how can I know that I am a good photographer?

[lspec]

I like photography but I never had studied photography.
I only had read a lot of information for a photographer, composition, depth of field, etc.

and I also "trained" my eye looking a lot of good pictures, not to imitate them but for to practice, (its like cars, you can learn watching how you father do it )

these are a few pictures that I think are good. I really apreciate if you tell me what I miss or what I need to improve....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/LSpecesar

[windrider86]

Its hard to go thru a ton of photos and tell you if you are good or not.
You might try posting some in the critque section and in the Share Your Shots section. (be sure to read the guidelines before posting)
I'm willing to bet you'll get all the feedback you need.

[lspec]

ok thanks I will do it-
I am not looking for good comments, I really want advices to improve my way to take pictures.

again thanks

[Taallyn]

If you show someone a photograph and they respond with, "Wow! You must have a nice camera.", then you might be a good photographer.

[gazsus]

Originally Posted by Taallyn

If you show someone a photograph and they respond with, "Wow! You must have a nice camera.", then you might be a good photographer.

I like it.

[luminescent]

Originally Posted by lspec

I like photography but I never had studied photography.
I only had read a lot of information for a photographer, composition, depth of field, etc.

and I also "trained" my eye looking a lot of good pictures, not to imitate them but for to practice, (its like cars, you can learn watching how you father do it )

these are a few pictures that I think are good. I really apreciate if you tell me what I miss or what I need to improve....

Flickr: LSpec's Photostream

There is nothing wrong with imitating the work of others, provided you are also attempting to make it your own. The best way to learn is to imitate the masters and those whose work you appreciate. Besides, it is the best form of flattery to those who came before, to have their work appreciated by imitation.

As for how one knows.. That's a tough one. Get lots of critiques, don't be afraid of critiques. Sometimes, someone with a criqitue will say something that you feel you need to lash out at. Don't. Either take something good away from the bad critiques.. Critiques are always opinion. There is no bad way to do something but your best work will say something to someone.

The way I see it, if a photo I post makes someone feel something, either angry or happy, then you've done good work.

For me, the worst thing in the world is when I post an image and I get NO REACTION at all. I've found that there are two possible reasons for this type of non-reaction:

1) the image is so good that jealousy overtakes the photographer crowd
2) the photo stirs no emotion in the viewer.

#2 is typical. #1 only happens on certain forums where only prima-donnas hang out. I try and stay away from those forums.

The folks here at DPS are a good crowd. Critiques are usually spot on and are not usually mean. It is an awesome thing when we can all appreciate each others work and help each other attain that holy grail of OUR BEST.

..now I am off to view your photos and, if necessary, give you some tips to help improve your craft.

[luminescent]

Hey again L..

I took a look and added you to my Flickr contact list. Feel free to check out my Flickr.

Now...

It appears that you are where I was not so long ago..I think what you need to do is find something that really inspires you and photograph it from many angles. Do this with as many of your subjects as possible. This will help you find your inspiration, visually. This is because you will be revolving around your subject and, as long as the lighting isn't flat, the light and, most importantly, the shadows will change between each shot.

Now, look at those photos you took and see which ones look most pleasing to you and then examine the image and what it is that makes it pleasing to you. Was it the perspective? Was it the lighting?

The reason I say this is because, after looking at your images, I was not that inspired. That said, two images *do* stand out to me but they have issues which I would have compensated for, with my experienced eye.

1. The watch. A potentially good image but the highlight on the top-right side blew out the watch detail. There are way to compensate for that. Using fill light and reducing exposure time is one. Combining exposures is another.

2. The doorway. This one would have been a lot better if either the door opening wasn't overexposed OR if there was someone standing in the doorway. When and if you can, add people to your scenes. People add a dimension to a "good" image that can make it a "great" image.

Those 2 stand out for me as your better composed shots.

The car shots have potential but I think your shutter speed was too high for action shots. Lower the shutter speed and pan so that the cars are sharply in focus and the ground shows motion. sometimes it takes a longer lens for this to work. A wide(er) angle lens has the innate effect of freezing action if you don't stop down or at least choose a longer shutter speed.

I hope this reply doesn't insult you as that is not my intention. I was once where you are.

