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05/01/2006 12:13:18 AM · #1 |
I've found myself longing for a photographic mentor.
I know my camera inside-out and I know many of the 'facts' and methods of photography, but I still struggle. Everyone will tell me that it comes down to experience and practice (wise advice) but I can't shake the feeling that I am doing something incorrectly and that the practicing of that mistaken method will turn it in to a nasty habit that will limit me later. Call me weird, but I'd rather get the swift rebuke early on instead of finding out years later that I'm 'doing it wrong'.
Do you have someone who you go on shoots with, someone who shares 'industry secrets' with you, and (most importantly) someone who will correct you if you're doing something wrong? If so, how did you meet them? Are there professionals (or even just experienced amateurs) who are actually willing to do this, taking on an apprentice of sorts? |
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05/01/2006 02:26:57 AM · #2 |
I was lucky and found a job as a photo editor with a wonderful and understanding photographer. I learned all of the business stuff from helping run the office and once or twice a month I could expect to go out on a shoot with him.
I have a friend who is a wedding photographer and I assisted for her (unpaid- just for the experience) and I learned a lot.
Now my newest 'mentor' is a friend who just keeps me inspired and we are both starting our own businesses and so are in the same boat. Karla
The most important thing is to keep yourslef learning!!! No matter who it is from, even someone who knows less than you can open questions in yourself and you are the one who will get the answers. Keep yourself around people you can talk photography with.
Good luck!!! :0) |
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05/01/2006 02:32:43 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by ShorterThanJesus:
I've found myself longing for a photographic mentor.
I know my camera inside-out and I know many of the 'facts' and methods of photography, but I still struggle. Everyone will tell me that it comes down to experience and practice (wise advice) but I can't shake the feeling that I am doing something incorrectly and that the practicing of that mistaken method will turn it in to a nasty habit that will limit me later. Call me weird, but I'd rather get the swift rebuke early on instead of finding out years later that I'm 'doing it wrong'.
Do you have someone who you go on shoots with, someone who shares 'industry secrets' with you, and (most importantly) someone who will correct you if you're doing something wrong? If so, how did you meet them? Are there professionals (or even just experienced amateurs) who are actually willing to do this, taking on an apprentice of sorts? |
Listen dude. These people on this site really don't give an accurate indication of how well your image is. Just look at it... most people vote an average of 5 on every image, yet they are not likely to tell you why they did so. It makes no sense why comments are not mandatory for voting... Every physical photo challenge that I have entered, where I am actually present, as are the judges, give a reason why they voted the way they did. This site is not an accurate way to judge your work. |
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05/01/2006 06:37:27 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by lfordhere:
Listen dude. These people on this site really don't give an accurate indication of how well your image is. Just look at it... most people vote an average of 5 on every image, yet they are not likely to tell you why they did so. It makes no sense why comments are not mandatory for voting... Every physical photo challenge that I have entered, where I am actually present, as are the judges, give a reason why they voted the way they did. This site is not an accurate way to judge your work. |
well, looks like somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed...but then, if i was 85, i'd probably be cranky too, having to get up and pee every hour all night long.
um, anyways, i would beg to disagree with you on just about every point.
it's been debated ad nauseum that requiring comments is impractical (search the threads, pick one, and feel free to jump).
this site is a great place for gauging your photography. granted, it's a small market, but the bottom line is, you can either produce images that can connect and inspire viewers and voters, or you can't. granted, there are always underrated and overrated photos, but, over time, the reality is better photos generally do better than poor photos. this is a great place to learn how to pay attention to the minor details that affect scores.
lastly, this site goes way beyond challenges, and the people that participate here in the forums, in the galleries, in the get-togethers, give and get an unbelievable amount of help and support. just entering a handful of challenges isn't going to make you a better photographer; however, throwing yourself into the site whole-heartedly can definitely bring your skills and eye up a notch.
nothing personal, ifordhere, i just found your tone and content rather contentious, and completely the opposite of my experience here the past 2 1/2 years. |
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05/01/2006 06:57:09 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by lfordhere:
lastly, this site goes way beyond challenges, and the people that participate here in the forums, in the galleries, in the get-togethers, give and get an unbelievable amount of help and support. just entering a handful of challenges isn't going to make you a better photographer; however, throwing yourself into the site whole-heartedly can definitely bring your skills and eye up a notch. |
I whole heartedly agree with you here. I'm trying to learn photography while being the US Marine Corps. It's very hard to keep up with it and learn while working 16 hrs a day. But these challenges help me break away from work and start using a creative mind. Since I've entered the last few challenges, I've already learned more than the previous few months.
Also the comments and the help from others is amazing! Thank you everyone. I would vote a 10 for this site simply because of the help it gives you not only with camereas or equipments, but also in the creativity. Thank you all. |
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05/01/2006 07:15:15 AM · #6 |
er..shouldnt that be quoted from skiprow??
lfordhere was distinctly less positive about dpc thatn that
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05/01/2006 07:24:24 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by lfordhere:
Listen dude. These people on this site really don't give an accurate indication of how well your image is. Just look at it... most people vote an average of 5 on every image, yet they are not likely to tell you why they did so. It makes no sense why comments are not mandatory for voting... Every physical photo challenge that I have entered, where I am actually present, as are the judges, give a reason why they voted the way they did. This site is not an accurate way to judge your work. |
I am sorry Lance...I don't usually get involved in these types of discussions as they usually get out of hand. But the OP was looking for a mentor in a place that does provide help and guidance in different ways.
And unfortunately you have come into this thread and thrown a very general accusation at everyone and yet you don't stop to take a look at yourself.
I agree....there should be more commenting...I am one of those at fault...and I publicly apologize for that. But have you apologized?
You state that most people vote an average of 5 on every image, yet they are not likely to tell you why they did so. It makes no sense why comments are not mandatory for voting... and yet your stats are as follows -
Challenges Entered: 2
Votes Cast: 1047
Avg Vote Cast: 3.6514
Votes Received: 548
Avg Vote Received: 5.6350
# Comments:Made: 329
# Helpful: 205
# Received: 47
You have voted 3 times the amount of comments. So where are all of your comments.
Your average vote is 3.6514...if you claim that DPC members average vot is 5....well you must think the majority of the members are pretty bad photographers...but you don't tell us why or how to improve in any way. Maybe you could take a leaf out of your own book and start being mentor to the rest of us.....as you must think our work is so bad.
I do not mean to come across rude...I just feel that somebody who genuinly asked for help should not be led astray by someone who does not have the vast experience on this site as compared to others.
I can personally say that this site has helped me in many ways...and I hope that I can help others also...I do not have much available time...but I do try to help.
Judi
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05/01/2006 04:18:17 PM · #8 |
I agree with what has been said, I view DPC as an excellent learning place and I value the opinions of most commenters. Any critiques I've recieved have been both helpful and correct (or at least justified) in their observations.
My question regarding a mentor was driven by my desire to always improve in my abilities, not because I had been told that my style sucked or something like that.
Thank's Laura for your sharing your experiences, I've already got an apprentice learning from me so I'm all the more passionate about learning more for both myself and my friend.
To selfishly snatch back my topic, does anyone have any other suggestions or observations about finding a photographic mentor.
Message edited by author 2006-05-01 16:18:45. |
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