What Did You Learn This Summer?

[mabas9395]

If you are like me, then you probably take a good portion of your photos during the nicer days of summer. And if you are like me again, you probably visit this forum to hopefully learn something or two about taking better pictures.

Now that summer is about over, I thought this would be a good time to think about what our own personal summer-time photography experiences have taught us and share them here so others can learn as well.

Here are some things that come to my mind:

*I love what a Circular Polarizing Filter can do for my pictures, but I still need to practice more with it, as well as figure out how wide I can go before I get blue sky banding (10mm on a 1.6 crop is too wide).

* I need a better "walk around lens", I also need more reach (like a 400mm), I think I need a good Macro lens too. And I really need a lighter tripod.

* I need to do a better job at separating my needs from my wants.

* Nothing beats the early morning hours for taking outdoor shots. So drag my lazy behind out of bed and go take some pictures, I can sleep when I'm dead.

* Take my camera with me everywhere I go, some shots you can get a second chance at, but most of them, no.

* I'm not young anymore. That five mile hike with my son's scout troop to the lake in the mountains was worth it for the photos and time with my son, but I sure paid for it the next day.

* Taking pictures of friends and family is a good way to practice. But don't promise them a quick turn around time if you like to tweak each picture in Lightroom.

* The most important one for me this summer - If there is something that you have been meaning to take pictures of, don't put it off. I have lived in the Seattle area since I was 4 years old. But this summer I was laid off (darn mortgage crisis) and will be moving to Chicago. There are a TON of things around here that I always thought I would have time to photograph (Seattle skyline from Kerry Park, San Juan Islands sunset, Mt. Ranier at Mirror Lake, etc). I'm trying to cram as many in with the time I have left. But the big lesson for me is 'don't photograph tomorrow what you can photograph today'.

So did anyone else learn anything this summer?

 

[MontanaZoo]

These were on my list too:

* I need a better "walk around lens", I also need more reach (like a 400mm), I think I need a good Macro lens too. And I really need a lighter tripod.

* I need to do a better job at separating my needs from my wants.

* Nothing beats the early morning hours for taking outdoor shots. So drag my lazy behind out of bed and go take some pictures, I can sleep when I'm dead.

* Take my camera with me everywhere I go, some shots you can get a second chance at, but most of them, no.

* Just got a Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens to hopefully fill in when I can't use my telephoto (like with people who are next to me and not across the room).

* I've been working on Composition lessons from a book I've been reading and need to resolve to dedicate time to work through different camera books
each week, makes a load of difference and always generates new ideas

* Call shotgun and take photos from the car, sometimes you can't pull over (or you'd really piss off the people you're with) and sometimes it works

http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliez_pics/2605282280/

* Take pictures on the way to where you're going as well as at the location, I realized I have a billion pictures of the Boulder river but 0 pictures of the 2 hour drive to get there

* People you are travelling with get really cranky when you tell them you want to be up and out before dawn

* Sometimes the picture is NOT worth the effort if it involves ticks crawling up the inside of your pants

 

[Quicklabs]

Learned to take it off Auto and pre-settings and go my own way.

Learned a little bit about my macro lens.

Learned that photography is addictive. Learned about seeing the world in new ways--that there is such beauty in what might otherwise seem common.

Learned that I am probably going to have to work an extra few years more past when I thought I'd retire to support my new hobby!

 

[DueyDooDah]

* I learned that no matter how few or how many photos I take, I'll never finish post-processing.

* I found there are never enough keywords placed on any photo in my LR catalog.

* I learned that if you have grass allergies, summer is not the best time to take nature photos.

* I found there are no leading-line photo opportunities in Washington state (you NYIP people know what I'm talking about here)

* I learned that no matter how good a lens or camera I have, I still need to learn how to take a proper photo.

* I learned photowalks are fun, informative and provide more opportunities to drink beer.

* I also learned I don't make enough money. I didn't get to go to WDW this year.

 

[YesDear]

Don't try to hide equipment purchases from your wife/husband. They always seem to find out.

It is always better to ask for forgiveness than permission when it comes to camera equipment.

 

[ukcatfan]

1. WDW is very hot in July!!! I knew this (and live ever farther south), but conveniently ignored my better sense.

2. When pushing DW in a wheelchair, watch out where the camera is swinging b/c a lens hood in the back of her head does not make her happy. Especially when done more than once...

3. It is very hot at WDW in July!!!

4. When it is hot and you have to push a wheelchair most of the time, you do not end up taking as many pictures. Only ~700 over five days at the parks! That is way below my average.

