Finding things frustrating

[BEGM83]

Ok so i went on a road trip with the other half at the weekend round the UK mainly for the purposes of taking photos (he's keen photographer too) and i found the whole experience really frustrating because i couldn't get the shots i knew i wanted to get. I could see what i wanted. But then i just couldn't quite get them. Almost like my camera was saying "ha ha im not going to get what you're looking at!" lol (yes yes i know the problem isn't the camera!)

Im kinda getting to the point of generally feeling frustrated with it anyway like i've reached a plateau and now don't know what to do to develop further when i have a whole heap of learning i can do in so many varied areas. I guess i take 'nice' pictures. Now i want to take 'good' pictures.

Any ideas of where to focus my attentions now i feel like i may have just got to grips with the basics? If it helps you point me in a direction my pics are in my snapixel link down there.

Much obliged!

[RichardTaylor]

To me, a hobbyst, it is;

Lighting: For the outdoor pics what time of the day are you shooting? What is the atmosphere like - is it boring blue skies or stormy/misty weather?

Composition - are you making the subject look interesting or just taking "snapshots".

Are you capturing "the moment" especially for non landscape pics

Hope this helps.
Richard

[Sterling]

I'm no pro, but here are my $.02. It sounds like you've reached the stage where just taking photos of what you are given isn't that satisfying. If you know what you'd like to get, maybe it's time to take the next step and actually go to the lengths required to make those "good" shots. It's become a photography cliche, but there really is a big difference between "taking" photos and "making" them.

Another way to break through a plateau is to concentrate on one type of shot for a while with the goal of mastering it. Try to get really good at night shots, or panning shots, or macro shots. Just something to concentrate on for a while.

This isn't directed a you BEGM83 but I think it's related to your post. I often read in the critique section where someone asks for help in improving a photo but it's accompanied by a reason why it wasn't better in the first place (e.g. couldn't get up early enough for the good light, didn't have time to wait for a better pose, didn't have my tripod with me, etc, etc.) I think that putting in the extra effort that involves some planning and dedication is often the difference between nice shots and good ones.

[Jim Bryant]

You need to tax yourself by using high and low angles of the same subject you are shooting. Be creative......get up early and shoot in the morning light and then in the evening light. Those are magical hours that can turn a mundane photo into a keeper. You need to keep driving yourself. Good luck!

When in doubt... blame the gear!

Great excuse to spend money on fancy new gear!

[Cypher]

I know exactly what the OP means, sometimes I feel like I understand it all then other times I feel like I dont understand anything. For me personally I find the area I live in very uninspiring or I find I just don't take the time to get the results I want.

[candidrachel]

I can so relate! So many times I think I'm "getting creative" using colour, shape, different perspectives and angles, side lighting, backlighting etc and then I upload the photos on the pc and get frustrated and horrified!! The photos aren't how I remembered them at all: Horrible flat lighting and nothing short of a "snapshot". I've always said that there is no such thing as failure in life only lessons to be learnt, opportunities and consequences.

Keep shooting, keep trying, keep going.

ps It's important to keep in mind that a camera only sees things in 2D so you have to try to make the illusion in a photo to give the 3D effect. This is a lesson I still struggle with.

Today we are going to Paultons Park a place I have photographed many, many times before but this time I am going to "get creative" using totally different angles and try to perfect the "panning technique".

[IainM]

here's an idea that I've been looking in to recently myself, mainly because I found myself in the same position you are in.

Study painting, paintings and painters. Meaning, read books on how to compose, light, and colour paintings. (you can ignore the sections on brushes and whatnot).
Look at lots of paintings. And look at collections of painter's works.

The reason I say this is that perhaps you are like me; you understand the technical side of the camera, you've read all the manuals and technique tutorials and you understand what does what and all that. But perhaps you've not spent enough time on the ART side of photography.

since starting this little side study, I've found that I've started taking a LOT less photos too. (I take that as a good sign.)

Just a thought.

[Cypher]

here's an idea that I've been looking in to recently myself, mainly because I found myself in the same position you are in.

Study painting, paintings and painters. Meaning, read books on how to compose, light, and colour paintings. (you can ignore the sections on brushes and whatnot).
Look at lots of paintings. And look at collections of painter's works.

The reason I say this is that perhaps you are like me; you understand the technical side of the camera, you've read all the manuals and technique tutorials and you understand what does what and all that. But perhaps you've not spent enough time on the ART side of photography.

since starting this little side study, I've found that I've started taking a LOT less photos too. (I take that as a good sign.)

Just a thought.

Thats a great idea, im in !

[harish sutar]

Just dont take it too serious...have fun with your photography...You are too engaged with the idea 'yes i have to take only good photographs'. Start from the small things and try to improve.Have fun! Hope this helps!