Hello everyone!
I have a question - Do you sometimes feel frustration when being out in the field? I have some days when absolutely nothing seems to come together:
-The area I am in does not offer what I expected(light, subject
matter)
-I cannot come up with an idea.
-All that I see through the viewfinder does not look right - either
not good, either boring, either obvious or uninspired - no
composition that excites me.
-Although I did went out because of an urge to create something - the
creativity just does not start to flow, inspiration does not come, I
feel uncomfortable and uneasy.
-Sometimes in such moments I start thinking that my best shots are
already made (by me) and there will be no better ones (or at least of
"equal" quality)
Sometimes I go out and shot to get away from reality, from daily-life frustrations and sometimes this bad mood is what hinders me from beeing creative and so I get even more frustrated - a vicious circle.
(I just came home from such a "shooting", that's why I post this now.)
One needs a sense of achievement. I need it on a regular basis with my photography. It seems to happen that every now and then I like a photograph of mine. But sometimes this time-intervall between images that I am proud of just seems too long. Then I go out again.. and I still cannot come up with something... That circle again.
I am interested if one out there has similar experiences. I appreciate all comments and I am in particular interested in the "celebrities" - although a strong body of work I wonder how many times just nothing worked out for you until you get what you add to your portfolio.
Regards, Dietrich
Posted by Kent Mearig on April 17, 2007 at 4:11 PM
Dietrich, just last night was one such occasion. All evening long, the sky was promising me a fantastic sunset, and I was worried I would not make it out at all because of prior obligations. I had recently been to a location in the late afternoon that I guessed would have a lot of potential under the conditions I was expecting, and it turned out I was actually able to make it there in time. But I was let down; a cloud bank had developed just on the horizon, and the rest of the sky had emptied. None of the foreground ended up being attractive to me under the new circumstances. I used only my telephoto lens and tried a couple panoramics, but by the time I set them up, the little interest in the sky had faded to almost nothing. The goal driven photographer in me was pissed off! But fortunately, there's more in me than a photographer. I love the outdoors and the ocean air, and I can get excited about a simple lack of rain. Luckily, my wife was with me, who I very much enjoy spending time with, and she was talking my ear off. I also found it amusing to watch the clams on the beach squirt water up into the air after they had been uncovered by the tide. My stay there was brief because of the lack of photo opportunities, but I truly enjoyed it.
I guess the moral of my story is that sometimes it pays to be able to turn the photographer off. Even as I fiddled with settings and made exposures, I had almost completely disconnected with my photographic desires. It's an ability I've been forced to develop because I frequently go for months and more without making a photograph that I'm honestly very proud of. Other times I'll make five or six in a couple hours, and you just never know which situation you're going to find. Obviously, there are things you can do to encourage more regular flow in your creative juices, but breathtaking photography is not always in the cards. A good time, though, can take place just about as often as you will let it.
By the way, I'm far from perfect in this respect, I just wanted to write down my ideas before I forget them forever. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to imprint this in my own head.
Thanks Kent for sharing your view on this and for sharing your experience! You are right about enjoying the moment, the outdoor-setting itself. But sometimes I am so pissed off that I cannot even enjoy - I should work on this. It is also good to know that it takes you some amount of time until you get what pleases you - not because of gloating - but because it makes coping with my frustration easier...
Thanks and keep some posts coming...
Posted by Tom Nevesely on April 17, 2007 at 4:27 PM
There are a few locations that I just "know" have a lot of potential but I have yet to take any great photos there. Every time I go, leave there disappointed and frustrated with myself.
Then there are the times when the sky is overcast. I know that there is still plenty to shoot - details in nature, flowers, etc. but I have trouble seeing these kind of compositions. Big landscapes are easier for me to see.
I look at the frustration in a positive way. If it was always easy it wouldn't be that much fun would it? Because I "know" a photo is in there somewhere I will keep trying until one day I see it.
To me it's the exact opposite - being in the field is a way to eliminate frustrations. The worst day in the field is usually better than a good day anywhere else. Images or not, the experience alone makes it worthwhile.
Guy
Posted by Marc Adamus on April 17, 2007 at 5:02 PM
What Guy said. The experience is always worth it for me. If I wasn't taking pictures ever again, I'd still be out in nature all the time. I try to relax and let nature come to me. Sure I have ideas of where and when I might get a great shot, but if it dosen't happen I don't let it ruin the experience. Similarly, when my sole purpose for an excursion is a specific picture (which dosen't happen often), it is never as enjoyable an experience.
>>"I am interested if one out there has similar experiences. I appreciate all comments and I am in particular interested in the "celebrities" - although a strong body of work I wonder how many times just nothing worked out for you until you get what you add to your portfolio."
Depends what you might mean by portfolio, but speaking specificly of the images I post on ESS, I get one of those maybe one out of every four or five times I head into the wilderness. I maybe add one every couple months or so to my 40-image portfolio here.
Posted by Richard Wong on April 17, 2007 at 5:04 PM
I'm with Guy. I dont' currently work a day job, but when I did I always thought of all the great photography I was missing out on. Granted every job has it's ups and downs but really, fighting off obnoxious tourists at Keys View is much more exilirating than winning industry creativity awards for your marketing ideas or whatever the pinnacle of your main profession is.
I've had plenty of days where I just take a few crappy snapshots and walk off before the sun ever sets because I am just not in the mood for shooting. or sometimes take a camera along for a hike and never shoot a photo. It's worth it though because if you fight through enough of those days, and you'll have more big days where you are prolific. the only time I get in a negative mood while shooting though is usually because of my fault: forgetting a piece of necessary gear, tripod getting in the way of a shot, fumbling with filters, etc... it quickly disappears though when I get into it.
lastly, don't worry so much about making "portfolio" pieces. Worry more about saying something with each image. Strive for that and the portfolio pieces will be apparent after you sort your body of work out at home.
I agree that just being in the field is good. However, I also find that I have "those days" of difficult creativity. Then my frustration makes me try harder. Sometimes the harder I try the worse I get.
Then, some days when I am being very casual and just "having fun" with no intent to do anything serious I make some of my best images.
So, I think sometimes our frustrations lead us to try too hard. This creates a lot of negative energy that inhibits our "vision". When we are relaxed and not pressured we do our best work.
