What's YOUR excuse?

TelePaul

I don't do an awful lot of photography. I take my camera with me most places, but invariably it's left in the car or in its case. On the rare occasion that I do take it, I'll snap off a couple of shots and delete them before transferring to my PC.

I blame this on two things. Firstly, I don't see the point in doing something unless you're going to do it well. I wont bother processing a shot unless I think it has the potential to be a great shot - lighting, colour, composition etc. As a result, there are about a half-dozen shots on my Flickr that I'm genuinely pleased with.

I also HATE the weather...I'm primarily interested in shooting landscapes and nature but I don't think Ireland is particularly well-suited to this kind of thing. I know that's a bold statement, so let me qualify it. Last Sunday, I took my camera on a hike in wicklow. After walking for about fifteen minutes, the heavens opened. I was soaked, and naturally, a rainy afternoon didn't provide much by way of useable light. So the day was quite the write-off.

So I'm wondering....do you guys find yourselves making excuses?

mike65

Weather no question, roll on autumn and its beguiling low angles.

Mike.

Ricky91t

Mine would be where i live is quiet boring i cant get anywhere as iv got no car so i rely on family.Which wouldn't enjoy driving me round so i can take pictures.
Weather is another thing which annoys me as i love outdoor stuff more than indoor..

I am going to london soon so lots of pictures....but i hear the police are weary of photographers :pac:



I can picture shots in my head of places near me but i neve rget the time/weather to shoot them

TelePaul

Glad it's not just me who hates the weather. I'd shoot more in two days in California than I would all year here. I'm gonna check out the wicklow OS maps now.

Dodgykeeper

Firstly, I don't see the point in doing something unless you're going to do it well

If this where the case with me then I would not play Cricket or Golf and would be childless

In fairness there are very few truly "great shots" I know I have never taken one, has anyone here taken a truly great shot!

BanzaiBk

I think I took as many photos a day here as I did in when I lived in America. You've got to work with what you have, not what you wish you had. Plastic bags on the cam/lens and your grand:P

TelePaul

Dodgykeeper wrote: »

Firstly, I don't see the point in doing something unless you're going to do it well

If this where the case with me then I would not play Cricket or Golf and would be childless

There are VERY few things I'd do in spite of being bad at them...sex would be one, but as long as I have my fun, that's all that matters!

Jokes aside, I think it's important to validate the money I've spent on camera stuff by persevering to achieve quality results...does it make more sense when I say it that way? I just got a 17-40mm L which set me back a fair bit...and if I don't start producing decent images, it'll have been a waste.

City-Exile

This was taken last week, in the wind & rain, at Mahon Falls in Co. Waterford.
I think there was enough light to get decent colour.
It's all about the time of day you go out.
Early morning, or late evening, when the sun is lower in the sky, makes for nicer landscape shots, in my opinion.



For the record, I'm not saying that this is a great shot, simply that there was sufficient light to capture colour, despite the inclement weather.

TelePaul

BanzaiBk wrote: »

I think I took as many photos a day here as I did in when I lived in America. You've got to work with what you have, not what you wish you had. Plastic bags on the cam/lens and your grand:P

Good point...I guess a better question would be "Whats holding you back?"

Dodgykeeper

Jokes aside, I think it's important to validate the money I've spent on camera stuff by persevering to achieve quality results...does it make more sense when I say it that way? I just got a 17-40mm L which set me back a fair bit...and if I don't start producing decent images, it'll have been a waste.


I know what you are saying but its your money and assuming you have not gone to a loan shark or spent the Mortgage money then its about the enjoyment of tryng to get the "Great" shot, again I can see your point if you see your outlay as an investment which you expect a return from.

City-Exile

Dodgykeeper wrote: »

In fairness there are very few truly "great shots" I know I have never taken one, has anyone here taken a truly great shot!

Of course it's all subjective, but if I had to go toe-to-toe with the masters, I'd proudly present this shot...




