisioned, please do let me know. |
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06/30/2010 11:01:20 PM · #91 |
Ok Steve since you use PSP will you be one of my teachers... and Bear will you also be one of my mentor/teachers please since you have a lot of the same software I have available as well)
**I sent Bear a PM and Steve if you think I should try someone else I understand I just wanted someone who uses PSP since that is my primary software**
Message edited by author 2010-06-30 23:04:58.
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06/30/2010 11:04:07 PM · #92 |
Originally posted by colorcarnival:
Steve - could you give me some concrete examples of how you expect this to run? I'm a little confused. Are we critiquing images that are going into regular challenges or are we working on images that stay within the thread - a la a side challenge. |
My intention was to work on an image strictly for the side challenge. One that it is possible to recreate or reshoot so that we can also address the aspects of camera skills, composition and "seeing the light". By using a non-challenge photo, all can follow the progress of improving this shot over the month and gain something from it. No reason you cannot also help the same person with a challenge entry as well, though naturally, that would be kept private. |
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06/30/2010 11:05:44 PM · #93 |
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
Originally posted by colorcarnival:
Steve - could you give me some concrete examples of how you expect this to run? I'm a little confused. Are we critiquing images that are going into regular challenges or are we working on images that stay within the thread - a la a side challenge. |
My intention was to work on an image strictly for the side challenge. One that it is possible to recreate or reshoot so that we can also address the aspects of camera skills, composition and "seeing the light". By using a non-challenge photo, all can follow the progress of improving this shot over the month and gain something from it. No reason you cannot also help the same person with a challenge entry as well, though naturally, that would be kept private. |
I think both would be awesome!!!
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06/30/2010 11:06:07 PM · #94 |
Got it - thanks for the explanation!
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
Originally posted by colorcarnival:
Steve - could you give me some concrete examples of how you expect this to run? I'm a little confused. Are we critiquing images that are going into regular challenges or are we working on images that stay within the thread - a la a side challenge. |
My intention was to work on an image strictly for the side challenge. One that it is possible to recreate or reshoot so that we can also address the aspects of camera skills, composition and "seeing the light". By using a non-challenge photo, all can follow the progress of improving this shot over the month and gain something from it. No reason you cannot also help the same person with a challenge entry as well, though naturally, that would be kept private. |
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06/30/2010 11:06:27 PM · #95 |
Personally, I might (if ok), take advantage, and get some coaching myself from Bear and Spiff, then again,, I think I might need some of Jeb's advice too.. :)
There's such a huge pile of talent here (frankly several of the "students" are amazing photographers..).. I look forward to seeing what the project accomplishes in the next month..
Thanks Grog, great idea. |
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06/30/2010 11:08:15 PM · #96 |
Originally posted by coryboehne:
Thanks Grog, great idea. |
Grog say Corey-bone is welcome. Grog now go warm up club for use in freestudy. |
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06/30/2010 11:21:54 PM · #97 |
Originally posted by JustCaree:
Ok Steve since you use PSP will you be one of my teachers... and Bear will you also be one of my mentor/teachers please since you have a lot of the same software I have available as well)
**I sent Bear a PM and Steve if you think I should try someone else I understand I just wanted someone who uses PSP since that is my primary software** |
Not much point in my working with you unless you're gonna commit to your CS3, 'cuz I know less than nothing about PSP...
R.
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06/30/2010 11:37:14 PM · #98 |
Originally posted by cowtownmom:
Anyone else, especially you coaches, a Mac user too. It would make things easier although I have both systems here to use. I would rather learn more about how things work on my Mac then keep doing them on Steve's computer. |
Ellen, I'm a mac. But I volunteered when there were already too many coaches, so didn't make the list. But the offer still stands and I can happily jump in if needed. |
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06/30/2010 11:38:53 PM · #99 |
Putting you back on the list. If someone needs you, that's what matters. That makes for an even number of coaches and players. Nice. Ought to be good for a lot of 1 on 1.
Message edited by author 2010-06-30 23:41:22. |
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06/30/2010 11:50:06 PM · #100 |
Originally posted by salmiakki:
Ellen, I'm a mac. But I volunteered when there were already too many coaches, so didn't make the list. But the offer still stands and I can happily jump in if needed. |
Thanks, Another Mac user might be helpful. That way we are talking about doing the same thing the same way. That doesn't happen alot here at home with Steve and I . We are absolutely a mixed marriage. He's Jewish, I'm Christian. He's PC and I"m Mac. Well maybe not that mixed. The cameras agree even if the software doesn't. He's PSP and I'm CS2. Again, we're all mixed up. But it all works out better in the end. Definitely keeps things interesting.
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