become a better photographer

I believe I can consider myself a “better” photographer Than I was when I adopted this goal. I have not realized any financial compensation for my efforts, but as noted previously I had a photo selected for inclusion in an Wikipedia article, and I have had several of my Flickr photos selected for inclusion in the Schmap’s travel guide web site.

I am better able to pre-visualize a shot, and then achieve the intended effect in-camera. I’ve become quicker at adjusting the camera for bracketing shots.

And I have more gear. “More gear” means “better photographer,” right? Yeah, right. It just means more junk to lug around.

I am replacing this too-general goal with a more specific photo-related goal: become proficient at portrait photography. To me this seems a phenomenally distant and difficult goal to achieve. I have virtually no experience with portrait photography and even less with the use of strobes, diffusers, tents, reflectors, and all that fun lighting gear.

The very idea of interacting with people for the purposes of taking their pictures terrifies me.

Then again… how hard can it be? The staff at most of the professional photo studios (like Sears and other chain stores) are at least competent portrait photographers, and they’re just a bunch of bored-looking twenty-somethings plodding through the motions for just-over-minimum wage. So how hard can portrait photography be, right?

For me, hard. But proficient portrait photography will be a significantly greater accomplishment than this vaguely defined “become a better photographer.”

Carry On, Cameraman!

Ordered an “L” lens today.

One of my photos was selected to illustrate a Wikipedia article on the La Tomatina festival in Spain. No, it’s not the exciting “action shot” of the tomato fight; it’s a picture of the guys greasing the pole for the climb-the-pole-and-cut-down-the-ham contest.

And… another of my photos won a contest! Actually, it was a photostory, not a single photo, and most of the other entries were from 14-year old girls who take their photos with camera phones, so this is probably more something about which to feel embarassed rather than proud.

I took my first few snaps with the Lensbaby 3G last night. It’s an interesting gadget, but it actually requires an accomplished eye to realize the maximum potential of its odd, variable out-of-focus effect.

I have a Lensbaby 3G on the way!

Once in a while a Flickr photo shows up in my 43Things sidebar that I look at and say, “wow, did I really take that? Cool!” Not often, but once in a while.

I finally took a photo I’m fairly pleased with.

http://flickr.com/photos/puuikibeach/283360519/

I’m pleased because I accomplished what I intended to accomplish, rather than just “shooting and hoping it looks good.” I had an effect in mind and I more-or-less achieved it.

Yes, there are some aspects of the shot I’m not happy with. It could stand to be just a shade brighter, for example. But, it has the grainy, moody, atmospheric look of a 1950s color horror film, which is exactly what I was hoping for, and more importantly, planning for.

The response from people to whom I’ve shown it, and from comments and views on Flickr.com have been underwhelming at best. But that’s not even bothering me. I got what I wanted to get from the shot.

Now I need to learn to do this consistently, with a variety of subjects.

The one irksome thing is, I took the photo with my point-and-shoot Sony Cybershot, rather than with my fancy Canon DSLR. I guess I have a better practical understanding of the strengths and the capabilities of the Sony. I need to work more with the Canon, and master its even greater (in theory) capabilities.

Disappointing photos or not, I went ahead and ordered a 10-22mm lens for the 20d.

I am disappointed in my photographs from my recent trip to Spain, and particularly disappointed with my attempts with my new DSLR camera. I think I got better shots with my Sony Cybershot P-10 than I did with the Canon 20D.

One of the Spain tour guide books I looked at said something like, “the only way to take a bad picture in Spain is if you forget to remove the lens cap.” Whoever wrote the book hasn’t seen my dull photos.

Well, I finally have a better camera. So far I have only the 17-85mm IS lens. I’d like to get an “L” lens with a larger aperture. Not that better gear will necessariy make me a better photographer, but at least I’d look the part, what with that fancy red stripe on the lens and all.

I’m off to Spain this coming week, camera in hand. We’ll see if I come back with any decent photos. I wish I could be more optimistic.

I noticed somebody else with the photography goal mentioned Flickr.com as being an excellent resource. Just looking at other people’s photos provides lessons. I like to check out the EXIF data, to see what focal length and shutter speed is used.

I’ve found that many of the more accomplished photographers are more than happy to share information. All you have to do is ask! I’ve learned quite a lot about things I knew nothing about, like extention tubes, tele-converters, and close-up filters.

If nothing else, it’s kind of a little “ego-boost” to post a photo and have somebody make a positive comment about it. (On the flip side, of course, is posting what you think is a very nice shot, and nobody even looks at it!)

Yes, Flickr.com is definitely a useful tool for improving one’s skills. And pay for a “pro” account, don’t be a cheapskate. No pain, no gain, right?