I still get a fantastic reaction from people who see it.
It inspires me to keep going.

lilbandit

First few posts, been browsing this forum for a while! Weather can be an issue for me but I think patience is my biggest problem! Don't mind hiking anywhere but I sometimes have to force myself to pick a good spot and spend time there to wait for the light to happen. I've taken lots of mediocre shots because I wouldn't wait! Sometimes find that getting to a good location at the right time can be tricky, early morning or late evening aren't always best times to be hiking!

Ricky91t

Great pic peader really like that

I think it all depends on poples taste some of my shots iv taken i think are ok.And other people really like.I think as photographers we can quickly spot the bad points of a shot.But other people take no notice

Dodgykeeper

A great shot yes but not imho not a truly great shot, no offence,

This I would call a truly great shot:

http://www.sportsfile.com/id/044902/

Maybe the greatness of the shot isnt just determined by the actual picture but in this case the greatness of the moment, Robbie Keane has just missed a chance for Ireland (again) and Trevor Molloy has scored the goal that meant his club have beaten Aberdeen away in the UEFA cup, turn it around and Robbie has just missed a penalty in the final minute of the world cup final and Trev has just scored a jammy goal against Athlone in St Mels then Peaders is the truly great shot

kensutz

I find no reason to make excuses. Photography is there to capture a moment no matter what the conditions are. Even this week I'm on night shift 12-8 and I have my cameras with me just in case. 12 months ago I probably wouldn't have had them with me but the last time on nights there was a travellers feud in Waterford and I heard an explosion and could get in the car and within 5 minutes be at the place where the incident took place.

Hugh_C

TelePaul wrote: »

Last Sunday, I took my camera on a hike in wicklow. After walking for about fifteen minutes, the heavens opened. I was soaked, and naturally, a rainy afternoon didn't provide much by way of useable light. So the day was quite the write-off.

That's just laziness, I too went out on a hike in Wicklow with my camera, got soaked on maybe three or four separate occasions on my way up Tonelagee.

Now maybe these aren't the best shots in the world, but I enjoyed taking them, and they mean something to me.

I'll offer you 100 quid for your gear ...

:P

unreggd

Im the same, i hardly ever jus go out snappin, I usually only do it when I'm hired, or shooting for family/friends [christening/communion etc]

The list goes on:
I work crap hours, most days 2 til half 10 so cant do anything in the mornins cos i do be in bed, and too tired after work

Crap weather

Crap Ireland Syndrome = lack of inspiration

I do be scarleh to just go around random places snappin

^thats somethin I really hafta learn to get over


Anyways, Im off to Canada for a month on the 21st so ill be doin plenty o snappin over there

then Dubai for 3 months from November

Calina

Some days it works and some days it doesn't.

whyulittle

Dodgykeeper wrote: »

Maybe the greatness of the shot isnt just determined by the actual picture but in this case the greatness of the moment, Robbie Keane has just missed a chance for Ireland (again) and Trevor Molloy has scored the goal that meant his club have beaten Aberdeen away in the UEFA cup, turn it around and Robbie has just missed a penalty in the final minute of the world cup final and Trev has just scored a jammy goal against Athlone in St Mels then Peaders is the truly great shot

Mel's was looking well there, it has to be said. :P

Personally, I take photos when I want to, don't feel the need to make excuses to myself or anyone else over it. Have left the camera packed away on sunny days, but shot in the lashing rain other times.

TelePaul

unreggd wrote: »

Crap Ireland Syndrome = lack of inspiration

I hear that!

TelePaul

Hugh_C wrote: »

That's just laziness, I too went out on a hike in Wicklow with my camera, got soaked on maybe three or four separate occasions on my way up Tonelagee.

Now maybe these aren't the best shots in the world, but I enjoyed taking them, and they mean something to me.

I'll offer you 100 quid for your gear ...