Ed, you expressed it in a way I can relate to - sometimes I put some pressure on me and it just does not work out - the frustration comes and the pressure rises or the "negative energy". It holds true for other areas as well - one always delivers the best results/work, when one feels comfortable and does not force things.
I have to admit that I am in a somewhat unstable period of time at the moment - I graduated from
university some 5 months ago - since then I have been applying for jobs, doing interviews, turned down an offer, had to do an assessment-center and nothing is confirmed yet. Tomorrow I am expecting a call that will either inform me about getting the job or not getting it (a job I can't even evaluate yet whether I am going to like it or not, but one needs to make a living and get some working-experience) - so something really fundamental and big is going on in my life and I was worrying about all this and subsequently this affected my field-experience.
But in general, I totally agree that being out feels good and always leads to a better mood. But sometimes one bad thought after another haunts your mind and won't go away so easily.
However thanks for all the input. Reading all your views on this and how you experience things does help, thanks.
Dietrich
Well, I can tell you what I do but it may sound odd. I rarely get frustrated with photography in the field because I'm perfectly happy putting the camera away when things don't come together. When I am feeling down and I'm out in the wild all it takes is picking a couple of sagebrush leaves and holding them to my nose for a deep breath, or just laying flat on my back for a few minutes and listening to the silence and the birds and looking up into the sky and I'm perfectly relaxed again.
Honestly as the years go by I find myself using my camera less and less and only when something truly special grabs my attention. I don't try to force images. I need to see them in my mind before before I bother setting up. This approach results not only in a better outdoor experience but in much higher quality of work (in my opinion). I still get the ones that matter and save myself the work and frustration on the ones I wouldn't keep anyway.
Guy
Posted by Richard Wong on April 17, 2007 at 6:34 PM
I feel your pain man. I got my bachelors degree three months after 9/11 struck. I coudln't find work for 9 months afterwards. felt frustrated, didin't enjoy any of my things I used to, but used that time off to improve my photography. I decided to attend grad school in San Francisco in fall of 2002 once I realized I wasn't getting anywhere in the post 9/11 society. Best experience ever in an awesome city, and world-class scenery right in your backyard. Seriously man, I felt like I went on a three year vacation. Not to suggest anything, but maybe a drastic change is in order if things don't work out the way you planned. You might be pleased with the result. BTW, Guy has some great advice. His work is top-notch!
Posted by Bill Chambers on April 17, 2007 at 6:47 PM
Dietrich, perhaps you're looking too hard! Relax, enjoy just being there, and you might find you become more open to creative moments. I seldom get what I want when I go out with a specific wish or agenda; but it helps a lot to realize that before going out so that I'm not disappointed when it occurs. Many times (most times probably), I find I capture my best images when I have no agenda at all other than being outside and capturing what nature puts in front of me.
Guy - thank you so much, I appreciate your honesty and thanks for sharing this tip. Maybe I should practice something like this as well. And I really should get more "selective" with my compositions.
Richard - thank you very much. The thing is that this job - if I get it - will lead me to another city - closer to the mountains and the austrian wilderness. So, with respect to that, it could not get any better than and it is somewhat similar to your own experience. So, the change is drastic anyway If only I get the job and if i like it - no worries at all. If I don't get it I am in a situation I was 5 months ago, and I don't regard this as progress...
Regards, Dietrich
Thanks Bill! A relaxed approach surely is better than a cramped one.I have to incorporate all the ideas I get here and sooner or later I can deal with the situation.
Thanks
Dietrich
Posted by Scott Fricke on April 17, 2007 at 9:18 PM
Best of luck with the job Dietrich, I hope it works out for you. My experience is similar to Guy's and Marc's, I combine photography and hiking/backbacking and if the conditions are not right I simply enjoy being out in nature, away from people. Sometimes I will take the opportunity and invent an assignment, only shooting with one lens, or one subject matter as I find this helps you explore something more indepth and you start looking "outside the box". While you may not come away with keepers, you are working on your craft that will pay dividends later.
For me there is a fine balance between working hard to get things to happen and trying too hard. With time I find it easier to recognize when things will or won't work out and I have learnt how to make the most of the times when they do and how to relax and just enjoy being outdoors when they don't.
Observation, repetition and patience will always be on your side... frustration will always work against you so leave your day job at the office when you shoot.
As far as getting results... one particular location I have visited 8 or 9 times this year and only shot on 5 of them, of these just 2 got me "what I wanted" (as far as light and weather) and I still think that I could do better under an even more rare set of conditions so I will try again and again.
Posted by Bill Chambers on April 17, 2007 at 11:12 PM
Please allow me to mention one more thing Dietrich, and that's patience. Many times I see photographers pack up and leave before the really good light ever appears. Just like in hunting or other endeavors, that extra hour or two of patience can pay big rewards.
Bill, Scott and Enrique, thanks for taking the time and thanks for the encouragement. I 've always been a bit of a hectic and impatient person, and sometimes it's hard for me to get into a relaxed but focused state of mind. I want it all and get nothing - sometimes.
Thanky you guys,
Dietrich
Hi there,
much been said, just one more addition...
when we started out with photography (or even long before that) we were just outdoor junkies, traveling from near to far, hiked, seakayaked, having great adventures and enjoyed peaceful days and weeks just being out somewhere far away from any concrete. I remeber back then, I would have loved to shoot photos for a specific project be that a book or a magazine assignement etc. which would have given me more justification of my easy and (what I felt) "lazy" lifestyle. But nobody ever gave me an assignement, of course.
Nowadays turning more clients down then we wish to, because of lack of time, I enjoy it more then ever to throw myself "out there" in an interesting location (which might be New Zealand but the Lobau as well) and just enjoy being there. sometimes, or better quite often, we expose no single sheet of film and , honestly, never expect to. we shoot 99% landscapes but I love plants, wildlife etc. and when I see a rare plant, a rare bird or any animal crosses my way I get at least as excited as when I see a rainbow.
What has already been said here before, you have to LOVE being outdoors in nature most of all, to enjoy nature photography later on. It pays a lot to become a good naturalist, to really get excited about all those little things that can be seen, felt, smelled, tasted etc. to become a better photographer!
