Dear Santa..

[SwissJon]

Ok. So I decided to try to be first this year.. I know I'm early but what I'd like might be quite tricky to get, so I thought I'd give St Nick a head start..

What I'd really like isn't a lens (Although I wouldn't be disgruntled if I got a 24-70 2.8) nor a camera body (The D800 is due soon isn't it?) or even a set of Lee Filters. No. What I'd really like is to spend a day or two out shooting with an award winning travel, street or Landscape photographer. I'd like to learn what they do differently to me, what I need to change that thowing money at the won't fix. I'd like to learn about how they prepare for a days shooting, and how they go about things on site, how they interact with their subjects and the environment to get those winning shots.

And failing that, I will try not to be too upset if you organised a photo shoot with several pretty girls.

So please, Dear Santa, make my wishes come true this year, you've got plenty of time to sort something out.

Thanks

SJ

[NicolaB]

Lol

Dear Santa Baby

I promise to be a VERY good girl for the rest of the year, so please, please, please can I do a course with Andrea Joki, portrait photographer and trainer?

Thank you Santa

[Krusty79]

The closest thing to that I can do for free is watch Peter Lik's show. He doesn't get too technical, but you can pick up some tips.

From the Edge With Peter Lik

What kind of tripod head is that?

[RichardTaylor]

Jon.

There may be another way of doing it.
There may be as Flickr group, or photography club in your area that does shoots.
Even though some of them may not be award winning photographers you can still learn a lot by being with them on a shoot, and they may learn something from you.
It's sometimes good just to bounce ideas, over coffee, around after a shoot.

Re the landscape photography.
I mentioned this in a reply to one of your previous posts about landscape photography.
It is not so much about equipment, as about planning when and where, and making sure you are on site and in a good shooting position no matter what the time of day or discomfort you may need to endure.
I shoot motor sport also and similar principals apply although the camera/lens you are using can be a lot more important.

[metallion58]

Let me put that in perspective...

I was a pretty good golfer but wanted to take my game to the next level.
So I went to see the pro at my local golf club and registered for lessons.
We went to the driving range. I hit the ball with the best swing I could, then turned around and asked the pro:

"What am I doing right?"

He said "Taking lessons".

Be careful what you wish for...

[MeAgain]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Ok. So I decided to try to be first this year.. I know I'm early but what I'd like might be quite tricky to get, so I thought I'd give St Nick a head start..

What I'd really like isn't a lens (Although I wouldn't be disgruntled if I got a 24-70 2.8) nor a camera body (The D800 is due soon isn't it?) or even a set of Lee Filters. No. What I'd really like is to spend a day or two out shooting with an award winning travel, street or Landscape photographer. I'd like to learn what they do differently to me, what I need to change that thowing money at the won't fix. I'd like to learn about how they prepare for a days shooting, and how they go about things on site, how they interact with their subjects and the environment to get those winning shots.

And failing that, I will try not to be too upset if you organised a photo shoot with several pretty girls.

So please, Dear Santa, make my wishes come true this year, you've got plenty of time to sort something out.

Thanks

SJ

Dear Santa:

What he said. Yeah, even the pretty girls. TYVM

Oh, and a speedlight would be nice too.

[Izzy]

Dear Santa,

I want a freakin break

[ElCapitanoAwesomo]

Dear Santa,

unfortunately, my list is rather long. granted, i'm patient, and i know i can wait for next year. the current item on the top off my list is a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8, closely followed by a medium format camera. digital would be ideal, but totally unrealistic. but film would be totally brilliant as well! a mamiya RZ67 is awesome, but i wouldnt mind a Bronica of some sort, and a Hasselblad would MAKE MY LIFE!! and 85mm is after a medium format. this is all judging i dont get that set of Bees i'm negotiating with my dad for my birthday. then that goes on top.

wait, this is only for cameras right?

[Bruce A]

The well-being of my wife, son, family and friends (and me). Then, a big lotto win to take care of everything else. In that order.

Oh yeah . . . . and world peace!

[SwissJon]

LoL.. I'm glad you're all getting into the Xmas spirit early..

@RichardTaylor and Metallion:

I'm happy to take lessons.. Unfortunately the lessons round here are either French or German, as are the photo clubs.. Being rather a shy soul in real life (As opposed to internet life) I'm kinda retiscent to go and join a group of photographers where I don't even share the same first language.

The reason for my sudden desire (It's not that sudden if I'm honest) is basically because recently seen some really stunning photos from travel and landscape photographers, and I'm really wondering how they approach their subjects. I've just subscribed to Nat Geo, and if I have an aim in life, something that said "I've made it" then for me, being a published Nat Geo photographer is definitely up there among the goals.