Posted on

When A Photographer

Scroll down to see more content

When a photographer is out in the field, she must think on how best to shoot. My number one influence is light. Then I consider what I plan on shooting. Combining those two situations, I then proceed on how best to shoot.

 

I recently viewed a short video by Scott Kelby, a well known and very well respected photographer, explaining how best to take landscape shots. His advice was to shoot at an aperture of 22 and on a tripod. For a sunset yes I would consider this advice but for most other occasions, I adjust my shooting methods according to light and what I am capturing.

 

If I had the means to hire someone to carry my tripod and other lenses too, that would be great. Or if I was as strong as “The Rock” I would be able to carry everything upon my person. Since neither situation applies to me, I have to consider me and my needs when I plan on hiking around in a forest for hours.

 

I use common sense. I deploy what works best for me. I also am presently shooting with stacked filters on my lens, which in of itself steps down the shutter speed. Shooting at an aperture of 22 (very small opening which means less light coming into the lens) is out of the question. It will decrease the EV (exposure value) dramatically, therefore directly decreasing shutter speed. That would give me an impossible shutter speed to shoot while hand holding my camera.

 

I normally shoot landscape using a low aperture (large opening meaning more light) and attempt to get a slow shutter speed which to me is anything under 1/80th of a second. I can get as low as 1/6th of a second while hand holding my camera and lens, but that takes a lot of concentration. My intention is creating a soft look to my images. I will not, however, be lugging around my heavy tripod when I am traipsing around in a forest. My camera with lens and perhaps one spare lens is more then enough to carry. I also carry a bottle of water on my person. Even in cold weather, yes I do get thirsty out there.

 

Listening to professional photographers’ advice is all and good, yet to develop one’s own unique style is more important then copying someone else’s style. For this reason I shy away from “how to” books for the most part, because I am of the mind I like to discover my own way when I shoot. Oh yes I do refer to photography books when I want to brush up on how to do something that I’ve honestly forgotten how to or learning something new. I aim for the relevant information, and then fly by my own steam.

 

For those of you who find yourself behind a camera, I highly encourage you to develop your own style. Yes I do give hints how I shoot yet nonetheless, don’t copy me. Apply what I say if it speaks to you but do one better then that. Throw in something of your very own to make how you shoot uniquely yours. Does that make sense to you? Does to me.

 

All pictures seen here were taken in Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve Park. That day I actually started driving towards the park without my camera, with the intention only to go for a walk. Yet, I turned my car around to head back home because I just knew I would SO regret leaving my camera behind. And I was right. If I had not turned around to get my camera, these images would not exist. I don’t know about you, but I am extremely happy I decided to get my camera.

Photography/ “When A Photographer”/ December 2018Ā©AmyRose
http://www.herladypinkrose.wordpress.com

80 thoughts on “When A Photographer”

    1. No, VK, this is not a new website. SOOOO happy you enjoyed my pictures. I recently changed the title of my blog. I heard the words “connecting beyond” in relationship to my photography and when they were said, my Heart just KNEW a Higher Source was speaking through this person. I am connecting to “something” beyond this mundane world and hence, my Heart led me to change my blog to “Connecting Beyond”. Sending you BIG HUGS!!! šŸ’šŸ’šŸ’

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Love it!!! Life is so much more interesting when we stay aware enough to hear the messages that are put before us to guide us along. Enjoy the name…It goes well with what you are doing here. Be well my friend…Thinking of you…VK ā¤

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Thank you, VK. My Guidance works something like this …. when I “see” it or “hear” it I then KNOW that is it. I used to do my grocery shopping like this. I went without a list deliberately so that my Inner Guidance would point out to me exactly what I needed. When my eyes fell upon something I needed at home, I “knew” it. Basically, this is how I live life itself. Hope your day is a good one!! šŸ’–

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Truly gorgeous impressions, Amy. ā¤ And what a beautiful new name for your blog! ā¤ I was not aware of the change of name of your blog until I read your comment, sorry for being so ignorant.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Aw, thank you SO much for the feedback about the name of my blog. And another thank you for the appreciation of my images. No need for apologies. Most people are in such a hurry these days that honestly they don’t notice a blog name change. I’m just happy YOU did!! May you have a wonderful day today!! šŸ’

      Like

      Reply

  7. I love the results of your labor, Amy šŸ’•. And I have very similar thoughts about carrying all the gear. Right now Iā€™m in Chicago on my way to Sweden .., and have some hope of a white Christmas this year. You donā€™t have any snow as yet? Thank you for so many wonderful pictures this year, Amy. I wish you and yours Merry Christmas šŸŽ„ and a blessed New Year! Much love

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Good for you for traveling, Helen. No we do not as yet have “white” on the ground. We did a few weeks back but that is all gone. I also think we have something in common …. our cameras are our therapists. I’m gonna keep on taking pictures and allow the process to heal my hurting Heart. Merry Christmas to you and yours as well, dear friend. Remember the “good times” and not the sad. Life is for the living …. and those who have gone ahead of us to the Better Place would want us to be happy. Much Love to you!! šŸ’ž

