[ffking]

I don't know why it is but most of us, even if we've been taking of making photographs for decades, still usually need to take a few bad ones before we start taking good ones (to me that's here digital is such a blessing, as the bad shots cost nothing) - but we need to get into 'the zone' where we start seeing images - so I echo the point that you accept that not all your pictures will be any good - and embrace it as a way of getting to the really satisfying ones - and there's no happier experience for a photographer than looking through the OVF () and something in your mind saying "press the shutter- that's it!"

But you don't get there at once.

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Last edited by ffking; 08-19-2019 at 02:03 PM.

[kevinWE]

Photography = Φωτογραφία = drawing with light

[BigMackCam]

Excellent opening post and thread, Craig

I believe I can call myself a happy photographer... I really enjoy the artistic and technical aspects, and I love honing my skills (such as they are) and learning new ones. I'd be even happier, I suppose, if I was a better photographer But that's entirely within my control, as it depends on the amount of time and effort I'm prepared to invest.

I learned some time ago that I'm happy being what I'd describe as a casual, rather than a serious, photographer. I take photos of anything and everything, and don't specialise in any single area. Sometimes I might set myself a project or goal, but often I'll just go somewhere with my camera and look for interesting scenes or things to shoot in different ways. My primary aim is to have fun, my secondary is to learn, and whilst I'm prepared to work at achieving goals (and I get a great sense of satisfaction from that), I'm not willing to be consumed by what, for me, is a hobby and just one aspect of my life. Because of this, I know I'll never advance to the point where my artistic and technical skills are anything to crow about, and my photos will never compare with some of the excellent work I see on these forums. But I'm totally fine with that. I'm happy to enjoy the hobby and grow at my own pace. For me, the journey is more important than the destination.

I'll admit that I enjoy the equipment aspects of the hobby, too. I have fun using different cameras and lenses - especially older models, discovering what they're capable of and how I can get the best from them in relation to my own photography. But they're just tools (in some cases, "toys"), and I think some folks place way too much importance in them. Most of us should be able to get by more than adequately with almost any DSLR or mirrorless camera from any brand, two or three half-decent lenses, perhaps a cheap manual flash, and a good healthy dose of creativity and ingenuity. Too many look to solve their photographic problems with better equipment, and whilst that can sometimes help, it's rarely necessary. Most problems can be addressed through approach, technique, ingenuity, improvisation and compromise, and succeeding in these endeavours is incredibly rewarding. When I see folks switching systems every couple of years, or pining desperately for some as-yet-unreleased camera, lens or other item they feel is essential to their photography, it's pretty clear that the problem lies with them rather than their equipment. A really good photographer will get excellent results in most disciplines with a 10 - 15 year old DSLR and consumer-grade lenses - results that those obsessed with chasing new equipment might never achieve, no matter how much they spend.

A few tips (some of them, with the benefit of hindsight):

• Learn about the different types of light, and how to use them
• Learn about exposure and the relationship between sensitivity, aperture and shutter speed
• Learn about depth of field, its implications and uses
• Learn some basic compositional techniques
• Learn to hold your camera and lens correctly
• Learn to shoot in (M)anual mode (you don't have to use it all the time, but it gives ultimate control and helps reinforce understanding of the exposure triangle)
• Learn to shoot with Av, Tv, TAv and P modes too, and when to use them... but never depend on them solely, such that you're unable to switch to M and fully control the camera when needed
• Become familiar with all aspects of your camera's operation - metering, autofocus modes / areas / points, bracketing, timers, and any special features
• Learn how AF works, and understand what makes a good target for the AF system (pointing at just any old thing isn't sufficient, and is the cause of much unnecessary frustration for some)
• Choose a discipline in which to develop your skills - portaiture, wildlife, macro, whatever... or, don't (like me), but understand that you might progress more slowly as a result
• Have a point - think about each shot before you take it; consider the story or message, lighting, composition, your creative intent and how you will achieve it
• Take lots of photos
• Review all your photos and learn from them... Every photo, good or bad, is an opportunity to analyse and discover what you did right or wrong; no photo is wasted
• Shoot raw, or at the very least JPEG + raw; sooner or later, you'll be glad you did
• Learn to use at least the basic features of a raw development tool such as PDCU, Lightroom, Darktable, RawTherapee or other
• Do not allow you or your photography to be defined or limited by your equipment; resolve to overcome any limitations with learned techniques; better kit will not make you a better photographer
• Take good care of your equipment - clean it (using the correct materials), store it well, use it but try not to abuse it (don't worry if it picks up a few scars along the way, though)
• Where equipment failure, damage and loss is concerned, roll with the punches... it's just stuff - never let it get you down, frustrated or angry; it's just not worth it
• Lastly - know when to leave your equipment at home; some experiences are better when you're simply enjoying the moment and not worrying about photography

