roastman
03-12-2011, 12:42pm
Hi. Having messed with cameras for the past 20 years, without making any real effort to improve my photography, I have decided to take the leap into shooting better images. I have always enjoyed photography, but have been frustrated after viewing results (especially since shooting digital) that have been disappointing, mostly because of lack of real effort on my part. As I was given the gift of a Red Balloon night photography workshop, I was forced to go out and use my gear for something other than "grab shots". It was one of the best things that could have happened, as I suddenly found inspiration that has been missing for many years. I was back on the same location the following night and after some negotiation with my wife, I now have a nice new Canon 5D MKII and my first "L" series lens kit. To avoid a divorce, she has a nice shiny new sewing machine! I think it was a decent trade-off and we work hard, spend little, so it was time to buy ourselves a present.
Over the coming months I am setting myself a task of taking at least one "keeper" every single weekend. I know my interpretation of what is a "keeper" will be far different to others, so constructive criticism will be very welcome. I aim to improve, so I am willing to listen to advice! My main criteria is I must capture a decent image "out of the box", as I am not a big fan of computer manipulation. I know this is ridiculous, as all of my best photos were taken on black and white film and then methodically printed (dodge, burn, alter contrast, tone). I am sure my attitude will change as I become more familiar with software packages, but I have never been one for making massive changes after the shot was taken. This is in stark contrast to my usual techie leanings, as I love my toys (hey, how did we ever live without Ipads etc?).
I have started a photostream on Flickr under the same user ID as this forum, so please feel free to critique my photos as I add more to the site. There is not much up there at the moment, but is will grow! Anyway, I hope to bump into forum members while out and about with the tripod. I look forward to viewing other members photos for inspiration, learning new techniques and getting some feedback on my own progress.
Troy
Over the coming months I am setting myself a task of taking at least one "keeper" every single weekend. I know my interpretation of what is a "keeper" will be far different to others, so constructive criticism will be very welcome. I aim to improve, so I am willing to listen to advice! My main criteria is I must capture a decent image "out of the box", as I am not a big fan of computer manipulation. I know this is ridiculous, as all of my best photos were taken on black and white film and then methodically printed (dodge, burn, alter contrast, tone). I am sure my attitude will change as I become more familiar with software packages, but I have never been one for making massive changes after the shot was taken. This is in stark contrast to my usual techie leanings, as I love my toys (hey, how did we ever live without Ipads etc?).
I have started a photostream on Flickr under the same user ID as this forum, so please feel free to critique my photos as I add more to the site. There is not much up there at the moment, but is will grow! Anyway, I hope to bump into forum members while out and about with the tripod. I look forward to viewing other members photos for inspiration, learning new techniques and getting some feedback on my own progress.
Troy