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The Tips and Tricks Journal
As you all well know, I have a monthly feature called Tips and Tricks where I pick a photography related topic to discuss. I have also created a separate journal called Tips and Tricks where I keep all of these tutorials organized together. I have done this, not because I consider myself an authority on all things photographic, but rather to open budding photographer's eyes to what can be done with a camera. I found a quote not too long ago that really sums up the reasons why I try to teach some of the things that I have learned over my short time behind the camera. It comes from Edward Weston:
"The fact is that relatively few photographers ever master their medium. Instead they allow the medium to master them and go on an endless squirrel cage chase from new lens to new paper to new developer to new gadget, never staying with one piece of equipment long enough to learn its full capacities, becoming lost in a maze of technical information that is of little or no use since they don't know what to do with it."
What is being said here goes much deeper than words used. In this day of ever changing technology, and early obsolescence, it is easy to fall into the trap of getting the next new thing. However, one rarely becomes a master at what they have before it is time to move on. I would like to think that over the time that I used my Sony F828, I became a master at it, and knew how to achieve the highest quality it could muster. I hope to one day achieve the same level of comfort and knowledge with the Canon.
A true photograph comes from the photographer...not the camera. I read recently where National Geographic had an issue where the photography was done entirely with digital SLR cameras. Not only was film outlawed for the issue, but only entry level bodies could be used. The result was an issue with top quality photography and wonderful issues. Many of the "pro" photographers had been worried before taking on the task, but found that there was a lot of truth to the fact that the camera is but a tool.
As with any tool, if the user doesn't know how to work it, the tool becomes little more than a paper weight. All of us that enjoy time behind a camera should realize this, and concentrate much more on technique and skill than the hottest new item to hit the shelves. You will find that over time, your photography will get much better, and you will have a bunch more money in your pocket to boot!
Here are some pictures to show the progression of skills as I have educated myself. All of these pictures were created before I ever entered the SLR world.
Untitled Photo Copyright © August 2004 G. Kiser
Blue Ridge Dawn Photo Copyright © Spring 2005 G. Kiser
Sidewinder Photo Copyright © June 2006 G. Kiser
Backyard View Photo Copyright © Winter 2007 G. Kiser
As you look through the examples of photographs that I have captured along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can see that many things changed. The one constant, except in the first picture, is the camera. It has been my growth as a photographer that has allowed me to capture these images...not the camera. No matter what camera you choose to use, whether it be a cell phone camera, or the latest large format camera it is the one pressing the buttons that is making the pictures. If you learn your equipment, you will always be better able to capture what your eyes and your heart see.
Edit:
For those of you that would like to use the graphic at the top of this entry for your sidebar, please feel free to do so. I would have mentioned this earlier, but didn't think there would be that much want for the graphic. I appreciate any and all links.
radar446 at 5:43:00 PM EST Blog about this entry |
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I'd like to do what Helen did with your logo ... but I don't know how. LOL!!!
This particular entry is great Greg because I think it shows the process of learning and improving skills so clearly, not only in words, but with your pictures. They are all beautiful but you really can see the difference over the course of time. -
Greg I hope you don't mind that I made your logo a tad smaller and put in in the side of my journal. It can be clicked on to take you to your Tips and Trips journal. If you have any objections let me know and I will remove it immediately. Helen
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are you a policeman?
2/14/08 2:46 PM
Krissy
http://journals.aol.com/fishe