Advice on selecting subjects. - DPChallenge Forums

11/05/2003 05:06:07 PM · #3

I take exactly the same approach as Alan there, usually ruling out the first 3 in my case.

I usually then see several versions of the photo I would have taken had I not done that. Being an average photographer, not a great one, I'd rather not compete with exactly the same photo as someone who is probably a lot better than me, and I also like my entry to be unique.

11/05/2003 05:08:17 PM · #4

Shoot whatever subject makes you happy. If you aren't happy with the subject of your photo, it's sorta pointless to make the photo.

vadvirag

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

11/05/2003 05:15:30 PM · #5

Originally posted by melongrind:

Any methods in selecting a subject for the challenge topics? I am having difficulty in coming up with ideas. Or should I shoot my cat, or a figurine for every challenge....help!

I just walk around and keep my eyes open. I make a list of my ideas, I take 1-2 that I think it would be unique - or at least not so common -, I make the shots, I examine them technically. If I am satisfied I put it up to challenge, if I am not, you can hear some really unexpected words murmuring and I try to find out whether I could make better shots of the subject or just search for another ideas. I think during cooking, having a shover, travelling with public transportation... and even during boring courses I have at the Univ. Every time when I don't have to concentrate on something else.

...Woah. That really sounded like Morpheus' monologue in Matrix, the Matrix is around us, even in this very room. You can see it when you go to church,... etc. :-)))

Message edited by author 2003-11-05 17:17:56.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

11/05/2003 06:11:02 PM · #6

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Shoot whatever subject makes you happy. If you aren't happy with the subject of your photo, it's sorta pointless to make the photo.

I don't really know how to think up pictures that are unique and of interest to myself. I discover them, mostly, by looking at the world.

ellamay

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

11/05/2003 10:35:37 PM · #7

I walk, when I see something beautiful or of interest I shoot it.
I change perspective- I crouch down, or stand up on something or crawl under if I can.
I try to pick where I walk based on the challenge topic, ( i.e. solitude I leave the city).
I try to find things that make me stand in awe of the world around me. Sometimes it is a man in a dumpster. Sometimes it is frost of a leaf.
I try to engage with something, one morning I spent 2hrs or so with a heron in the end I was only about arms length away from me, I would not of cared if I didn't get a shot that day, because I got to 'be' with this elegant creature for a while.
I find if my goal is to 'be touched by the world' more than 'take pictures' I get better photos, not to mention a terrific satisfaction in my general existence. Photography then becomes a very spiritual experience for me. Not sure I answered your question tho : ) good luck with new subjects.

11/05/2003 10:36:19 PM · #8

Originally posted by zeuszen:

Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Shoot whatever subject makes you happy. If you aren't happy with the subject of your photo, it's sorta pointless to make the photo.

I don't really know how to think up pictures that are unique and of interest to myself. I discover them, mostly, by looking at the world.

Then that's what makes you happy :)

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

11/05/2003 11:00:48 PM · #9

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by zeuszen:
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Shoot whatever subject makes you happy. If you aren't happy with the subject of your photo, it's sorta pointless to make the photo.

I don't really know how to think up pictures that are unique and of interest to myself. I discover them, mostly, by looking at the world.

Then that's what makes you happy :)

Hey, I quoted you with agreement, Setz. I only felt like rephrasing it. ;-)

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

11/05/2003 11:32:21 PM · #10

There are certain subject that I enjoy photographing, but there are certain elements that I look for, regardless of the subject.

I don't think there is a valuable lesson anywhere that can tell you what to point your camera at as far as actual subject is concerned.

You can look for things like interesting patterns, contrasts, color combinations, and even more importantly, interesting light.

The problem I see with a lot of challenge photos that i consider to be mediocre is the light and a plain no frills composition. It's not as much about what you photograph as how you photograph it. You can see from the constant forum posts here that certain people don't like certain subjects no matter how you do them. The current rant is on 'figurines'. I have heard people say that they simply don't like them. If you wanna shoot for the voter rather than for yourself, you should go study the winning photos and see what it is that makes them strong :)

ellamay

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

11/05/2003 11:52:40 PM · #11

good advice john, good point --not so much what, but how. Need to remember that one : )

Natator

Canon EOS-5D

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

11/06/2003 12:01:46 AM · #12

I have been quite pleased recently as my experience is starting to grow.

My last 3 challenge shots have been studio shots where I have had an idea, set it up, and they basically worked. In essense the end photo was what I had in my head, or close to it, when I set out to take it.

When I first started I'd have a "great" idea, it would look awful, and after much messing around I would end up with a completely different photo.

I think there is a balance to be found though between being able to adjust and be dynamic when setting up a photo, and thus improving it as you go, and the ability to create a look you are trying to get.

Right now I am enjoying that my initial ideas are working, as it is a first for me :)

jjbeguin

Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED Zuiko Digital

11/06/2003 03:13:47 AM · #13

A few Cartier-Bresson links:

//www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/museums/photogallery/bresson/
//www.afterimagegallery.com/bresson.htm
//www.photo-seminars.com/Fame/bresson.htm

_

jjbeguin

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED Zuiko Digital

11/06/2003 08:00:26 AM · #14

For those of you in the London area, a small gallery has a great exhibit of Cartier-Bresson classics; many pictures other famous photographers in their inventory as well. I forgot the name of the gallery but it is at 4 Lauceston Place; - take left on Gloucester Rd as you approach the park from tube - just across Queen's Gate Terrace and walk on that street (Victoria) 50m and you hit the place. it's really worth it!

basia03

Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

11/06/2003 08:05:02 AM · #15

Originally posted by ellamay:

... one morning I spent 2hrs or so with a heron in the end I was only about arms length away from me, I would not of cared if I didn't get a shot that day, because I got to 'be' with this elegant creature for a while.

can never get close enough to a heron!

melongrind

Nikon Coolpix 885

11/06/2003 12:25:02 PM · #16

these comments have changed my methods. I have always set out with an idea and went looking for it. Now I will let the photo find me and not try to set it up ahead of time. Thank you, this should help me get out of the 4 zone.

to be continued.

thanks

11/06/2003 12:28:33 PM · #17

Originally posted by melongrind:

You can achieve photos by both methods :) Some of my portfolio here is spontaneous and some of it is planned and contrived.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II