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01/03/2006 03:43:42 PM · #1 |
Do you feel that location play may play a major part in the success of a photographer? The reason I ask is that some of us live in what I would call Ă¢€˜blandvilleĂ¢€™, everything landscape wise seems unexciting. Kind of in the middle no flatland, no large lakes or oceans nearby, and no mountains just a few hills with nothing to exciting in the foreground or background. For the photographer that canĂ¢€™t travel, like myself, it seems to be an obstacle. I find myself riding around town, going through woods, and even walking the urban streets but nothing seem to excite me.
Do I have photographers block right now, the equivalent of writers block? If so is anyone else having this issue? Does anyone have some advice that may help others or myself that may feel they are in the same situation?
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01/03/2006 03:52:36 PM · #2 |
I'm so with you on that one!!! I've been going through a serious lack of inspiration lately (due to bland surroundings). Of course, you could argue beauty is all around us, we just have to find it. My problem is that my day revolves around a 15 minute commute to and from work, dirty diapers, and household chores. Here's the forumula:
(lack of time)*(lack of inspiration)=Bad time to start a POTD project
BUT, I'm going for it anyway... why don't you give it a try too? There are tons 'o threads on it. |
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01/03/2006 03:55:03 PM · #3 |
I feel much the same, trapped in rural VT over break. I know, I know, there's mountains and lakes all over here, etc. However, I spend most of the summer photographing them, and although the winter weather makes them different, it also hinders getting to them. Having been quite cold lately, I just don't find myself wanting to hike 2 hours to the top of a mountain just to shoot under overcast skies...again. Assuming of course, that the mountain top was actually under the clouds.
I find myself doing a lot of indoor stock photography, which takes off the edge - but I'm still yearning to take the gear and go shoot something great. I just don't know what that "great" is right now....
It's funny to compare us, though. You're talking about how flat it is, with no mountains, and I'm annoyed that all I have is the same old mountains. I guess it's the old story of, "The grass is always greener". Right now, some vast flat landscapes sound interesting to me. lol
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01/03/2006 03:59:30 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by Palmetto_Pixels:
I'm so with you on that one!!! I've been going through a serious lack of inspiration lately (due to bland surroundings). Of course, you could argue beauty is all around us, we just have to find it. My problem is that my day revolves around a 15 minute commute to and from work, dirty diapers, and household chores. Here's the forumula:
(lack of time)*(lack of inspiration)=Bad time to start a POTD project
BUT, I'm going for it anyway... why don't you give it a try too? There are tons 'o threads on it. |
Same here I'm trying to do a PaD project this year hoping it will open up my eyes to the beauty that is around me.
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01/03/2006 04:00:17 PM · #5 |
| When I first joined DP I was living with my 90 year old grandma and taking care of her. I got one morning a week to be on my own and away from her and the house. It was a very small town, and I would find myself going to the duck pond or the train station a lot! All of my challenge entry photos came from inside the house or outside in the yard with a few morning trips beyond my front door. Now I live in Florida...with lots of photo opportunities, and I take a lot less photos. I think it does not matter where you live or what scenery you can take in....sometimes you go through a slump until you feel creative again. Now if I could buy a new camera...yea, that is the ticket a new camera---my slump would end....or so I would like to think, but probably not! Maybe someone else has the answer.... |
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01/03/2006 04:02:41 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
It's funny to compare us, though. You're talking about how flat it is, with no mountains, and I'm annoyed that all I have is the same old mountains. I guess it's the old story of, "The grass is always greener". Right now, some vast flat landscapes sound interesting to me. lol |
Your right about that. I beginning to think it's Photographers block. |
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01/03/2006 04:03:39 PM · #7 |
I live in Suberbia, tottaly not much around here unless your interested in architeture.
i do live near the beach but my creativness goes as far as sunsets or portraits at the beach, i do feel if i lived where my brother lives i would have a much beter portfolio.
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01/03/2006 04:07:53 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by southern_exposure:
Do you feel that location play may play a major part in the success of a photographer? The reason I ask is that some of us live in what I would call Ă¢€˜blandvilleĂ¢€™, everything landscape wise seems unexciting. Kind of in the middle no flatland, no large lakes or oceans nearby, and no mountains just a few hills with nothing to exciting in the foreground or background. For the photographer that canĂ¢€™t travel, like myself, it seems to be an obstacle. I find myself riding around town, going through woods, and even walking the urban streets but nothing seem to excite me.
Do I have photographers block right now, the equivalent of writers block? If so is anyone else having this issue? Does anyone have some advice that may help others or myself that may feel they are in the same situation? |
Well, I don't have the block you speak of, but I do have to work damn hard and travel far just to get a bit of excitement to the photos. However, you are correct. The fame of a lot of photographers IS location, and most of even the very well known travel to get their shots. So, no, you are not alone. When you get the most beautiful mountain, stream, etc shots, and you live in the sticks with not much but open field for upwards of some 60+ miles, you can rest assured that the photographer who doesn't travel does have obstacles.
