Imagination - I seem to lack it

[mattyn1]

Probably mentioned once or twice that we have a significant holiday in the summer driving across the States. In order to capture the lasting memories I have bought, with huge help from these forums, a X-T3 with 16-70mm and 50-230 lens, and for video, an Insta360 X3. These, along with a iPhone15 each would say we are perfectly equipped. Have a strategy for saving photos while we are away onto SSDs, so equipment wise, am in a good place. The holiday is scenic mainly - R66, Colorado, Monument Valley, Death Valley, Yosemite, PCH.

What I lack, and proven over the last week or so, is imagination. Have been out to practise with the camera and I look about, and have no idea what will make a good photo. I watch loads of Youtube stuff about photos, composition and settings etc, but nothing is triggering that instinctive "get down low for this", or "short DoF", or "wide angle here", or "off centre subject here" for this etc. I am getting worried I will have a sense of deflation when I get home because of crap images.

Now all my life I have struggled with anything arty - but I do know what I like when I see it. So what am I doing wrong, and how do I fix it? How do I best assure I won't end up with simple snaps. I am hoping my disillusioned mindset is purely down to where I live and once I see a R66 sign, I will be frothingly excited so to speak!!

[mattyn1]

All good stuff so thank you - even if there is a slight difference of opinion.

I should have mentioned I am following a few interesting (to me) on YT:
Pal2Tech has good stuff on the camera, as does Steve Mellor.
James Popsys seems quite good on actual photography and composition.

But I have a good hour watching these, then click on another of my subs, BBQ Pit Boys and I am totally distracted by Brandy Bacon Ribs!!

Thanks again, I very much appreciate you responding to my feeling of woe this morning!

[mattyn1]

Musing it all this morning I wonder if half my worry is because I have little experience or skill in editing.

Wonder if I should invest in photoshop or lightroom and do a quick course! Thanks

[mattyn1]

Simpo Two said:

I would say no, because it won't improve what you take with the camera. Your stumbling block seems to be finding suitable subjects and making nice compositions. Photoshop etc isn't going to fix that.

PM me and I'll send you a little thing I wrote years ago.

PM sent - thank you.

[mattyn1]

And received. Thank you.

As its raining and Chelsea are not it seems on the TV, I am going to read this, and have a look at GIMP - (thought I better search for this at home rather than at work!!).

Really appreciate the help everyone.

[mattyn1]

That’s harsh!!

A few …

[mattyn1]

Simpo Two said:

OK well this is quite easy....

Castle: Flat lighting makes for a flat photo. This needs 'post' - a quick fix would be to increase contrast and crop out some of the very dull lawn.

Simpo Two said:

Seascape: First, horizons should be level, so take more care when shooting. Try enabling the viewfnder grid if you have one. Second, there's really nothing there to make a photo... not every scene makes a worthy photo. Walk on!

is sort of my concern - but agree.

Simpo Two said:

Flower: Almost! Exposure, composition and colour seem fine but the focus is wrong - the middle bit needs to be sharp. Maybe the flower moved in the wind after focus lock - if in doubt, zoom in after taking and check. If it's wrong, take another.

Those sort of photos are not normally my thing but I do like the colour.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[mattyn1]

Thanks everyone. Just wanted to add I am not ignoring - just reading, rereading and absorbing. Reasonably free weekend so hopefully going to get out with the camera!