Where am I going wrong?

[kuul13]

I was wondering, it's been more than one and a half year with DPS, reading articles, looking at the images from fellow artists and learning BUT still something is MISSING in my photography high time. I am sure I lack a lot, I am saying this after seeing the number of responses to my posts. Not sure what am I missing, if it is basics? or an eye to photography? or composition? or colors? or selection of right picture to post?

In our world (computer programmer), they say, "no news is a good news" but here "no news means, bad news". Sometime it get's disappointing and discouraging to see no comments when you think "yes this time I guess I did reasonably good...". I know we can't control what people see or think but I am sure there will be a way to get noticed and get some encouragement. Of course the answer would be to "IMPROVE" my photography. I know I am improving everyday, but how to gauge it?

But, do you think I should put all my pictures for Critique and then post it to SYS?

Please do let me know some tips, suggestions, what ever you think I need to do to improve. Hope to get some positive response on this

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by kuul13

I was wondering, it's been more than one and a half year with DPS, reading articles, looking at the images from fellow artists and learning BUT still something is MISSING in my photography high time. I am sure I lack a lot, I am saying this after seeing the number of responses to my posts. Not sure what am I missing, if it is basics? or an eye to photography? or composition? or colors? or selection of right picture to post?

In our world (computer programmer), they say, "no news is a good news" but here "no news means, bad news". Sometime it get's disappointing and discouraging to see no comments when you think "yes this time I guess I did reasonably good...". I know we can't control what people see or think but I am sure there will be a way to get noticed and get some encouragement. Of course the answer would be to "IMPROVE" my photography. I know I am improving everyday, but how to gauge it?

But, do you think I should put all my pictures for Critique and then post it to SYS?

Please do let me know some tips, suggestions, what ever you think I need to do to improve. Hope to get some positive response on this

This feels like one of those how long is a piece of string? questions.

If you're looking for an ego boost by showing your images to other photographers, you're looking in the wrong place, in fact I"d say the only useful feedback you can get from us is when you allow us to rip the picture to shreds... some will do it with a smile on their face to soften the blow however...

...this is in direct opposition to trying to feel good about your stuff though.

I don't see many threads in Critique, when the guidelines are followed, that receive no feedback whatsoever though...

[IABoomer]

SYS I think gets a lot of views, but not many comments. If you're wanting to improve your photography, SYS isn't the spot. The rule against critiquing in SYS may lead to situations where someone wants to post something like, "It's a good picture, but to make it great...", but they feel they can't, so they don't post anything.

Pick a shot that you think might be close and post it in the critique section. Explain what you think of it, what you were trying to do, and ask if that comes across in the image. I think you'll get more/better responses to help you grow that way.

[mariselafm]

I just checked and most of your threads from this year were in the SYS section so you may want to try the Critique section instead (but don't post the same picture in both sections).

I am a begginer and I feel that I learn much more from reading critiques than the SYS section. Receiving critique will be the best way to gauge your improvement IMO.

[candidrachel]

I just thought I'd chime in and say that I know how the OP feels. I feel so frustrated at times that I am not learning fast enough and not producing the quality of photos that others produce. I blame my equipment. Yeah I know the saying "A bad workman always blames him tools" but its frustrating when you don't have a fast lens that would enable me to capture low light shots with ease, for example.

I look back at my shots over the past year and have progressed somewhat but they still lack. I think it's lighting issues more than anything and using the rule of thirds and I am working slowly on that.

I do kind of know what I should be doing but its the lack of subject matter too that holds me back.

I took a looks at the OP's photos and they do have potential and they are very pretty. It's a shame one of my my favourites such as BigFuzzy isn't around at the mo as he has given me some wonderful feedback and suggestions which I have saved for constant reminders!

[RichardTaylor]

+1 IABoomer's suggestion.

You may want to do a self critique on a photograph yourself before posting- keeping in mind.
(1) The viewer may have no relationship to the subject so that should make for on objective critique.

(2) How is it technically (sharp when it needs to be, correctly exposed).

(3) How is it aesthetic wise? There is a subject, there are no distracting elements, you are close enough etc.?

(4) would you want it hanging on your wall?

From hobbyst point of view and just having a very quick look at your photo stream, you do have the "eye" and a good grasp of the technicalities.

[SwissJon]

OK.. I'm going to have a little "critique" of your photostream in Flickr.

Technically, they're very good. They follow the rule of thirds, they don't appear to have many blown highlights and so on.. The photography is good... But it doesn't "SAY" anything..

Have a look at this photostream, it's someone I found accidentally a while ago who's doing a 365 project.. The photos aren't perfect, but they're very clever because they draw you in... Each photo tells a little story:

Flickr: bex finch's Photostream

Now I put a little head scratching into this, and I think the problem you're having is that you're being toooo strict with yourself.. Photography is an art form, it's a right brain activity, it's creative and imperfections can be a bonus, not a detrement. Stop thinking with the left side of your brain and add some poetry or Jazz into your work.

What I'd suggest you do is throw away the rule book.. Forget about taking technically perfect pictures for a while, go out with your camera and look for a story, take some pictures from wierd angles, do something different, have some fun with your camera, let go and find the flow.. What you have is a hobby.. If you treat it like you're in the army, your photos will be regimentally correct, but very boring.. If you add a bit of chilli and spice it up, who knows what will happen..

[NicolaB]

I am a year in and I feel frustrated too, I don't think there is anything unusual about that. If you could pick up a camera and a year in be a whizz, where would the challenge be?

I would recommend posting on the critique board. I have learnt all I know from posting there. It is great so long as you are not just wanting nice shot etc. Post expecting there to be an area of development and it is a very positive experience. People will be honest and point out where in their opinion your images can be stronger.


ps Jon - what is with the new Avatar - it is sending me cross eyed

[mshockley]

Have you considered getting involved with the weekly assignment challenges here?

You may not receive "critique" but in my opinion it certainly will help you strive to become a better photographer just by the challenge of a new "theme" each week.

There's no stopping you from setting out to capture the assignment image each week, and also posting it for critique.

For example, this week's assignment theme is Cinematic Widescreen, and we were to capture an image in 16:9 format or size it accordingly, with a "movie" type of feeling or idea, and even give the lost movie clip a name if we could.

Now with all this going on you would have some very direct questions to pose in the critique section!

[dvtldav]

One thing I do and it has helped me improve is to look at a photo that is posted in critique and critique it myself before I read any of the critiques from other members then compare my critique to their's. It is amazing what I have learned doing this.

Dave