Rose
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01/03/2006 04:12:19 PM · #9 |
It kind of depends what you want from your photography. If stunning landscapes are your goal, and you live in Kansas, say, your day-to-day options are limited. That's actually why I moved to Cape Cod from San Diego after I retired; the Southern California landscape simply stopped inspiring me after so many years. Cape Cod is beautiful, though so far I've stayed close to home on the beaten track, and there's a lot more to uncover.
But more importantly, why set yourself up with a goal you cannot currently fulfill?
There's a whole other way of looking at photography, as the "discovery of what IS". It's the "make lemonade" approach. I highly recommend macro work for those of you who are locationally challenged; there's ALWAYS beauty and amazement to be found if you move in close.
Robt. |
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01/03/2006 04:24:53 PM · #10 |
Well, for me it isn't so much that I am tired of what I shoot, or am locked in. I do plan on some exciting photography travel this year, and yesterday I got off my first of some shots yet to have ever taken, and it was an exciting day. I think it is what is appealing to others is what the problem is. Sure, I may like shots of flowers, for instance, or a macro of a bug's eye..LOL.. but if it is up against the most gorgeous landscape shot in the middle of Iceland, surely Iceland will be more appealing. Appeal is universal in that manner within the challenges I think, especially free studies.
I think that more people are just jealous, like myself, that they can't get those wonderful shots that some do from other parts of the universe. LOL...BUT, that is what keeps the juices flowing for me. Knowing that I have yet to achieve what I care to shoot, and someday I will. Always something to look forward too.
Rose
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01/03/2006 04:31:46 PM · #11 |
I used to feel the same way but what I found after awhile was a much different perspective. Most of my best photos were taken in my own yard or within a few minutes of my house. Some I had walked by hundreds of times (a frog croaking in my moms pond, an old cracked leaf on the rail of my deck, a spider rebuilding his web after it rained) before I took the time to pay attention and connect with the subject. Some weren't the original subject I started to photograph but something that caught my eye while I was in the creative process of shooting.
We are surrounded with the beauty and blessings of life. Take a deep breath, relax, take the time to pay attention. You may find the interesting moments that are everywhere around you will start to emerge.
Edit: for typo
If interested in seeing some of these images they are on my web site //seenosun.com
Message edited by author 2006-01-03 16:39:17. |
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01/03/2006 04:32:55 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
It kind of depends what you want from your photography. If stunning landscapes are your goal, and you live in Kansas, say, your day-to-day options are limited. That's actually why I moved to Cape Cod from San Diego after I retired; the Southern California landscape simply stopped inspiring me after so many years. Cape Cod is beautiful, though so far I've stayed close to home on the beaten track, and there's a lot more to uncover.
But more importantly, why set yourself up with a goal you cannot currently fulfill?
There's a whole other way of looking at photography, as the "discovery of what IS". It's the "make lemonade" approach. I highly recommend macro work for those of you who are locationally challenged; there's ALWAYS beauty and amazement to be found if you move in close.
Robt. |
Bear I have the canon 50mm f/1.8 II the macro is ok but would A set of 3 Close-Up filters (+1, +2, and +4) which can be used singly or stacked in any configuration to give you magnification strengths from +1 to +7 help this lens with better closeup macro's? |
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01/03/2006 04:38:34 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by southern_exposure:
Do I have photographers block right now, the equivalent of writers block? If so is anyone else having this issue? Does anyone have some advice that may help others or myself that may feel they are in the same situation? |
I think it's just the boring familiar that gets grip of us all - even if it's not boring by other peoples standards.
I have lived in places like you mention (places where you cannot prove the earth is round) and years later (ok ok; years AND years is all I am admitting to), I can now think of stuff that would be fun to photograph. Okay, You are always limited in some way -> I ain't going to get beach shots when it keeps snowing like this but then again...
The only times I can think of stuff I want to photograph where I am lately seems to be the times I cannot get away and when I can, nothing excites me; I can understand your problem.
I find the best way is to just drag the camera out and burn some bytes for no reason at all. Hell, I took pictures of the kids legos to try and get some emotion out of them - how sad is that :-) |
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01/03/2006 04:44:38 PM · #14 |
| My problem is i have ideas in my head that the location does not allow for (and since i cant drive, i cant get to them). Or i cant get hold of a prop because my location is in the boonies lol. On the flip side i do have access to some really awesome locations (like the jail) because of where i live and no one to model for me! |
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01/03/2006 04:45:54 PM · #15 |
The first step to curing "block" is acknowledging you have it...then...
...invite someone to shoot with you--there's nothing like a companion to help you see the world differently
...go someplace moderately interesting (nearby farm, backyard, bench on Main Street) and force yourself to sit still for at least 20 minutes--take at least 20 pictures without moving. Sometimes sitting still is better than chasing around looking for something to shoot.