      Like

      Reply

  8. Incredibly photography skills, observation, and knowledge… you have! 1/6 sec hand held, unbelievable.
    When I travel I donā€™t normally have time or a chance to thinkā‹Æ but do quick clicks, though Iā€™ve tried to learn about camera settings, like F, SS, ISO etc.
    Thank you for the post, Amy! šŸ’–šŸ’“

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes, Amy, I really can handhold at 1/6th of a second. I don’t do it a lot because as I stated, it takes a LOT of concentration. When I do landscape shots I have the leisure to THINK. Wildlife no …. you better hope you are set up right to click fast. I’m not traveling right now so there too I suppose you’d better hope you’ve planned right to shoot fast when needed. I too have learned about camera settings by shooting on manual mode mostly. It’s fun to know I am in control of the camera and not the other way around.

      So glad you gained something from this post. May you have a really good day today!! šŸ’

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. I agree with you about finding your own style rather than taking photographs which are very much like other people’s. Personally I think your macro close-up work is head and shoulders better than landscapes, just because everybody does landscapes and there’s only so many ways of approaching the task. But when you photograph a piece of ice or a tiny leaf, the final result will be 100% yours, because nobody else has ever bothered with it. You were the only person to see anything of value in it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh wow, John, thank you so much for these words of upliftment. I’m constantly attempting to photograph something differently then anyone else or else discover subject matter that most people overlook. You have encouraged me greatly! May you have a wonderful day today!! šŸ’

      Like

      Reply

  11. Great shots and great advice. You really do have to consider all the “gear” you will need for a so-called walk in the woods. Photography equipment ain’t light!! And that comes with your experience – what best to pack depending on the day and the light as you say. I love the milkweed shot and the reeds coming out of the water – picture perfect! Your experience speaks volumes!! Thanks for sharing! Much love! Donna

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Aw, thanks, Donna, for both the encouragement you gave me and the acknowledgment that my equipment is far from light. I aim to pack as light as possible with as much as possible on my person. Does that make sense? LOL The shot of the milkweed I’m really thinking of putting up on my wall. The other one is of the reeds in the water bent at different angles. Both I could just stare at for hours. SO much to see in both of them. I am SO touched by your words!! BIG (((HUGS))) from me!! XOXO

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Aw, George, bless you for the encouragement you gave me here when you say you love my soft landscapes. I’m not keen in super sharp landscapes unless that is, I am photographing let’s say, a sunset. And maybe even then, depending on the entire “picture”, I may decide to go soft as well. May your day be a great one indeed today!! Again, thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment. šŸ’ž

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Bless you, Dan, for this comment that I finally was able to answer. I like being unique. I like discovering what else I can do as I continue to build upon what I already do know. How boring I would be if I copied someone’s else’s style. Oh no, not me! And I love to share those efforts of mine here with all who do frequent my blog because I so believe that my photography as well as what is written with those pictures, will bring some type of a “good feeling” to the viewer. May your day be a wonderful one today!! šŸ’

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. I love your quote “Staying away from how to books ” This applies to horse training as well! You have to capture the moment of how to react with the animal and their individual character, as well as develop your own style. Love your blogs, so special!! xoxo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I am a firm believer of hands-on learning. Oh yes books do come into play but then in the field you really learn what you read as you DO. So happy to know you relate. With horses, or for any species of animals for that matter, it takes a “special” someone to gain an animal’s total trust and to understand them as well. You are one of those people. How fantastic!! šŸ’

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. Bravo, dear Amy! ā¤
    Stunning work which really shows your beautiful & powerful soul.

    You expressed it perfectly – while itā€™s helpful (especially in the beginning stages) to refer to how-to books and build a strong foundation, itā€™s important to develop ones own style. Sure it takes time, but with time comes confidence and further development of our craft šŸ™‚

    Happy winter my friend,
    Takami

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Takami, wow, thank YOU! I am always astounded when another really good photographer recognizes my talent. I’m humbled to say the least.

      I’ve been out in the field for many years and I’m still learning, as I’m sure you are as well! It takes keen observation skills to notice everything around you as you are out in Nature. Where the sun is in the sky, what kind of contrast you have for what you are mainly shooting, the shadows/light, how harsh the light is or not, and how best to frame what is in the viewfinder. When you LOVE something with a passion time is not the enemy but is a friend. Give me more time to learn, to be out there, and I’ll run with my prize. (smile) I’m thrilled I am sharing my Journey with a great woman who knows how to use a camera as any of the best of them. Let’s see where the next year leads the both of us! YAY! (((HUGS)))! šŸ’šŸ’šŸ’

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Thank you for your amazing reply Amy ā¤ ā¤
        (Thanks much for commenting on my latest post. I haven't caught up with responses yet, but will surely do so sooon!)

