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03/12/2003 11:08:45 PM · #1 |
Are you a better photographer since you found DPC? If so why?
Bob
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03/12/2003 11:16:10 PM · #2 |
I think i am because i never did anything but simple snapshots before april of 2002. I never considered photography an art form and never knew anything about photographic composition before i started playing this game...
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03/12/2003 11:21:03 PM · #3 |
I am definitely better... perhaps not "good" but definitely "better". Aside from learning a lot of the technical aspects (such as how to control DOF) I've also learnt what makes a photo good.
A lot of my learning has been from looking critically at others photos and thinking carefully about why I like or don't like a particular photo. Is the composition appropriate, is the depth of field appropriate, are there any distractions... A classic example was when I was taking photos on the weekend at a friends wedding. I almost instinctively noticed a street sign in the background and realised that by moving a metre to the side I could hide it behind a pretty tree - There's no way I would have noticed that 12 months ago.
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03/12/2003 11:23:11 PM · #4 |
Bob,
I recently returned to photography after a quarter century hiatus. DPC has been wonderful for me. It has quickly returned me to "seeing with a photographers eye". I now see any situation and think about the image - the shape, the texture, the, the light, the impact, the message. With DPC, I enjoy the challenge of thinking differently every week about an everyday subject. I have only been on DPC for 2 months, but I have become a better photographer for it.
What is your experience?
Dennis |
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03/12/2003 11:30:16 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by DennisF:
Bob,
I recently returned to photography after a quarter century hiatus. DPC has been wonderful for me. It has quickly returned me to "seeing with a photographers eye". I now see any situation and think about the image - the shape, the texture, the, the light, the impact, the message. With DPC, I enjoy the challenge of thinking differently every week about an everyday subject. I have only been on DPC for 2 months, but I have become a better photographer for it.
What is your experience?
Dennis |
Dennis,
In my opinion I have become better. I think I know more technically than I once did. Still I struggle with the "seeing with the photographer's eye" that you speak of. I'll keep looking though.
Bob
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03/13/2003 12:36:04 AM · #6 |
| Even though I haven't been here long, I have NEVER taken a picture of an object - just people (strange but true). This has forced me to look at the world in a new light, and find amazing art and interest in common items. I don't think I'm better (in fact, this has been very humbling), but I can say I am definitely more aware, and very grateful for that! The next step is becoming better! =) |
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03/13/2003 01:27:02 AM · #7 |
| Absolutely yes, because otherwise I would not be tested on so many different subjects, pushed to find original shots of rather mundane subjects (only sometimes), nor learn about some techniques (like the leading lines competition) that will help me be a better photographer. Certainly at times it's very frustrating when you think you have submitted some of your best photos and they get voted close to some of what you consider your worst photos, but I think over time you learn that while if you happen to do well and the dpc community 'validates' a shot with a high rating, yes that's great, but the only thing that really matters is that you feel better and more confident about using your camera, and without a doubt I feel that. |
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03/13/2003 01:54:09 AM · #8 |
| I think I've gotten better but you sure wouldn't know it from my scores. They're basically flat. |
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03/13/2003 01:56:36 AM · #9 |
| In general, I have relied so much on Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 that DPChallenge is re-teaching me to shoot better and rely less on the picture-editing techniques of the software. At first it felt like an OUCH--what do you MEAN I can't select certain areas of the photo and apply such goodies as gaussian blur, liquify, layers, which were my mainstays?! I am beginning to remember now what it meant to shoot for the joy of shooting, to use the old techniques once again and depend upon my own inner talents instead of computer softwear. DPChallenge is a fun way to challenge yourself and LEARN from a community of dedicated photographers. Everyone is cheering everyone elso on. |
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03/13/2003 03:34:16 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by RLS:
Are you a better photographer since you found DPC? If so why?
