Photography as a Hobby

I love having photography as a hobby of mine. It is a way to show off my personality and creativity. Photography is also a great outlet to relieve stress and any other negative feelings.

My photography can be sort of spontaneous and random. Sometimes I pull my car over on the side of the road to get a picture of the sunset. Or I'll get up early the morning after a snowstorm to capture the pure and untouched woods covered in snow. I adore photography because you can do what you want, almost anywhere you want to.

In the eye of a photographer, everything is a work of art. Inspiration can be found anywhere and be captured in that moment forever. It is also almost an obsession to me. I want to capture everything, for fear it will never be the same, or will disappear. I try to take a picture of every amazing and beautiful thing I can.

While it is a great joy, it can also be a curse. Instead of living in the moment, I live behind a lens. I want to capture and remember, instead of really getting involved and paying constant attention. My biggest downfall was at concerts. I wanted to take pictures and videos to remember how fun it was, how lose I was, or just the feeling of it all. But I have learned better now, that there is a time and place for a camera. Sometimes, I just have to put it away and back in the moment, soak it all in, and rely on my own memory.

“Stare. It is the way to educate your eye, and more. Stare, pry, listen, eavesdrop. Die knowing something. You are not here long.” 
― Walker Evans

If I ever got a job in photography, I hope it would be enjoyable and as carefree as it is now as a hobby. I would hate for photography to be perverted by stress, worry, or greed. I understand every job can be a bit overwhelming at times, but to be turned off to something you love would be a catastrophe. I hope that I can always stick to photography as take advantage of it as a release.

Animals

I have so much respect for wildlife, pet, and any other animal photographers. Animals are challenging.

Wild animals have very keen senses. Most run they they hear, see, or smell anything out of the ordinary. The closest I have got for a "wildlife" picture is this squirrel. So, I think it's safe to say I may not have a future in that field.

Pets are also a pain. People that get pictures are usually shocked at how they photographer can get their pet to cooperate. I know when I try to photograph my pets they will not hold still. When I crouch down to get a good shot, they attack me with kisses. When they do set still, their faces are not in a pleasant expression. I believe dogs have feelings, because I can see boredom and annoyance written all over their faces.

So, how do they do it?
National Geographic has compiled a list of tips for the aspiring wildlife photographer. First of all, you have to stick to it. You may go out for an hour and not seeing anything or not getting a good shot. And that is perfectly normal. Many photographers spend weeks, months, even years trying to get the right shot. The point is too not get disappointed, and be patient. Another tip is to get the right kind of equipment. For many animals, it will be nearly impossible to get close enough for a good photograph without scaring them off. This is where a good lens can help. A high powered lens can take a picture from yards away and seem like your were toe to toe with a wild animal. And the last tip is to not forget the animal's environment. Sure, we all like close ups of animals we could never even see at a zoo, but sometimes where the animal lives is just as powerful. Getting an animal's habitat in a photo can add more to a photo and create a greater more beautiful picture.

Pet photographers have a few tricks and tips of their own too. First of all, avoid the flash. This can harm an animal's eyes and also cause red eye in the picture. Now how do they get them to look so attentive in the picture? They catch them off guard. Pet photographers usually let the pet start playing. Most pets might fall asleep or forget that the photographer is even there. So, when the picture is ready to take the picture they might call their name or blow a whistle. This usually causes the pet to look in the direction of the noise and sit up straight. And just like with wildlife, the key is to be patient. Animals usually don't listen to reason, so you just have to wait for the right shot to happen and keep trying.

“You know, sometimes the world seems like a pretty mean place.' 

'That's why animals are so soft and huggy.” 
― Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes

Photography Scum

“A paparazzi is merely an extremely nosy nobody with a camera—and bills to pay.” 
― Mokokoma Mokhonoana

I hate the paparazzi. I think they are blood sucking leeches that kind of make a joke out of the career. Not all of them are so evil. Some just come to Red Carpet events or other ceremonies to get their pictures of celebrity appearances. But some paparazzi follow celebrities to their home, grocery stores, gyms, restaurants, etc. They will get any picture, no matter whose privacy they are violating. They do this just to sell it to a magazine for a profit.

