In all honesty...

Gallery: FloraPosted October 17, 20171,765 views6 comments

...I have been feeling a bit uninspired this year. Last night, I went through a bunch of photos that I took this last summer, and did not find a lot that I loved. Many were technically good - they just did not speak to me. This year I have taken around 9000 less photos than the previous year, so I am guessing that being busy has impacted my feelings some.

I think this may be why I am spending a bit more time in Lightroom and doing a bit more development on my photos. On this one I used the 'Punch' preset, some vignette, and just a few curves adjustments.

Any and all thoughts appreciated.

Nathan

Nikon D7000, Sigma 180 macro, Tripod, f5.6, ISO 400, Lightroom, PS CC

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on October 17, 2017 at 12:17 PM

Nathan: I have been there regarding inspiration and motivation and have come to the conclusion that my enthusiasm does wax and wane but I still have a great love for the natural world and for photography so I no longer stress over the slow times. I am glad you're back into it some and love this image. It certainly has your signature SOA style. Beautiful subject superbly rendered. >=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on October 17, 2017 at 12:31 PM

Nathan, I have gone through the same for a variety of reasons, mostly medical at this point. I just can't gin up the energy to do what I have easily done in the past. I use the LR presets also. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. For sure though, they all are capable of creating noise. I have to constantly remind myself to use them moderately and carefully.

I am very satisfied with this image, both because it is a signature style and because you have been careful and "minimally invasive" as Surgeons are wont to put it. cool

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Nathan Buck on October 17, 2017 at 1:09 PM

Thank you Bill and Phil! I appreciate you both!

Nathan

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1101 Posts, 13589 Comments

Comment posted by Giuseppe Guadagno on October 17, 2017 at 1:25 PM

An excellent work for me Nathan with my favorite model. The inspiration does not come at command. I think that enthusiasm and trying something new may call it. You must be glad for the countless beautiful photos that you have done and this too can help.

Registered on February 3, 2007, 827 Posts, 5052 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Kennedy on October 17, 2017 at 11:58 PM

Nathan, I've been going through the same thing. My motivation level has been very low recently though I believe it is picking up again. I really like Bill's comment and believe it's true. I haven't gotten to the place where I don't worry about it though.

The image is beautiful. The light, the DOF and POF - I like it all. Very well done!

Registered on March 9, 2009, 79 Posts, 676 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lowe on October 29, 2017 at 2:37 PM

Congrats on the WP, Nathan. devil

Registered on February 11, 2004, 777 Posts, 5252 Comments