I got into photography strictly to capture shots my own kids. However, I always find that I am able to get much better pictures of OPKs (other peoples kids) than my own. Just wondering if anyone else has the same dilemma. Nevertheless, May was a great opportunity for me to shoot lots and despite too many backs, etc., the following three sets are my raison d'etre. C&C greatly appreciated.
The first are from our Provincial and National gymnastics championships.
lhryshko wrote:
I got into photography strictly to capture shots my own kids. However, I always find that I am able to get much better pictures of OPKs (other peoples kids) than my own. Just wondering if anyone else has the same dilemma.
Larry,
I think this is pretty normal. With OPKs, you are removed emotionally from their performance. With your kids, your mind is focused more on how your child is doing which gets in the way of your attention to camera details (composition, timing, etc...)
I was like that early on with my 4 daughters at their events. I've found myself more and more detached from the game/event when shooting them now-a-days (because we cover so many other events)... for which I get allot of great shots, but I'll also force myself to NOT take a camera for some games/events so that I can enjoy the sport as a parent, with/for my children.
You'll want to find that balance - of getting shots to remember, but also to be a 'normal' dad without a camera attached to your face sometimes... which is what I was afraid my girls would remember me as: Mike Wizowski... the little green 'monster' from Monsters.Inc movie with one big eye.
Oh, and great shots btw! Don't worry about lighting or noise, getting a great capture is much more important (for your kids or OPKs!)
Thanks Hammy...........that pretty much covers it. Psychology major?
What surprises me most is how dramatically different my success rate changes from OPKs to my own. Like five-fold. I know that when I'm shooting my own kids, my brain is on overdrive combining cheering, praying, hoping, analyzing, preparing to administer first aid, etc. and I also desperately want to get the shot. With OPKs, I'm simply practicing, getting my timing, etc. so it is far more casual and relaxing. But what a difference.
And yes, I have become Mike Wizoski. I hope that's not bad or scarring. They complain about dad taking pictures all the time and then rush to the computer to see them after every event.
Lastly, I am following your previous advice, almost to the letter.
Here's an outsider's perspective -- one with no ties to your kids, but a dad with three sons who play football, baseball and basketball.
There's another reason why the pictures of OPK's outnumber your own. There are MANY more OPK's than your own. Think about it. How many opportunities do you have to shoot your own kids in the course of a competition, meet, game, recital? Then think about how many other kids you shoot. Ten? Twenty? Thirty? Therefore, your ratio of 5 to 1 is really pretty good.
And like Hammy suggested, the more you shoot, the more successful you will be regardless of the subject.
Keep at it -- your daughters will appreciate it I promise.
Good thoughts by Hammy and Rick. It is easy to press, breathe fast, be anxious/nervous when it is your baby in the view finder. It took me a couple of years to control. Sooner than later, your best shots will be the ones of your daughters because you know them, how they move, when they smile, how they compete.
lhryshko wrote:
However, I always find that I am able to get much better pictures of OPKs (other peoples kids) than my own. Just wondering if anyone else has the same dilemma.
yes, I think it has something to do with not tracking one person and getting the action wherever it happens
I feel your pain, Larry. But here's the thing...it just doesn't matter. I don't think I ever on a regular basis captured photos of my daughter playing soccer that I felt as good about as those I captured of her teammates. But now, my daughter's playing days are over and she's living in another state. A few of those photos are hanging in our home, and the sentimental value they hold far surpasses any technical angst I might have experienced at the time the images were created. What you're capturing is beyond the realm of image quality. You've got everything you'll need here when it's time to remember these girls, just as they were, when they are long past these stages of their (and your) lives. (Which is not to mention that 3 and 5 are stunning in their own right.)
Thanks to all for your thoughtful replies. This little bit of introspection has been brought on by my middle daughter’s announcement that she will be retiring from gymnastics and the fact that I don’t have nearly enough “great” pictures documenting this important part of her life.
Rick, you are absolutely right that there are far more OPKs and the chances to shoot my own kids are numerically much smaller. For volleyball at least, this would definitely explain the discrepancy. However, for gymnastics, a large fraction of my shots are of my own kids (although the list of “my own” includes my daughters’ training partners, close friends, etc.). When shooting OPKs to set exposure, practice timing, etc., I shoot like a pro. When they’re mine, not so much. I hope you, Hammy and Ted are right about this improving with time and ideally prior to any further retirements.
Ted, I’ve greatly looked forward to all of your LAX shots over the years, particularly those that chronicled Beth and her team mates. Seeing your latest outstanding LAX pictures, but without Beth, foreshadows how sad I will feel once my kids graduate from their respective sports. OK, I’m just being a big sissy now, but this is my first announced retirement.
Thanks Chris. Rick did put it very well and I’m glad that you were able to capture shots of your daughters.
CW100, that’s definitely the correct explanation for volleyball, plus the fact that my 5’4” daughter doesn’t spend a lot of time above the net.
Russ, you’re probably right that it doesn’t matter. It just doesn’t feel like that right now, knowing I will never get another chance to shoot my daughter doing gym again. OK, whining over. Thanks for your tutelage and support over the years. I hope you don’t take this as an insult, but nearly all of my gymnastic photography success has been the result of my poor efforts to emulate you……..and it’s not your fault, I’m just a slow learner.