Georg
Hello Georg, thanks for yet another insight! I highly regard your (and every other photographer that can make from his photography) courage to walk this path. In fact, something like this is Plan B, a dream. Or should I say Plan A?. I also had an email exchange with Brian Monk about this and the "making money with photography"-thead. I like how you termed it a "lazy lifestyle" - I am more clinged to the term hedonistic. (Just to exclude every misconception - I don't regard a hard working photographer as lazy - in your case you have kids as well - must be a bunch of of work sometimes)
For myself as you put it as well I cannot "justify" yet being a professional photographer because (and maybe that's my upbringing) I feel "guilty" and I get bad concience of too much "lazyness", "hedonism", whatever - and this puts me in a difficult position, but thats another story...
Back to the topic: I think as a LF-photographer you always have a different, more thoughtful approach to your photography. And maybe I should adopt such a style. I maybe should regard my 5D (which, btw, was a gift for graduating from uni so with respect to that it paid of having studied ()) as a LF-Cam.
And guess what? Now I am heading for the Lobau - I hear it calling!
Thanks and regards, Dietrich
Posted by Bruce Painter on April 18, 2007 at 9:45 AM
Great thread with a lot of good advice.
I am more like Guy in that I always enjoy just being out in the field, but I sure know what you mean about things not coming together. In the last two years or so I have trying for good sunrise photos from the Foothills parkway near Townsend TN, a place where a lot of good sunrise shots are made. I think I have been there at "sunrise" about 6 to 8 mornings on my trips to the GSMNP, but have yet to get the conditions for even a decent shot. Last fall my wife and I rented a cabin for a few days. On the day we drove up we took our time leaving and driving up. (a three hour drive) While on our way we watched a beautiful sunrise coming over the mountains, but where we were there was nowhere, that I know of, to stop and shoot from that would have a good foreground. The next morning I was set up and ready at the foothills parkway about an hour before "sunrise" only someone forgot to tell the sun that it should do the same as the day before. It was a very overcast day with some drizzle later. The soft light was great for stream photos but I am still looking for that sunrise shot.
Bruce
Posted by Dan Borzynski on April 18, 2007 at 9:56 AM
When I give talks to camera clubs, there is always a couple of lines in the handout I give that says the following:
50) HAVE FUN! If shooting becomes a job, rather than something you enjoy and maybe even make some money at, walk away for a few days, weeks or even months.
51) Not every photo needs to be taken. Sometimes, it is best just to sit down, relax and enjoy the sunset.
I went down the Smokies last Spring to attend a LF workshop (with Danny Burk - highly recommended!) and to do my own shooting afterwards. I had a lot on my mind the first couple of days and simply couldn't find compositions. I even had a shot set up almost identical to one of Danny's and liked his, but didn't like mine. Kind of wierd, especially since there would have been no practical difference in our images, but that was the frame of mind I was in. It was eventually cured by sitting next to a stream at Tremont for a couple of hours, eating lunch and just watching the world go by.
Don't worry about "producing". Just be out there and if you find something, it is a nice bonus.
Dietrich: we all need to make lots of "practice" photographs in order to also be able to make those 'portfolio' pieces. There's not a photographer or artist alive who gets to evade this cycle, and when we do manage to make those portfolio pieces, they're that much more powerful because of the effort, time, patience, skill, and everything else it took to get there. Portfolio-quality pieces wouldn't carry the visual/emotiona/pyschological weight that they do if they came with much regular frequency (think of Christmas or some other annual holiday that retains it's 'magic' through infrequency).
I estimate that I print and attempt to sell about one in every 30 or 40 photographs I make, and of the 80+ photographs I have on my website, I'd estimate that perhaps only 20 or less hit a deep spot in my soul. These read like poor averages, but they feel quite right to me. Ansel Adams's stated that twelve solid photographs per year (one a month) is a good crop, and after actively plugging away at my photography for a few years, I'd have to say that he's been right on.
Go shoot lots of 'practice' and close-but-better-luck-next-time photographs; they'll teach you lots if you let them. And try not to go out with preconceived notions of what/where/how you will photograph; I found that to be a source of serious frustration long ago, and it can really inhibit your creativity and have you walking around with blinders on to all but what you've set out to specifically photograph.
I will echoe many of the above comments and say just being out there is where it's at. I also agree with Michael Gordon mentioned about trying to not go out with preconceived notions. This probable tends to be more of a problem the futher you travel and the less time you have. I know when I am on a trip with a limited amount of time, it can be frustrating that it is completely overcast for the entire trip. But I have learned that this is a fantastic time to stow the camera gear and enjoy hiking around with the extra weight on my back...of course my wife usually transfers my son in the kiddie-pack to me when I ditch the camera pack.
One time I did feel frustrated was when I was photographing for 10 days in southern Utah. I was trying to cram too much into too little time and by day 7 I was burnt out. I remember specifially being in Goblin Valley SP and wandering around at sunset among those interesting formations just not "seeing" anything and thinking to myself this should be and easy place to make good photos. For the rest of the trip I cut a bunch from my list to see and photograph and spend the remaining time in the Moab area and enjoyed myself.
If it was easy to walk away with portfolio shots none of us would be here...we wouldn't need to learn from each other. For me its a bonus walking away with something I like, otherwise just having the oppurtunity to be wandering around in nature is what makes me truly happy.
And try not to go out with preconceived notions of what/where/how you will photograph; I found that to be a source of serious frustration long ago, and it can really inhibit your creativity and have you walking around with blinders on to all but what you've set out to specifically photograph.
My current project (Coastal Stones) involves strict constraints regarding subject matter, style and location. I have found that adopting such an approach helps me to create a set of images which, IMHO, have greater focus and depth. I'd like to know why you feel that working in this fashion will/might hinder creativity.
Posted by Alex Lofquist on April 18, 2007 at 2:40 PM
Once I unintentionally left my primary camera at my hotel in Kenya before I went out on safari. While I did get a few photos with an old Leica that I usually carry with me, I was surprised to see how much was really there when I was not forcably trying to photograph it.
"There are none so blind as have eyes and cannot see!"
Anil: perhaps "creativity" was the wrong word choice. I don't mean to imply that, because many obviously work successfully (and creatively) within the confines of a specific project/theme. My work, too, is themed like yours, although with much broader criteria.
