How do you guys do it? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4.0G IF-ED

08/18/2004 06:30:30 PM · #1

I've had one 5-day short course in BnW photography, which is the only formal course I've done. By joining this site and looking at the quality of most of the entries, I'm really inspired but at the same time, disheartened at my rubbish attempts at raising my game.

I know you can be successfull and be self-taught, so I'm taking that as an incentive.
I have a D70 but seem to be pitifully unable to take decent photos with it. Could it really just be down to not having had a completely solid grounding in photography, although I am starting a degree course in september which will hopefully improve my situation.
I would dearly love to one day work for magazines, but I just don't seem to "get it " yet, what seems to come out is more "Art" than proper photography haha.

hmm so if anyone has tips, i dunno, that might help realign my brain to help take better actual photos, that'd be swell.

my deviantart site is at //i0.deviantart.com/gallery if anyone wants to pass judgement. NO STEALING i'll be checking ;)
cheers
sal

Message edited by author 2004-08-18 18:31:10.

spydr

Nikon D850

08/18/2004 06:38:48 PM · #2

Your being modest Sal.

I really like "Chocolatina"

geewhy

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

08/18/2004 06:48:08 PM · #3

Sal, I`ve had a look at your portfolio and I don`t think that you`ve too much to be disheartened about.Your "tapemeasure" pic is excellent(among others).. If it is success on DPC that you seek then all you have to do is think about producing images with more general appeal.Arty pictures don`t generally score too well regardless of their quality as they have limited appeal..sadly.

I have had no formal or informal training in photography and until last November..thought that post processing was something the Royal Mail got involved with...but it hasn`t stopped me getting a little success.
Just browse the challenges and you`ll see what works and what doesn`t.
Good luck

Photomama

08/18/2004 07:32:35 PM · #4

I think you are off to a great start.

It just sounds like you need a bit of a confidence boost.

If it helps any, I am self-taught (no formal training...), and took the plug to start my own photography business, and...business has been GOOD! :)

//www.alwphotography.com

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

08/18/2004 08:45:07 PM · #5

Another self taught, picking up a camera for the first time about 3 years ago now.

I read a lot.

TLL061

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/18/2004 08:55:08 PM · #6

My entry for neon was challenged , it's a first for me , I think after you prove you entry meets the challenge , something should say , challenged and aproved

scalvert

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/18/2004 09:24:05 PM · #7

Originally posted by TLL061:

I think after you prove you entry meets the challenge , something should say , challenged and aproved

Verification has nothing to do with meeting the challenge- they're only to prove you didn't use illegal processing or simply copy an existing work of art as-is. Your image can be validated and still not meet the challenge. If validated, you DO get a note next to the image.

Yuki, see my comment in THIS thread.

Nelzie

Canon EOS-30D

08/18/2004 09:51:00 PM · #8

What?!

How can you say that you aren't decent? Your work is pretty darn good, much better then the rubbish I have been producing.

I am still only 3 months into starting this hobby and I believe that I will be producing rubbish for at least a few more years... It takes time to learn, it takes time to grow, it takes time to move past being a rubbish maker.

Tranquil

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Canon

08/18/2004 10:02:02 PM · #9

I too am a self-taught photographer, with a little bit of tips from my grandfather to help me out just over a year ago when he gave me a Minolta SLR and had me look through his thirty year old B&W prints. I was so inspired to take photos I went out and to my mother's dismay (I am fourteen years old) went through rolls upon rolls of film experimenting with exposure pretty much blindsightedly. Earlier this year I got my first digital camera and then soon thereafter I joined DPC with my small point and shoot.

I believe that since I have started coming to DPC I have grown as a photographer, but since switching to digital there have been many frustrations. You are lucky (and as of very recently now so am I) to have an SLR to use and this should help you grow a lot faster than with a simpler point and shoot. I really like your work, and from where you are in your career as a photographer i think you are beyond me even if I might have been in it longer. But I always think it is good to listen to advice from those lesser than you and what I tell you is to just produce the images you think that are good. I've just acquired a new sense of thinking to take photos that actually have meaning rather than just a focal point. Also, I believe that you should not only try to learn photography by studying the greats, but you also learn a heck of a lot by studying the work of those who make mistakes. When you can see these mistakes in photos, that shows you have learned that aspect of photography and you won't do it in your own work. Take a look at my portfolio and take some mental notes. Feel free to PM me or e-mail me with any questions. I hope this helps a little bit but I tend to babble.

Keep up the good work.

Lee

Message edited by author 2004-08-18 22:02:16.

mrmsudawgs

Canon PowerShot S2 IS

08/19/2004 12:36:15 AM · #10

Please forgive my ignorance and the off topic post but I am new to this forum and was wondering if someone might tell me how to start a new post. I see where I can reply to existing posts (like this one) but I do not see a link for "New Post" or anything like it.

I would appreciate any help in getting started.

scalvert

08/19/2004 08:23:49 AM · #11

Click on Forums under the Community menu. Select an appropriate forum category and the New Topic button will appear on the top right.

lyta

Canon EOS-40D

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

08/19/2004 09:05:16 AM · #12

If it is success on DPC that you seek then all you have to do is think about producing images with more general appeal.Arty pictures don`t generally score too well regardless of their quality as they have limited appeal..sadly.

Yes, I'm perplexed about the Arty picture deal.What is the point of taking pictures if all you go for is general appeal? It then becomes too easy to start just taking snapshots.You are right, it is sad. I also think people score them down because they know many of the arty photos are very good.
But then I'm the type of person who asks the waitress what is popular and then I make sure I don't order it. Generally what the majority find appealing . . .well . . .

cghubbell

Nikon D300

08/19/2004 09:15:22 AM · #13

Originally posted by lyta:

I've been floating around to many different sites lately, and find that each of the Internet photography communities has its own niche. I'm sure there are other sites with a more arty flare to them if that's your thing. I find DPC has the best community when I'm trying to find answers or explore thoughts... And the dream of making it big on DPC prints keeps me here as welll :)

I think it's good, no matter how accessible your technique is, to absorb the voice of the masses and consider it. But other than improving technical mistakes, I don't think anyone should blindly allow their style to be fully shaped by feedback.

Do what fufills you, and be aware of your personal goals as a photographer. Intepret feedback in that context and your technique will improve. Bottom line though - take TONS of pictures!

hannafate

08/19/2004 09:25:24 AM · #14

The point of the challenges is to stretch your talent. High scores are nice, but just being able to get feedback on trying something different is useful.
I figure, if I'm scoring in the middle, I'm doing pretty good. It's going to be a rare image that appeals to EVERYONE.

yuki

08/19/2004 11:46:04 AM · #15

thanks for all the input! I do feel a bit happier about things having read your replies to just realise that I just have to keep going.
Obviously the course I'm about to do will probably help me improve much more as i'll be learning wet photography too which should hopefully make up for the lack of grounding.

I just see some amazing entries out there and I'll just have to keep trying to use what I do have to meet the challenges :0)

Hopefully we can all inspire each other to do better, I know since being here, i've actively tried to push my work better under the pressure of the challenges, which i think is a good thing.

Again, thanks for all the positive comments about my work on Devart! I just hope I get to the stage wher I don't have to use photoshop too much anymore because I can setup the shot without post-editing!

:0)

scalvert