Maybe I've graduated DPC... - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

10/23/2012 10:19:28 AM · #1

I just haven't found myself enthused about going out of my way to enter challenges lately. As most of you have noticed, there is a running (or rather a pedaling) theme to most of my entries these days. A lot of the topics sound interesting, but I just don't care to make the effort when I could be out riding my bike instead.

Most of my photography has been done from the saddle lately. Once I figured out how to safely and conveniently carry a camera on the bicycle, the two pastimes have worked well together. I also seem to have acquired a reputation in the local cycling community. I went to a meeting of a cycling advocacy group for the DFW metroplex last night. One of my photos from a recent ride (that would have likely pulled a low 5 with the DPC collective) was used to start off the presentation from the city of Fort Worth, and after the meeting I was approached by two people asking for contact info and to possibly use my photos in the future. (All of these folks donate their own time and energy to this, so I would consider the use of my photography to be a similar contribution to the cause)

At one time I felt that I couldn't be a "real" photographer unless I shot models and did setup shots with perfectly crafted light. I know otherwise, now that I have found a niche that I enjoy and is appreciated by others.

I'm not going away, but my challenge participation may be a bit lighter than in the past. Thanks.

Apple iPhone 5

10/23/2012 10:26:36 AM · #2

Yo_Spiff goodbye thread?

Please! don't go! etc..etc..etc..

;-)

bassbone

Nikon Df

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

10/23/2012 10:27:19 AM · #3

Steve - I think I know how you feel. I have done a similar thing recently, moving to photograph what I am passionate about, and if it meets the challenge, great. If my work doesn't fit, I don't submit.

Your work is so much more consistent and solid since you have found your voice and passion. Clearly, this is what makes you happy and that comes shining through in your work. Congrats on the recognition and your path.

Strikeslip

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

10/23/2012 10:28:07 AM · #4

Good for you! Combining interests multiplies the pleasure, ie my video plus chainsaw carving. The health benefits of biking is yet another bonus. Way to go!

markwiley

Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R IOS

10/23/2012 10:38:29 AM · #5

Very cool. I think it is great you are able to combine two of your passions, and it is really great one of your passions is so healthy. I could use some of that. You contribute a lot to this site not only with your entries but also with your forum participation -- always happy to give advice and encouragement.

SandyP

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 USM

10/23/2012 10:41:46 AM · #6

I kinda know how you feel. Once I left my job to make photography my livelihood, I became alot more passionate about shooting interesting people photography. So, I've often found that if a challenge requires alot of effort without honing my people-photography, it usually finds me thinking about it, but not going to the effort to make it happen. But then, alot of times, I'll have a good "people" idea, but that week, I'm up to my eyeballs in "for hire" work. But I do miss chasing the artistry in a theme and that occasional euphoria (at least it's only occasionally for me) of having one turn out really good. For a while, I shared art gallery space with some painters, and alot of my work was challenge photos. So I want to do better about incorporating art time into my week. Don't quit, just keep turning your cycling passion into art!

LaMas

Nikon D50

Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8-4.0 EX DG Aspherical HSM for Nikon

10/23/2012 10:50:39 AM · #7

Well i say good ridence. Now the rest of us can get some ribbons. Lol. Seriously though, this site is a great place to refine skills and find niches. Certainly not the end all be all for photography but a great place to hone in on what you do best. That's great news. And I'll look forward to your entries when you do grace us with your presence. ;) great job! Ride hard!

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

10/23/2012 10:54:12 AM · #8

Originally posted by JH:

A Yo_Spiff goodbye thread?

Nah, I said I wasn't going away. Neither is Grog.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

10/23/2012 10:56:36 AM · #9

Right on. Good to see all those positive and wonder things happening in your life. Hope we can still find some gtg time.

-CB

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

10/23/2012 11:09:19 AM · #10

Originally posted by Cory:

Right on. Good to see all those positive and wonder things happening in your life. Hope we can still find some gtg time.

Probably. One of my stepdaughters moved to Florida this year taking my grandkids with her. So we may be planning a trip that way next year. Make sure your batteries are charged and your chain is oiled.

sjhuls

Canon EOS-7D

10/23/2012 11:09:41 AM · #11

I've been feeling the same way lately. I'll be sad to not see you around as much but I completely understand. In fact I've gone from a yearly subscription to month to month. I guess I just don't want to commit to a year with the WPL comming up. Once that starts I see everyone participating with their various teams, and not much to do if you decide not to. So I might put things on hold during WPL and then come back and see how things are going after it gets done.

Luckily I have another outlet for my photography. Stock has been a really satisfying outlet for me.

cowboy221977

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

10/23/2012 11:25:12 AM · #12

Im glad you arent going away

Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS

10/23/2012 11:29:37 AM · #13

Originally posted by cowboy221977:

Im glad you arent going away

Thanks, this wasn't meant to be a goodbye thread. I just wanted to voice some thoughts on how my photography and challenge participation has been changing of late. For a long time I felt like I was missing out on something if I didn't have several entries in voting. Now I enter when I feel like it or happen to have something that suits.

HCvE

Fujifilm X-T1

10/23/2012 11:34:56 AM · #14

Just do whatever makes you happy. I have 7 entries in 7 years and i'm stressed ;o)

NikonJeb

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

10/23/2012 12:20:50 PM · #15

Way to make an impact! Congrats, Steve!

Just don't forget about us little folks once you're rich and famous.

tanguera

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

10/23/2012 12:26:08 PM · #16

Cool!

bmartuch

Nikon D7200

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

10/23/2012 12:27:47 PM · #17

Are you sure you graduated?

Let me see the diploma!

colorcarnival

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Olympus 45mm f1.8 M.Zuiko Digital Micro Four Thirds

10/23/2012 12:37:14 PM · #18

I've seen your Night Riders work on FB and I love it. Consider compiling it all into a book some time because I think you will see a great story jump out of the pages.

posthumous

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

10/23/2012 12:38:26 PM · #19

You don't "graduate" DPC. The only way out is to shoot your way out.