What I meant to state is that if one is in search of very particular subject matter, one is not likely to see images/ideas that are not directly related/relevant to that project. Would you agree with this?
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 18, 2007 at 4:28 PM
Dietrich,
First, congratulations on your graduation. Waiting and deciding on that first job offer is definitely stressfull. Both of my sons graduated last year, so I was able to "relive" that experience again.
From your description, it appears that rather than offering an escape, your photographic goals are just adding to the stress and frustration. My approach is like many of the others here. I love being outdoors. If I find a lot of inspiring subjects, great. If not, I still come away with a very enoyable experience. Adding to a portfolio is not my primary objective.
I do, however, find that 3 -> 4+ day photo trips are much more satisfying. It usually takes me a day or two to leave all the office details behind. So, maybe a multiday trip to one of your favorite spots can get you out of the rut?
Or, you just might need to find some other activity that REQUIRES your complete attention - whitewater rafting or scuba diving does that for me.
What I meant to state is that if one is in search of very particular subject matter, one is not likely to see images/ideas that are not directly related/relevant to that project. Would you agree with this?
Absolutely, Michael.
Posted by David Senesac on April 18, 2007 at 10:59 PM
Well Dietrich, your talk about not have the creative motivation, mood, or awareness is rarely an issue with me. That part of my personal effort is certainly a joy and challenging though usually doesn't take long unless there are difficult tripoding issues. Well I do tend to be the perfectionist about camera position and composition. It is certainly more difficult to assess overall frame aesthetics with LF due to its upsidedown groundglass. As such I don't hesitate to stop, reevaluate, and move or adjust my tripod until satisfied. The real issue with my own work is not inside my head but rather outside what the weather and conditions offer as well as being at the right place at the right time. That has far far more to do with making great images than my talent. Lots of others could get about the same images as I do if they were there. So this all boils down to more about landscape and nature hunting and natural science knowledge than creative talent.
If I was forced to live in the many boring places I'm aware of in the world, I too would be so frustrated by the lack of potential material that I'd likely soon give up active landscape photography and instead just infrequently dabble. Even the least interesting places, occasionally can offer a great sky or whatever but I've lived all my adult life in California where even a photographer of modest means can spend a lifetime and never run out of great potential terrain and nature to work. So I'm very spoiled.
A key need is to get out exploring and hiking while assessing landscapes for composition. I've been putting in huge amounts of mileage for more years than a fair number of photographers on this board have been breathing. No pain...no gain. I'm also very patient these days with LF about getting exceptional images instead of just pretty good ones. Regardless one needs to shoot a modest number of subjects that don't look that promising simply because a few of those will come back as pleasant surprises. Conversely a few of the subjects that one has high expectations for will come back as merely nice. In any case I've been at it so long that I've generally learned what works and what doesn't. I've already paid dues years ago wasting boxes full of cheap 35mm film, taking pics of anything and everything that deflated any thought I had talent. That reality hit to my ego forced me upon reviewing results over time to become increasingly more selective.
My large format 4x5 gear and field equipment is heavy heavy but I lug the 30 plus pounds just about everywhere with a lot of zeros on many days. Be patient with zero days and just enjoy the hunt outdoors. Just today I hiked a modest five miles or so exploring a couple places I'd never seen. Yeah I had the big beast on my back but expected there was maybe a 10% chance I'd find something worth breaking it open for. And indeed all it did was help get me in shape for more serious summer efforts and check off one place I'll never return to while the other had little of interest with spring wildflowers I was looking for but will now be on my list in the fall when big leaf maples change. Like you, I do not like it when I start racking up too many consecutive zeros without results. That is especially so when I'm lugging huge 70 pound plus loads backpacking for miles and miles up thousands of vertical feet. But if I'm going to make that kind of effort, I usually am already quite aware of specific quarry. So if zeros happen, it is likely because of the fickle weather. ...David
Oh my god, what have I started? I am overwhelmed by the response, the tips, the encouragement. My apologies that I cannot answer to everyone and refer to all posts here. Thanks to all of you! this is very helpful. I need it to mature on certain aspects. To deal with the drawbacks.
What I maybe should have added to the original post is that I don't necessarly mean that some optical elements do not come together - but that sure has an influence on inspiration and excitement. But I had some outings when the light was so-so but somehow I always managed to create something that I liked. I just had the ideas, the inspiration. (This made me feel good. I tought "hey what heck of an photographer am I to be able to create something from this poor environment. Great skies are for whimps ...just kidding).
Sure it is always easier to come up with something if the conditions are optimal, but for me sometimes the challenge lies in creating something good from rather mediocre ingredients - and sometimes this simply does not work. Sometimes lack of optimal conditions de-inspire me instead of provoking ideas. And that's the frustration. I am more frustrated about my own lack of ideas rather than frustrated because of bad conditions, but this adds to the frustration, of course.
Bill, thanks for the wishes and the ideas - no news so far, no call from the company.
Anil I have such an aproach sometimes - giving my self a strict assigment. Sometimes this works very well - some god images can emerge because one has to think a lot about it. And this is the source of frustration - If it just would not work out. Thank you for commenting.
Dan yes, that's a point - one has a pre-set goal that if it does not materialize this leads to frustration and dissapoinment. Nothing uncommon I think to be dissapointed if things doe not work out the way one has imagined. That's what frustration is: Unfulfilled desires. But since this is a hobby, one really should be more relaxed...Thanks!
Michael, yes you are so right about it: If it were so easy it would not be rewarding if finally a great image is the outcome of all this. Thank you!
David, thanks for your huge post. I mentioned it in the beginning of this post - my frustration mainly comes from not being able to "deliver" sometimes in contrast to moments where things just work out without much effort. Sometimes I get into a trance like state and shoot and compositions work, and then some days just everthing feels is tiresome and I feel that I want to force things. Sometimes this "forcing" even works. But mostly not.
Selectivity is good key-word. I really should get more selective and also lower the expectations a bit. It is art after all and not this simply cannot be created on a regular basis.
Thanks again to all of you, you are a great community and I feel good among you!