:P

Here's one of mine...but it's terrible.

challengemaster

I have the joy of living in moate, the most un-interesting ****hole place in Ireland! And it's just recently been bypassed, which means there's even less going on in the town... atleast before there were traffic jams :cool:

soccerc

Dodgykeeper wrote: »

A great shot yes but not imho not a truly great shot, no offence,

This I would call a truly great shot:

http://www.sportsfile.com/id/044902/

Maybe the greatness of the shot isnt just determined by the actual picture but in this case the greatness of the moment, Robbie Keane has just missed a chance for Ireland (again) and Trevor Molloy has scored the goal that meant his club have beaten Aberdeen away in the UEFA cup, turn it around and Robbie has just missed a penalty in the final minute of the world cup final and Trev has just scored a jammy goal against Athlone in St Mels then Peaders is the truly great shot

You're bang on when it comes to a sporting moment, it's the context of the image and the moment it captures. The Billy boy pic is infamous but then again he was aware of where the Irish snapper was and knew how to play the camera.

The pic below while not technically great is very personal as it was the goal that secured the club I support their first ever away win in European football. That day I'd have preferred to have been with my fellow friends in the stand celebrating and having a few pints before the game and could have come up with an excuse to so do. However I wanted to be there to record the event and maybe capture something specialfor posterity.

For me it captures the emotion and was privilaged to have it reproduced on the sportspages of Irish newspapers.





In relation to players knowing where the camera is this one is an example with Mark Quigley looking directly at the lens but again I would not class it as a good pic.

majiktripp

I dont know if any of ye feel this but thought I'd throw it out there, I recently bought a D3 for myself (which is now the single most expensive new item I have owned so far) and of course I'm here in NZ for a year so I have been very very nervous about using the camera in public. Several morning's I have taken the camera bag with me and just gone for walks with the intention of using it but never do..its just the fear factor of someone whomping me and doing a legger with it..even though thats probably highly unlikely but being in a foreign country it's hard to let your guard down..if you get me. Currently thats my biggest excuse.

Deliverance XXV

We drove for an hour and a quarter last Sunday to get to Mahon Falls. We got to the car park no problem. Snapped a few pics. Halfway down the trail came hailstones. Absolutely miserable. Waited in the car for 15 mins afterwards before giving up.
Weather... Pah.

City-Exile

unreggd wrote: »

Crap Ireland Syndrome = lack of inspiration

TelePaul wrote: »

I hear that!

I take offence to this!
Ireland is full of magical places & people.

I used to have a teacher who said, "only boring people get bored!"
In the same way, I think that only people with a lack of imagination, would fail to be inspired in Ireland.

City-Exile

Dodgykeeper wrote: »

This I would call a truly great shot:

http://www.sportsfile.com/id/044902/

I won't thank you for making me look at TM.
Nearly made me throw up in my corn flakes!
Didn't need to see that toe-rag so early in the morning.

el_loco_blanco

On the days the light is good its nice to get out but when the weather is bad push yourself into taking photos in a style you would not normally use. On the bad days I get tinfoil and put it on my coffee table and then take macro shots of different household objects or glasses full of different coloured liquid. You would be surprised what you get! In relation to taking photos and deleting them, I use a tripod where ever possible. It forces you to think about your shot and to get the composition right. Even dull scenery has something in it.

Calina

I'm with el_loco on this one. I've done it with Christmas decorations, little ikkle ornaments and bits of clothing, broken wineglasses and the like. and Yankee candles.

The world isn't there to deliver great photographic opportunities - it's for you to go and find them and to be honest, the blocker in most cases is in your own mind, not in the weather.

Paulw

I've watched this thread and decided to post a view now.

TelePaul wrote: »

I don't do an awful lot of photography.

I blame this on two things. Firstly, I don't see the point in doing something unless you're going to do it well.

How are you going to learn and improve if you don't start off as crap? Sometimes I play with settings, to see what effect it will have, and I take photos just for the sake of taking photos.

I will sometimes process an image I know is crap, just to see what different adjustments/effects will have on an image.

TelePaul wrote: »

I also HATE the weather.

It's Ireland, get over it. It rains here. Get some weather gear for yourself and your camera.

I went on holidays to Scotland last year. We hit some really horrible weather and conditions, but I got wrapped up and went out in it, and captured some images that I really love. Peadar's photo of the waterfall is an example of what can be done, even in poor light and conditions.

City-Exile wrote: »

Ireland is full of magical places & people.

I used to have a teacher who said, "only boring people get bored!"
In the same way, I think that only people with a lack of imagination, would fail to be inspired in Ireland.

