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  4. How did you get over the fear of starting photography

How did you get over the fear of starting photography


4 years 8 months ago #654503 by Erik Bowen
Hello,

I bought a camera about a year ago, I watch a ton of videos on photography and enjoy them. I know I need to get out there and shoot to become good at the skill, however, there seems to be something holding me back from going out more. I am guessing its worrying I won't be good enough. Has anyone else had this issue and how did you get overcome it?
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4 years 8 months ago #654517 by Tristan R
That's why practice is key when getting started, that is the biggest factor that will help you jump forward.  
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The following user(s) said Thank You: Erik Bowen
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4 years 8 months ago #654557 by Stapo49
It's not life or death it's just photography! But seriously just go out and do it. Practice, watch instructional video's and ask for constructive feedback.
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The following user(s) said Thank You: Erik Bowen
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4 years 8 months ago - 4 years 8 months ago #654558 by Piechura
The main issue I used to have was that I lived in a city where there were a large number of motorbike bag snatchings, so the idea of walking around with an expensive camera on show wasn't too appealing.

I actually bought all of my camera equipment for video, so I mainly used to do photography when I brought it on holiday originally. I've only recently started specifically going out to take photos now I live somewhere a bit safer.

Oh and your initial efforts probably won't be good enough. Part of the fun is working out why certain photos don't work and trying to improve them. And then every now and again, you'll take a photo you're proud of. And then a year later you'll look back on it and laugh at yourself for being proud of it because you're so much better now.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Erik Bowen
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4 years 8 months ago #654610 by garyrhook
What, you can't start something because you won't be "good enough"?

According to whom? And how have you managed to acquire any new skill with that attitude?

We don't learn by being successful, we learn by making mistakes.

So let me say this: you'll never be good enough. What you will do is experiment, learn, and experience. Which is far more worthwhile than being accomplished.

Get out there and get shooting. Find a meetup, find a photo walk, do.
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The following user(s) said Thank You: KCook
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4 years 8 months ago #654626 by fmw
I have never feared anything in my life except for the federal government.  You can be guaranteed that your first attempts at photography will be awful.  That is the case with nearly every photographer.
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4 years 8 months ago #654636 by KCook
Take a walk at a zoo. There are always a lot of different photo opportunities at a zoo. Do not strive for perfection for each shot. Instead think "now I will try this (one aspect)". Putting all of the possible nuts-and-bolts into one shot takes quite a bit of experience.

Kelly
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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4 years 8 months ago #654656 by icepics
If you aren't enjoying it maybe it's not for you. It's OK to try something and later realize it's not your thing. For me it was pottery. I enjoyed the class but didn't like throwing a pot well enough to continue with it after that. I might take a workshop again, or maybe not, it just wasn't something I loved or had a passion for.

I've often thought people would be better off if they unlearned a lot of what they learned in videos! lol (depends on who's doing the video if it's any good or not). Go out and walk around and take pictures, see what worked and what didn't. If it's not fun maybe a different interest or hobby would be better.
Sharon
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4 years 8 months ago #654663 by Pettigrew

Stapo49 wrote: It's not life or death it's just photography! But seriously just go out and do it. Practice, watch instructional video's and ask for constructive feedback.


 I couldn’t agree more with this gentleman. The best thing that you can do is absorb all you can on YouTube and sites like this. Ask questions. And get out there and practice as much as you can. 
Canon EOS 7D SLR | XT W/18-55 Kit Lens | Canon 50mm 1.8 | Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 | Canon 28-105mm | Canon 75-300mm | Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro | Canon 100-400
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4 years 8 months ago #654674 by KCook

Pettigrew wrote:

Stapo49 wrote: It's not life or death it's just photography! But seriously just go out and do it. Practice, watch instructional video's and ask for constructive feedback.


 I couldn’t agree more with this gentleman. The best thing that you can do is absorb all you can on YouTube and sites like this. Ask questions. And get out there and practice as much as you can. 

I agree with Sharon.  The junk on YouTube can be a huge distraction.

:toetap:
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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4 years 8 months ago #654716 by Troponin
Maybe the problem here is your idea of what photography is. I personally prefer to do most of my photography away from people in general, hence the reason I do macro, and dabble in wildlife and farm life. 

I get the sense that you want to, but you’re really just coming up with excuses not to get out and just start doing it. We were all there once. I still look back at my early shots and, even my very best shots weren’t awesome, but they were stepping stones in learning what exactly makes a great photo. Sometimes it was the colors, sometimes it was the subject, sometimes it was the perspective, and sometimes it was the composition.  Then you just put it all together! In some cases, it’s the location or even the content alone that makes us love a photo. 
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4 years 8 months ago #654751 by Pete Franko
Nike said it best:  Just DO IT
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4 years 8 months ago #654761 by KenMan
+1 on that
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4 years 8 months ago #654877 by Otto F
Join some meetup groups and go out shooting with them often as you can!
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4 years 8 months ago #655121 by Janos
I didn't have fear of photography when I started.  If anything I was uncomfortable with photographing people.  How I got over that was just getting out there and doing it, it wasn't an overnight process, but the more I photographed people, the easier it did get. 
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