searching for my inner-photographer

[Barbara V]

I used to consider myself a fairly good photographer. But that was 20 to 30 years ago, when I was young ( about 25-40), and I carried my camera with me absolutely everywhere I went. My eyes were young and I saw things in a fresh way. This is not to say that every picture I took was a gem... far from it. But there were those scattered gems here and there, and they pulled me further into photography. In the past 15 years or so, life's circumstances took me away from photography a great deal. Now I'm back into it with my new Dslr, and I'm finding it hard to find my inner-photographer again. I've taken some 600 photos with the new camera now, and haven't found a decent rock among them, nevermind a gem. I don't go as many places as I did when I was younger. My world has shrunk. The newness of learning all the digital gizmos has me feel like a novice photographer again. I think that has a great deal to do with it. Did any of you long time photographers feel amaturish again when you entered the digital world. Or is it just that I've been away from it for so long. I used to be so comfortable with a camera. Will I ever feel that way again, I wonder?

[zona5101]

It's easy to get wrapped around the buttons, knobs and wheels and forget how to look through the lens. It's all the same as before, just now wrapped up in fancy controls. Once you get past that, you'll see that viewfinder clear up nicely...

[Barbara V]

Thanks. That's what I'm praying for.

[FromtheBackofaHorse]

Try to make it about the experience and not necessarily the result.

I have a love for both photography and horseback riding. Some days I don't do either one with a wonderful result but I always have a wonderful time doing them.

[Barbara V]

Thank you for the good advice. You're right.. it is about the experience. I do my best when I feel a little nervous and excited when clicking the shutter.. it can be exihilerating.

[ZannieGirl49]

I'm not someone who was a photographer pre-digital age and then got back into it. But I definitely get many more rocks than gems.

I really like the advice you've been given too. I try to make it about the experience for myself as well. If I'm at the beach with a friend and I get zero shots, at least I spent the day at the beach with a friend. I don't think I can really complain about a day spent that way.

[LeeR]

Your experience and mine are very similar. Film and difital are very different and making the switch can be a bumpy and frustrating ride. However, the new tools are simply magnificent. I have a large file of images that have come close but have somehow disappointed. Then I will learn some new technique and find I can breathe new life into one of those images and it is every bit as exciting as seeing your fist b&w image magically appear in the developer. Don't throw anything away; there is hope yet for your work.

I love your quote from Minor White. He has always been a favorite of mine; a man ahead of his time. He found a connection between his work and the spiritual at a time when few others were thinking that way. Maybe Georgia O'Keefe. You may find your own connection and find your work and your spirit in tune.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by Barbara V

Did any of you long time photographers feel amaturish again when you entered the digital world. Or is it just that I've been away from it for so long. I used to be so comfortable with a camera.

No. Maybe I am comfortable with technologies or both the photographers and the industries were still learning from each other back in 2001 when I got my Canon D30.

Originally Posted by Barbara V

Will I ever feel that way again, I wonder?

Why not?

Originally Posted by LeeR

Then I will learn some new technique and find I can breathe new life into one of those images and it is every bit as exciting as seeing your fist b&w image magically appear in the developer.

That would be Eureka and a magic moment for me respectively.

[JACOBY]

I'm lost sometimes also the switch from film to digital throws me off this camera got more buttons than the wifes microwave oven. and i find myself just going in the manual mode all the time when i get confused. I'm used to my old gear off in on photography for about 25 years everything manual. But I'll get there. P.S Great Site It taught me a lot Thank You Ladies and Gents

[Barbara V]

I know exactly how you feel. Hey, there's nothing wrong with going into manual mode ... I think it's the best place to be.