That is just so true.

People sometimes are just too lazy and use any excuse not to do something. It's cold, it's wet, it's too hot, it's too bright, it's too dark, it's too ..... come on people. Have some imagination. :eek:

If you don't like the rain, fine - stay indoors. Macro photography of house plants, macro photography of water drops, portrait photography - all can be done indoors, in nice warm and dry conditions.

But the title of this topic is correct - people just make excuses. Not valid reasons for not taking photos, but excuses.

As for what is a great photo - that's so subjective. What one dislikes, another likes. Live with it. :P

So, stop making excuses, and get out and take some photos.

Ricky91t

challengemaster wrote: »

I have the joy of living in moate, the most un-interesting ****hole place in Ireland! And it's just recently been bypassed, which means there's even less going on in the town... atleast before there were traffic jams :cool:

Atleast you used to have traffic only traffic that passes me is when the other roads are being tarmaced :mad:


I do take my camera everywhere but not many oppurtunities

Dades

TelePaul wrote: »

Last Sunday, I took my camera on a hike in wicklow. After walking for about fifteen minutes, the heavens opened. I was soaked, and naturally, a rainy afternoon didn't provide much by way of useable light. So the day was quite the write-off.

I hear your pain about the crap light. I was hiking in Wicklow on Monday and it was mostly dull.

I think in those circumstances you have to stop looking up and look down. While you might not come home with the landscapes you hoped, you may come across some interesting macro stuff, or even some interesting looking sheep!

That said, my hike was so strenuous I only took a handfull, of which this is the only one that saw any attention!

Dragan

About 95% of the time i have a camera on me, irregardless of where i am going or what i am doing. It's a lesson learned from having missed some shots i would have liked to take.

As for the "good/great/truly great" thing, i thinks is safer to say you don't like a shot you have taken, or that you don't think it's all that good or it has this flaw or that flaw rather than just say "Yeah, i really like this" and have other people say it's not a great shot.

sheesh

I know we are getting alot of rain this summer but there are some sunny spells if you don't want to go out and photograph try going for tours looking possible locations that might be good on a particular day. as for the poster living in moate: well there is a challenge for you take a nice or interesting picture of Moate.

I dont blame you all for the complaining it has been a disappointing summer when nature does not play ball I normally end up doing something like this:


or this



actually i have seen some really cool pictures of heavy rain hitting pavements on flickr so maybe we should have a rain drops competition!!!



also OP everything comes off the camera I would not trust the screen for making a judgment like that. plenty shots I thought were good on the screen were useless and the odd one that i took that did not look so great suprised me after editing it.

Although I have to admit that sometimes I put crap photos on my flickr just to feel that little zing of satisfaction of putting one up

sheesh

MartMax

does anyone feel "getting too much attention from surrounding crowds" as another excuse?

elven

You can't force yourself to do something if you haven't got any inspiration. I suppose the key is to find out what your inspiration is. If it's amazing light, then you're going to either have to come to terms with the fact that it doesn't happen every day, or go out of your way to go find it. It helps to know what you're trying to get out of the whole photography thing too - do you want breathtaking landscapes to frame and hang on your wall? Or do you just want the excuse to get out and about, and having a camera in hand gives you that? Are you trying to say something, interact with your environment, work something out in your head? Are you trying to capture something?

I used to get frustrated because I did the flowers thing, and I had to go somewhere particular to do it - like the bots, or another garden or park type place. Then, for some reason when I got the holga lens, I started to look at buildings in a different way - and it opened up a whole new avenue of inspiration for me, which I can use even during my lunch hour because there's a fair few buildings on my doorstep...

I suppose what I'm saying is that trying something different can help wake up your muse. And sometimes, it's best just to put the camera away and wait until it comes and tugs on your sleeve again. Give yourself a break.

elven

mart_max wrote: »

does anyone feel "getting too much attention from surrounding crowds" as another excuse?