Dietrich, I'm not a "celebrity" but I'd like to share my approach if that's OK? Glennie and I live in a rather mundane area of Eastern Ontario and I could be tempted to lament that I'm not so fortunate as people like Guy and Marc, but I have learned to consider it a blessing. Several years ago Glennie bought me a book by a Canadian photographer, Freeman Patterson, who lives In New Brunswick. The title of the book is "Photography, the Art of Seeing". In addition to excellent instruction on composition, light, and graphic design, Mr. Patterson encouraged his readers to "bloom where they are planted". As a result, I have found that my eyes are open in a much different way than before and I see photo opportunities where I never would have.
This does not mean that I'm a great photographer as compared to your "celebrities" and I've had to make good use of the IC galleries here to improve and save some pictures that I was totally unsure of. But the point of photography for me is not to compare myself to Marc or Guy or any of the great talent here but rather, to do the best I can with what I have.
Just yesterday I went down to Shirley's Bay on the Ottawa River to see what the sunset would look like on the Gatineau Hills. Well, the sunset was a total bust and if I had left it at that expectation I'd have come home dissappointed. But guess what ... the Canada geese are back and they are nesting. The Mallard ducks are courting. There are several really cool boulders on the river bank leading into the water and they look really good in the warm glow of the setting sun with a wide angle lens and the river as a background. Ok, so Canada geese and Mallards are not that exotic but I don't care. That's what I have to work with and I made several lovely portraits of these graceful birds. I also made a really cool "landscape" using the boulders and the river. I never got what I wanted because the sunset on the Gatineau Hills was crap but you know what ... I got more than I expected!!!.
And another thing I want to add ... if I was locked into an expectation that great light always involves naked or even partially naked sun I might be frustrated 80% of the time. I've been forced to learn how use overcast skies and the resulting soft light to make pictures of things that other people tramp on. If I really need some sun on a flower or small waterfall (or whatever) I've been forced to learn how to use my flash (off camera) to compliment the ambient light in a way that doesn't ever say "Flash". I'm using myself here as an example to demonstrate to you that there are ways to enjoy your hobby without your apparent frustration.
Try going out in the rain and use a polarizer ... it's gorgeous !
And don't expext that the creative juices will flow every time. However, you will enjoy much greater success if you leave your frustration at home and go out with a possitive attitude.
Bob
Posted by Kah Kit Yoong on April 19, 2007 at 8:49 PM
This is an excellent topic & one I feel that I can contribute to as I suspect my 'strike rate' of getting satisfying shots per outing is quite high. In the 2 years that I have been shooting, I don't think I have failed to come up with a shot I liked on any trip, even overnighters. There has been 1, maybe 2 shooting sessions where I may have failed to come up with something. But these have still been important experiences. I'll briefly outline how I organize myself.
I usually set up in a place where there are possible compositions in at least 2 directions, usually into the sun & away from the sun. That way I can take advantage of changing light conditions. If the sky doesn't work out in one direction I have the option of the opposite direction. Usually though you can tell where the action is going to be. I try not be preoccupied with any fixed shot & am prepared to 'follow the light' and improvise the composition to suit. This may mean rushing to another site or in a recent case driving from the sea to a lake I had spotted on the way.
Occassionally the light just won't suit the wide-angle landscape I usually shoot and I have to think out of the box. There was one shoot where I did become frustrated, having waited 7 hours, the sky looking very promising as sunset approached, then at the last moment, featureless cloud spoiled the shoot. I swapped the wide-angle for telephoto & caught a wave splashing over a pacific seagull. It's often these moments when the environment is not ideal that I am forced to be more creative that I come up with something different and more satisfying.
Poor light for a particular scene is often good light for another. The dull conditions that often ruin wide-angle landscapes are good for close-ups & macros.
Finally, as has been mentioned, a bad day for photography is often a great experience for the soul. I enjoy the solitude & peacefulness of being with nature. Often this results in new ideas, studying the form of the land, the way light falls on it. I recall such a day last year, visibility was extremely poor due to heavy fog & rain, then I noticed at the edge of the lake some eddies. I came back 4 months later with this knowledge & used the eddies as a foreground to what is now one of my favourite shots.
Bob, of course I appreciate reading your approach. Thank you very much! Thanks for hinting at this book - I heard about this and thought about getting it. In fact, I do what you describe as well.I go out and see what I can do with the conditions given, and sometimes, but most times I come home with an image that is at least ok. But then there are days when absolutely nothing works out. That was one of those days. The area i mostly shoot in is really limited and I ve been there so often so maybe it just does not inspire me anymore. However, there are several other places I can go without much effort, so opportunities are still enough around me.
Kah ..."when the environment is not ideal that I am forced to be more creative that I come up with something different and more satisfying"
That's it: This is what I experienced myself, but If even this does not work - then the frustration comes.
Thanks for all the feedback!
Regards, Dietrich
Posted by Kah Kit Yoong on April 21, 2007 at 11:55 AM
One thing else I do is shoot some wide-angle views to document the area if it's too frustrating. I then study them before my next shoot in the area. Often I look at such shots and come up with new ideas. Surprisingly some of my favourite shots have come about this way. Perhaps it's a result of stepping back & re-evaluating the scene.
Honestly as the years go by I find myself using my camera less and less and only when something truly special grabs my attention. I don't try to force images. I need to see them in my mind before before I bother setting up. This approach results not only in a better outdoor experience but in much higher quality of work (in my opinion). I still get the ones that matter and save myself the work and frustration on the ones I wouldn't keep anyway. >>>
What the master said!!
Kah, this is a great idea! Covering a scene with a wide-angle, study it at home in a calm and cozy atmosphere to come up with ideas for re-shootings! Thanks for this!
Prashan, I do this sometimes. Then there are days when I want to perform well and force things that would not work. The thing is that sometimes out of this approach some of my fav's emerged. Sometimes I really was not inspired and started shooting and experimenting and finally I got something. I come to the conclusion that I want to keep a certain level of spontaneity - some of my fav shots are from shootings that had a bad start in the sense of motivation and inspiration. Sometimes I need to take some mediocre shots to get into the right mood, or wander around in an area to get inspired. Sooner or later this happend, sometimes not and is frustrating sometimes.
