Deep Thoughts: Growing as a photographer

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Growing as a photographer

I set a goal at the start of the year.d to work on my macro skills. I’ve had a high quality macro lens for two years. So far the results have been disappointing. I simply do not have the skill to use the lens. I resolved to fix the problem in 2010, so far results are mixed, but I am learning a great deal. The number one lesson so far is to be patient. I must resist my desire to take the picture in favor of looking at composition, depth of field, lighting, the stability of my camera, and the stability of my subject.

I took 50 photo’s today. I kept 2. The rest were marginal, or downright bad. I liked this shot, but I took a full page of notes on my setup. I should have used a tripod. I should have been much more precise on the focal point. I should have paid more attention to the depth of field. I like the color saturation but I could have used some help from a reflector. And next time… I will shoot a bigger subject, these flowers are the size of a pencil eraser. They were difficult to work with.

Technorati Tags: Photography,Flowers

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Rex · 780 weeks ago

I know that there is no one who is nearly as critical of my photos as I am, so I can totally relate to your comments. However, as a fellow enthusiast, I have to say that the photo that you posted rocks!

Don't feel bad about the attrition rate. There have been times where I have taken hundreds of pictures just to later realize that I don't like any of them.

It is very weird; for me photography as an obsession and I also find it vexing as hell most of the time too. Call me a glutton for punishment!

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1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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Mojoey 107p · 780 weeks ago

Glutton for punishment is exactly right. I work hard and get a little better over time. But I love it.

Thanks! I'm glad you liked the photo.

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Steve · 780 weeks ago

Loved it!
Petals and stamen at different (micro) distances can be problematic. Always carry a sheet or two of regular white paper for light fill.

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Mojoey 107p · 780 weeks ago

Thanks for the tip. I tried the paper thing today. That works very well.

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Jack 119p · 780 weeks ago

You have way more patience than I do for the macro stuff. I experimented with it briefly, discovered how difficult it is, and bailed. Fortunately, I had a feeling I'd do this so I made sure my experimentation cost very little. If the picture you posted here is any indication, I'd say you are well on your way to reaching your goals. Not only did you get an impressive result, but you also learned a great deal from it. Hard to beat that.

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1 reply · active 780 weeks ago

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Mojoey 107p · 780 weeks ago

I think the thing that bothers me the most about macro work is that I am used to seeing a picture in my head before I take it. I can't seem to do that with macro. It's much more like trial and error.

And thanks for the complement.

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daughtereponymous 50p · 780 weeks ago

I loved it. Hang it on the wall, and go shoot even more.

There is no single element that makes a photo good, I like to paint and draw....this is how I look.
Is there a clear center of enterest? 2. Is the image composed well? 3. Fill the frame. 4. Organize elements. 5. Control the background---keep it simple. 6 Is the focus crisp and is the exposure appropriate? 7. Does the photo tell a story and does the lighting enchance the subject and message? Like it have fun with it...

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1 reply · active 780 weeks ago

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Mojoey 107p · 780 weeks ago

With macro work, the background appears to be just as important as the subject. And... thanks for the advice. It's much appreciated.

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