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05/01/2012 12:09:03 PM · #1 |
Yah, well......
I have to.... I'm taking a photography course here in the town where I live. It's kind of an "Art Co-op" kind of thing....a gallery, studio, darkrooms, potter's wheels, and classes in all of the aforementioned subjects.
I signed up for their advanced photography class as the requirement is that you have the basic skills down, and are looking to polish and develop your skills and particular interests.
Well, we had our first homework assignment assessment, and much to my surprise, after discarding a dozen or so images that just didn't suit me, I took two in for critique & discussion. They were both well-received and got kudos from both my fellow students, and the teacher.
There are three local semi-pro photogs in this class, all of whom exhibit in the local galleries, and a couple of newcomers.
The teacher is a local guy who is both a terrific fellow and a damn fine photog in his own right. As it turns out, he's no slouch as a teacher, either. We're learning as much about the execution and philosophy of what you're doing as it pertains to you, the photog, as we are the mechanics of photography.
Yet that's where I realize what an amazing advantage I have over the regular person out here who doesn't have/utilize a resource such as DP Challenge (Though we all know DPC is one-of-a-kind! Bwa-ha-ha-ha!)
When it comes to things that we've all learned to take for granted such as shooting RAW for its advantages, knowing that good glass makes more of a difference than a body, how to post process effectively, and to find and utilize plug-ins that work for your style, and lastly.......the execution of the final image before you step back and say, "Yep.....that's done."
Last night we brought our images in from our assignment.....I was okay, but not super pleased with my offerings, but it was an assignment, so I did my best with what I shot.
EVERYTHING that the other people brought in were snapshots. I couldn't believe it! Pretty much nobody knew anything about plug-ins, HDR was brought up, but generally dismissed as "That thing that makes pics look all cartoony...." and the stuff that we all do every day here at DPC sort of seems to be black magic to these folks. The teacher grilled me on what it was I did to my images to get them to look the way they did. It was kind of funny, 'cause I kinda overcooked the Topaz on one image that gave me some background haloing that I didn't much like......and none of y'all would have either! LOL!!!
I guess why I decided to pass this along is that it was a tremendous confidence booster to see the extent of the knowledge and experience I've picked up here, with some hard work, and a bunch of fabulous people who have been instrumental in my growth as a photog.
So.....there it is....
THANK YOU!!!
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05/01/2012 12:18:55 PM · #2 |
You're welcome! Now go do us proud... I do think we tend to lose sight of just how valuable a resource this place is when we get so familar with each other that we just yawn our way into the next rant topic :-)
R.
Message edited by author 2012-05-01 17:09:53.
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05/01/2012 12:22:16 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
You're welcome! Now go do us proud... I do think we tend to lose sight of just hjpow valuable a resource this place is whenw e get so familar with each other that we just yawn our way intpot he next rant topic :-)
R. |
Hey, I just signed up for the May mm Side Challenge to force myself to become more comfortable with my 105mm lens.
I need that!
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05/01/2012 12:22:19 PM · #4 |
My experience has been similar. I've been shooting a lot of the local cycling culture of late, and not actually going out specifically for challenges anymore. I post them on Facebook. Despite the downsampling FB does, that is where everyone is looking. Many of the shots I'm not totally happy with and might pull a low to mid 5 on DPC. But I'm starting to get a reputation within the local cycling community. Most of the time when I show up for a group ride now, someone comes up to me and says how much they have liked my photos. One of the bicycle shops is using my photo as their profile/cover photo. Another one of my pics that received just a lukewarm reception here was used on the front of April's FWBA newsletter.
I think we often judge ourselves and others on DPC against a very high standard and the stuff we think is so-so impresses the heck out of others.
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05/01/2012 12:55:55 PM · #5 |
Hey, congratulations on your discovery Jeb! It is inspiring for me to hear your story. We can be so critical of both ourselves and others that we often forget the effort that has gone into getting to the point we are at our hobby/passion. The most significant part of improvement is the struggle. When you struggle with yourself and others in a community, you can count on impdovement no matter how slight. The struggle makes you look at the details of what you are doing. Receiving criticism makes you question what you are doing. The struggle to do better, to fight against and overcime the criticism is the best training ground. And there is no lack of struggle here in this community.
So again, congratulations on you revelation and keep on improving. You have a very refined personal style and a subject matter of choice!!
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05/01/2012 03:36:11 PM · #6 |
I am not surprised you stand out in the class. You take a lot of terrific shots.
It is good to reflect on how much this community has helped me and what a great resource it is. |
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05/01/2012 04:39:42 PM · #7 |
Jeb, you have developed a unique personal style, and you do it *very* well. It's no surprise at all to me that your work is recognized as being top-notch.
I think that the process of voting (and being voted upon!)here at DPC really raises our awareness of "the little things" to a high level. We don't easily tolerate halos or other defects that most folks gloss right over. I think that in the grand scheme of things, that is definitely a good thing. It enables us to be more critical of our own work, both from a technical and artistic standpoint.
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05/01/2012 04:51:12 PM · #8 |
Well, thanks ever so much, guys! That definitely speaks to the quality of the experience here at DPC that I have grown to the point that I have.
Most importantly, I *love* photography, and I pretty much feel like I know what I'm doing with my camera.
The knowledge and encouragement available here to anyone and everyone is a veritable gold mine.
Not to mention the tips, leads, and even being able to buy, and move on equipment back and forth to members as we all progress. Both my D200 & D2x came from folks here, as well as my 12-24. And I wouldn't have bought the 12-24 if someone hadn't badgered (Beared?) me and insisted I *NEEDED* that lens in my bag.
Am I *ever* glad he did! LOL! Thanks, Robert!
Anyhow......my point is, it was quite amusing to me to discover how powerful and valuable a resource this place is, and to discover that in a photography class!
It does build your confidence immensely when you take a moment and look back at where you started if you've been here for a little while.
Message edited by author 2012-05-01 16:52:05.
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