Oh dear, that title! Looks more like an Abc Wednesday than a toned down Tuesday. I am having a clear out of images at the moment. There gets to a stage where you have to take stock and rethink the image library. Is it selling, have I put it for sale, can it be used on a project or campaign etc. The main question is why haven't I used it. Sometimes I simply forget and file away say 100 sunsets for a rainy day on a disc just as back up. Mostly though they are gathering virtual dust because they aren't right.This is one such image. I have better versions of it that are in the sales market. So why this would be no use for me? The horizon isn't straight, it dips slightly on the right. The sun has too much of a white glare. The top corner edges are a little pink, not in keeping with the golden tones. The boats are neither silhouetted or showing enough detail, sought of caught in the middle. Overall it's a "nice" snapshot, but it's not viable for sale. Not for me anyway. I could use software to alter it but you would lose on one hand to gain on another and the image isn't worth it. It would still be not quite right.
So what to do with it? Well I found a use for it here. Purely an exercise in being brutal with your images if you are considering trying your hand at selling them. As this blog is primarily about Ramsey I am happy can make blog use of it here. It shows another view of Ramsey Harbour from an alternative area, at a different time of day. In essence, what the daily photo is all about. A snapshot of the area I live, titled in the blog.
So normally this image would be dumped, but it has escaped the axe as it's probably more in keeping with the nature of the blog than most images I've shown. Should I show more snapshots, or should I show finer work? My best never go on here anyway. It isn't a photography blog, but it is hard to pull back and not show images that I am 100% happy with.
So I put the question to you. Should I show more that I wouldn't sell and tell you what's wrong with them, as photographic tips or show the finer more creative work?
Apologises for answering no emails today. The internet has been a nightmare. My poor partner has had an ordeal with his own artwork uploads and I have crashed most sites.
43 comments:
Being the amateur that I am I look forward to first seeing your images, which I mostly always like, and secondly reading your tips and in this case self crticism as what you have to say is very helpful to me indeed who is just playing at photography for my own personal pleasure and not gain. So in answer to your question carry on showing both please as this will help us take better images by improving on the good and erasing the poor aspects of ouyr work. Anyway whichever you do I'd like to thank you very much as since I've been reading your blog I stop now before I take a picture and ask myself what it is I want to convey and things I believe have improved.
LB,
I gotta say I don't agree. I know what your saying, but hell I like it.
It has something. I wouldn't know what to look for, but you pointed it out. I sort of get it. It would make a nice postcard, don't you think? Ok bottom line I like it.
it's all too easy to criticize the heck out of one's own work. I would just post the photos and give some background or anecdote that enhances the photo.
There are always going to be 'better' photos out there of whatever you're showing, but you're showing the best that you have at a given time.
People also bring something to the photos they look at. It's cool to find out what they see or find special.
That said, here's my view: I like how the phto has a definite color cast to it, like a monochrome image.
This critique of your own work definitely helps us poor struggling amateurs!
OK Babs, since you asked, here's my opinion. I've seen a few CDP sites by photographers who, if they aren't professionals, could be. Even though I'm frequently impressed by their photography, it sort of depresses me. I can't match this stuff.
I get the impression that most of us are here because we want to share and we're interested in other parts of our countries or the world. We support each others efforts to try for a better photo.
Frankly, I've deleted a couple of sites because the photography is just too good. Sounds odd I guess.
Just keep doing what you're doing and don't look too closely at my pics.
Sometimes the most interesting photos are the ones that have something wrong. I don´t mind if you show them.
You are being too critical of yourself. This is a fine image and we are glad you shared it with us.
Babooshka, I think those of us who are out shooting all the time (most of us in the CDPB family :-) ) are always analyzing the shots we see. Shots draw us in, pique our curiosity, exude beauty, or connect with us in some way. I'd vote for just putting up the wonderful creative shots. As my writing instructors used to stress: know who your audiance is and what your purpose is. If your focus is daily photoblogging a city, then the shots will lean that way. You can set up another blog for photo tips. Either way, just looking at your images is an education without your speaking a word. As Eric used to tell us way back when. . .don't worry about the photography and the camera, just report with the photo what's up and interesting in your city. Along the way, Eric's shots got better and better, and he's got a great eye. Not every shot is intended to be pretty or appealing, it is just something he found interesting that he thought he'd share. I think it's a good model. Of course, he's a journalist. You, on the other hand are a photographer, so the images ant their quality matter more perhaps. You will sort it all out the way that feels best to you. But we will appreciate whatever you put up for us to consider and see. We just want to see your shots :-)
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo
its a very nice photo. Has a special mood with the sunshine:)
need sunshades to have a long look at it!
ypu may post your best pics or the worst with analyses... both are equally informative and educative.
thanks.
une superbe photo en sépia, qui nous ouvre les portes vers l'infini de la mer.
a great photo to sepia, which opens doors to the infinity of the sea
I agree with Louis la Vache.