Dietrich
Discussion
37 repliesI have a question - Do you sometimes feel frustration when being out in the field? I have some days when absolutely nothing seems to come together:
-The area I am in does not offer what I expected(light, subject
matter)
-I cannot come up with an idea.
-All that I see through the viewfinder does not look right - either
not good, either boring, either obvious or uninspired - no
composition that excites me.
-Although I did went out because of an urge to create something - the
creativity just does not start to flow, inspiration does not come, I
feel uncomfortable and uneasy.
-Sometimes in such moments I start thinking that my best shots are
already made (by me) and there will be no better ones (or at least of
"equal" quality)
Sometimes I go out and shot to get away from reality, from daily-life frustrations and sometimes this bad mood is what hinders me from beeing creative and so I get even more frustrated - a vicious circle.
(I just came home from such a "shooting", that's why I post this now.)
One needs a sense of achievement. I need it on a regular basis with my photography. It seems to happen that every now and then I like a photograph of mine. But sometimes this time-intervall between images that I am proud of just seems too long. Then I go out again.. and I still cannot come up with something... That circle again.
I am interested if one out there has similar experiences. I appreciate all comments and I am in particular interested in the "celebrities" - although a strong body of work I wonder how many times just nothing worked out for you until you get what you add to your portfolio.
Regards, Dietrich
I guess the moral of my story is that sometimes it pays to be able to turn the photographer off. Even as I fiddled with settings and made exposures, I had almost completely disconnected with my photographic desires. It's an ability I've been forced to develop because I frequently go for months and more without making a photograph that I'm honestly very proud of. Other times I'll make five or six in a couple hours, and you just never know which situation you're going to find. Obviously, there are things you can do to encourage more regular flow in your creative juices, but breathtaking photography is not always in the cards. A good time, though, can take place just about as often as you will let it.
By the way, I'm far from perfect in this respect, I just wanted to write down my ideas before I forget them forever. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to imprint this in my own head.
Thanks and keep some posts coming...
Then there are the times when the sky is overcast. I know that there is still plenty to shoot - details in nature, flowers, etc. but I have trouble seeing these kind of compositions. Big landscapes are easier for me to see.
I look at the frustration in a positive way. If it was always easy it wouldn't be that much fun would it? Because I "know" a photo is in there somewhere I will keep trying until one day I see it.
Guy
>>"I am interested if one out there has similar experiences. I appreciate all comments and I am in particular interested in the "celebrities" - although a strong body of work I wonder how many times just nothing worked out for you until you get what you add to your portfolio."
Depends what you might mean by portfolio, but speaking specificly of the images I post on ESS, I get one of those maybe one out of every four or five times I head into the wilderness. I maybe add one every couple months or so to my 40-image portfolio here.
I've had plenty of days where I just take a few crappy snapshots and walk off before the sun ever sets because I am just not in the mood for shooting. or sometimes take a camera along for a hike and never shoot a photo. It's worth it though because if you fight through enough of those days, and you'll have more big days where you are prolific. the only time I get in a negative mood while shooting though is usually because of my fault: forgetting a piece of necessary gear, tripod getting in the way of a shot, fumbling with filters, etc... it quickly disappears though when I get into it.
lastly, don't worry so much about making "portfolio" pieces. Worry more about saying something with each image. Strive for that and the portfolio pieces will be apparent after you sort your body of work out at home.
Then, some days when I am being very casual and just "having fun" with no intent to do anything serious I make some of my best images.
So, I think sometimes our frustrations lead us to try too hard. This creates a lot of negative energy that inhibits our "vision". When we are relaxed and not pressured we do our best work.
I have to admit that I am in a somewhat unstable period of time at the moment - I graduated from
university some 5 months ago - since then I have been applying for jobs, doing interviews, turned down an offer, had to do an assessment-center and nothing is confirmed yet. Tomorrow I am expecting a call that will either inform me about getting the job or not getting it (a job I can't even evaluate yet whether I am going to like it or not, but one needs to make a living and get some working-experience) - so something really fundamental and big is going on in my life and I was worrying about all this and subsequently this affected my field-experience.
But in general, I totally agree that being out feels good and always leads to a better mood. But sometimes one bad thought after another haunts your mind and won't go away so easily.
However thanks for all the input. Reading all your views on this and how you experience things does help, thanks.
Dietrich
Honestly as the years go by I find myself using my camera less and less and only when something truly special grabs my attention. I don't try to force images. I need to see them in my mind before before I bother setting up. This approach results not only in a better outdoor experience but in much higher quality of work (in my opinion). I still get the ones that matter and save myself the work and frustration on the ones I wouldn't keep anyway.
Guy
Richard - thank you very much. The thing is that this job - if I get it - will lead me to another city - closer to the mountains and the austrian wilderness. So, with respect to that, it could not get any better than and it is somewhat similar to your own experience. So, the change is drastic anyway
Regards, Dietrich
Thanks
Dietrich
Observation, repetition and patience will always be on your side... frustration will always work against you so leave your day job at the office when you shoot.
As far as getting results... one particular location I have visited 8 or 9 times this year and only shot on 5 of them, of these just 2 got me "what I wanted" (as far as light and weather) and I still think that I could do better under an even more rare set of conditions so I will try again and again.
Thanky you guys,
Dietrich
much been said, just one more addition...
when we started out with photography (or even long before that) we were just outdoor junkies, traveling from near to far, hiked, seakayaked, having great adventures and enjoyed peaceful days and weeks just being out somewhere far away from any concrete. I remeber back then, I would have loved to shoot photos for a specific project be that a book or a magazine assignement etc. which would have given me more justification of my easy and (what I felt) "lazy" lifestyle. But nobody ever gave me an assignement, of course.
Nowadays turning more clients down then we wish to, because of lack of time, I enjoy it more then ever to throw myself "out there" in an interesting location (which might be New Zealand but the Lobau as well) and just enjoy being there. sometimes, or better quite often, we expose no single sheet of film and , honestly, never expect to. we shoot 99% landscapes but I love plants, wildlife etc. and when I see a rare plant, a rare bird or any animal crosses my way I get at least as excited as when I see a rainbow.
What has already been said here before, you have to LOVE being outdoors in nature most of all, to enjoy nature photography later on. It pays a lot to become a good naturalist, to really get excited about all those little things that can be seen, felt, smelled, tasted etc. to become a better photographer!
