Thanks, but - No Thanks - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

08/01/2002 09:31:25 AM · #1

Thanks -
First of all, I would like like to thank all those who give helpful comments to photos submitted to the various challenges. I've been submitting photos to the challenges for a few months now. I've received many helpful comments along the way. To those of you who give constructive comments, and you know who you are, a big THANKS. I filter out the rest. The constructive comments have really helped me improve my eye, and to some degree, my skills.

No Thanks -
Now that I have improved my eye, I am more critical of my own photos. I've taken 60-70 photos already for this challenge, and I don't like any of them. I wish my skills improved as fast as my eye.
Now, with no thanks to those who have helped me improve, I need to keep shooting until I find something that I like and will submit.
I now understand why some of you don't submit anything until Sunday night.
So, to all of you who have given me constructive comments -
Thanks, and no thanks. ;-)

Kimbly

Canon PowerShot G2

08/01/2002 09:41:26 AM · #2

Originally posted by jimmsp:

No Thanks -
Now that I have improved my eye, I am more critical of my own photos. I've taken 60-70 photos already for this challenge, and I don't like any of them. I wish my skills improved as fast as my eye.
Now, with no thanks to those who have helped me improve, I need to keep shooting until I find something that I like and will submit.
I now understand why some of you don't submit anything until Sunday night.
So, to all of you who have given me constructive comments -
Thanks, and no thanks. ;-)

So true, Jim :-) I spent about 3 hours last night taking about a hundred photos of the same object for this upcoming challenge. Took me forever to struggle with my crappy tripod and figure out the most effective way to do the lighting (and I even had help!) And in the end, the result is unspectacular...you'd think I just plunked it down and shot it.

magnetic9999

Canon EOS-20D

08/01/2002 09:57:32 AM · #3

...you'd think I just plunked it down and shot it.

oh i'm SUUURE the result is better than that

hokie

Nikon D2X

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

08/01/2002 09:58:31 AM · #4

Jim, thank god this is digital is all I gotta say.

I am the kind of knucklehead that use to need 50 photos of the same subject in the same position under the same light to find one that suited me! That is why I gave up on film..too expensive the way I took photos!

Now you know why when you see documentaries on photographers you see them with about 50 rolls of film strapped to their vests, 3 cameras and stuff. Even Pros need a lot of film to get their vision.

I shot 98 pics yesterday averaging about 5-10 shots per subject. A VERY good effort on my part and I would say no matter how good I got from now on that is gonna be my average.

Product shots and set-ups often require HUNDREDS of shots, even by experienced photogaphers mainly because a set-up is allowed so little room for error..even down to small blemishes or light reflections.

My only suggestion..keep shooting and vary the light and angles, focal point, background elements your relationship to the subject (shoot up, shoot down, shoot from a side, shoot from above if possible).

I am often surprised once I get back to my computer editing that some shots actually look better once I fiddle with the light, saturations, composition.

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

08/01/2002 10:20:25 AM · #5

Originally posted by hokie:
Jim, thank god this is digital is all I gotta say.............

My only suggestion..keep shooting and vary the light and angles, focal point, background elements your relationship to the subject (shoot up, shoot down, shoot from a side, shoot from above if possible).

Absolutely right. That's why I moved to digital also.
Your suggestion is a good one. I just probably need to shoot more. Make the 50 shots 150. I also have to invest in a better flash than the one that is built in to my camera. I need to save a few more $$. Finally, I need more time. What started out as a part time hobby is starting to grow into a time consuming passion.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

08/01/2002 10:22:03 AM · #6

Jim,

Is your problem this week with subject matter or technical issues?

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

08/01/2002 10:46:01 AM · #7

Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Jim,

Is your problem this week with subject matter or technical issues?

Probably a little of both. Without giving away the subject ( it's small to medium sized, takes up ~10cu ft space) the shot I'm taking looks just like that - a snap shot or "there it is, so what". I've also converted to B/W and Sepia, and I look at them and say "so...".
I've concluded I have a composition problem. I need to place this in a situation or surround it with something that will help emphasize the age of it. Then, the technical issue of lighting will probably rear its head.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

08/01/2002 10:54:12 AM · #8

It sounds to me like you are on the right track. I always try to look for interesting angles of view... Is it absolutely necessary to show your entire object in the photo? How about a closeup of a certain section or piece of it? If you are ultimately planning to convert to black and white, white balance will not be a problem... use whatever lighting you have or take it outside in natural light...

TerryGee

Canon EOS-30D

08/01/2002 11:25:46 AM · #9

What if it is something you can''t move?
How to show the age - more light, less light, more contrast, less contrast, more grain...
I give up. Something tells me this week will not be a high scorer(for me).

* This message has been edited by the author on 8/1/2002 11:43:47 AM.

Journey

Canon PowerShot G3

08/01/2002 12:08:05 PM · #10

Thanks for creating this thread, jimmsp. You speak probably for many here, certainly for me.
Yup, I'm spending way more time on it, shooting more and more, liking things less and less.