William Hodgman of the L.A. district attorney's office states in an interview with CBS, "What is clear, at least at ground level, at the paparazzi level, is that there is a competition to get a shot, that is purchased by others, and that the intensity of this conduct is crossing the line into criminal behavior."

Many paparazzi have restraining orders against them, and are practically stalking celebrities just to get a photo opportunity. There have been many law suits against the paparazzi for various reasons, including harassment, invasion of privacy, stalking, assault, and trespassing, to name a few.

Affleck threatens to kick a harassing paparazzi.

I don't think the paparazzi view celebrities as people. They don't care about their feelings or that they are violating them with their pictures. In an interview with CNN, actor Ben Affleck says that his children are "freaked out" by the paparazzi. They get in the children's personal space with their huge cameras and yell for their attention.

Celebrities have lashed out against the paparazzi because of the constant pestering and following. Once they do this, the paparazzi try to press assault charges or take pictures to sell to magazines about the celebrities alleged "anger problems".

I think it is a tasteless profession to invade people's privacy to pay your rent. If these photographers were any good, they would be able to find a real photography job, that wouldn't harass people in the process.

Happy Holidays!

We are now in the midst of the holiday season. Food, parties, family gatherings, and... greeting cards. Yes, it is also holiday card season. Many people just slap their names on a card with Santa on the cover and call it good. But for those who go the whole nine yards and take a family photo to send out, I'd like to give you some tips.

Please, don't copy the Kardashian's Christmas Card. 

First off, you want everyone to look nice. Make sure everyone's hair is done and their is no food on the kids' faces. No dramatic make-up on the teenagers either. We also want everyone in nice clothes. No, don't pull out your prom dress. Just a nice simple shirt and pants, maybe dresses for the little ones. Double check for stains or rips that might be seen on camera. Also consider coordinating colors. If a family all wears shades of red for example, the picture will look more uniform. Just try to stay away from crazy patterns or anything that may take focus away from the family. Unless they're Christmas sweaters!

Next up is the back ground. A festive scene is encouraged for a Christmas card. Maybe standing in front of the tree or other decorations.Don't be afraid to use props! Another option would be taking your family photo outside. A snowy scene would be nice, but a picture taken during a non-winter season would work too. When taking an outdoor picture, you want to be sure to have enough light.

When taking family photos, you need to have a game plan. Have the places and poses already planned out and ready to go. People get grouchy when they are being drug around too much and have to wait 15 minutes for a picture. So, keep the people happy and make it fast. You may also consider keeping the trouble making kids on opposite sides. Kids like to mess around and will make the process take longer if they are trying to play the whole time. 

Last but not least, try to make it fun! Real smiles are better than fake ones. If everyone is having fun you will have a more authentic and happy looking family.

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” 
― Laura Ingalls Wilder

Ready For My Close Up

Along with nature, taking close up pictures is one of my favorite photographs to take. I love having a small object take up an entire frame. I think it also comes from my love for knick-knacks. I love small things that can fit into the palm of your hand, yet are so intricate and delicate, maybe it's a girl thing.

Flowers are my weakness. They are so beautiful and complex. I love having a camera that can capture the beautiful colors, shapes, and fragments. I'll snap several pictures from all different angles of the same flower, then move on to the next one and do the same.

Bugs are also really cool little creatures. When I can get a really clear and close picture, it is the neatest thing. They have such intricate little bodies. This may sound strange but, bugs are kind of like flowers. They both have small delicate pieces that come together to make something truly amazing.

I also love small things that are somehow displaced, or don't fit in. It creates more drama and contrast for a really compelling focal point that draws you in. 

