Becoming a Better Photographer.
Discussion
I have just bought a Digital SLR camera, while I bought it I also got the Collins Digital SLR Handbook, which has some good hints and tips in it and inspiring images.
What would you recommend for me to become a better photographer?
Where do I find opportunities, I mainly want to picture cars and people (portraits) basically where do I find people and cars to photograph? Cars are easy enough I go to quite a few PH meets and motorsports events! Though I want to pictures cars and people in a more artistic environment! Really haven't xplained that too well.
I'll be doing a course starting in September but apart from that, self learning out of the book and lots of practise, how can I become a better photographer?
What would you recommend for me to become a better photographer?
Where do I find opportunities, I mainly want to picture cars and people (portraits) basically where do I find people and cars to photograph? Cars are easy enough I go to quite a few PH meets and motorsports events! Though I want to pictures cars and people in a more artistic environment! Really haven't xplained that too well.
I'll be doing a course starting in September but apart from that, self learning out of the book and lots of practise, how can I become a better photographer?
1. Theory - start from the beginning. Really learn about exposure, the effects of different appertures and shutter speeds.
2. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions
3. Spend time just with a 50mm f1.8 lens and work out how to use it
3. Practice, practice and then a bit more practice
4. Read widely, not just theory but also portfolio books on subjects that inspire you. For portraits there are simply masses, less so for car photography but there are a few
5. Experiment with different compositions
6. You can do a lot worse than read a lot of the threads on here, there are some very good photographers here in many different disciplines. Plus we're all car nuts
7. Most importantly, have fun. Not every picture will turn out like you want, you'll make many mistakes as you learn but then you get one that came out exactly like you wanted and it's great
Chris
2. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions
3. Spend time just with a 50mm f1.8 lens and work out how to use it
3. Practice, practice and then a bit more practice
4. Read widely, not just theory but also portfolio books on subjects that inspire you. For portraits there are simply masses, less so for car photography but there are a few
5. Experiment with different compositions
6. You can do a lot worse than read a lot of the threads on here, there are some very good photographers here in many different disciplines. Plus we're all car nuts
7. Most importantly, have fun. Not every picture will turn out like you want, you'll make many mistakes as you learn but then you get one that came out exactly like you wanted and it's great
Chris
CVP said:
1. Theory - start from the beginning. Really learn about exposure, the effects of different appertures and shutter speeds.
2. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions
3. Spend time just with a 50mm f1.8 lens and work out how to use it
3. Practice, practice and then a bit more practice
4. Read widely, not just theory but also portfolio books on subjects that inspire you. For portraits there are simply masses, less so for car photography but there are a few
5. Experiment with different compositions
6. You can do a lot worse than read a lot of the threads on here, there are some very good photographers here in many different disciplines. Plus we're all car nuts
7. Most importantly, have fun. Not every picture will turn out like you want, you'll make many mistakes as you learn but then you get one that came out exactly like you wanted and it's great
Chris
Thanks some great advice and plenty of reading to be getting on with 2. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions
3. Spend time just with a 50mm f1.8 lens and work out how to use it
3. Practice, practice and then a bit more practice
4. Read widely, not just theory but also portfolio books on subjects that inspire you. For portraits there are simply masses, less so for car photography but there are a few
5. Experiment with different compositions
6. You can do a lot worse than read a lot of the threads on here, there are some very good photographers here in many different disciplines. Plus we're all car nuts
7. Most importantly, have fun. Not every picture will turn out like you want, you'll make many mistakes as you learn but then you get one that came out exactly like you wanted and it's great
Chris
Famous Graham said:
Check out as many photographers' work as you can, see what floats your boat and inspires you.
There was a little exhibition in an art museum in the last city I was in that prompted me to try a few different things out - some worked out, some didn't, but it was fun trying
I've been "lurking" on this forum for ages and ages which has gave me some inspiration!There was a little exhibition in an art museum in the last city I was in that prompted me to try a few different things out - some worked out, some didn't, but it was fun trying
Seen a lot of internet and book based portfolio work, though really must get to a proper exhibition one day
I sometimes find that looking at a lot of really good work by other photographers makes me a bit depressed. Bear in mind that you're only seeing their best work and not their mistakes, and don't get intimidated.
These days, anybody can hold a camera and snap a picture of what's in front of them. IMHO, to be a photographer you need to be able to make images that most other people just don't see.
So - try to see the light. Look at the way light falls on surfaces, the way it changes colour throughout the day, the way shadows alter with the changing daylight. When you begin to get a feel for it you'll find it much easier to recognise the opportunities around you.
It can take a while (I've been at it for 20 years, and I've only recently started to feel that I know what I'm doing), but stick at it. Keep looking around you, enjoy your successes, and keep thinking about the pictures.
These days, anybody can hold a camera and snap a picture of what's in front of them. IMHO, to be a photographer you need to be able to make images that most other people just don't see.
So - try to see the light. Look at the way light falls on surfaces, the way it changes colour throughout the day, the way shadows alter with the changing daylight. When you begin to get a feel for it you'll find it much easier to recognise the opportunities around you.
It can take a while (I've been at it for 20 years, and I've only recently started to feel that I know what I'm doing), but stick at it. Keep looking around you, enjoy your successes, and keep thinking about the pictures.
Three minor additions:
Take time to look at your bad pictures and figure out why they're bad (particularly the dull or 'blah' ones.)
Think about what's in the background - moving a step either way might make a better photo.
Every time you see a great subject for a photo, turn around and look at what's behind you - it might be even better.
Take time to look at your bad pictures and figure out why they're bad (particularly the dull or 'blah' ones.)
Think about what's in the background - moving a step either way might make a better photo.
Every time you see a great subject for a photo, turn around and look at what's behind you - it might be even better.
On a wanky level its 'all about light' , bit of a cluque but always true.
once you've got that into your head you have 2 sides you have to marry.
The mechanics, aperture, shutter speed,DOF, meetering etc
And the 'art' , framing your subjects to tell a 'story' or emotion or whatver you want to acheive. Just dont snap away, try and be creative - but also use the 'rules more often than not (i.e. rule of 3rds etc).
Quite often you'll forget about the background (have a tree out of someones head etc), no select an appropriate framing or aperture, misfocus, get scenes which the meetering just plain gets confused etc , forget to change from yesterdays camera settings... etc etc...
You see some of that when you get back home, you can always post shots up here and ask for criticism.
once you've got that into your head you have 2 sides you have to marry.
The mechanics, aperture, shutter speed,DOF, meetering etc
And the 'art' , framing your subjects to tell a 'story' or emotion or whatver you want to acheive. Just dont snap away, try and be creative - but also use the 'rules more often than not (i.e. rule of 3rds etc).
Quite often you'll forget about the background (have a tree out of someones head etc), no select an appropriate framing or aperture, misfocus, get scenes which the meetering just plain gets confused etc , forget to change from yesterdays camera settings... etc etc...
You see some of that when you get back home, you can always post shots up here and ask for criticism.
Actually, one of my major faults (which is quite evident from looking at my Flickr stream) is taking photos for the sake of it. A particularly easy trap to fall into with digital. While there are images I am proud of from the D-SLR, the signal to noise ratio is FAR more extreme from that camera than my film SLR.
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