Bob |
haha, definantly. Go look in my profile and look at the first entry I submitted. I had ideas, but didn't think about clutter/background stuff like that. I've learned a lot from everyone here. |
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03/13/2003 04:52:43 AM · #11 |
This is a hard question as I've only submitted for 5 competitions (including the two current ones), but I'm going to give a big tentative yes. Over the past three weeks I've learnt more about the technical aspects of photography than I ever would have reading a book. Looking at other folks photos critically (technically and artistically) has forced my eye to become better trained.
My subjects have definitely become more interesting, but the biggest help so far is that I'm gaining confidence in my own abilities as a photographer.
So regardless of whether I have improved or not, a big thanks goes out to DPC and all the people that take part!
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03/13/2003 07:05:28 AM · #12 |
Bridges is my second challenge: and the third I voted on, and my answer to this is definitely yes, already. Better, in the pure sense of ability to translate vision into photos that is, though I still have a long way to go.
Two things have made the difference; firstly, knowing that the shots are going to be shown to a critical audience has made me more critical of my own work, though I remain a fan of my stranger more 'abstract' photos which I don't think would do well here; and the realisation that looking at your own shots with others' eyes is not so straightforward - a shot is obviously tied up in one's own thoughts with the location, the day it was taken, the surroundings out of frame, noise, difficulty of execution, etc etc. Realising that that stuff doesn't necessarily come across has been a big leap forward.
Anyway, I must have got better: bridges is doing a whole two points better than egg!
Ed
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03/13/2003 07:35:05 AM · #13 |
each challenge i enter ... i feel i at least try to improve some sort of technique ... and for the most part it does show ... granted there are some weeks where I will submit for a reaction than a score .. but least i do know the difference :)
Ever since i discovered DPChallenge i can proudly say i have improved in an over all basis .. took a closer look at what i shoot and how i shoot and what i shoot with - within the year i upgraded my digi cam from a Sony Mavica FD-91 (.7MP) to a Minolta Dimage (5.0MP) - large jump and it was sooo sooo worth it! But if you go to my profile I think I even did pretty good with the lower MP cam too!
Have fun and Keep up the good work everyone!!
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03/13/2003 07:57:07 AM · #14 |
| I have to say that I aspire to being better even if I have not yet achieved it and this site with it's challenges and the members "constructive cticism" is certainly getting me there. It is really good to have to stop and think about content and results that you want to achieve rather than just point...click...and hope. |
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03/13/2003 12:12:17 PM · #15 |
Although my scores don't always reflect it, I do think my photography has improved. The critiques have helped (I didn't even know what levels and saturation were when I won my second place ribbon in my first challenge!).
One of the other things I like is when the challenge topic clearly relates to a photography element such as the perspectives, leading lines, landscapes, stock photography did.
Also viewing and critiquing (I try to write something about everyone in addition to 'great shot') has opened my eyes to the ideas of others which often inspire me to use some element they have presented well in my own work.
The other thing I would say that has helped tremendously are these discussion forums.
Thanks, DPC
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03/13/2003 12:33:12 PM · #16 |
After 50 entries I am definately better, and definately still learning. You can also go back to my first entries and see the difference in then and now. The best part is I enjoy it more every time I go out shooting or every time I come home and cant resist checking my score one more time. Drew and Lang, I really cant thank you guys enough. You really dont know the hours of enjoyment I have spent because of you guys.
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03/13/2003 12:55:22 PM · #17 |
Without question, I am a better photographer. Before DPC and even in the early stages, I was very focused on the subject of the photos and not the whole photo. Before DPC I took a ton of photographs. I know for sure I take less now which isn't always a good thing when it comes to family stuff. I think my highest score came on the 4th challenge I entered. I've done like 20 since and haven't really come close to that. My best image sort of came as a fluke though. The images I'm getting now I'm making instead of just letting them happen. I always could see the image I was trying to make in my mind but couldn't get it to come out on the camera that way. Some of the improvement came by way of learning what the camera can do. Some of it came by experimenting with strobes and dual exposures and other techniques. Most came from you fine folks at DPC who gave me criticism, suggestions, and to some degree, confidence that what I was doing was maybe not exactly right, but I was at least on the right track. Many thanks to those who lend a helping hand when it's needed. - Inspzil
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03/13/2003 01:10:23 PM · #18 |
I'm sure that in the big scheme of things, I've improved since participating here. BUT.....lol.....I think I sometimes regress...lol Evidence is in my current submissions, which shall remain anonymous for now. :-)
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03/13/2003 01:14:34 PM · #19 |
I don't think your photos scores on this site should really determine whether or not you are a better photographer. You are a better photographer when YOU feel better about your own work. It's nice when others like it better too, but your impression of your own work should be improving as well..