That would also encompass the funny looks or smart remarks when people see you on your knees shooting a brick wall. Thankfully I've started to get over it.

jackdaw

TelePaul wrote: »

I don't do an awful lot of photography. I take my camera with me most places, but invariably it's left in the car or in its case. On the rare occasion that I do take it, I'll snap off a couple of shots and delete them before transferring to my PC.

I blame this on two things. Firstly, I don't see the point in doing something unless you're going to do it well. I wont bother processing a shot unless I think it has the potential to be a great shot - lighting, colour, composition etc. As a result, there are about a half-dozen shots on my Flickr that I'm genuinely pleased with.

I also HATE the weather...I'm primarily interested in shooting landscapes and nature but I don't think Ireland is particularly well-suited to this kind of thing. I know that's a bold statement, so let me qualify it. Last Sunday, I took my camera on a hike in wicklow. After walking for about fifteen minutes, the heavens opened. I was soaked, and naturally, a rainy afternoon didn't provide much by way of useable light. So the day was quite the write-off.

So I'm wondering....do you guys find yourselves making excuses?

I have to disagree with you there on Ireland being bad for the photos,
I live in Spain , and the light is too much .. washes colours out, and there
isn't good evening light, it gets dark quickly, the land is a horrible brown/yellow colour.. Ireland on the other hand.. ok bad weather a lot of the
time but when you have nice weather with all that green .. fantastic ..

I was home a few weeks ago and had nice weather, really miss that gorgeous late evening sun (the best for photography) and that GREEN ..


IReland is top for Photos... just be patient..

tullaman

TelePaul says:

I wont bother processing a shot unless I think it has the potential to be a great shot - lighting, colour, composition etc.

Don't let the great stand in the way of the good!

Sometimes what you think is going to be quite an ordinary photo turns out to be excellent. And the extra effort of processing a photograph (now we are all digital) is tiny in comparison to the effort of actually getting out there an taking the photo. So once you're out - snap like a mad man. You spent a load of money on your equipment? Then it is a much greater waste not to take any reasonable photo oppurtunity rather than "wasting" electrons on taking a poor photo.

When you get home a quick glance on your pc monitor will tell you if the photo is going to be any good and deserves a bit of enhancement via photoshop/gimp. BTW did you say that you delete most of your shots after reviewing on the LCD? Don't. Give them a chance. You can delete whenever but once it's gone...

Finally, it sounds to me that what you want to do is 'make great photos' but you are not so keen on 'taking photos'. They are different things and it will help you in the former if you like the latter. I want to make great photos; But equally I like just going out and photographing whatever takes my fancy regardless of sun/rain/cityscape/landscape/whatever. If the results are decidedly ordinary it is still not a waste of time - I enjoyed myself.

Now get out there and get snap happy; We won't force you to post up any photos that don't make the grade!

Placebo

weather
same scenery = ireland
boringggg havent taken any in a few months

sheesh

jackdaw wrote: »

FANTASTIC!!!!

it is isn't it. unfortunately i can only dream about having equipment weatherproof enough to take that kind of picture .

btw the pic links back to a site with some real cool photographs

soccerc

Rain or weather is probably the last excuse I'd use. Lack of motiviation would be more relevant personally or the chance to forget the camera and instead have the few pints and stand on the terrace with my friends.

Last week I got a thorough soaking as did the players but it dion't stop them playing nor did I want to stop snapping.

Paulw

thimblefull wrote: »

Last week I got a thorough soaking as did the players but it dion't stop them playing nor did I want to stop snapping.

I totally agree. I've sat at sports events in the worst weather, and in fact, sometimes the rain and poor weather enables you to capture images you otherwise wouldn't.

The rain can add to the mood of the photo.



In fact, the Leinster -V- Munster game had to be the worst conditions I've shot under, with such heavy rain. But, it was really worth it, especially with this image.



The rain at sporting events doesn't bother me. I get the rain gear on, and I'm set. To be honest, I hate the cold a lot more. But that's just me.

ThOnda

Excuses:
Still on film - it takes approximately €16 per roll and a week to get to the lab and back.
Saving/investing money in more important things than photography.
Waiting for Canon 5DMkII (A.K.A. 7D).
Self-learning processing.