Georg
For myself as you put it as well I cannot "justify" yet being a professional photographer because (and maybe that's my upbringing) I feel "guilty" and I get bad concience of too much "lazyness", "hedonism", whatever - and this puts me in a difficult position, but thats another story...
Back to the topic: I think as a LF-photographer you always have a different, more thoughtful approach to your photography. And maybe I should adopt such a style. I maybe should regard my 5D (which, btw, was a gift for graduating from uni so with respect to that it paid of having studied (
And guess what? Now I am heading for the Lobau - I hear it calling!
Thanks and regards, Dietrich
I am more like Guy in that I always enjoy just being out in the field, but I sure know what you mean about things not coming together. In the last two years or so I have trying for good sunrise photos from the Foothills parkway near Townsend TN, a place where a lot of good sunrise shots are made. I think I have been there at "sunrise" about 6 to 8 mornings on my trips to the GSMNP, but have yet to get the conditions for even a decent shot. Last fall my wife and I rented a cabin for a few days. On the day we drove up we took our time leaving and driving up. (a three hour drive) While on our way we watched a beautiful sunrise coming over the mountains, but where we were there was nowhere, that I know of, to stop and shoot from that would have a good foreground. The next morning I was set up and ready at the foothills parkway about an hour before "sunrise" only someone forgot to tell the sun that it should do the same as the day before. It was a very overcast day with some drizzle later. The soft light was great for stream photos but I am still looking for that sunrise shot.
Bruce
50) HAVE FUN! If shooting becomes a job, rather than something you enjoy and maybe even make some money at, walk away for a few days, weeks or even months.
51) Not every photo needs to be taken. Sometimes, it is best just to sit down, relax and enjoy the sunset.
I went down the Smokies last Spring to attend a LF workshop (with Danny Burk - highly recommended!) and to do my own shooting afterwards. I had a lot on my mind the first couple of days and simply couldn't find compositions. I even had a shot set up almost identical to one of Danny's and liked his, but didn't like mine. Kind of wierd, especially since there would have been no practical difference in our images, but that was the frame of mind I was in. It was eventually cured by sitting next to a stream at Tremont for a couple of hours, eating lunch and just watching the world go by.
Don't worry about "producing". Just be out there and if you find something, it is a nice bonus.
I estimate that I print and attempt to sell about one in every 30 or 40 photographs I make, and of the 80+ photographs I have on my website, I'd estimate that perhaps only 20 or less hit a deep spot in my soul. These read like poor averages, but they feel quite right to me. Ansel Adams's stated that twelve solid photographs per year (one a month) is a good crop, and after actively plugging away at my photography for a few years, I'd have to say that he's been right on.
Go shoot lots of 'practice' and close-but-better-luck-next-time photographs; they'll teach you lots if you let them. And try not to go out with preconceived notions of what/where/how you will photograph; I found that to be a source of serious frustration long ago, and it can really inhibit your creativity and have you walking around with blinders on to all but what you've set out to specifically photograph.
One time I did feel frustrated was when I was photographing for 10 days in southern Utah. I was trying to cram too much into too little time and by day 7 I was burnt out. I remember specifially being in Goblin Valley SP and wandering around at sunset among those interesting formations just not "seeing" anything and thinking to myself this should be and easy place to make good photos. For the rest of the trip I cut a bunch from my list to see and photograph and spend the remaining time in the Moab area and enjoyed myself.
If it was easy to walk away with portfolio shots none of us would be here...we wouldn't need to learn from each other. For me its a bonus walking away with something I like, otherwise just having the oppurtunity to be wandering around in nature is what makes me truly happy.
And try not to go out with preconceived notions of what/where/how you will photograph; I found that to be a source of serious frustration long ago, and it can really inhibit your creativity and have you walking around with blinders on to all but what you've set out to specifically photograph.
My current project (Coastal Stones) involves strict constraints regarding subject matter, style and location. I have found that adopting such an approach helps me to create a set of images which, IMHO, have greater focus and depth. I'd like to know why you feel that working in this fashion will/might hinder creativity.
"There are none so blind as have eyes and cannot see!"
What I meant to state is that if one is in search of very particular subject matter, one is not likely to see images/ideas that are not directly related/relevant to that project. Would you agree with this?
First, congratulations on your graduation. Waiting and deciding on that first job offer is definitely stressfull. Both of my sons graduated last year, so I was able to "relive" that experience again.
From your description, it appears that rather than offering an escape, your photographic goals are just adding to the stress and frustration. My approach is like many of the others here. I love being outdoors. If I find a lot of inspiring subjects, great. If not, I still come away with a very enoyable experience. Adding to a portfolio is not my primary objective.
I do, however, find that 3 -> 4+ day photo trips are much more satisfying. It usually takes me a day or two to leave all the office details behind. So, maybe a multiday trip to one of your favorite spots can get you out of the rut?
Or, you just might need to find some other activity that REQUIRES your complete attention - whitewater rafting or scuba diving does that for me.
Best wishes on that new job.
Absolutely, Michael.
If I was forced to live in the many boring places I'm aware of in the world, I too would be so frustrated by the lack of potential material that I'd likely soon give up active landscape photography and instead just infrequently dabble. Even the least interesting places, occasionally can offer a great sky or whatever but I've lived all my adult life in California where even a photographer of modest means can spend a lifetime and never run out of great potential terrain and nature to work. So I'm very spoiled.
A key need is to get out exploring and hiking while assessing landscapes for composition. I've been putting in huge amounts of mileage for more years than a fair number of photographers on this board have been breathing. No pain...no gain. I'm also very patient these days with LF about getting exceptional images instead of just pretty good ones. Regardless one needs to shoot a modest number of subjects that don't look that promising simply because a few of those will come back as pleasant surprises. Conversely a few of the subjects that one has high expectations for will come back as merely nice. In any case I've been at it so long that I've generally learned what works and what doesn't. I've already paid dues years ago wasting boxes full of cheap 35mm film, taking pics of anything and everything that deflated any thought I had talent. That reality hit to my ego forced me upon reviewing results over time to become increasingly more selective.
