Inspiration And Subject Matter

[leopuppy04]

So – I’ve started a photography short course recently, which I’m absolutely loving. It’s really taught me a lot in terms of learning how to use the camera and understanding the manual functions etc especially in terms of taking good photos, lighting etc.

But – I still look at most of your photos and find mine lacking in something still! Yours all seem richer in colour than mine!!! Not to mention, I'll have something set right for one photo, then the dogs will move or do something really cute, and the photo will no longer be correctly exposed... or by the time I've adjusted it the dogs have moved

One thing I’ve also noticed is that with my 17 – 85mm f4.0 camera, the shots are often dark. I can't use it inside coz f4.0 is usually not low enough aperture… is that normal?

My main question is however, how do you find the inspiration for a shot?! Some of you can turn the most blah-ze, or non-interesting things and make them look amazing. Is there a secret there? I mean, how can you make car keys or dishes or water look incredible? Yet so many of you do?!

What’s your secret!? I’m looking for inspiration for taking shots this week as I don’t want to be always snapping shots of the dogs. Landscape is something I’ve never really fried, but I don’t know how to make that look artistic!! ROFL!

[kja]

Ask Ash nicely and maybe she'll make Taking Photos of the Every Day and Making Them Interesting a new theme one month

Pretty much for me, it's just get out there and shoot and play around. Sometimes I have something in mind, but often I use my camera time to have NOTHING on my mind - it's therapy & meditation for me ;)

Just try new things - times of day, angles, get on the floor, get on a chair... Play in your editing program. Join the challenge here...everything.

[Guest Tess32]

Colour often comes down to the lens and the post processing.

Yep it's normal that F4.0 isn't enough light for indoor shots. You could increase the ISO, which will allow you faster shutter speeds but the drawback is a loss of quality and 'noise'. How bad that is depends on your exposure and your gear.

Eventually you just find your 'thing' and your style.....it takes time so relax and just muck around

[leopuppy04]

hehe - I like that idea kja! I think it's been done though?! Or am I dreaming?!

I need to re-join the challenges though! Been too busy lately

Thanks Tess - I have the ISO higher, but it still can come out quite dark ;). I end up using my 50mm mainly inside coz the aperture can go so low!

Guess I'll just keep mucking around and see what inspires me

I took some pics yesterday so have to go through them tonight too

[persephone]

I am not a photographer's shadow... am a 'heart', not a 'head', snatcher of life's imagery;get totally confused with all the manual controls ..and much prefer the basic point & shoot stuff these days .. but, when I am 'in the mood'.. images appear

A subject with which I 'click'..be it a dog ,or a mushroom, or even a shadow... usually makes for a better shot... I guess because there is a story or a feeling or a 'look' that I am trying to capture and share with others ;)

Photography to me is seeing the world up close & personal.. and hoping to convey what I feel to the viewer.

Some of my favourite shots are those serendipitous ones Where I literally look around and go "ooh! Gotta grab this moment!"

Like THIS where, a minute later, the sun had withdrawn, I had shifted position, and the beauty was gone ...

or THIS.....

Edited August 24, 2009 by persephone

[persephone]

Eventually you just find your 'thing' and your style.....it takes time so relax and just muck around smile.gif

GEZACKLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[leopuppy04]

They look awesome Persephone!