Inspiration is everywhere. If I get bored (and I mean really bored), I take camera without film, fully opened prime lens and I am discovering the place I am at that moment - kitchen, living room, back garden...

Being didjital, I would do much much more photography. Just to learn other ways and fields of it - macros, structures, using light and flashes, joining more photography explorations and studio shoots, documenting interesting places here in Ireland.

My excuses are mostly materialistic. I am trying not to mention laziness and state of mind.

mehfesto2

My excuse?
The shots I truely want to take scare the bejesus outta me. I'd love to take some night shots of dodgy suburban areas, but the first time I did I just about escaped with the camera in hand! Will hopefully give it a go, if I find someone who'd tag along with me!

TelePaul

City-Exile wrote: »

Ireland is full of magical people.

What shutter speed should I use to shoot wizards?

The problem is there's feck all interesting places within striking distance of me on a weekday night. Hopefully when I finish work - tomorrow! - I'll eb able to travel to some decent locals.

TelePaul

Paulw wrote: »

How are you going to learn and improve if you don't start off as crap? Sometimes I play with settings, to see what effect it will have, and I take photos just for the sake of taking photos.

I did start off crap about two years ago. I've gotten better since...I'd like to think I have the know-how and ability to shoot 'decent' pics...I just find myself lacking the opportunity.

Paulw wrote: »

People sometimes are just too lazy and use any excuse not to do something. It's cold, it's wet, it's too hot, it's too bright, it's too dark, it's too ..... come on people. Have some imagination. :eek:

It's not a question of being lazy...I just don't have the resources to meet my own high standards.

TelePaul

elven wrote: »

I suppose what I'm saying is that trying something different can help wake up your muse. And sometimes, it's best just to put the camera away and wait until it comes and tugs on your sleeve again. Give yourself a break.

Yeah I've been on a photo hiatus since about January.

TelePaul

tullaman wrote: »

TelePaul says:



Don't let the great stand in the way of the good!

Sometimes what you think is going to be quite an ordinary photo turns out to be excellent. And the extra effort of processing a photograph (now we are all digital) is tiny in comparison to the effort of actually getting out there an taking the photo. So once you're out - snap like a mad man. You spent a load of money on your equipment? Then it is a much greater waste not to take any reasonable photo oppurtunity rather than "wasting" electrons on taking a poor photo.

When you get home a quick glance on your pc monitor will tell you if the photo is going to be any good and deserves a bit of enhancement via photoshop/gimp. BTW did you say that you delete most of your shots after reviewing on the LCD? Don't. Give them a chance. You can delete whenever but once it's gone...

Finally, it sounds to me that what you want to do is 'make great photos' but you are not so keen on 'taking photos'. They are different things and it will help you in the former if you like the latter. I want to make great photos; But equally I like just going out and photographing whatever takes my fancy regardless of sun/rain/cityscape/landscape/whatever. If the results are decidedly ordinary it is still not a waste of time - I enjoyed myself.

Now get out there and get snap happy; We won't force you to post up any photos that don't make the grade!

Reading this provoked a bit of a think on my part, mainly in terms of my composition - I need to start thinking more about this aspect of photography.

Quint

ThOnda wrote: »

Excuses:
Still on film - it takes approximately €16 per roll and a week to get to the lab and back.
Saving/investing money in more important things than photography.
Waiting for Canon 5DMkII (A.K.A. 7D).
Self-learning processing.

Inspiration is everywhere. If I get bored (and I mean really bored), I take camera without film, fully opened prime lens and I am discovering the place I am at that moment - kitchen, living room, back garden...

Being didjital, I would do much much more photography. Just to learn other ways and fields of it - macros, structures, using light and flashes, joining more photography explorations and studio shoots, documenting interesting places here in Ireland.

My excuses are mostly materialistic. I am trying not to mention laziness and state of mind.

I agree. Surely with digital there's no excuse? I haven't got my digital yet, but with the old film slr it's so much harder. Especially starting out. But with digital it's free to go out and take photos, take 1000 in a day and it's free! Back int he old film days it was a nightmare, hoping they'll come out right etc. No excuses!