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03/13/2003 04:10:00 PM · #20 |
I agree with jmsetzler. I've noticed a vast improvement of my photography and I've only posted three images so far. But the new knowledge I have of lighting, perspective, composition and other photographic elements goes far beyond my scores. In fact, the three images I've included so far have all been "experiments" more than demonstrations of any kind of 'excellence' I have 'mastered'. I'm just happy when folks comment in constructive ways on my images: it is amazing how much that can help. I've also really enjoyed just browsing around and seeing everyone's photos and styles and thinking to myself: "I bet this technique could be used on this challenge..." It's fun I tell you, fun!
david
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03/13/2003 05:02:02 PM · #21 |
| This site helped me to overcome the digital phenomenom. I thought I would never take up a digital to take artistic shots. Shooting digital for me has been like adding training wheels when you already know how to ride a motorcycle. It has definately progressed my skills much more than shooting with my Pentax MX SLR camera would have and for a price a way less exspensive. It also gave me the chance to shoot macro for the first time. I don't have a macro lense for my SLR. I'd say this site has helped me overcome my prejudice for digital. Had I only shot for this site I wouldn't be as good as I am now. I practically took the camera everywhere I went for one year. Thats what made much better. Practice makes perfect. |
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03/13/2003 05:32:20 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
I don't think your photos scores on this site should really determine whether or not you are a better photographer. You are a better photographer when YOU feel better about your own work. It's nice when others like it better too, but your impression of your own work should be improving as well.. |
Wheeew! That's a relief : ) I feel like I have been bombing miserably lately as well as missing many challenges because of not finding good subjects. But fortunately I have good excuses like THIS WEATHER SUCKS LATELY. They don't talk about all of the rain in Seattle for nothing. But all of that aside, I do feel like I am improving, however slowly. But like with many other people, I definitely have my strengths and weaknesses. Due to our crummy weather I am forced to consider more indoor setup shots which is a big weakness of mine, in part, because I don't have very good lighting and props. I am much more comfortable being outside and exploring with just my camera and a few accessories. It is sort of a cross between journalism and traditional outdoor photography. I've learned that when I don't use my tripod then I am much freer to capture the most interesting angles and perspectives creating a much more artistic shot. I usaully have my mini tripod with me and my large tripod is always in the car not too far away so if the lighting or action require it they are available. I've learned that I am just more comfortable venturing out with only my camera in hand ready to capture anything. Maybe the biggest things I have learned is to be patient and to keep an open mind. If you are too focussed on one theme or object you may miss something else greater.
T
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03/13/2003 06:59:59 PM · #23 |
[quote=timj351
Wheeew! That's a relief : ) I feel like I have been bombing miserably lately
T[/quote]
Well, with 9 ribbons (primarily first place ones at that, and an average of over 6.2 I wouldn't be shaking in my shoes over your success at DPC.
KJ
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03/13/2003 07:06:43 PM · #24 |
That's what I was thinking Kandy! I know I'd love to be doing badly with that average!
-Matt |
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03/13/2003 07:24:42 PM · #25 |
Thank you very much KJ and Matt. I know I've had my share of successes here but many of them have been taken in pretty ideal situations. This region is filled with awesome subjects to photograph but I am finding that given some adversity like crummy weather I really struggle. It's a bit frustrating because a great photographer would still make great photos in that situation. Maybe I just need a bigger umberella and teach my dog how to hold it for me. Dark clouds make it so easy to vent : )
T
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