Becoming A Better Photographer: Lesson 2

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/12/2003 02:20:16 PM · #1

Becoming a Better Photographer

During my first year participating on the DPChallenge website, I have learned quite a bit. I look at things differently now. I see things that I didnâ��t see before. I have participated in a lot of discussions on the site and in chat that have helped me create a formula for improving my photography.

I have learned, through my own mistakes and others, that there are certain requirements involved in making great photographs. Learning to make great photos is a â��from the ground upâ�� process just like anything else. Learning the basics first seems to be important. Once the basics are mastered, you can use that knowledge to expand your photography to higher levels of image quality and subjective excellence.

Lesson 2: Choosing Your Subjects

Choosing your subject is a tough lesson to discuss. You can photograph absolutely anything you like. The possibilities are endless. What you choose to photograph is completely up to you.

I believe it is always a good idea to choose subjects in which you have a personal interest. If you go out and simply take random photographs, you are less likely to be inspired by the results you bring home. If you go out with a mission in mind, your results will be more pleasing.

Step 1: Make a list of 5 different subjects that interest you.

These subjects could include flowers, pets, kids, cars, motorcycles, trains, buildings, people, road signs, farm animals, et cetera. It doesn't really matter what you choose as long as you have a higher-than-average personal interest in your choices. These subject choices that interest you at a higher level will help keep you focused on creating better photographs.

Step 2: Select the most emotionally appealing item from your list.

After you have selected at least 5 subjects that interest you, choose the subject from your list that has the most emotional value to you. This will be the subject that we work with first.

Step 3: Make 25 photographs of your chosen subject.

You can take this step and do whatever you like with it. All you have to do is make 25 different photographs. Why 25? This will be explained in the next lesson.

Have fun making these photographs and take your time... there is no rush :)

Niten

Canon EOS-20D

05/12/2003 02:32:42 PM · #2

You forgot to leave your e-mail so we can send them all to you.

;)

excellent post

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR

05/12/2003 02:52:52 PM · #3

I don't need to see them :)

myqyl

Nikon D3100

05/12/2003 04:24:44 PM · #4

John, when you say 25 different photos, do you mean different perspectives, lighting, exposure, of one sample of the item or 25 different flowers/pets/kids? Or am I being too literal about this? I guess why I ask is I often use the 3 burst mode when I shot and that means 25 shots happen in about 8 shutter clicks...

Edit because even I don't understand my question as stated above :)

How different should each of the 25 shots be?

Message edited by author 2003-05-12 16:25:59.

crabappl3

05/12/2003 04:36:04 PM · #5

I think he wants you to take 25 random pictures. That simple. Find your subject(s) and take 25 pictures of it.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

05/12/2003 04:36:56 PM · #6

Just 25 different photos... you can make them different as you see fit...

frisca

Nikon D70

05/12/2003 05:44:36 PM · #7

is this like an assignment? How much time do we have? Are there crib notes available? What if you lost your manual? Can you explain the first part again..? ;)

thanks for starting out the lesson, John. I guess I should go out and do some homework now!

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/12/2003 05:59:29 PM · #8

Originally posted by frisca:

What if you lost your manual? Can you explain the first part again..? ;)

thanks for starting out the lesson, John. I guess I should go out and do some homework now!

Most manufacturers have their manuals online in PDF format. Yours are at:

Manual:
//www.olympusamerica.com/files/D-510Z_ENGLISH.pdf

QuickStart Guide
//www.olympusamerica.com/files/D510z_qsg.pdf

Auto Connect USB Instruction Manual
//www.olympusamerica.com/files/autoUSB.pdf

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/12/2003 06:01:52 PM · #9

(I think she was kidding but that was definitely fast)

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/12/2003 06:17:35 PM · #10

Thanks, but I have to admit I've been there before...

Jacko

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

05/12/2003 06:32:45 PM · #11

John, if I take 25 pictures I'll have to break another roll of film.

bod

05/12/2003 06:38:16 PM · #12

Originally posted by Jacko:

John, if I take 25 pictures I'll have to break another roll of film.

Splitter!

frisca

Nikon D70

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

05/12/2003 07:07:18 PM · #13

Originally posted by mavrik:

(I think she was kidding but that was definitely fast)

I was mostly kidding...my sorry attempt at humour failed, I need to take lessons from Jacko I think.

I did lose the manual for my olympus D510, but since I just bought a new camera that I shall have shortly, its not the most pressing of concerns.

brentg3

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

05/12/2003 08:36:21 PM · #14

Have you looked here for a manual download for your camera??

//www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_download_manuals.asp

Brent

frisca

Nikon D70

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

05/12/2003 09:02:43 PM · #15

I will, thanks brent. :)