The best advice that was ever given to me about photography came from my good friend Infinity Rain – who I am sure many of you know a lot better than I.
It came at a time when I was feeling rather disheartened with photography, and going through a bit of a bad patch as far as the quality of my shots was concerned (whether this was actual or just perceived who can say? Art is so subjective like that!).
She told me that when I was faced with a shot, to actually stop and contemplate it for a good five minutes, slowing the breathing and actually going into a meditative state before pressing the shutter. OK, so I know that isn’t always possible depending on your subject matter, but by and large for still life I have found it an invaluable technique.
The first time I tried it, I ended up with a shot called The Ghost Road Which I rather like (though I’m afraid it doesn’t make a very good print).
So will someone please tell me why, oh why, oh why do I insist on going out to take pictures with other people? The wife suggests going out for a walk, so I grab my camera and off we go. I sit there trying to compose a shot and she walks on – so I’m semi-conscious of the fact that she’s waiting for me to catch up. So I rush. Blur the shot, screw up the composition and generally waste time. In fact, I’d have been better off not bothering taking my camera and just enjoying the walk – but you know what it’s like. It’s like an umbilical cord. We need to be surgically removed from our cameras. Many of us will likely be buried with them.
Worse still for me is, I have a friend. His name is Ian and he’s a photographer too. The other day we decided to take a trip together to my favouritest of places Marwell Zoo. The only problem is we both have a massive competitive streak – so not only are we stood there chimping our photographs and trying to outdo each other, we’re trying to outdo each other by numbers: calling across to each other “How many did you get of that one then?” “12” “Ha! Well I got 20” and so on. “How many memory cards have you used so far?” “How many gigs?” “How many pics?” And in the race for numbers, quality comes a long way down the list. I think at the end of the day I’d taken about 350 pics of which I’ve used about 10.
So I’m not going to go taking pictures with people any more. My walks will be taken alone, my trips will be taken alone. I shall get up early for the best light of the day, I shall go out and find the best locations, and I’m going to find that place of peace where I can take my time, meditate, breathe, compose and finally click…
Ian has invited me to take a trip with him to Monkey World sometime later this year… Now where’s that 2GB memory card of mine?
Jessica Heidi ..., about 1 year ago
hear hear Durotriges
Neil Boucher, about 1 year ago
Yes I hear you. My best photos have definately been taken when I have been alone and had all the time I needed. I sure can understand about feeling pressured to hurry on when with my wife.
Likewise with photography buddies, but generally I qualify things before hand either by getting agreement that there is no rush and we take as long as necessary, or an understanding that if we get separated then we will meet at a designated time and place (with plenty of time to spare).
There is great joy in solitude and I like to get away, just me and my camera as often as I can, but there is a lot to be said for companionship also, so it is nice to get out with like minded people occasionally. (Also helps if you can share fuel and accomodation).
Durotriges, about 1 year ago
That’s pretty much how I feel, Neil! Ian and I have agreed that we often bring out the worst in each other, photographically speaking, so we’re going to go to the zoo together next time, and then split up – meet up for lunch and chimp away!
Craig Shillington, about 1 year ago
Hehehe I have never been out WITH someone else D. I long for that …. urrrrrr …... I think ;) Maybe not now ;)
Durotriges, about 1 year ago
Depends whether you have a competitive streak…. What am I talking about, you’re Australian!! ;-) Thanks for dropping by, Craig! :-D
InfinityRain, about 1 year ago
Awwwww Hey there David!! hugs I’m glad the advise helped for the most part. I’ve gone out to take photos with lots of people…..one was a disaster because he was severely competetive and thought he would bestow upon me all of his years of wisdom of which was just interfering with my zen. But the rest were all fine because they were either my children, whom compete against each other to ‘find’ me the best shots or my students who just love being out there learning.
I am so glad to see you’ve joined RB!! It’s great seeing another familiar face around (so to speak) :)
Durotriges, about 1 year ago
Hey Rain! Good to hear from you! :
D The other problem I had with Ian was kit envy – he was using a Canon 20D, and I spent most of the time trying to prove to him that my little Konica Minolta was just as good! :)InfinityRain, about 1 year ago
hehe Yep I totally hear you on that one, I don’t remember the camera the one guy was using, but it was a DSLR and I was using my old camera….Olympus Camedia 2100UZ Which in itself is a great…..errrrrrr WAS a great camera, but still not a DSLR. sigh Don’t worry about Ian’s camera…..you’ve got what it takes even with a lesser camera. :)
I saw that you posted my FAV in here!! WOO HOO Can’t wait to get some $$ together, I’ve wanted that one for …....hmmm what’s it been?? A YEAR??
Durotriges, about 1 year ago
Yeah, I’m just trying to sort my portfolio out at the moment – I’ve had to resize some of the images in order to make them available as prints and I made them to big, so I’m busy replacing them all as we speak!
Popular Mr, about 1 year ago
My photos refelct on my state of mind very much…..sometimes bright and cherry sometimes dark and glommy.
My shots often do not turn out the way I intended. and more often not the way I see it either, but i have since learnt to previsualise. It works. but that means that you have to understand the equipment that you are using.
I use to get dishearten when i get crap images and even more so when after labouring for hours in the darkroom i still cant get an acceptable print.
I have never been one who would take 10 shots then 1 would do. I prefer to think about it, previsualise how I want it to be then take it. Now that I am using a 6×7 camera that gives me 10 shot on a roll of film, its even more important.
sometimes its nice to have some company and sometimes I prefer to do it alone. I do not always take photos. Sometimes I just enjoy the view. I went to the 1000 steps walk in the Dandenongs and I ended up not taking a single shot. Bloody tough hike.
If you are not having a good time taking photos, its time to take a break
Durotriges, about 1 year ago
Absolutely agree Daijiro, despite digital technology, the disciplines of composition still apply – and I think that quality of image is much more important than quantity. And I agree, too, that once you stop having a good time, it’s time to take some time off!
Ron Fitzgerald, about 1 year ago
Glad to see your comments, and understand perfectly. I just have to take photos alone, sometimes it is more important to just to get some peace and quite to fully appreciate the wonders that surround us. Then try to take the best record of what we see and feel.
Most times it works other times just being there is enough.
Durotriges, about 1 year ago
Thanks for dropping by Ron. I think you’re right, that the peace & quiet is what’s important as it gives you time to focus. I really think the worst thing you can do with any picture is rush it.