...try one style you've always wanted to try but haven't put the effort in to. (For me, this would be setting up a portrait "studio" and inviting everyone I know to come sit for me.)
I live in one of the most "blah" towns on the planet. I *know* these suggestions can help break the block. But if all else fails, drive south until you feel inspired--do call work to let them know you may not be back for awhile. =)
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01/03/2006 04:47:03 PM · #16 |
I lived in Kansas for 30 years, Some of the most beautiful sunsets ever. Just hardly anything to shoot with them.
Colorado and Utah fit what I like to shoot.
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01/03/2006 04:48:01 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by Brent_Ward:
I lived in Kansas for 30 years, Some of the most beautiful sunsets ever. Just hardly anything to shoot with them.
Colorado and Utah fit what I like to shoot. |
Tell 'em about the "waterfall" you drove out of your way to shoot....!
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01/03/2006 04:49:41 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by Brent_Ward:
I lived in Kansas for 30 years, Some of the most beautiful sunsets ever. Just hardly anything to shoot with them.
Colorado and Utah fit what I like to shoot. |
BTW congratulation on your ribbon. Absolutely stunning and well framed and technically superb. |
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01/03/2006 04:50:15 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by KaDi:
Originally posted by Brent_Ward:
I lived in Kansas for 30 years, Some of the most beautiful sunsets ever. Just hardly anything to shoot with them.
Colorado and Utah fit what I like to shoot. |
Tell 'em about the "waterfall" you drove out of your way to shoot....! |
It was the largest waterfall in Kansas!!! I think it was 3 feet or less when I was there. ;o)
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01/03/2006 04:51:10 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by southern_exposure:
Originally posted by Brent_Ward:
I lived in Kansas for 30 years, Some of the most beautiful sunsets ever. Just hardly anything to shoot with them.
Colorado and Utah fit what I like to shoot. |
BTW congratulation on your ribbon. Absolutely stunning and well framed and technically superb. |
Thank you! The web version is a little soft I think. The print is pretty sharp.
Message edited by author 2006-01-03 16:51:33.
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01/03/2006 04:51:30 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by KaDi:
....try one style you've always wanted to try but haven't put the effort in to.... |
I think this is a good idea. One interesting thought along these lines I have seen recently (sorry whoever it was if you are here - I don't remember) was somebody who tried shooting only B&W in Times Square (NY). |
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01/03/2006 04:53:09 PM · #22 |
| If you don't find the beauty where you are, how do you expect to find it any place else. Just some food for thought. |
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01/03/2006 04:55:54 PM · #23 |
reading your profile.. you are in Georgia..
this is a place you could start..state parks
if you can't find beauty in the Georgia state parks, you will never find it anywhere else.... |
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01/03/2006 04:57:07 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by southern_exposure:
Do you feel that location play may play a major part in the success of a photographer? The reason I ask is that some of us live in what I would call Ă¢€˜blandvilleĂ¢€™, everything landscape wise seems unexciting. Kind of in the middle no flatland, no large lakes or oceans nearby, and no mountains just a few hills with nothing to exciting in the foreground or background. For the photographer that canĂ¢€™t travel, like myself, it seems to be an obstacle. I find myself riding around town, going through woods, and even walking the urban streets but nothing seem to excite me.
Do I have photographers block right now, the equivalent of writers block? If so is anyone else having this issue? Does anyone have some advice that may help others or myself that may feel they are in the same situation? |
For me at least, being in a really unremarkable part of maryland, the problem seems to lie more with the weather. I'm dying to shoot but its too f%&king cold outside. And when I do get outside, its either grey or I can't go far enough to make it interesting. I have photographed the things around here I know so I am always on the lookout for new places. When I find one, I'm like a kid in a candy store. I'm dying for spring to come around again but I know that by summer I am longing for winter. Maybe if it snowed. That would make it more interesting..for a few days anyway. ;)
Honestly, its not the place that give a photographer success, its what he/she does with the place.
You know what funny though? All summer I couldn't wait for the leaves to be gone so the damn leaves would stop blocking my view. Now I can't find a decent view to take a picture of.
When I get blocked/can't think of anything to take a picture of/I'm just plain bored I do one of two things:
1. I go to the grocery store and buy flowers or fruits and vegetables. The pretty colors wake me up and I also have something to take a picture of in the light tent I built. Look at my past few entries. I've been pretty bored/uninspired. :)
2. I browse books or on-line to find new editing tips I didn't know about and then go look through my hard drive to find pictures they would improve. I have found many forgotten images that way. Sometimes, if you look at them months later with a fresh eye and new skills, they look completely different.
Good luck in your quest and I'll be reading for tips for this too. |
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01/03/2006 05:01:59 PM · #25 |
i have reverse photographers block....i live in a pretty stunningly beautiful place. I can visit the ocean on my lunchbreak, and live even closer.
so my block has to do with figuring out the what and the how and most importantly the Why. |
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