Death to Stock Photography is a cool site where you can find free-to-use photos for projects. They have a sign-up and will send you a new pack of 10 photos each month. I'm sure most of you don't really have much need for that, but if you write a blog and want to attract attention with a photo and you don't have just the right one, or if there is something you want to scrap and you missed taking a photo of and want to use a "stock" photo, that is where you could find help from Death to Stock. Anyway, the whole point was to share this photo philosophy they sent out this week. I thought it had some interesting premises. Is there one that rings true for you more than others? Some that don't fit you at all? I guess I wanted to share because for me personally, #6 is THE HARDEST thing for me to do. When I'm out trying to take a picture, I feel so super self-conscious. Like who am I to think that I can be considered a photographer? Or feeling like people are looking at me funny if I'm taking a picture of something. It is so strange. I hope I'm alone in that, but thought I'd throw it out and see if anyone else ever feels weird out taking pics in public. I really love #8. I think that happens a lot here at TLP. People share wisdom and knowledge and there is no feeling of big competitiveness lurking around. Like everyone wants everyone else to succeed in whatever it is they are doing. I guess that means that #3 also applies here. Anyway, food for thought...
I like all of them. 1. I do bring my DSLR with me a lot because I'm doing my best Project 365 ever this year. And I always have my iPhone. 2. Good advice to be patient and wait for an interesting moment to capture. That will make a better picture. 3. Of course. 4. I'm not sure if I'm interpreting this as intended, but I'm certainly taking my time with photography and not rushing into going into business though it's something I've considered for at least 5 years now. 5. I do. I should more often. 6. I am comfortable with who I am. 7. I'm not sure I could articulate how I bring my personality to my photography, but suspect I do because I'm shooting solely for myself and not trying to imitate anyone. 8. This makes me want to go spend more time at Clickinmoms, where so many are generously sharing their photography ideas. And I agree, TLP is awesome this way, and about more than just scrapbooking. 9. Does this mean to find a way when at first it seems there isn't one? I agree, we accomplish more when determined and persistent. 10. Oooh, does this have to include editing photos? LOL I do love the process of capturing images with my camera, but sometimes I grow weary of working on them in Lightroom, and I let them pile up for a few days. In fact, when I was just beginning to consider upgrading to a DSLR 6 years ago, I thought I wouldn't bother editing my photos. I'd just get them right in the camera as much as possible. LOL But now if I don't shoot in RAW, it feels limiting. I've just learned to quickly do minimum editing on most of my photos and just concentrate on one or two a day to process as beautifully as I can.
Fantastic list! I should print it out and carry it in my camera case. One thing I learned----ALWAYS ask if you are going to take a photo of someone you don't know, especially someone's child. I saw the most adorable child at the 4th of July parade last year in the cutest red, white and blue outfit ever!! I introduced myself, told mom what I do (digi scrap) and asked if I could take photos of her daughter. I explained that they would be up on public sites. She totally agreed and I got her email and sent her copies of the photos and layouts. Most people love to have their photos taken.
I took a college photography class last summer. And am enrolled in a "free" Coursera photography series of classes this summer as an "observer". I loved it when Coursera was 100% free, but knew it was only a matter of time before it would become a fee-based site. I don't have full access to the classes - no peer review, but I can follow along with video learning material and most of the quizzes. So far though I'm underwhelmed with the material in the 1st class. Hoping the others in the series get more into the juicy stuff LOL! But I'm always reading Clicking' Moms blog, and reading other photography blogs, and watching YouTube videos for how to process. I can't get enough! I want to print out that list @scrapsandsass and frame it ... but not sure I want to waste all that black ink! I think # 7 might be the hardest, because to me it means finding who you are as photographer and developing a style that fits you. I have not been able to do that yet. And don't feel I am even close to accomplishing that one! #6 - sometimes. I think I'm most nervous in big cities like NYC where people literally stare you down when you point your camera anywhere in their direction, even when they are not your intended target. People are just everywhere in NYC ... and those stares are a bit intimidating for me. But just out and about .... no I don't usually feel nervous. I think today it is easier to take photos because literally everyone has one! And the majority of us are not professionals - whipping out a camera is so very commonplace today with the mobile phones, so I think that relieves the pressure. #10 may be the easiest for me, because I just naturally love to learn and actively take classes to try to improve. I'm happy when I have my camera in hand no matter what the outcome. The process of "making" a photograph (instead of "taking" a photograph -that's how the pros talk ... can't wrap my mouth completely around that one though! lol) is really the fun part. Just playing, experimenting or casually snapping ... it's all good. Great thread!