Lastly.. My rule #1: SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT! The more you shoot, the more you will train your eye and learn the aspects of photography and your camera.

[sdphil]

Ok you asked and I like that since I too would love more constructive advise on ,ine.

I really liked the one of the clips. Good eye, composition, lighting and it holds your attention once you look at it.

The others, especially the car ones have not as good lighting and the backgrounds are distracting. I would have positioned myself where that car was better lit and zoomed in for a more dramatic shot.

Though I don't think that any pic is bad technique and skill can make any shot more interesting and moving. I think that's what makes a successful image.

Hope I helped

Phil

[lspec]

Originally Posted by luminescent

There is nothing wrong with imitating the work of others, provided you are also attempting to make it your own. The best way to learn is to imitate the masters and those whose work you appreciate. Besides, it is the best form of flattery to those who came before, to have their work appreciated by imitation.

As for how one knows.. That's a tough one. Get lots of critiques, don't be afraid of critiques. Sometimes, someone with a criqitue will say something that you feel you need to lash out at. Don't. Either take something good away from the bad critiques.. Critiques are always opinion. There is no bad way to do something but your best work will say something to someone.

The way I see it, if a photo I post makes someone feel something, either angry or happy, then you've done good work.

For me, the worst thing in the world is when I post an image and I get NO REACTION at all. I've found that there are two possible reasons for this type of non-reaction:

1) the image is so good that jealousy overtakes the photographer crowd
2) the photo stirs no emotion in the viewer.

#2 is typical. #1 only happens on certain forums where only prima-donnas hang out. I try and stay away from those forums.

The folks here at DPS are a good crowd. Critiques are usually spot on and are not usually mean. It is an awesome thing when we can all appreciate each others work and help each other attain that holy grail of OUR BEST.

..now I am off to view your photos and, if necessary, give you some tips to help improve your craft.

That is why I found this forum, I post in other forum where the "friends" ignore the people outside his circle

Originally Posted by luminescent

Hey again L..

I took a look and added you to my Flickr contact list. Feel free to check out my Flickr.

Now...

It appears that you are where I was not so long ago..I think what you need to do is find something that really inspires you and photograph it from many angles. Do this with as many of your subjects as possible. This will help you find your inspiration, visually. This is because you will be revolving around your subject and, as long as the lighting isn't flat, the light and, most importantly, the shadows will change between each shot.

Now, look at those photos you took and see which ones look most pleasing to you and then examine the image and what it is that makes it pleasing to you. Was it the perspective? Was it the lighting?

The reason I say this is because, after looking at your images, I was not that inspired. That said, two images *do* stand out to me but they have issues which I would have compensated for, with my experienced eye.

1. The watch. A potentially good image but the highlight on the top-right side blew out the watch detail. There are way to compensate for that. Using fill light and reducing exposure time is one. Combining exposures is another.

2. The doorway. This one would have been a lot better if either the door opening wasn't overexposed OR if there was someone standing in the doorway. When and if you can, add people to your scenes. People add a dimension to a "good" image that can make it a "great" image.

Those 2 stand out for me as your better composed shots.

The car shots have potential but I think your shutter speed was too high for action shots. Lower the shutter speed and pan so that the cars are sharply in focus and the ground shows motion. sometimes it takes a longer lens for this to work. A wide(er) angle lens has the innate effect of freezing action if you don't stop down or at least choose a longer shutter speed.

I hope this reply doesn't insult you as that is not my intention. I was once where you are.

Lastly.. My rule #1: SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT! The more you shoot, the more you will train your eye and learn the aspects of photography and your camera.

Not taken Actually this is the kind of advices i need, and look for. Thank you

Originally Posted by sdphil

Ok you asked and I like that since I too would love more constructive advise on ,ine.

I really liked the one of the clips. Good eye, composition, lighting and it holds your attention once you look at it.

The others, especially the car ones have not as good lighting and the backgrounds are distracting. I would have positioned myself where that car was better lit and zoomed in for a more dramatic shot.

Though I don't think that any pic is bad technique and skill can make any shot more interesting and moving. I think that's what makes a successful image.

Hope I helped

Phil

of course you helped me

[Jim Bryant]

You have some very nice images posted. One thing might help is cropping some of the excess out of your photos to make the images stronger.