[c.a.m]

Thanks everybody for your positive response to the post and for offering your thoughts. Lots of terrific observations!

If it's ok with folks, I'll try to capture the key points as the thread develops and add them to the list in the OP, to serve as a neat guide to the Habits of Happy Pentaxian Photographers (or something like that).

- Craig

[Kerrowdown]

If you're a professional, what brings you enjoyment while running your business?

Getting paid... or is that too cynical?

[c.a.m]

Getting paid... or is that too cynical?

"Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery."

[c.a.m]

Please see Post No. 1 for a compilation of the habits and tips from members to date.

Thanks.

- Craig

[bkpix]

My recipe for photographic happiness:

Take photos, every day.

[c.a.m]

My recipe for photographic happiness:Take photos, every day.

I think many photographers would agree with you! I've added your tip to the list in the OP. Thanks.

- Craig

[kiwi_jono]

Well put Craig!

For me, variety keeps me interested.

Also sometimes on an outing I may not be feeling the inspiration to shoot anything and rather than let frustration creep in, its great to relax and enjoy where you are (forget the camera for a while). Often "see" something when I'm relaxing and just enjoying the environment.

[RichardJ]

Get enough technical knowledge of your camera that you can feel confident enough to decide on the settings when taking photos, so you control the process. It's that feeling of achievement and that I haven't just stumbled across good photos purely by trial and error that I enjoy. Then take lots of photos and print them. I print photos and stick the latest ones to my fridge with magnets so I look at them each day and they brighten up my life.

[jarlaxle2k5]

I am happy since I married my K1 😁👍

[robgski]

I am enjoying several of this guy's videos, because I agree that making the most of the gear you have is more important than having the best gear. More to the point, not taking a picture, or taking on a personal project with the excuse of "I don't have the right gear" is a weak excuse.

Youtu.be

Youtu.be

[Liney]

My recipe for photographic happiness:

Take photos, every day.

I have to say I disagree with taking photos every day. You see, I have a number of things that I do every day and after a while it just becomes a part of the routine and nothing special. Having to take a photo every day, unless you have a project that will record something change over a period of weeks or months, would put me off.

I prefer to either wait until I see something I want to take a photo of {and then it becomes a challenge to get the right lens, right angle, right lighting, right DoF and shutter speed} or else pick a day when I say to myself "On that day I'm going to go to this place, and take my camera to see what I can photograph" Again that becomes a challenge, the planning and preparation of what to take based on the weather forecast, the searching for things to photograph with the knowledge that if I don't get it right I will have to wait until the next time I come back.

Both of these challenges have provided me with many hours of interest, and most importantly they have kept me interested in the hobby. I could never do it for a living, I have the day job for that, but as a hobby it gives me the distraction from the day job.

[NotMyFatDog]

I love this post and thread, thank you for it. I always feel like my pictures are inadequate and this forum has been helping show that some pictures aren't half bad and giving me new thoughts which have already improved my photography.

Favouriting this post for sure to come back to periodically.