Brian Lingle wrote:
Deb, Shooting in A mode with a spot meter setting in camera, if I move the spot just a little bit, it changes the exposure. If you experiment with it, intentionally moving the metering spot to different areas of light and dark in the scene and checking the results, you'll see that you can predict and control the results fairly consistently.
I still have this problem with evaluative metering =( Hence, I like manual...
What is your problem, Evan?
I know that I am here wasting my time looking at everyone else's pictures and reading about what everyone is doing. It is easier than doing my own "camera work" or recharging all of my batteries so that I will be ready for that "decisive moment" when it comes.
Also, reading your pontification is actually harder than working on my websites, which I should be doing instead.
williamkazak wrote:
What is your problem, Evan?
I know that I am here wasting my time looking at everyone else's pictures and reading about what everyone is doing. It is easier than doing my own "camera work" or recharging all of my batteries so that I will be ready for that "decisive moment" when it comes.
Also, reading your pontification is actually harder than working on my websites, which I should be doing instead.
Not sure exactly what the issue is here William, but you're welcome to use the "hide" button.
Did anyone see that photo of Alfred Stieglitz where he is sitting on the cot in his gallery? He said he hadn't taken a photograph in years and that everyone forgot about him.
About critique; you either like it or you don't.
Also, what is exciting to another photographer can seem silly to any normal person, like trashing a $1500 wedding dress in the sand and surf. Whoopie, daddy paid for it anyway!
What gets me is;
Showing two people as important as the bride and groom in a closeup and one of them is way out of focus because the photographer likes to shoot at F1.4. Ditto for a portrait of both parents together in one pic with one of them way out of focus.
Photographers who don't use fill flash and make us look at the dark circles under their eyes because the church lights are beaming down from the top and they are yellow. How do you like this? They ask.
I need some more coffee, and then a nap.
williamkazak wrote:
Photographers who don't use fill flash and make us look at the dark circles under their eyes because the church lights are beaming down from the top and they are yellow. How do you like this? They ask.
I need some more coffee, and then a nap.
Ever shot in a church that doesn't allow flash DOH
williamkazak wrote:
What is your problem, Evan?
I know that I am here wasting my time looking at everyone else's pictures and reading about what everyone is doing. It is easier than doing my own "camera work" or recharging all of my batteries so that I will be ready for that "decisive moment" when it comes.
Also, reading your pontification is actually harder than working on my websites, which I should be doing instead.
...what was that i was saying earlier? something about the internet and ego and... hm. i forget.
Well this officially raises the number of books I've read to two. I lost count of the words I didn't know existed in the English language, but with the help of the context (and a thesaurus!), I got most of it.
Seriously though, I agree with all points in Evan's post and appreciate that he took the time to post something we can all benifit from.
jeremy_clay wrote:
...or maybe Tony was kidding. Wow.
I know he was kidding. The point I was trying to make was that I don't think everyone here is the "$100 wedding photog". I guess I didn't make it very well.
Looking back through the responses to this thread, I see many names that we don't see too much any more. Other heavy contributors to the forum are nowhere to be found, so perhaps it is worth another look. Stuck!
I agree with Evan, Maurice, and a little with Jeremy. I came to FM because my cousin pointed me here some time ago. Eventually I started posting comments critiques etc. I am a teacher by trade (photographer by passion) so I understand what it means to get constructive, POSITIVE feedback on your work. Now that does not mean I will always like the way something is done or agree with it but I can tell the person in a nice way so that they can take or leave my advice and still feel like I was being cordial and helpful. Respect gets respect. I agree that upon posting many great collections of work (Sam, Tony, Jerm, Ray, Ed, etc) your opinion becomes more desirable and also more important to people. Do these people know what they are talking about, yes, but that does not take away from anyone else's opinion on matters. We cater to the bride and groom and their families and they will ultimately judge our work so no matter what the big shots say we still have to please our clients. People who are new to photography or that are not wedding togs still have valuable critiques to offer just like our clients opinions are valuable. If Tony and Sam and Ed like it but the bride does not then that = FAIL.
Things can get heated and often feel like high school around here we need to remember that we are just wedding togs (not soldiers, firefighters, or doctors). So thank you Maurice.
I am not a big shot, nor am I that well known because I don't post a lot of pictures. But I do spend a lot of time here and try to offer my comments and critiques in a positive manner that helps people improve their skills. Hopefully we can continue to foster an atmosphere that will welcome people in so that as many people as possible have a chance to experience FM as the awesome photographic resource that it is.
Oh and Evan Baines is going to be my wedding photographer....I heard from some people here that he only takes pictures of ROCKSTARS
HA
Doug
When all is said and done, I go with my gut. There is a tendency to be over-critical or find it difficult to put into words. The goal is to get better and learn. Sharing my on work (if ever) is best done when I cannot figure it out on my own.
I'm a newbie to this forum, but am a regular on others. One thing I noted was that many of the critiques on this sire are pretty friggin' brutal, and not in keeping with the sharing of information so necessary to grow as a photog. For that reasons I tended to frequent this forum a lot less than I might, and it short changes me most of all, because there are some truly gifted individuals here. The negativity and personal attacks were just overwhelming (and it wasn't against me - I wasn't posting, just reading). Glad to see the OP - and hope that the folks on the forum who are a little less than professional in their dealings with others read it - and learn from it.
In general I have had very positive feedback from this forum. I have been flambe'd before, but I was asking for it. Literally, I wanted brutal feedback. The only way for me to improve is to see where I am weak. That is why I post. I don't need, or want, an ego stroke. I want to see where I can improve for my clients. I have a thick skin and I think the people asking for critiques should too. If you are looking to truly improve your craft, then the harsh critiques should be the most valuable to you. Shouldn't they?
As for the rockstar thing, I don't think it's such a big deal. There are people on this board that I would love to meet, work with, just follow for a day because they seem too cool , but It does not break my heart if a rockstar does not comment on my work. They are not the only people qualified to view and comment on my photos.
So, why am I here?
For the laughs, for the friends I have made, and the ones I will. For honest brutal critiques of my work, for inspiration from the amazing photags on here. And for the killer deals I am able to find in Buy and Sell!!
So thanks to Evan for posting this, Thanks to all who have kept the discussion going, and thanks Jeremy for all the animations!!
Interesting stuff, Evan-- thanks . I liked the research, especially the jam and women with the red dress.
I'm new here and must say I have really liked my experience thus far. I like how people speak their minds and let their true colors show, for better or worse... it makes fm feel more like a family/community, plus I like witty banter. Just like anything else in life, you certainly have to consider the source and stay true to yourself.
Recently, I have been thinking about one of the bits mentioned, the one about finding a mentor, or even local tog community. I'm guessing most photographers got in with a group of local togs or met on a forum, jived well and it grew into mentor/mentee relationship, any suggestions? I second shot for a fab tog who lives several hours from me-- we touch base every once in a while so I'd say she is probably mine, though she doesn't know it yet . I'd be interested to hear how people met their mentors. I'd start a post but as a newbie no one comments on my posts until someone with status weighs in... kidding!
. I liked the research, especially the jam and women with the red dress.