A few questions from a guy who likes taking photos

What do you wish you knew or learned when you were first starting out?

In sports they talk of the "game slowing down" when there is a point that one is so comfortable and familiar that despite the actual speed of the game it slows down mentally.  Sometimes I feel this pressure or rush to get my shot or while i'm taking the shot it seems fast.  I'm not sure if this makes sense.  How did you get to where the process slows down mentally?

Tied into the previous question is getting "the shot" vs editing for the shot... Artistically I guess the end point doesn't matter as much but I have a desire to get "the shot" - any thoughts?  (taking "a" photo vs taking many and finding one that works)

Cartier-Bresson: "Your first 10,000 photos are your worst."

"How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" "Practice, practice, practice."

Unless you are one of those rare individuals where everything clicks from the get-go, you're going to have to practice. Fortunately, digital makes that easier and faster.

Yes, finding the "decisive moment" is a good goal, as opposed to "spray-and-pray" but in sports there's more than one of those.

You should go google the bits and pieces I've supplied here. And start researching and learning. Just my $0.02.

"Practice, practice, practice."
In my book, this is a very old adage that I would replace with
"Learn, understand, and practice with the goal of telling stories."

garyrhook wrote: Cartier-Bresson: "Your first 10,000 photos are your worst."

"How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" "Practice, practice, practice."

Unless you are one of those rare individuals where everything clicks from the get-go, you're going to have to practice. Fortunately, digital makes that easier and faster.

Yes, finding the "decisive moment" is a good goal, as opposed to "spray-and-pray" but in sports there's more than one of those.

You should go google the bits and pieces I've supplied here. And start researching and learning. Just my $0.02.

I'm definitely not looking for the quick and easy but am looking to glean experience and information from experienced photographers.  Thanks for your input.  I have been doing a lot of reading and trying to research with also getting out and shooting.  One thing I've really enjoyed is watching and listening to photo critiques.  I hear what are said about other photos and try to learn from that for my own photos.  

Nikon Shooter wrote: "Practice, practice, practice."
In my book, this is a very old adage that I would replace with
"Learn, understand, and practice with the goal of telling stories."

Hmmm... "telling stories" is not something I consider while taking photos - Maybe i'm taking more with the hope of getting the shot than understanding what shot I want to get?

By an expensive camera, the more it costs, the better your "pictures" will be.....

Just kidding, practice, of course. Places like this, look and experiment. You have the interest, that's the important part!

Khelm wrote:

Nikon Shooter wrote: "Practice, practice, practice."
In my book, this is a very old adage that I would replace with
"Learn, understand, and practice with the goal of telling stories."

Hmmm... "telling stories" is not something I consider while taking photos - Maybe i'm taking more with the hope of getting the shot than understanding what shot I want to get?

What are you attempting to convey when you create an image? The "story" can be literal, emotional, evocative. What do you want your viewer to feel?

We photograph with an intent. Understanding one's intent is an important part of this craft. IMO.

Here's an idea: post a recent image you especially like, and let's discuss its story. You won't grow without feedback, and there's no time like the present to start.

Links for more threads on head games in photography -

How to train your eye to see creatively?

Are you more photographer than artist or more artist than photographer?

Pre-visualizing your photos like Ansel Adams

Does your brain ever shut off when your out shooting? 

Kelly Cook

effron wrote: By an expensive camera, the more it costs, the better your "pictures" will be.....

Just kidding, practice, of course. Places like this, look and experiment. You have the interest, that's the important part!

I'm very thankful my friend suggested me to get a fixed lens so I could focus on photography and not gear.  I enjoy shooting with my fujifilm X100T

garyrhook wrote:

Khelm wrote:

Nikon Shooter wrote: "Practice, practice, practice."
In my book, this is a very old adage that I would replace with
"Learn, understand, and practice with the goal of telling stories."

Hmmm... "telling stories" is not something I consider while taking photos - Maybe i'm taking more with the hope of getting the shot than understanding what shot I want to get?

What are you attempting to convey when you create an image? The "story" can be literal, emotional, evocative. What do you want your viewer to feel?

We photograph with an intent. Understanding one's intent is an important part of this craft. IMO.

Here's an idea: post a recent image you especially like, and let's discuss its story. You won't grow without feedback, and there's no time like the present to start.

I have always been intrigued by interesting/unusual perspectives whether architecture or anything else.  Something draws me in about interesting perspectives - seeing and recording them.  I like how the building is skewed due to the perspective.  It seems to be stretched up and bigger than what maybe it actually is.  I did consider framing and composition while taking this photo, however, I don't know that I can verbalize the intent or that I actually considered the "why" when taking this photo.  If i could take this again I might get the top of the archway out of the frame.   

I believe the window color is a combination of the tint on the window and my CPL it wasn't changed in post.  

KCook wrote: Links for more threads on head games in photography -

How to train your eye to see creatively?

Are you more photographer than artist or more artist than photographer?

Pre-visualizing your photos like Ansel Adams

Does your brain ever shut off when your out shooting? 

Kelly Cook

thanks for the links I am definitely going to spend some time looking at them!

I wish I knew about proper editing workflow, filling your frame with the subject, long exposure technique and the proper use of HDR which is not using it at all.

I shoot landscapes so the game is already moving fairly slow. I like to set up hours before sunrise or sunset after exploring the location the day before that way I minimize my chances of running around to find my shot as the light fades.

Getting the shot vs. editing the shot..... Get as much work done as you can in the field. That's why we do it right? So we can be out enjoying nature?

I enjoy making landscape pictures. But I'm much too impatient to hang around for hours.

ontherun

Jared-Weaver wrote: I wish I knew about proper editing workflow, filling your frame with the subject, long exposure technique and the proper use of HDR which is not using it at all.

I shoot landscapes so the game is already moving fairly slow. I like to set up hours before sunrise or sunset after exploring the location the day before that way I minimize my chances of running around to find my shot as the light fades.

Getting the shot vs. editing the shot..... Get as much work done as you can in the field. That's why we do it right? So we can be out enjoying nature?

Most of my shots have been researching locations - going on a hike with friends - and taking a shot.  I will research what area or what I want to shoot but I do not always consider time or day or much else.  Usually only what I want to shoot then I go and shoot.  Maybe I should devote more time to the process at the location.  Thanks for your thoughts and sharing.