My large format 4x5 gear and field equipment is heavy heavy but I lug the 30 plus pounds just about everywhere with a lot of zeros on many days. Be patient with zero days and just enjoy the hunt outdoors. Just today I hiked a modest five miles or so exploring a couple places I'd never seen. Yeah I had the big beast on my back but expected there was maybe a 10% chance I'd find something worth breaking it open for. And indeed all it did was help get me in shape for more serious summer efforts and check off one place I'll never return to while the other had little of interest with spring wildflowers I was looking for but will now be on my list in the fall when big leaf maples change. Like you, I do not like it when I start racking up too many consecutive zeros without results. That is especially so when I'm lugging huge 70 pound plus loads backpacking for miles and miles up thousands of vertical feet. But if I'm going to make that kind of effort, I usually am already quite aware of specific quarry. So if zeros happen, it is likely because of the fickle weather. ...David
What I maybe should have added to the original post is that I don't necessarly mean that some optical elements do not come together - but that sure has an influence on inspiration and excitement. But I had some outings when the light was so-so but somehow I always managed to create something that I liked. I just had the ideas, the inspiration. (This made me feel good. I tought "hey what heck of an photographer am I to be able to create something from this poor environment. Great skies are for whimps ...just kidding).
Sure it is always easier to come up with something if the conditions are optimal, but for me sometimes the challenge lies in creating something good from rather mediocre ingredients - and sometimes this simply does not work. Sometimes lack of optimal conditions de-inspire me instead of provoking ideas. And that's the frustration. I am more frustrated about my own lack of ideas rather than frustrated because of bad conditions, but this adds to the frustration, of course.
Bill, thanks for the wishes and the ideas - no news so far, no call from the company.
Anil I have such an aproach sometimes - giving my self a strict assigment. Sometimes this works very well - some god images can emerge because one has to think a lot about it. And this is the source of frustration - If it just would not work out. Thank you for commenting.
Dan yes, that's a point - one has a pre-set goal that if it does not materialize this leads to frustration and dissapoinment. Nothing uncommon I think to be dissapointed if things doe not work out the way one has imagined. That's what frustration is: Unfulfilled desires. But since this is a hobby, one really should be more relaxed...Thanks!
Michael, yes you are so right about it: If it were so easy it would not be rewarding if finally a great image is the outcome of all this. Thank you!
David, thanks for your huge post. I mentioned it in the beginning of this post - my frustration mainly comes from not being able to "deliver" sometimes in contrast to moments where things just work out without much effort. Sometimes I get into a trance like state and shoot and compositions work, and then some days just everthing feels is tiresome and I feel that I want to force things. Sometimes this "forcing" even works. But mostly not.
Selectivity is good key-word. I really should get more selective and also lower the expectations a bit. It is art after all and not this simply cannot be created on a regular basis.
Thanks again to all of you, you are a great community and I feel good among you!
Regards, Dietrich
This does not mean that I'm a great photographer as compared to your "celebrities" and I've had to make good use of the IC galleries here to improve and save some pictures that I was totally unsure of. But the point of photography for me is not to compare myself to Marc or Guy or any of the great talent here but rather, to do the best I can with what I have.
Just yesterday I went down to Shirley's Bay on the Ottawa River to see what the sunset would look like on the Gatineau Hills. Well, the sunset was a total bust and if I had left it at that expectation I'd have come home dissappointed. But guess what ... the Canada geese are back and they are nesting. The Mallard ducks are courting. There are several really cool boulders on the river bank leading into the water and they look really good in the warm glow of the setting sun with a wide angle lens and the river as a background. Ok, so Canada geese and Mallards are not that exotic but I don't care. That's what I have to work with and I made several lovely portraits of these graceful birds. I also made a really cool "landscape" using the boulders and the river. I never got what I wanted because the sunset on the Gatineau Hills was crap but you know what ... I got more than I expected!!!.
Sincerely,
Bob
Try going out in the rain and use a polarizer ... it's gorgeous !
And don't expext that the creative juices will flow every time. However, you will enjoy much greater success if you leave your frustration at home and go out with a possitive attitude.
Bob
I usually set up in a place where there are possible compositions in at least 2 directions, usually into the sun & away from the sun. That way I can take advantage of changing light conditions. If the sky doesn't work out in one direction I have the option of the opposite direction. Usually though you can tell where the action is going to be. I try not be preoccupied with any fixed shot & am prepared to 'follow the light' and improvise the composition to suit. This may mean rushing to another site or in a recent case driving from the sea to a lake I had spotted on the way.
Occassionally the light just won't suit the wide-angle landscape I usually shoot and I have to think out of the box. There was one shoot where I did become frustrated, having waited 7 hours, the sky looking very promising as sunset approached, then at the last moment, featureless cloud spoiled the shoot. I swapped the wide-angle for telephoto & caught a wave splashing over a pacific seagull. It's often these moments when the environment is not ideal that I am forced to be more creative that I come up with something different and more satisfying.
Poor light for a particular scene is often good light for another. The dull conditions that often ruin wide-angle landscapes are good for close-ups & macros.
Finally, as has been mentioned, a bad day for photography is often a great experience for the soul. I enjoy the solitude & peacefulness of being with nature. Often this results in new ideas, studying the form of the land, the way light falls on it. I recall such a day last year, visibility was extremely poor due to heavy fog & rain, then I noticed at the edge of the lake some eddies. I came back 4 months later with this knowledge & used the eddies as a foreground to what is now one of my favourite shots.
Kah ..."when the environment is not ideal that I am forced to be more creative that I come up with something different and more satisfying"
That's it: This is what I experienced myself, but If even this does not work - then the frustration comes.
Thanks for all the feedback!
Regards, Dietrich
What the master said!!
Prashan, I do this sometimes. Then there are days when I want to perform well and force things that would not work. The thing is that sometimes out of this approach some of my fav's emerged. Sometimes I really was not inspired and started shooting and experimenting and finally I got something. I come to the conclusion that I want to keep a certain level of spontaneity - some of my fav shots are from shootings that had a bad start in the sense of motivation and inspiration. Sometimes I need to take some mediocre shots to get into the right mood, or wander around in an area to get inspired. Sooner or later this happend, sometimes not and is frustrating sometimes.
Dietrich