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08/17/2002 10:25:16 PM · #1 |
First, I must say, that I've never in my entire life spent sooooo much time thinking about PENCILS!!! My friends, family and coworkers are ready to admit me!
As a beginner, I find that setting up (staging) photos is the best way to learn - I know all I would do is frustrated if the subject kept moving! In the past few weeks, I've learned so much from the people here (and from trial & error). Here's a few things
When doing macros, don't use the digital zoom - this is working much better for me
Use tiff images and/or the highest resolution - makes a huge difference
When using a high fstop (mine is 10) use the remote/timer along with the tripod or a beanbag - WOW! For me the remote is the best
Submit your photo to see what it will look like to the viewers (and then Unsubmit if necessary) - This really comes in handy for me - I have several editing programs and each one displays the photos differently
White balance - UGH what a problem for me, I hate those grey whites (sounds like laundry-lol) - Personally, I find that indoor shots need the manual adjustment (as opposed to the presets or auto) by placing a grey card or using the colored strips you get at the paint store
Rule of thirds - Never even heard of it before - but it does make a difference - yet not for everything
DOF - I love using different DOFs (even though it can get photos lower points, for some reason) - it can really inhance your subject
Just thought I would share. Obviously, I have sooooo much more to learn - but I'm having fun.
Question - Is it against the rules to share your photo with someone at DPC (privately) before you submit? I could use the feedback - sometimes, friends/family don't know what to look for - or don't have the time to be bothered looking at photos of Pencils - lol
This is truly an amazing site, and it is a shame that some people don't stay. I know the comments can be outright rude and immature, but this is a public site with no restrictions on age, gender or maturity level - which, to me, is what makes this great - you get feedback from a vast range of perception, knowledge and experience. BUT I have found that those who participate regularly in the forums are mature and have a lot to offer!
OK, I'm done.
Can't wait until Monday - I can stop thinking about PENCILS...well, then again, there will be the voting on PENCILS - should be very interesting. I can't wait to see all of the creative and inspiring photos!
Ruthann :-)
Oh - if anyone wouldn't mind giving me a little feedback, please email me - THANKS
* This message has been edited by the author on 8/17/2002 10:25:36 PM.
* This message has been edited by the author on 8/17/2002 10:28:13 PM.
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08/17/2002 10:49:11 PM · #2 |
Hey Ruthann,
I'm feeling the same way right now. It is a rare occassion that I actually set up a photograph, and I'm dying to see how it does!!! I can't wait until tomorrow.
As for your question... no, it's not against the rules to do so privately. Everyone needs an outside opinion!! Please don't post it to the site in any way, though, before the challenge starts.
Good luck. I can't wait to see what you've shot!
Drew |
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08/17/2002 10:55:08 PM · #3 |
Redruthann
I sent you a personal message, then my computer kicked me off the internet >:( so I don't know if it sent it or not. If not, let me know, and I'll resend it! :-)
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08/18/2002 02:51:56 AM · #4 |
I'm interested to see the shots this week as well. I mentioned the topic to my boyfriend, and he's betting that there will be at least one "pencil test" shot since folks around here seem to like taking pictures of breasts. I hadn't even thought of that one :o)
It's that age old question: Where did you take YOUR pencil this week?
I'm just preparing for the onslaught of "soft focus" comments this week. Can't anyone accept that soft focus might not be accidental?
* This message has been edited by the author on 8/18/2002 2:52:49 AM. |
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08/18/2002 03:18:14 AM · #5 |
It's very hard to enter a photo that has a slight hint of creativity where some things were done on purpose - soft focus, over/under exposure and don't forget dof.
We'll see what happens! For me - I'm going to be very open minded (or try to be anyway)
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08/18/2002 09:17:30 AM · #6 |
People should be heavily rewarded for creativity.
The technical stuff will come in time. But creativity is more elusive.
It's like telling a joke sometimes. Some folks are just very natural at it and are funny even when they mess up the punchline. Some folks aren't. They may remember the punchline word for word but it just isn't funny when they tell it.
Why? Probably all the little nuances that go along with telling a joke.
