Originally posted by micromacro I plan to clean it up, save only the pictures I need, reorganize everything in my computer, add an extra drive (not personally, I have my kid for it
).
Then re-install LR clean and start all over.
That feeling to start over grew pretty strong recently. First, I liked the quality of DSLR pictures, then I used the photography for stress relief, then it became something more, and finally I felt I don't want to do the way how I've been doing it: mostly rely on luck and equipment.
I don't want to look at other photography to learn. From some point it became useless without knowing how exactly to achieve the same level. It's more than proper exposure, composition or following the rules. It's the knowledge of many aspects I had no time to understand while running and chasing lucky pictures.
It feels like I'm finally fed up by that approach. Totally overdosed.
The shooting lost the meaning, or purpose, and I put it on hold. I've been looking to find the new meaning, and yep, I will go at stadium to shoot the game. Not for the pictures actually.
Two years ago I've been there, and I've been shooting there absolutely clueless. I set the camera to manual mode, came out with pointless boring pictures. I was overexcited, ran all around
ended up with the memory card full of garbage.
After looking at those pictures again I decided it's time to repeat that shooting and see if it will be different this time.
I will not be running all around for sure this time
What I meant was that you need to understand WHY a photo is good, in order to be able to repeat it over and over and over. To stop getting lucky shots. (Plus I believe it is common that only few photos turn out good... even with pros). That is why I am recommending looking at your favorite photos, and photos from other photographers. The idea is to look at the photos and find out how they were captured. How is the light placed, where does the light come from? Why is it good? What's so great about the placement about the subject? The surrounding?
When you understand what makes a photo good, you can repeat that. Not as in copy the shots, but look for such shots around you. And when you see it, take it. Grab it.
For example look at the works of the great masters, like
https://jessicalouisebell.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/hyeres_-france-1932.jpg
IMHO this is a way how you can reach that point of finally, intentionally taking great photos. I'm trying to get there, too. Btw., personally I think manual exposure is overrated. I know and understand what the settings do, I understand my camera. I don't have to be an exposure meter when shooting with a digital camera, I need to understand how the meter works, and how I influence it. How I get the look I want. What if I miss a great shot because I forgot to set the exposure right?
These days, when I walk around, I try to imagine shots when I walk around with my camera. I look for interesting angles, interesting motives, striking lines, ... . I still take a lot of garbage, sure, but hopefully it is getting better. Oh, and I like to limit myself. Mostly I'm using the 50 1.8, day and night.
Btw., I'd like to point you to the instagram of Emmanuel Lubezki, Oscar winning cinematographer.
https://www.instagram.com/chivexp/ He is a magician with his camera, I think there is much you can learn from him. Same goes to movies in general. Some are better shot than others, but usually there is a reason why these people have a job. And most of all, they tell stories. I can highly recommend the works of Christopher Doyle, especially when he worked with Wong Kar Wai.
Last edited by kadajawi; 08-10-2016 at 01:04 PM.