Maybe my eyes aren't developed yet but...

[Rancor]

I'm having trouble spotting opportunities for good shots. I've recently started reading "understanding exposure 3rd edition" and I am starting to get a feel for proper angles, lines, lighting, etc, but when I head outside with my camera, and start to wander around, I just can't see anything.

When you guys shoot, do you usually 'set up' your shots, or are they candid. I mean, I can go to Boston (20 minute drive) and wander around the city looking for shots, but I'm afraid I'll run into the same issue.

Are there any tips on 'things to look for' as far as catching a great shot? Am I just not looking hard enough? Is there such a thing as photographers block?

 

[AUG19]

Just photograph what interests you. Enjoy a walk around and things will appear.

 

[vtf]

Sometimes it's more about what interests you. The shots may not materialize because you do not find it interesting, not because they aren't there. I like to go out and practice a specific kind of shot i.e. portrait, macro, or landscape so I get alittle experience in each but it also shows me what really interests me. Practice on different types/styles and your interests will narrow and those shots will start popping out at you more. Keep shooting, post images. :thumbup:

 

[Rancor]

I'll be posting later today. I doubt they'll be much to look at, but at least its a start.

 

[KmH]

Are there any tips on 'things to look for' as far as catching a great shot? Am I just not looking hard enough? Is there such a thing as photographers block?

Get one of Bryan Peterson's other books:

Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition)

Often the key is having a plan, a goal, or a specific subject in mind before you go out to shoot.

Don't be afraid to use your hands to make a frame to look through to simulate what you would see in the camera viewfinder. some people cut a viewfinder shaped piece out of a piece of cardboard to serve the same function.

Have a good understanding of visual image composition also helps you see elements that can make a strong image:

The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos

 

[Rancor]

Get one of Bryan Peterson's other books

Should I just start picking up his whole library. He seems to have a suggested book for everything.

Also, just to be clear, that is a serious question. My GF works at borders so 40%-60% discount.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Developing your eye takes time. It is very dependant on how your brain interprets things. You also should try to put yourself in unique positions to see things from a different perspective than everyone else walking around.

I loved Boston. I didn't get much that I was pleased with just walking around though.

My favorite shots were all taken from one parking garage roof...

 

[o hey tyler]

Sometimes finding the most boring and mundane things, but approaching them abstractly is the best way to find compositions. Like Keith said, B. Peterson has a great book on learning to see creatively.

Sometimes it's just about thinking "outside the (brownie)box".

 

[Rancor]

Developing your eye takes time. It is very dependant on how your brain interprets things. You also should try to put yourself in unique positions to see things from a different perspective than everyone else walking around.

I loved Boston. I didn't get much that I was pleased with just walking around though.

My favorite shots were all taken from one parking garage roof...

Dude I know exactly where your standing. Thats awesome.

 

[KmH]

[ /QUOTE]

Should I just start picking up his whole library. He seems to have a suggested book for everything.

Bryan knows how to make a buck.

 

[RedWylder]

@ Bitter- Love that last photo! It's trippy and makes me a bit dizzy.

 

[mishele]

The composition guidelines will help you a lot when you are out wondering around looking for shots!! If you have to, write them down and keep them in your pocket to look over. Once you learn them it will start to come more naturally to you. I started drawing way before ever doing any photography, so I see the world as a bunch of lines...lol Maybe that can help you a little bit. Try to look more for lines in life instead of objects! It has a way of finding inspiration for me.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

I see the world as a bunch of lines...lol Maybe that can help you a little bit. Try to look more for lines in life instead of objects! It has a way of finding inspiration for me.

Excellent advice Mishele!
I'd like to say I look for composition first, and subject second, but that is not true 100%. Photography is more about finding composition to me than finding the interesting subject, if that makes sense. But, like the big "You are Here" arrow above, it struck me instantly and I had to find a composition that was as strong as possible. I do walk away from interesting material that I just can't get to work in a meaningful way, the way I see things.

 

[CCericola]

Check out "The Art of Seeing" by Fisher and Zelanski. They actually have it at the small local library here so check out your library. It helped me.

 

[mishele]

Yep Bitter!!

Looking for lines instead of objects opens your mind up to things you would usually never see. We tend to see a bench or a shadow and think....blah. But if you look at them for the lines they have you find something you didn't know was there...lol Did that make sense..lol