is there a book, or thread, like this?

hawk232 · Jan 25, 2011

For us newbies it would be nice to have some kind of reference book to get us in tune with our "artsy" side. I was thinking it would be nice if there was a book with a "good" photo followed by a wide angle photo to show the location as it is in the real world. I am having trouble calibrating my "camera eye". From there it is still alot of trial and error, but it would at least get us (me) on the right track.

I am sure this would also be viewed as cheating by alot of the pros :lol:

fsquare · Jan 25, 2011

Amazon.com: The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos (9780240809342): Michael Freeman: Books

enzodm · Jan 25, 2011

I also found extremely interesting the first post here, but always forget to participate:
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/.../227575-deliberate-act-taking-photograph.html

Bitter Jeweler · Jan 25, 2011

To get in tune with your "artsy" side, study art.

Creativity comes from within, and even though books can teach you about composition and such, your mind still has to interpret the world around it into your unique view of it. Every photographic scenario you face is different, and it is up to you how to capture what you want the viewer of the final product to see. No book can teach you that.

For instance, when faced with this particular bridge in my city, the most common images of it are the
"post card" view, and other vantage points trying to capture as much of the bridge as possible.

Then there is my take, on that bridge. This is what I saw...

So ultimately it is up to you and your creative thought processes to put you into a position to get an "interesting" image.

JeffieLove · Jan 25, 2011

Hi Bitter!

hawk232 · Jan 25, 2011

thanks for the suggestions so far, that book looks good, will have to get it!

bitter, that is the exact sort of thing im talking about... a "real world image" and a "photograph". I understand that art comes from within, but it is also true that proper guidence can assist in finding ones artistic side!

I have learned a great deal looking at other peoples "bad" photos, and trying to see what they were shooting for. IDK for some reason, actually seeing the pictures helps me to think differently.

3bayjunkie · Jan 25, 2011

i would recommend to you the same book i recommend to anyone just getting into photography. scot kelbys the digital photography book vol 1.

Bitter Jeweler · Jan 25, 2011

hawk232 said:
bitter, that is the exact sort of thing im talking about... a "real world image" and a "photograph". I understand that art comes from within, but it is also true that proper guidence can assist in finding ones artistic side!

I disagree, with a caveat of "unless it is already present".
Talent is a gift. Just like people who are amazing at math. Not everyone can grasp the abstract nature of advanced math. I believe you either got it, or you don't.

I have learned a great deal looking at other peoples "bad" photos, and trying to see what they were shooting for. IDK for some reason, actually seeing the pictures helps me to think differently.

Yes, I believe doing so helps to a degree. But out in the field you are faced with a billion situations, and you rely on your mind to find what is interesting, and what speaks to your view of the world.

There is a myth your parents taught you. They said you can be can be anything you want when you grow up. I believe people are fairly hard wired into certain categories. Not everyone will be good at playing musical instruments, not everyone can be taught to draw well, not eveyone can get a full grasp on physics. Not everyone will be a good photographer.

Learning a simple thing like the Rule of Thirds, is easy to apply and can take a person from snapshots to a decent image. But there is so much beyond that. A lot of it isn't easy to teach. Much of it comes from within, and how you see the world around you.

I am always amused by the number of people who think that buying a camera is a gateway to making money off photography, and the reality is not many make a living (sole income) off of it. Why is that? What variable comes into play?

Geaux · Jan 25, 2011

Bitter Jeweler said:
I disagree, with a caveat of "unless it is already present".
Talent is a gift. Just like people who are amazing at math. Not everyone can grasp the abstract nature of advanced math. I believe you either got it, or you don't.

I couldn't agree more, but I also believe that some people have less than others and it can be honed to be better.

Some just don't got it at all though haha.

enzodm · Jan 25, 2011

Bitter Jeweler said:
I disagree, with a caveat of "unless it is already present".

... in which case learning the technique and looking at Masters work (and studying it) is necessary. Talent alone is not sufficient.

I would not underestimate the value of craft of photography (not sure is the right word, I'm translating what my brain thinks in his own language). Some steps before art there is the capacity of producing something technically good and appreciable, even if not really artistic (though "artsy" may mean just this, appealing but not really art

).

hawk232 · Jan 25, 2011

Bitter, I see where you are coming from and your point is received. I am not trying to become a professional. I am only trying to improve whats already there. While I agree with "some people have it, some people dont" I also think that ANYONE can become BETTER with practice. If we both picked up a camera today for the first time and compared shots they would be the same. If in a year we compared shots again and yours blew mine away, it could be said that you "have it" and I "dont". On the other hand, if I compare my images a year from now, to my images from "today" I hope (and expect) to see something totally different!

Bitter Jeweler · Jan 25, 2011

Your right Geaux.
I should have said, I believe there is a sliding scale for just about everything.
Everyone falls on that scale somewhere, and there are fewer on the "great" side, and more towards the other end.

hawk232 · Jan 25, 2011

ensodm's post also made me realize that perhaps I mis-spoke. I used the word "artsy" to be symbolic of "good" photography. What I am after is improving my style, and honing my thought process to become better (NOT professional). If you still disagree, then we will have to settle on agreeing to disagree as I believe anyone can improve (even on something they arent good at).

Bitter Jeweler · Jan 25, 2011

hawk232 said:
Bitter, I see where you are coming from and your point is received. I am not trying to become a professional. I am only trying to improve whats already there. While I agree with "some people have it, some people dont" I also think that ANYONE can become BETTER with practice. If we both picked up a camera today for the first time and compared shots they would be the same. If in a year we compared shots again and yours blew mine away, it could be said that you "have it" and I "dont". On the other hand, if I compare my images a year from now, to my images from "today" I hope (and expect) to see something totally different!

True, there is potential for getting "better". I'll give you that. :thumbup:
I think I am jaded from hanging around this forum too long and see how many people believe they can pick up a camera and start selling their work. But then we go down that road to people who sell their work, even though it's not very good. But the price is right. :sexywink:

I hate the word "artsy" too.

hawk232 · Jan 25, 2011

haha totally know what you mean. its the point that you "appear" to be at that I usually quit participating in forums altogether; when you know enough to realize that most people think they can make something from nothing.

Lets get this out in the open. I never have ANY intentions of becoming more than a casual photographer, I just want to be the best that I can be at it.