So when I see a great idea or some real effort I give credit even if the tech stuff is a bit rough..that will come in time. But stretching for something is worth a heck of a lot in my mind. |
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08/18/2002 10:05:17 AM · #7 |
I absolutely agree. By far the largest factor in my voting is "creativity/insight".
Technicals are important but without creativity you'll never get a 10 from me.
John |
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08/18/2002 10:19:45 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by indigo997:
I'm just preparing for the onslaught of "soft focus" comments this week. Can't anyone accept that soft focus might not be accidental
Exactly. I'm getting some comments to that effect myself this week, and the itch to scream "IT WAS INTENTIONAL" is desperately needing scratched.
I have found it very much a challenge, and far more interesting to experiment with soft focus and very shallow depth of field - I feel it's more difficult to get that type of photo "right" than going for maximum depth of field and pin sharp focus.
To me it can make the difference between clinical and emotional... and given the choice, I'd go for emotion every time.
Still, I guess we'll see in the coming day... |
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08/18/2002 10:56:05 AM · #9 |
Hehe. I have a DOF problem. I only got 1 comment on it this week, however, My camera only has autofocus, so I have to do what my camera tells ME to do. I WISH I could get a real expensive camera so I could "play around" with DOF and focus issues. It just can't happen. Kind of bothers me that in that aspect, I'm really getting graded on my quality of camera, not my quality of photography. I think it's called a starter camera, and it's a shame that the "starters" get graded low, and then think they stink at taking pictures and never bother to venture to that $1000 camera. Oh well, I guess that's my fault. I know it's not possible, cause of the annonyminity of voting SO DONT THINK I'M SUGGESTING THIS. But wouldn't it be nice to know the quality of camera used, during voting. That way, if the photo has no depth of field, you'll know why and it's not the photographers fault. Likewise with focus. If someone takes a horrible macro with a $1000 camera, it's the photographers fault. If someone takes a macro with a $100 camera and it's not perfect, then it's the camera.
Well, the more I think about it, it would be silly to do that. Oh well. Anyway, take care.
~Heather~ |
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08/18/2002 11:11:02 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by indigo997:
I'm just preparing for the onslaught of "soft focus" comments this week. Can't anyone accept that soft focus might not be accidental
me too, nothing is in focus in my picture.... and that was INTENTIONAL
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08/18/2002 11:32:07 AM · #11 |
hbunch - my camera is very basic too, but I've learned a lot about how far I can push it over the weeks I've been submitting here. I've learned that if I'm going to try a photo in low light, it's going to be grainy so I should plan the shot to be black and white (that worked pretty well in "Scratched" for the City Life challenge). If I'm photographing outdoors it's best to do it late or early in the day, or when it's overcast, because strong light makes things blow out horribly (you can see that problem in my photo for "On the Road"). I really haven't been kind to my camera by choosing subjects that it can focus on easily, and a lot of the time I'm trying to get some motion blur anyway, because that's what I like. Of course, I get comments from people saying that's wrong (as I have all this week), but whatever :P.
The cool thing though is that I know in my heart of hearts that I could do a lot better in the technical aspects of my photos if I tried hard, but I don't want to! I take photos I like, and spend a fairly minimal amount of time on them, because it's fun. I'm not here to attempt perfection, just to entertain myself. Having a point and shoot camera is no handicap when you're not trying to emulate professional quality photography :).
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08/18/2002 12:06:12 PM · #12 |
Well said. If I can get a $1000 camera shot with a $100 camera I get darn proud. Another trick too is this. When you are trying to get a really close up macro type shot, I only have digital zoom, so if I use zoom, the photo turns out really pixled and crappy. However, if I use the zoom, and put a standard science room magnifying glass in front of my lens, boom! clear as a bell. Of course, you have to really play with the distance from the object you need to be to make it clear, but no one would ever suspect.
I also don't have a photo editing program. What I shoot is what you see. I can crop and rotate, but that's it.
Anyway, It doesn't discourage me that I have to work hard for a great photo. I know that I'll be all the stronger when I DO get a great camera, and who know...I may find that I like my simple "shoot what I see" camera better. Good luck.
Only 12 hours till monday!! |
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08/19/2002 02:41:05 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by floyd:
Technicals are important but without creativity you'll never get a 10 from me.
John
My stomach caused me to give a 10 :)
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