"Richlong8 wrote:
Not as good of a camera, but I am concentrating on learning how to take better
photos. It is good enough for someone of my ability. Welcome back Maverick!
Thanks Rich! A good camera will not make a person a good photographer it is
only a tool which one should keep in mind when purchasing one. Many people buy
a camera way beyond their needs or means and then get discouraged that their
photographs still aren't any better (just to make it clear those previous sentences
are not directed towards you). You're 100% correct in saying that one should first
concentrate on learning the basic's, then move on to developing an individual style
before ever thinking about purchasing any expensive equipment.
Many folks do not take the time to know how to use their camera's either, instead
they switch to auto avoiding manual, Av, TV modes, or learning the effects of the
different apertures, speed or ISO settings have on the whole creative process.
When one comes upon a popular lookout, for example the eastern end of Thousand
Is Lake, instead of standing where 15 other photographer's who hiked by on the
JMT that day and took the same shot of the same scene, you should be creative by
moving lower to the ground or include something into the foreground, find a different
unique angle, challenge yourself to think constantly outside of the box otherwise
your shots may be good technically, but nothing out of the ordinary and similar
to 100's of snapshots taken from the same spot because you have not included your
personal emotions or individual creativity into the process.
When scouting out a location during the day that may have taken hours, sometimes
days, one still has several things to consider before taking a picture.
First, what is it that I wanting to share with my viewers, then what is the story that I
want to convey, and how can they become emotionally attached to the piece.
Where do I need the clouds to be if they are to be part of my vision, if a lake is in that
vision than will it be a partial or full view, can I use the shoreline to lead my viewers
eye to the main subject or will I use rocks in the lake to lead towards a peak in
the background.
Then deciding whether sunset or sunrise will give me the optimum lighting, because
some areas work at both times. Once a subject matter has been chosen that will
convey my vision, and all the intricate parts that are needed for this piece has come
together its on to which lens, shutter speed, aperture, and iso will best suit the whole
process, and again this is before even thinking about the shutter button.
These are is just part of what happens (do not want to put you to sleep with an
exhaustive list), after one gains some experience, knows ones equipment inside
out, and develops an individual artistic vision/style.
