Originally posted by mohb I was going to title the thread 'Enjoying photography' but thought that was too wide a topic. Do those who seem to obsess over the technical aspects enjoy just going out 'snapping' or does each picture have to meet certain standards or serve a specific purpose? Do they really get upset because they can't get the required DOF or the bokeh (whatever that is to them) isn't quite right?
I think the same thing when I come here and start seeing the insanely technical debate about sensor size, pixel pitch, aperture, etc. etc. etc. Then the extended debate of "can one even take a photograph if they don't understand the technical"
I disagree, and I think I'm living proof.
I'm not a world class photographer, far from it, but my feedback and referrals tell me I make good photos. This wouldn't have happened if I didn't know the basics, but to me the basics are understanding Aperture, Shutter, and ISO and how they interact. After that, a great understanding of light and how and why it does what it does to illuminate your subject is way more important than selecting the proper aperture.
That said some people enjoy different elements.
Some enjoy the creation part the most
some enjoy the lighting manipulation
some enjoy the post production and compositing
some enjoy the the planning and concept stages
some enjoy just going out and shooting
some enjoy the technical
To me it doesn't matter as long as your enjoying photography, enjoying what you create, are proud of what you create, and you can find ways to improve every day.
There are two major problems with general every day photography today the way I see it: the over analytical tech war and critique that is either not accepted or unsolicited.