Imagination - I seem to lack it
Discussion
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!!
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!!
One thing to bear in mind is that for most of the day, and for most of the year, locations all around the world are boring looking. After dawn, and before dusk, everything often looks flat and boring. You could park a classic Lotus F1 car on the edge of the Grand Canyon, and it’d look boring. It is ALL about the light.
So, with decent weather across much of the U.K. this weekend, people need to be out and about VERY early to catch the light. Composition etc follows from that.
Also… most of us aren’t a Litchfield or a Bailey. We are not renowned visual artists. We struggle. Don’t put pressure on yourself to create masterpieces. Create memories, and if the opportunity arises, try for a special photo.
So, with decent weather across much of the U.K. this weekend, people need to be out and about VERY early to catch the light. Composition etc follows from that.
Also… most of us aren’t a Litchfield or a Bailey. We are not renowned visual artists. We struggle. Don’t put pressure on yourself to create masterpieces. Create memories, and if the opportunity arises, try for a special photo.
^^^ Pretty much that IMHO.
There's no rule that says everyone can take great photos, anymore than they can be concert pianists. I'm content knowing I'm not a concert pianist.
For your US holiday, rather than trying to get 'coffee table book' shots, why not just record the journey as you go? You can use Google Images for the others
Plan C: Take me along and I'll do the photos for you
There's no rule that says everyone can take great photos, anymore than they can be concert pianists. I'm content knowing I'm not a concert pianist.
For your US holiday, rather than trying to get 'coffee table book' shots, why not just record the journey as you go? You can use Google Images for the others
Plan C: Take me along and I'll do the photos for you
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!
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!
Tony1963 said:
Machinegunning off thousands of photos and then going through them later sounds to me like a sure way to ruin a holiday. Why do it? You should know before you even lift the camera to your eye whether something is in any way worth photographing.
There's a risk you'll spend your entire time looking through the camera(s) worrying about the photos and then have thousands of little disappointments when you get back to base.mattyn1 said:
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
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.Wonder if I should invest in photoshop or lightroom and do a quick course! Thanks
PM me and I'll send you a little thing I wrote years ago.
Don't worry what others might think. If it looks 'good' to you, take the shot. Most photographers have many more failures than successes - you know, like having kids. Work out what made a particular image - not necessarily yours - appeal to you and then try something similar yourself. Might I suggest not paying out for Photoshop (other graphic packages are available) this early in your hobby? There are plenty of easy to use freebies available (+ GIMP. Never quite cracked that) and once you need more, you’ll know what you want to buy.
If the image looks good to you, it's a good image. Don't listen to others, and certainly don't take seriously what judges at photography groups say. I read Amateur Photographer every week. It's a great magazine, but some of the images in the back, under the title of Final Analysis, are photographically poor, but they gain credibility by the circumstances surrounding the taking.
I read a book a few years ago headed something like, Photographs that Changed the World. Hyperbole. However, I could remember seeing many when they were first published. ‘Napalm Girl’, the image of Phan Thi Kim Phuc running from her village, with burns over her body, was one that stayed with me, for some 50+ years, yet I could criticise it graphically. I remember one judge at a camera club being able to demolish any shot, although he was careful not to show us any of his. I could imagine him saying to Fox-Talbot, ‘As a picture of a window, it’s fine, but where’s the story, the emotion . . .’ and other such rubbish. Yet it was the start of a revolution.
Don’t do anything that takes the fun away. Enjoy it. I started into the hobby back when I was 16. I tried to take my camera back to the shop when my girlfriend wouldn't pose in the nude, but was refused a refund. That's a fair few years for me. Never been without cameras (was going to say a camera, but I'd have been underselling myself) in all that time, yet it's still fun.
If the image looks good to you, it's a good image. Don't listen to others, and certainly don't take seriously what judges at photography groups say. I read Amateur Photographer every week. It's a great magazine, but some of the images in the back, under the title of Final Analysis, are photographically poor, but they gain credibility by the circumstances surrounding the taking.
I read a book a few years ago headed something like, Photographs that Changed the World. Hyperbole. However, I could remember seeing many when they were first published. ‘Napalm Girl’, the image of Phan Thi Kim Phuc running from her village, with burns over her body, was one that stayed with me, for some 50+ years, yet I could criticise it graphically. I remember one judge at a camera club being able to demolish any shot, although he was careful not to show us any of his. I could imagine him saying to Fox-Talbot, ‘As a picture of a window, it’s fine, but where’s the story, the emotion . . .’ and other such rubbish. Yet it was the start of a revolution.
Don’t do anything that takes the fun away. Enjoy it. I started into the hobby back when I was 16. I tried to take my camera back to the shop when my girlfriend wouldn't pose in the nude, but was refused a refund. That's a fair few years for me. Never been without cameras (was going to say a camera, but I'd have been underselling myself) in all that time, yet it's still fun.
Tony1963 said:
It is ALL about the light.
Agreed. If you watch the Aerial America programmes they are always filmed in the early morning or in the evening.In addition America is very, very big, presenting any traveller with great views/vistas that are extremely difficult to capture in a photograph.