While picking out pictures for this blog entry, I realized that small items may be a bit of an obsession of mine. I have hundreds of pictures of flowers and plants and random items. They are just so simple, yet so impacting to me. Something doesn't have to be big to be beautiful. A stone can be just as breathtaking as a skyscraper. Small items don't get enough attention in today's world. Everyone wants the bigger and better, and forget about the little and beautiful. I like to show that to people with my photos and bring out the elegance wrapped in such a modest package. 

“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” 
― Confucius

Stress Relief

When my crazy family, ridiculous job, or demanding classes become just too much to handle, I need to relax. I mostly just want to get away. Remove myself from whatever is driving me up a wall and not think about it. Driving while angry isn't the best plan for retreat. Increased road rage and a decreased gas tank? No thanks. So, I grab my camera and take off on foot.

Living out in the country has it's benefits, I can walk out my door and be completely alone. No need to worry about traffic flying by or strangers watching me. Out in the middle of no where is where is feel at home.

I usually take to the woods. I love nature and would probably shrivel up and die living in a city. I need life and fresh air. I need rustling leaves and crunching sticks under my feet. I love running through the trails on our property and taking in how beautiful the sights are even though I've seen them a million times. It is the most relaxing feeling being alone in the woods with just me and my camera.

Sometimes I head down the road, instead of the woods. Living down a dirt dead end road in the boondocks may not sound ideal to some, but it's my serenity. I like to stay out taking pictures until sunset. When everything has long beautiful shadows and a golden glow.

When I'm taking pictures, I am completely at ease. I don't have anyone bothering me, no deadlines, no work. Just me doing what I love purely because I want to. And that makes me one of  the happiest people in that moment.

I believe the best way to relieve stress is to do what you love. And in turn, that will make you happy.

“It is through living that we discover ourselves, at the same time as we discover the world around us.”
― Henri Cartier-Bresson

A Girl's Best Friend

Today, we are talking about ACCESSORIES! No, not jewelry, shoes, or purses. I am going to explain the many types of camera accessories.

Let's start with the basics, which usually come with the camera. A lens to attach to the camera, a lens cap, to keep the camera lens from getting scratched, and a neck strap, to make sure that expensive piece of equipment isn't dropped. These accessories are vital for keeping your camera safe and usable.

A standard lens comes with the camera, but there are more out there to buy and enhance your camera with. There are many different types each with its own specific focal length and it's own use. There are many kinds of specialized lenses for specific work, so I'll only name a few of the most common. One kind is the Wide Angle Lens, with is used for landscape photography, architecture, or large groups of people. The wide angle can capture more on a broader scope without moving farther away from the object. Another type of lens in the medium telephoto or portrait lens. As the name foreshadows, this the appropriate lens to use for portrait photography. The lens has specialized framing for photographing faces and shoulders. A third kind of lens is the telephoto lens which is used by sports and wildlife photographers due to its enhanced zooming abilities.
                                                  
Another very useful camera accessory is a tripod or monopod. These are very important for a photographer because they keep the camera steady when taking a picture. A tripod is best if you need absolute stability, so if you are taking pictures of people or if you have to keep rearranging the object. A monopod is great if you will be moving around a lot. A lot of sports photographers use monopods to get a steady picture without the bulk and hauling of a tripod.
                                                      
Flashes are also important for certain kinds of photography. There are built-in flashes in most camera and there are also externally mounted flashes. These can be tricky to master, because you don't want a picture to be too bright but if used right, they can drastically improve images. There are also off camera flashes that are set up at a different angle than the camera is shooting from, such as the big cone or umbrella looking flashes photographers use when taking your school picture.
                       
One of the most important accessories is a memory card, or film for a film camera. There are many types and sizes and most cameras usually only take a specific kind. With all these accessories, things can get a little hectic, so a camera bag is a must. Mine is big enough to fit my equipment (minus the tripod) and is also heavily padded and waterproof. A camera bag carries very expensive and important things, so it's essential to choose one that fits your needs and will keep your camera safe. These extras can get pricey so making sure they can be used is very important.

“These are the two basic controls at the photographer's command--position and timing--all others are extensions, peripheral ones, compared to them” 
― David Hurn