Have you ever doubted your photography skills?

[sma200]

If I see photo's taken by someone that is better than I am, then I doubt my own abilities since they don't size up to theirs. However, I like to look at photo's better than mine so that I can learn.

Anyone else doubt themselves?

[ysierra]

YES! I have doubted my photography work many times! I, ofcourse, am not a professional. However I have done some work here and there...sometimes it helps me get opinions from people who are not family or friends, it helps boost my confidence. I too look at other photographer's work, to learn. I try to imitate photos they have done until I get close to the same result, it helps me learn new settings in my camera.

[dalmorloson]

I wouldn't call it doubt. I KNOW that I have a lot to learn. Looking at good photos is giving me a wealth of information. I just got my first "real" camera about two weeks ago. Thanks to this site, a whole lot of other reading, and looking at good photos, I feel I have learned so much. Now all I need is a couple thousand hours to start figuring it all out and putting it together. Can't wait!

[faeriegodess612]

I believe we all do at some point, especially when we're first really getting into it. I've had this moment before, and I'm starting to have it again now that I've gotten a new camera. Your not alone, we all have our times like that.

Looking at photos from more experienced photographers can help you to learn how to take the types of shots that you find appealing. Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.

[RichardTaylor]

When I try something new.
The main thing is to keep beavering away at it and after a while the good shots will come.

[Aegea]

Yes, very often. I am finding it is very difficult to acquire (or re-acquire) good "photographic vision" when one is older. I took a lot of photos when I was much younger, using a simple rangefinder camera, and then dropped the hobby for a long time, just took snapshots really. Looking back at those 40-year old photos, I don't think I could much better now, if at all. Just keep trying, I guess.

[zona5101]

i think you will find it is a cyclical experience. You will doubt, then gain confidence, then learn more and have doubt then think your doing well then think you suck...it's like climbing a mountain, you do ok when you keep your eyes on the path directly ahead but when you look up to the summit you realize how far you have still to travel....and the climb gets harder the higher you ascend.

[kirbinster]

I agree with Bruce. I have gone through periods where I think everything I take is crap. Then the next day or week I will take a shot that I think is the best I have ever taken.

[Stephanie C]

Well, I really have no experience, so I don't know what my ability is yet. However, I do feel intimidated when looking through the amazing photos in some of the threads which makes me a little apprehensive about posting any of mine.
BUT, I know that the only way to learn is to give it a shot, and since there are so many people who can take amazing pictures, that means there are so many people that I can learn from!

(Having said that, I still am yet to post one... )

[naeno]

Oh yeah! I'm with Bruce on this one. I think I'm doing pretty well, then...um, not so much. Just keep working, plowing, and learning.