Do you think...

[ChristopherCoy]

That some styles of photography are easier than others?

Boy I hope this one doesn't go to hell in a handbasket, but there is a point to my question. In my mind, things like landscapes, flowers, architecture would be easier than say weddings for sure. Obviously with the latter, you have to be on point at all times and ready to capture that moment that can't be re-created. Whereas with landscapes, flowers, and architecture, you have a little more time to set things up, play with the exposure and shutter speed, to make sure that the shot comes out exactly like you want it. I mean after all, that high rise building isn't going to scoot across the dancefloor like the father and the bride. And that flower isn't going to wilt in the next 5 to 10 minutes while you adjust camera settings.

Let me make it blatantly clear that I AM NOT discounting one style over the other, and I am not trying to insinuate that one style takes more talent, skill, or natural ability. I'm just thinking out loud in reference to my future.

So what do you think?

[kenw]

they're different. Comparisons are moot.

Landscapes require a lot of out-of-the-box creativity.

You think brides are fickle? Try a bee on a purple coneflower....

[ChristopherCoy]

I guess I should put the sack over my head now...

[J Eddington]

What he is trying to say it is really all about you. First what do you enjoy shooting. They all have pros and cons. Go with what you enjoy. Learn it well. You can't make a decision until you know what you like.

[ChristopherCoy]

I like portraits. Senior photos, engagement photos, family photos, generic people shots. The problem is, how do you learn to do something you dont have the equipment to do it with? How do you develop a 'personal lesson plan' when (A) you dont know crap to begin with, and (B) you pretty much only have a camera.

This would be so much easier to learn if I could afford college....

[Redneck]

You don't need the equipment to learn. Or let's say, the technical part is the smallest one. You can even be a good photographer with a compact cam.
I believe, creativity is the most important thing to achieve in photography. Just look around in this forum and pick up the things you like.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by Redneck

Just look around in this forum and pick up the things you like.

I think thats the problem. I look around and see things and think "ooh I want to do that" or "ooh this is what I want to do" and so on and so on. I think I'm spending too much time trying to learn the technical stuff, and I end up putting the creativity to the side. I probably need to quit 'trying' so much and just do it.

... and dont worry, I'm not going advertise that I am open for wedding business.

[Cajungaltx]

College wouldn't help as much as you think it would, in my opinion.

Check out Scott Peterson's understanding exposure book - I learned the most - jumped the furtherest after reading his book.

Then pick up another book... and read it... and post photos for cc...

Most of all - KEY issue - remain teachable. if you get to the point where you immediately discount what someone is sharing with you - hang it up, your done. You've got to keep the ability to learn above everything else I think.

[J Eddington]

You are creative. You use the equipment that you have to the limit and beyond. The only limit is your own mind. Learn your Olympus, then use it. If I can take photos with a C4040 you can with your E520. Never let other people or your equipment stop you.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

Check out Scott Peterson's understanding exposure book - I learned the most - jumped the furtherest after reading his book. <<<>>>You've got to keep the ability to learn above everything else I think.

I'm working on obtaining this book soon. I meant to go to B&N today and never got around to it.

I'm always open to learn. Granted there are going to be some things that I wont like to do or wont want to do after I learn them, but I'd like to at least be exposed (no pun intended) to everything at least once.

[J Eddington]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

I think thats the problem. I look around and see things and think "ooh I want to do that" or "ooh this is what I want to do" and so on and so on. I think I'm spending too much time trying to learn the technical stuff, and I end up putting the creativity to the side. I probably need to quit 'trying' so much and just do it.

It is one thing to try something. But keep your focus on what you want to do. Start with a friend and take their photos. Try it in all conditions. Get creative. Do things differently. If you find you don't like it move on and try something different.

[David Whatley]

Toms class would be a good one to attend and it;s local.
What hours and days do you work?

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

This would be so much easier to learn if I could afford college....

Sorry, this is not taught at any college in Texas. Have you watched any of the TV series "Kung Fu"? If so then you will understand when I say, "Patience Grasshopper". Or from Karate Kid, "Wax on, wax off". If it was easy then anyone could do it. I learned to do this with film.....no chimping.

[kenw]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

....
I'm always open to learn. ....

then you will do well. When you try a lot of things, you will undoubtedly become discouraged and be tempted to jump to whatever the next lesson/style/technique might be. Resist the urge.... Stay with one until you give it a fair shake and only then move on. Don't be afraid to re-visit a style or subject if you discover something new somewhere else. Copying a style is ok as long as you are using it as a tool to learn a technique.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by David Whatley

Toms class would be a good one to attend and it;s local.
What hours and days do you work?

We works 6am to 6pm, and technically my days off should be Thurs, Fri, and Sat. However since we are two people short right now, I've been working 7 day stretches with only a day or two off in between.