5. Did you know that July at WDW is hot???

6. You can still have a great vacation when it is hot and you are not taking many pictures.

7. Summer is very busy and I still have not had a free time where I have enough creative juices flowing to do RAW processing.

8. Unlike when I was a kid, I really enjoy school starting back.

 

[Groucho]

* I learned that no matter how few or how many photos I take, I'll never finish post-processing.

This one sounds like me. I just unloaded over 500 pics from the camera... and I just finished going through some older photos... so as of this minute, I'm only, oh, 2,215 photos behind!

I also learned the value of focusing charts this summer when I discovered that my camera was slightly off, which accounted for some inconsistent focus issues. Nothing a little in-menu adjustment couldn't cure, but I am planning on sending it in for service in a couple weeks anyway (I need it for one more upcoming event first!)

I've also managed to go about four months so far without buying a new lens! That may be a record since getting the DSLR. But it won't last long, I've been eying some more M42 lenses...

Oh shoot, I just realized that the last sentence is false... I did buy a 45+-year-old camera w/4 lenses (one of which is on my DSLR now) a couple months ago, so I guess I can't even claim that. Oh well! I am still craving a few more M42 lenses. What the heck, my birthday is coming up next week.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

• Sigma lenses with Nikon mounts don't fit on Canon cameras. Be careful what you order.
• Some alligators prefer Canon over Nikon.
• Sony cameras have a hot shoe without a center post and can't be used with standard hot shoe - pc sync adapters.
• Flash gels are really useful for balancing light from the flash with other light sources like fires.
• Black backgrounds look cool when you light them with gel covered strobes.
• A Canon G9 in a waterproof shell gets really, really hot in the sun.
• Bison look scary up close when they are blocking both sides of the trail you are on.
• You can use HDR software on a single image to increase local contrast.
• I don't like mosaics.
• I learned how to heavily customize my Smugmug site.
• I learned that Amazon has some interesting file hosting plans.
• I learned that Amazon lets you buy real MP3 files that aren't DRM'd and can easily be incorporated into your slideshows.
• I learned that if you tell people you are borrowing the camera from your brother-in-law and don't really know much about how to use it, they quit asking you questions and let you get on with your shooting.

 

[MontanaZoo]

I learned that if you tell people you are borrowing the camera from your brother-in-law and don't really know much about how to use it, they quit asking you questions and let you get on with your shooting.

 

[pointandshoot]

- Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. I found a reason to shoot pictures every weekend and my compositions improved. From trips to the farmers market, birds in the backyard, or vacations, I shot pictures every weekend this summer.

- The mind of a child is less cluttered than an adult. My nine year old daughter shoots with me and she sees far more than I do. Try to become like a child and your pictures will become more interesting.

- The higher quality filters that cost more are better than the less expensive ones.

- Adobe Lightroom can cut the post processing time down a alot.

- You can shoot literally 500 images of birds in flight to get one or two good ones. Practice panning and setting the focus point can help.

- When you look at someone's photo gallery, remind yourself you are seeing their best work. They have taken plenty of "throw aways" pictures too. One good bird picture may be the outcome of hundreds of out of focus shots. Keep trying.

- Never finished reading that Photoshop book? Try online training from Lynda or Kelby. I find I learn faster by seeing someone do it. Plenty of tips on Youtube too.

- The Kelby Photowalk in Cary was fun. Set one up and share an afternoon with some new firends.

- The more gear you take with you to capture that one picture you think you might miss will cause you to miss more pictures. Be happy with your gear and travel light.

Chuck

 

[DVC Jen]

Self doubt has been my biggest challenge. This summer I finally learned to believe in and trust myself.

It has made a HUGE difference in the quality of my photography.

 

[Todd_H]

I learned that Southwest Airlines will not compensate you for any gear that was packed in your checked baggage that they lose (apparently, it's in the fine print). In addition to clothes and other necessities for the week, I lost a brand new tripod and head, a laptop power supply, an iPod FM transmitter and a few other small goodies that were in my checked suitcase back in May . I didn't feel like trying to carry the tripod on board the plane, even though I had done it without incident in April. Dealing with TSA agents today is like that box of chocolates saying... "you never know what you're gonna get."

 

[tripodjw]

*I learned the joy of getting regular size prints of pictures.

It's soooo long since i got prints of photos for just carrying around and showing friends etc. Ever since going digital I'd relied on viewing the pics myself on my computer or getting large sized versions for display.

 

[PoohJen]

I learned that I probably didn't "need" that Canon 40D, when my nifty little Rebel XT would've sufficed in most situations...doh!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I learned.... that I still have a lot to learn. A very lot.

