Thanks to Redbubble!
I was talking with another photographer last night about, of all things, taking pictures, and how when we first get our cameras we shoot anything that catches our eyes, but then as time progresses and our abilities grow more improved we tend to get more picky to the point of missing some shots.
This gentleman is a professional and he’s mentoring me bit by bit. He commented on how my work reminds him of when he first started out and how he wishes he had the time to be able to shoot like that again. His photography business takes up most of his free time not giving him the outlet to just go and shoot. He spoke of the fact that, when he does get out there, his knowledge makes him too critical and he spends more time setting up for the perfect shot that he misses some of the simplest ones.
This got me thinking, and the reason for this journal entry. Without a place like RB to post our pictures, share with other photographer, have our work critiqued thus making each of us better photographers, would our desires wane a bit. Would we get to the point where we stop taking pictures because there’s nothing to do with them except store them on our computers and maybe enter a contest or two. Now I’m talking about those of us who do this for the pleasure not for business or profit.
I think one of the reasons I’ve kept up the shooting is because I do have a place like RB to share my work. I enjoy, and look forward to posting my latest exciting shot and waiting to hear what others have to say about it. And even when no one does I know it’s okay and I keep trying. I’ve met so many wonderful people too who share the same desires I do. Some have even offered up suggestons that helped me improve my techinque. I think I’ve grown more from being a part of RB then I would have ever on my own.
So this is whay I want to thank the RB team and all those special people out there for giving me this outlet for my work and for sharing in my joy of photography. Without you my camera might sit more then it gets used.
Ericseyes
Mary Campbell
It is nice to have a place like RB where you can show pictures, sell pictures, and trust them to produce them. The social networking part is also nice.
As for shooting pictures, I think it’s what distinguishes someone who loves doing that, from those who do it for a specific event or business. Even when we were shooting film, I was always the one on the business trip with my camera and 36 rolls of film incase I needed it. Digital just makes that and storage easier. But I still love just being out there with the camera in hand. I shoot things my minds eye finds interesting or appealing. I’ve learned over the years that I’ll use it either for myself or for business purposes, but that’s not what drives me, nor the acculades of others. What drives me is the love of the craft. All aspects of it from pre-visualization, to execution, to post production and the final image is just a reflection of my minds eye. My advice is do what you love and don’t worry about it.
ericseyes replied
Here, here Mary, I agree 100%, doing what you love is the key! Thanks for you input.
Warren Williams
I am with you Eric on how you feel about RB., Photography without a place to share can be a very lonely hobby. Photography has done alot for me ,it as opened so many doors of friendships. I have friends all round the world and on all my trips to Sydney have had fantastic fellowship with so many RB members, people that have opened there homes too me, people that have gone the extra mile to make my stays so enjoyable.
So I Say “THANK YOU” Redbubble and all the members for your comments & friendship.
ericseyes replied
Thanks Warren, that’s awesome that folks have shared thier homes with you. I’ve met some very nice folks on here also that I’m sure would pass on the same generosity. Amazing what friendships can be had even from around the world. It truly is a blessing.
Thanks for your input.
robpixaday
YES, on all counts!
RB and the people here, like you, make things MUCH BETTER in this world.
ericseyes replied
In a world like today it is very comforting to have folks who share the same interests even if you can’t see them face to face you know they are your friend.
Thank you friend for you input.
jansnow
I wholeheartedly agree with you Eric. The RedBubble community and the things I learn here are a wonderful part of day. Thanks RB!!
ericseyes replied
Thanks for taking the time to read and for commenting. One of the first things I do each day is check RB.
Bev Woodman
Great Journal Eric. We do all become quite critical of our work as time goes on and I know this prevents me from putting more on RB than I could or should. To be professional is fine if you are a professional but I think we need to remind ourselves that to display our work on RB is to share our love of a particular scene or shot with others and to have them comment. We need to encourage everyone to feel at home with their work and display to for us to enjoy. Its the comments that make us keep going regardless of quality or quantity. Its great to improve and become professional but its also great to be humble and share our work with others who enjoy doing the same. Thank you Eric.
ericseyes replied
Thanks Bev for your thoughts on my journal. It just struck me how important RB is to my growth as a photographer and how much the good people like yourself have helped me.