10 things I have learned about NP since I joined NPN
Discussion
10 replies
Posted by Barbara Graham on September 17, 2010 at 10:01 PM
I didn't learn all of these things from NPN, but I've learned them all since joining NPN. ;)
1. Cats do not make good companions when looking for or waiting for small live creatures to photograph.
2. Remember to look at the entire frame to see what's going to be in the picture. That way you can hopefully avoid the "oops" or the "oh, no!" when you look at the images on your computer.
3. An image that's not good enough is not good enough.
4. My discouragement only lasts for a few hours. Then I'm ready to go again.
5. If the shot won't be a good one, don't take it unless you're documenting something or it's an event you really want at least some kind of image of for yourself.
6. There is never enough time.
7. People who love nature and are photographers are awesome people.
8. Take it one step at a time.
9. If you sit still and look around through your camera you can see amazing things. There is more happening in nature than anyone without a camera will ever know.
10. It's very, very hard to put the camera down. :)
I just wanted to share those things with you all.
Thank you again for your continued help.
Posted by Bill Fach on September 18, 2010 at 1:39 AM
Barbara: It has been fun to watch you improve and enjoy the journey. Take it from me, it just keeps getting better. >=))>
Posted by Bill Chambers on September 18, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Love the list Barbara, especially the one about cats!
Posted by Bill Brennan on September 18, 2010 at 10:24 AM
Barbara, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I would add one more: A day spent shooting outdoors is a great day.
Bill Brennan
Posted by Barbara Graham on September 18, 2010 at 1:20 PM
"A day spent shooting outdoors is a great day."
Absolutely. And that reminds me of one I forgot. I truly have just learned since joining NPN that the nicest time of day where I live this time of year is the very late afternoon/very early evening, because there seems to be a breeze that time of day every day. The breeze feels really nice while I'm sitting there waiting for it to stop blowing long enough for me to take another shot of some kind of flower or plant or a small creature on a flower or plant that's swaying in it. :D
Posted by Lon Overacker on September 18, 2010 at 1:23 PM
Barbara,
Great list and I'm glad to know and can see the improvements you're making. Some comments on a few of your items.
My corollary to #3. With post processing.... one can make a poor photo better. You can make an average image look good, you can make a good image look great and you can even make a great image fantastic.... but you can never make a poor image fantastic.....
#5. One can take a big step forward by learning how to recognize what works in the field at the time of capture. In other words, once you stop saying or thinking, "maybe this will look better later on the computer...." then you have made a big step and so you don't have to press the shutter release just "in case."
and #9. One can also make a leap forward by learning to see like your camera. In other words, recognizing a wide-angle scene or being able to "zoom in" with your eyes instead of your camera;s lens. Of course you still need to frame the scene with your camera to take the picture, but freeing yourself from behind the viewfinder and "seeing" through you own lens(eyes and mind) is the next step.
Thanks for sharing and keep at it!
Lon
Posted by Buck Ward on September 18, 2010 at 6:10 PM
You've posted some really good questions, Barbara, that have started some extended discussions. You boiled those discussions down succinctly. Great list.
Posted by Mia McPherson on September 18, 2010 at 9:07 PM
Good thoughts Barbara. I've noticed an improvement in your images already.
Barbara, love the list. I have learned so much by being a member of NPN and know that I will continue to learn more as time goes on. Thanks so much for sharing your insights.
Posted by Barbara Graham on September 19, 2010 at 10:22 PM
Thanks for the comments, everyone.
Lon, thank you for your corollaries. Regarding #9, I should clarify that what I mostly meant was the tiny things, like what you might think is "just grass" is hardly ever "just grass," but grass plus all kinds of insects. But as far as being able to see what would look good just with your own eyes, absolutely.
Re: #1-- I trained my Service Dog (poodle) to lie down and be still when I'm photographing. He's taken to enjoying it very much, and very quickly expanded "the duty" to "watching my back." He lies behind me and becomes "best watch dog." Cats... I dunno...
Agreed: NEVER enough time! And very difficult indeed to put the camera down, usually only when completely fatigued, wrists are moaning and eye is crossed. lol.
What progress you have made in such a short time, not only with your images but also with your expectations and working style (evident by your list!).
Thanks for inviting me (us) on your journey by posting your questions and images.
Discussion
10 replies1. Cats do not make good companions when looking for or waiting for small live creatures to photograph.
2. Remember to look at the entire frame to see what's going to be in the picture. That way you can hopefully avoid the "oops" or the "oh, no!" when you look at the images on your computer.
3. An image that's not good enough is not good enough.
4. My discouragement only lasts for a few hours. Then I'm ready to go again.
5. If the shot won't be a good one, don't take it unless you're documenting something or it's an event you really want at least some kind of image of for yourself.
6. There is never enough time.
7. People who love nature and are photographers are awesome people.
8. Take it one step at a time.
9. If you sit still and look around through your camera you can see amazing things. There is more happening in nature than anyone without a camera will ever know.
10. It's very, very hard to put the camera down. :)
I just wanted to share those things with you all.
Thank you again for your continued help.
Bill Brennan
Absolutely. And that reminds me of one I forgot. I truly have just learned since joining NPN that the nicest time of day where I live this time of year is the very late afternoon/very early evening, because there seems to be a breeze that time of day every day. The breeze feels really nice while I'm sitting there waiting for it to stop blowing long enough for me to take another shot of some kind of flower or plant or a small creature on a flower or plant that's swaying in it. :D
Great list and I'm glad to know and can see the improvements you're making. Some comments on a few of your items.
My corollary to #3. With post processing.... one can make a poor photo better. You can make an average image look good, you can make a good image look great and you can even make a great image fantastic.... but you can never make a poor image fantastic.....
#5. One can take a big step forward by learning how to recognize what works in the field at the time of capture. In other words, once you stop saying or thinking, "maybe this will look better later on the computer...." then you have made a big step and so you don't have to press the shutter release just "in case."
and #9. One can also make a leap forward by learning to see like your camera. In other words, recognizing a wide-angle scene or being able to "zoom in" with your eyes instead of your camera;s lens. Of course you still need to frame the scene with your camera to take the picture, but freeing yourself from behind the viewfinder and "seeing" through you own lens(eyes and mind) is the next step.
Thanks for sharing and keep at it!
Lon
Lon, thank you for your corollaries. Regarding #9, I should clarify that what I mostly meant was the tiny things, like what you might think is "just grass" is hardly ever "just grass," but grass plus all kinds of insects. But as far as being able to see what would look good just with your own eyes, absolutely.
Re: #1-- I trained my Service Dog (poodle) to lie down and be still when I'm photographing. He's taken to enjoying it very much, and very quickly expanded "the duty" to "watching my back." He lies behind me and becomes "best watch dog." Cats... I dunno...
Agreed: NEVER enough time! And very difficult indeed to put the camera down, usually only when completely fatigued, wrists are moaning and eye is crossed. lol.
What progress you have made in such a short time, not only with your images but also with your expectations and working style (evident by your list!).
Thanks for inviting me (us) on your journey by posting your questions and images.