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.PM me and I'll send you a little thing I wrote years ago.
I was Nikon with all the gear but I ditched the SLR and lenses and now only use my phone.
For inspiration look at the tourist guides for the area and go and take as near as possible the same photo.
Hunting around for "that" shot will give plenty of alternative opportunities.
For inspiration look at the tourist guides for the area and go and take as near as possible the same photo.
Hunting around for "that" shot will give plenty of alternative opportunities.
Edited by Actual on Sunday 5th May 16:32
mattyn1 said:
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.
How about posting an example of a photo you're not happy with, and we can see what the issue is?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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
I am a bit late to this - first of all, good choice of camera. It certainly should like you have got the "kit" aspect sorted, and you have got a bit of time to work on the other aspects.
First of all, you need to work out if it is a "photography" trip or not, as traveling companions may not be as keen as you on the "faffing" needed to get good photos and itineraries may not always match with the best light etc. My advise is to research in advance and pick a few key locations. I have only ever done the second part of your trip, and it on my honeymoon, so photography was low down the priority, but still got enough photos to do a decent book.
Challenger in Death Valley by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Death Valley: You are likely to be here in the middle of the day, so not in the best light. Badwater Basin is one of those places that it is best to experience rather than photograph, although you need to get the mandatory photos with the sign, and a photo of the thermometer in the car. Artists Drive is more scenic, but again is probably better with nice light. Maybe one to timelapse with the action camera.
Tunnel View by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Yosemite: You are more likely to be here at better times of the day, but even so, it is a well photographed place. You should be able to get a good shot at "Tunnel View", but millions of people also have that shot. I stopped by each time I drove past just try and catch some good light, but when I had good light, "El Cap" was in the clouds.
McWay Falls by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
PCH: You have a lot of options here, depending on where you are staying in the evenings. McWay Falls is a good place to stretch your legs and get an "easy" photo, like "Tunnel View" it is well photographed, but for a good reason. You can get some pretty scenic views by just stopping along the coast though.
I'm sure that there are various guides and videos with loads of "must photograph" spots along your route though, and it pays to have a few locations near your hotel identified if you end up with great light when you wake up early due to the timezone shift.
The actual creative bit is harder - I am more of a technical photographer than a creative one, but I find getting out there is the best way to get your creative juices flowing. It also helps you to feel more confident with the technical aspects, so that you can nail the shot when you need to. I have a few go-to locations near me, where I can go if the light looks good and I can shoot them in various ways high/low or wideangle/telephoto etc and see what works - it is better to do that before you go away. You can learn all of the theory from YouTube etc, but getting outside and putting it in to practice helps me more. Also, it may be worth considering a photography workshop, I know Fuji run them, but there are loads, all over the country. In the past I have found it helpful to be able to set up a shot myself, then be coached through improving the shot, particularly the composition, which is much easier to do when you are on location.
First of all, you need to work out if it is a "photography" trip or not, as traveling companions may not be as keen as you on the "faffing" needed to get good photos and itineraries may not always match with the best light etc. My advise is to research in advance and pick a few key locations. I have only ever done the second part of your trip, and it on my honeymoon, so photography was low down the priority, but still got enough photos to do a decent book.
Challenger in Death Valley by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Death Valley: You are likely to be here in the middle of the day, so not in the best light. Badwater Basin is one of those places that it is best to experience rather than photograph, although you need to get the mandatory photos with the sign, and a photo of the thermometer in the car. Artists Drive is more scenic, but again is probably better with nice light. Maybe one to timelapse with the action camera.
Tunnel View by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Yosemite: You are more likely to be here at better times of the day, but even so, it is a well photographed place. You should be able to get a good shot at "Tunnel View", but millions of people also have that shot. I stopped by each time I drove past just try and catch some good light, but when I had good light, "El Cap" was in the clouds.
McWay Falls by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
PCH: You have a lot of options here, depending on where you are staying in the evenings. McWay Falls is a good place to stretch your legs and get an "easy" photo, like "Tunnel View" it is well photographed, but for a good reason. You can get some pretty scenic views by just stopping along the coast though.
I'm sure that there are various guides and videos with loads of "must photograph" spots along your route though, and it pays to have a few locations near your hotel identified if you end up with great light when you wake up early due to the timezone shift.
The actual creative bit is harder - I am more of a technical photographer than a creative one, but I find getting out there is the best way to get your creative juices flowing. It also helps you to feel more confident with the technical aspects, so that you can nail the shot when you need to. I have a few go-to locations near me, where I can go if the light looks good and I can shoot them in various ways high/low or wideangle/telephoto etc and see what works - it is better to do that before you go away. You can learn all of the theory from YouTube etc, but getting outside and putting it in to practice helps me more. Also, it may be worth considering a photography workshop, I know Fuji run them, but there are loads, all over the country. In the past I have found it helpful to be able to set up a shot myself, then be coached through improving the shot, particularly the composition, which is much easier to do when you are on location.
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