What sort of photros really blow you away?

[Mr Gear]

As a very heavy user of Flickr, I often look at the Explore pages http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/ to see what other people are liking, and occasionally I come across an interesting photographer. But there is a lot of pictures of girls standing around with muted colours and close-ups of daisies. All very well, and often very pretty, but I am bored of the posed stuff.

The photos I really appreciate are the wildlife shots. I appreciate every effort that it takes to get an incredible wildlife picture. It's very very difficult to even get sight of some animals, let alone a good photograph, so these always stand out to me, and I don't think there is a more challenging photographic subject than birds especially.

I don't really know where to point this thread now! Erm, post your best wildlife pics? Or perhaps tell me what your favourite subject matter is and why.

[andy-xr]

Personal preference is fashion/editorial/edgy concept photography involving people.

I tried landscapes but hills and skies just dont do it for me











I periodically flick onto 1x.com to check out the photography, some is very cool other stuff just leaves me cold

Edited by andy-xr on Thursday 16th September 11:07

[Scott330ci]

Mr Gear said:

As a very heavy user of Flickr, I often look at the Explore pages http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/ to see what other people are liking, and occasionally I come across an interesting photographer. But there is a lot of pictures of girls standing around with muted colours and close-ups of daisies. All very well, and often very pretty, but I am bored of the posed stuff.

The photos I really appreciate are the wildlife shots. I appreciate every effort that it takes to get an incredible wildlife picture. It's very very difficult to even get sight of some animals, let alone a good photograph, so these always stand out to me, and I don't think there is a more challenging photographic subject than birds especially.

I don't really know where to point this thread now! Erm, post your best wildlife pics? Or perhaps tell me what your favourite subject matter is and why.

10 Photos in todays one

[Mr Gear]

andy-xr said:

Personal preference is fashion/editorial/edgy concept photography involving people.

I tried landscapes but hills and skies just dont do it for me

I have to say, those are lovely pictures that I would be extremely proud of. I have never found a willing model who is prepared to sit around while I take pictures of her!

[andy-xr]

They werent mine btw

I like to shoot similar themes, but probably on a lower budget for models, sets, styling etc

[EmmaP]

I've always been a huge fan of war photography. This image was part of Tim Hetherington's documentation of the conflict in Afghanistan and it was the World Press Photo of the Year in 2007:



Tim Hetherington, UK. US soldier, Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.

This photograph captures the absolute horror and pain of the loss of a comrade. Photographs from the entire year-long project may be seen at HOST Gallery from 20th September - 20th October. http://www.foto8.com/new/on-display/host-exhibitio...

Further examples of his work may be seen here: http://www.timhetherington.com/mentalpicture/home/...

Edited by EmmaP on Thursday 16th September 15:46

[nick_bbb]

I've got a growing collection of portfolio books that I look to when I need inspiring, I like looking at photos printed out rather than on screen.

For portraits I like David Bailey and Annie Leibowitz. For documenatary I like Gary Winogrand, Henri Cartier Bresson, Leroy Grannis, Roert Frank, Richard Heeps and Joel Weyorwitz. For fine art photography I like William Eddgleston and Gregory Crewdson. For Fashion I like David LaChappelle, Rankin and Richard Avedon. That's for starters!

[GetCarter]

Pretty much everything I see on Guardian Eyewitness (great app for iPad!)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/series/eyewitness

Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 16th September 14:16

[BigAlinEmbra]

Have to say that I think a lot of Carter's shots from his locale are ace. They generate equal amounts of inspiration and self loathing at lack of talent though.

[Elderly]

A well composed, never to be repeated, amusing moment.

Take a look at Elliot Erwitt's 'Son of b itch'
(127 great photos which feature dogs)

[JJM]

Macro shots whether bugs or plants can be pretty amazing.

There are a few good shots in here

http://bit.ly/9xehgQ



And these two guys have a lot to answer for re recent purchases...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4hero/collections/721...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordv/

[Mr Gear]

JJM said:

Macro shots whether bugs or plants can be pretty amazing.

There are a few good shots in here

http://bit.ly/9xehgQ



And these two guys have a lot to answer for re recent purchases...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4hero/collections/721...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordv/

Oh yeah, that's some good stuff. And the best bit is they are not just flowers with lots of bokeh!

[paul911]

Well some bloke called Steve Carter has been a very big inspiration for me, along with a few other well known landscape togs, Joe Cornish, Charlie Waite, And a local (ish) chap called Peter Watson.

[//dean]

The kind of photos that blow me away or those that tell a story, unfortunately most of these are war photos but you'll get my gist. I don't think a perfectly executed landscape, fashion protrait, car photo etc has ever 'blown me away'.

[Mr Gear]

The wedding and the prison camp photos are fascinating.

Although not because they "tell a story" but because you become curious as to what the story actually is.

[Scott330ci]

I really would love to portray war via the camera.

I'd assume you would have to be very established to be able to go there. I know the army has photographer jobs, although I doubt you would be let loose on the lands IYKNWIM.

Every time I mention it the missus goes nuts

[NWVT]

Im a bit of long exposure lover and have several favs that blow me away

[Haliatus]

Got to be war photos

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/09/afghanist...

one of my aims to go out there. i know of a few people who have done it. i think you have to do private combat training etc if you didn't go with the army which costs a few grand

[M-J-B]

Haliatus said:

Got to be war photos

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/09/afghanist...

one of my aims to go out there. i know of a few people who have done it. i think you have to do private combat training etc if you didn't go with the army which costs a few grand

They are..... WOW

God I'm st at taking photos looking at some of those above and the link above.

[14-7]

Haliatus said:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/09/afghanist...

Some truly heart wrenching photos in there.