I learned that once you master one concept, your mind can open up to another.

But sometimes you get too many concepts clouding your head at once and it gets confusing.

I somehow developed a bit of intuition when shooting - just from practicing - so that I no longer stand there like this

Thank my lucky stars, I was worried it would never happen.

Great thread, I'm going to include it in The Learning Curve.

 

[Dcanoli]

Wow! Great thread! I've been so busy getting ready for our upcoming trip over on the Creative boards, I've completely igorning the photo threads!

Here's what I've learned and need to KEEP learning!

Thanks for thread! Deb

*I love what a Circular Polarizing Filter can do for my pictures.

* I need a better "walk around lens", I also need more reach (like a 400mm), I think I need a good Macro lens too. And I really need a lighter tripod.

* Take my camera with me everywhere I go, some shots you can get a second chance at, but most of them, no.

* I'm not young anymore. That five mile hike with my son's scout troop to the lake in the mountains was worth it for the photos and time with my son, but I sure paid for it the next day.

So did anyone else learn anything this summer?

...Don't have a CP yet, but I certainly NEED one!

...Wish there was a good, all-around walk-around lens for Disney....prime? 18-55mm? 50-200? So many questions, so little time!

...My sons are both in Scouts! Those hikes up the waterfalls get a little bit hard each year!!

 

[Dcanoli]

* Call shotgun and take photos from the car, sometimes you can't pull over.

* Take pictures on the way to where you're going as well as at the location.

* People you are travelling with get really cranky when you tell them you want to be up and out before dawn.

I do this all the time to and from Disney. I've gotten some great rainbow and scenery shots this way!

I don't care if Hubby is cranky or not, we're getting up at 7 a.m. to catch that first bus!

Learned to take it off Auto and pre-settings and go my own way.

Learned that photography is addictive.

Amen sista'!

* I learned that no matter how few or how many photos I take, I'll never finish post-processing.

* I learned that no matter how good a lens or camera I have, I still need to learn how to take a proper photo.

AMEN (again)!

Don't try to hide equipment purchases from your wife/husband. They always seem to find out.

It is always better to ask for forgiveness than permission when it comes to camera equipment.

That's always been my mantra!

1. WDW is very hot in July!!! It is very hot at WDW in July!!! Did you know that July at WDW is hot???

OMG! We went on a quick business trip IN AUGUST with my husband to Orlando! NEVER, EVER again!

Despite it being HOT, it was so crowded and people were extremely RUDE! I can't believe I hated it! I'm sticking with September!

- Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more.

- Never finished reading that Photoshop book? Try online training from Lynda or Kelby. I find I learn faster by seeing someone do it. Plenty of tips on Youtube too.

Who are Lynda and Kelby, and I've never thought of YouTube! Great idea!

*I learned the joy of getting regular size prints of pictures.

It's soooo long since i got prints of photos for just carrying around and showing friends etc. Ever since going digital I'd relied on viewing the pics myself on my computer or getting large sized versions for display.

To quote Bob Jackson at the Port, "ME TOO!"

I learned.... that I still have a lot to learn. A very lot.

I learned that once you master one concept, your mind can open up to another.

But sometimes you get too many concepts clouding your head at once and it gets confusing.

I somehow developed a bit of intuition when shooting - just from practicing - so that I no longer stand there like this

Thank my lucky stars, I was worried it would never happen.

Great thread, I'm going to include it in The Learning Curve.

 

[oogieboogieman]

1. I've learned that it rains at Disney every time I don't carry my bag to the parks. There were days that were beautiful when leaving the hotel and then pouring down walking down Main Street.
2. Despite reading that Disney rides are dark, they are REALLY DARK!!! My 50mm 2.0 on my Olympus did okay but not great.
3. It's hot in August at Disney.
4.Must buy new camera strap. Strap that came w/ camera made me want to strangle someone with it.
5. I need a wider lense.
6. Don't download your photos onto wives laptop having them available can become an issue.
7. A camera that's waterproof would be useful.
8. While it was fun, 2 weeks at Disney goes by too quick!

 

[Dcanoli]

3. It's hot in August at Disney.
6. Don't download your photos onto wives laptop having them available can become an issue.
8. While it was fun, 2 weeks at Disney goes by too quick!

YES to No. 3....

....Did this during our 2005 trip...never again...my DH's laptop crashed, and I never recovered what I put on there...

2 WEEKS? YOU GOT TWO WEEKS? WOW! LUCKY!

 

[wenrob]

I learned how to take my camera off auto and start putting things together on my own. Not very good at it but I'm trying.