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

Long Exposure Photography

Long Exposure photography is a method of taking pictures that shows the amazing and beautiful things that can now be captured on camera. In this form of photography the shutter of the camera is held open for an extended period of time. This allows stationary elements to captured as well as moving objects, which are captured as blurs.

This image captures rushing water among stationary rocks and scenery. Keeping the shutter open can capture seconds of rushing water, giving it a surreal foggy looking effect.

My favorite kind of long exposure is with light. Keeping the shutter open can also capture the paths of moving light sources.

In this image, the camera is being held one a tripod and pointed at the trail and the sky. The trail is stationary, but as the earth rotates, it appears as if the stars are the ones moving. The camera can then capture their path of light.

Another way of capturing light sources is to use handheld lights, such as flashlights, lasers, or sparklers. This method leaves room for much more creativity. Using a handheld light, you can draw a picture out of light, with the air as your canvas.



In the first two images, art is being created and painted using light. The last captures headlights and taillights of cars driving down a winding road.

In long exposure photography the camera must be completely stead, or the entire image will be blurry. The use of a tripod is essential to a successful photograph. Many cameras have a manual open and close for a shutter. Others have a digital setting where the allotted "open" time is set. If done right, long exposure photography can be a truly amazing masterpiece.

“To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy.” 
― Henri Cartier-Bresson

Challenge

I have recently found a way to challenge myself in photography. Simply put: A Photo Challenge. This is where you are given a topic and a time frame, and are prompted to take a photo of the topic within the allotted time, and post it online. This forces a photographer to think creatively. If the subject was simply a bird, would you scour the woods looking for one perching in a tree? Or drive down the road spotting some on a power line? Or would you get more creative? Find a painting of a bird, a halloween costume, a Pontiac Firebird. Photography is all about thinking outside the box. Pushing the limits and creating an image that will shock or inspire.

There are many kinds of photo challenges, mostly online. There are the more simplistic ones, such as challenges created on Facebook or Instagram, that are spelled out and pressure the users to be simple for sake of social media. The kind of photo challenge I am interested in is a more advanced group of aspiring photographers. This way I can get inspiration from others and hopefully inspire them with my work. 

A challenge can also be a private endeavor. There isn't a reason a photo has to be posted for the world to view. It can easily be done for the contentment of the photographer or maybe just a inspiration for an upcoming gala. There are no limits to what challenging yourself can unleash.

I urge other photographers to take this challenge too. It will stretch the imagination and push the mind to new limits of creativity.

“Good photographs are taken not with the camera. Good photographs are taken with Mind, Soul, Eyes, and Imagination where Eyes like a shutter, Mind like a lens, Imagination like an object and Soul like a canvas.” 
― Parveen Sharma

Not All Fun and Games

During a mini photoshoot with my older sister and her three year old daughter, I had encountered a problem; Three year old girls often don't like to sit still and cooperate. Sitting in front of a camera for an hour or two isn't that fun for a kid that would rather be running around and playing with our pet chickens. I had gotten a few good shots, but it all went downhill from there. She changed out of her cute boots into an ugly pair of crocs halfway through. To fend of crying, we let her keep the crocs on. This meant extra attention to keeping those beat up, dirty shoes out of the shoot. She was uneasy, unsmiling, and of course, unhappy. So, this lead to less photos than we had hoped, and less selection.

Cooperative

Losing Patience

In order to get good photos of your client(s), they need to be happy. For a photographer, life isn't always easy as "point, shoot, done." There are many challenges that photographers face from leaving the lens cap on to having an uncooperative client.

Uncooperative clients are just one of many challenges a photographer must over come. Many people aren't comfortable in front of a camera and may try to rush the photographer or repeatedly ask, "Are we done yet?" Rushing will only lead to sloppy work. A way to fix this is to make it fun for the people in the pictures. If they're having fun, the happiness will show in the pictures. 

Another challenge can be not having the right settings. The cameras settings can either make or break a picture. They can make a picture too bright, dark, sharp, or blurry. Many of these things can be fixed with computer programs, but without a good photo foundation the pictures can't be saved. 

Over editing can be a problem for a photographer. We always want to make our photos better, so we cover up this, add that, blur those, brighten these. I am guilty of this and when I get to the "finished" product, I have to start all over because it looks fake. We want to maintain our originality, and not lose authenticity. 

“There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept.” 
― Ansel Adams

Living on a Photo

There are many ways to turn a hobby into a career. You first have to be good at it, there has to be a demand, and of course there is always the funding. Photography is no different. And for a career in photography, you have a lot of leeway. There are many different varieties of jobs for a photographer.

Perhaps the most common, is the freelance photographer. This career entails taking pictures for all kinds of events and people, such as weddings, school events, senior pictures, family photos. To become a successful freelance photographer you'd need a good area where you could be well known with lots of contacts. Many freelance photographers must also be savvy with digital manipulation such as photoshop in order to make the photos as beautiful as possible.

Another type of career would be an advertising photographer. These can be on a small local scale or for a multimillion dollar company. These photos can be in the newspaper or in a high fashion magazine. The goal of an advertising photographer is to sell something with their pictures. They need to make the product look desirable and to inspire the onlooker.

Sports and Celebrity photography is another well paying career. A part of this is fashion photography, where a photo shoot is set up for the celebrity. Another way to get pictures of celebrities is the paparazzi, who take pictures of celebrities going about their daily lives, or at an event. Sports photography would be a bit more challenging. Their goal is to get the perfect action shot of an athlete during a game.

The last photography career I will describe is the one I am most interested in; Fine Art Photography. This career allows photographers to have a great sense of freedom. They generally take photos of nature scenes, city skylines, wildlife and so forth. Theses photographers sell their work to galleries, interior designers, architects, libraries, etc.

There are many more forms of photography and a lot of freedom when choosing a career. A photographer must first find what they are best at and how much money it will take to get started in any of these careers.