Daily photo blogs contributors are not photo professional. But every day all try to give us through their lenses their emotion about their cities, that's the most important, and it works.
mannannan and george more or less sum up my view.
the phrase horses for courses sprang to mind as I read your text - I like the mixed approach myself - you've given us variety with photo-tips and history lessons so give us a bit of everything I say.
I think that is an 'art' picture of the highest quality and would be extremely pleased to have made it.
Do you use a seperate hardrive for backup and storage? Stephen has a monster and I think I shall when I can afford it.
Never admit to your mistakes. Wait for others to mention it and say "Oh I knew that!" LOL!
Dxx
I find it incredibly helpful when you critique your work. I am trying to learn more about taking good pictures. I for one welcome your comments about what does and does not make a good picture. I also love your instructions on how you take certain pictures.
Nothing to add that hasn't been said.
Post more like this for us to learn.
I see a pretty photo. I don't understand the techinal bit, but want to learn more.
I find your tips interesting and useful though must admit I had to look hard at this photo to see what was wrong with it. Then again I enjoy hearing about the Isle of Man...you've made it real. I'd never really thought about it before so, carry on doing what you've been doing...
Hello !
Elle est SUPER ta photo...
Self criticism can be very harsh so post your images for amateur photographers to make objective comments. Might that be productive? This pic is rather glary with not enough definition beyond the sea gates at least these is my very uninformed thoughts. I find your ohots of Ramsey interesting anyway as I have never been there.
I think the pictures you show us are professional and they all look wonderful, ok maybe not the couch on the side of the road, LOL. They only way I know they are not your best is you tell us. I dont notice the flaws that you see. But I love the pointers.
I agree with Wayne and Kim. I get attracted to beautiful photos in the portal but the ones that I keep going back to are the ones with good stories and prose about the photo — whether it's about the place, the shot, or what they think and imagine because of the image. And that's why I keep coming back here too.
I learn from you all the time. I like hearing what I should be looking for in my own photos. I do agree that what we are here for is not necessarily to post award winners (good thing for me!). I am super critical of my own work, and tend to overthink what the rest of you will like or not like. I do at times just pick one that speaks to me and I can put it up and be happy with it. That said. I think your sunset is great. Love the color.
babooshka, the stories that accompany your gorgeous photos makes them greatness! Love this shot and the story as well!
And I noticed my blog on your right-hand rail! I'm on your list! And that means very big to me! Thank you sooooo much!
God Bless and mabuhay!
Steven^^
I want to see what you like and why - on that basis. Sometimes the shots are more than just photographic technique - there's a story or tidbit that goes along with them.
I love your photo tips so I am all for more photos with how to or how NOT to do!~
B,
Now don't go smacking yourself or Cheryl!!! I appreciate the time and effort you both gave my Sister Cities post. I was great to see what the other "Brum" looks like finally!
Hello, Babooshka(name since when?)
Can't believe I put T.H.
Away from Brum too long, both of us.
Bostin' blog.
Do get the Black Country Bugle? I do.
Chez
This is a wonderful photo, Babooshka. I like the light and dark interplay and the perspective that gives a 3D depth to the picture. Bravo!
Babooshka, I will echo Kim's words. It's a given that not every image is a winner. Yet, I'm always surprised at some of the very mundane imagery that fits a particular need for an art buyer and sells. Case in point, I recently licensed an image of two mouth molds showing under and over-bite. Shot this almost 30 years ago. Prize winning? No. Useful? Yep, to the right buyer. I could give a good many other examples, but shall refrain :). Suffice it to say, I post images on my blog that I personally like and that relate to my life in Seattle, primarily, or where I might be traveling at the moment. When I started my blog back in January it was with the sole intent of producing "something" almost every day. If people enjoyed or learned something from those images and words, that was a bonus. So, my 2¢ or pence worth is to post what you like. Every image is a sketch toward creating that ethereal masterpiece.
They say turnabout is fair play: Now I have the privilege of telling you to listen to Chuck! : )
I agree, this is a good shot! I will take your cast offs any day!
B, Visual images whether fine or pop art or photographs/film cannot be pigeon holed as it's just too subjective. Don't you think? (Psst I might be talking bullsh*t!) TFx
Have I missed something? I feel out of whack? My take. It looks like a painting. I like it. I'd give it wall space.
just perfect ....I love the sea...
I love your photos and don't really care if there not your best shots. Your comments and tips help make us look at our own photos differently.
Its a 'nice' photo. Thanks for palming it off on us! Lol
I think you should show what you are happy to share with us, be they your best or not as good as you'd have hoped for.
Thanks so much for this post. It's very instructive to hear how more experienced and professional photographers judge their work. It is most appreciated!
A beautiful and magic picture.
I also agree with what Louis La Vache said…
My favourite photos are usually accidents.
I'm pleased to be able to share your rejects!
As a snapshooter, fortunately I don't share too much of your struggle..... yet!
Sunshine Coast Daily - Australia
It looks so arty though, I can't believe it was purely a mechanical composition like you described it! As a happy snapper it was interesting to read what goes on in the head of a real photographer though.
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