        If I may humbly add…(again, as you already know!) from my personal experience, being humble and letting go of (my) ego has often blessed me with the best surprise gifts from Nature. I observe too many folks who gain some experience and suddenly develop a superior and cocky attitude šŸ˜¦ I think people forget that being humble does "not" mean that you lack confidence. Rather, it's because you have the confidence + skills that allows you to keep an open and tolerant personality. Well, that's just my thought šŸ˜€

        Although there are many issues/challenges that come with social media, when used properly, it allows us to cross paths with wonderful folks šŸ™‚ ā¤ I'm so glad our paths could cross like this via wordpress. All best wishes always!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Takami, I could not agree with you more about maintaining humility. I am in awe of what Mother is allowing, and yes I am saying allowing, me to photograph. And I am in awe of myself for what I am doing with my camera. I seem to have found a magical door to the Other Kingdom which I do not ever take that privilege lightly. I love the way you describe humility. It’s exactly how I feel too!

        Also …. I am learning ALL the time. For example what you can do with birds gives me SO much stress cuz it is downright difficult for me at this time. I need practice and to have my camera settings set in such a way I am ready to shoot on a dime’s notice. This is why I would love to have 2 camera bodies on the field. When I am shooting landscape I am using filters not suitable for birds and I am using settings not suitable for fast moving objects. In the time it takes for me to stop to change settings, change filters, the shot is gone. You know what I mean. You gotta be ready with birds!

        What a lovely conversation! I enjoy immensely getting to know the person behind the pictures. Some photographers, myself included, tend to “hide” behind the camera. It’s just lately I’ve found the confidence to show myself more. And it looks like you are doing the very same thing. Good for you!!

        I too am very glad our paths have crossed on WP. XOXOXO

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I never had the impression that you were “hiding.” šŸ™‚ Rather, I think the nature of photography allows us to spend more time observe our surroundings – including other people – thus allowing us to decided when to show ourselves and especially to whom šŸ˜€ šŸ˜› ā¤

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Oh but I do. I only show an aspect of myself via my blog. I believe my personal life should remain that way. Yes I do post some stories of my life, yet not all. (smile) It is Wise to know when to fully reveal or what to reveal at certain times. šŸ˜šŸ¤—šŸ˜‰

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Absolutely – I am adamant about keeping personal things private. If trust & relationship naturally develops, then the conversation continues offline on a 1-to-1 basis šŸ™‚ Happy holidays dear Amy and thanks so much for this lovely conversation ā¤

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Light is the most important thing in photography.
    The tripod, I abounded this idea (I even sold it). In addition to not having a car I have to lug him on the bus or the train and he annoyed me more than anything else. Since then, I always photograph freehand or, if I have to put down a camera, I look for a wall, the branch of a tree …
    Like you, I could walk for hours in the forest so much I love it.
    And like you I always carry something to drink (and even a little eat)
    What you say about having your own style, I adhere 100% … I bluster when a person is placed right after me, at the same place trying to do the same thing and I vaios sometimes even pestering openly in front of her … or to maugrener enough high (that the person has decidedly no personal idea)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. I don’t like photographing in front of other people or with people around, Yoshimi. So I head to places that hopefully will not be crowded. This past summer I did manage to get over my crowd shyness to shoot, even to the point of attracting a crowd of people around me watching what I was doing. I still didn’t get nervous because I was so wrapped up in what I was shooting.

      We photographers do develop our own means to stay “out there” for as long as possible. That tripod is heavy! I have not sold mine because there are rare occasions when I will use it. Just setting it up properly irks me. (smile)

      I say good for you for developing your own unique technique. I actually saw a young woman this past summer with a laptop, tripod, camera and lens and a huge backpack to which I had to ask myself, “How in the world does she even enjoy herself?” Talk about a beast of burden! No way! Not me!

      I SOOOOO enjoyed your comment! Thank you so much for leaving it for me to read. I get so much pleasure reading what other photographers do out in the field. And I think it is way cool that you can relate to me. Awesome indeed!! šŸ’

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I laughed at the story of “the beast of burden” that was this person met with computer, very big goal etc …
        It is not after walking around with very big equipment or the most expensive material that you are the best photographer, it is safe.
        I always say that I prefer a photograph that is not perfect and even with a few minor flaws that a “flat” photograph and for which we feel absolutely nothing.
        I have only one lens (the 18-250 mm Sigma) paired on my Canon 7D and it’s enough for what I do

        Liked by 1 person

      2. That lens you have made me WOW out loud! That is a perfect, and I mean perfect, range! I do not own a lens like that. Now you will have me wanting another lens (LOL). I have FIVE now as it is! Thanks for putting a carrot in front of my nose. You know how photographers are …. like kids in a candy store when it comes to equipment. There is one drawback … the equipment is really expensive!! LOL

        Liked by 1 person

      3. this lens, the 18-250 mm is very bright. I no longer work with a flash (which I have just sold).
        Then, I do not have the financial means for several objectives, so this one is really perfect for me.
        ps; I cross my fingers for you and Santa

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh WOW, I’m blown away by your words. Thank YOU so much for the Gift you left for me to read. I am thrilled you enjoyed this post and hopefully it helped make your day a better one! Bless you!! šŸ’šŸ’šŸ’

      Like

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Rabirius, so very much. Your words mean so much to me, especially because you yourself are a photographer! May your Christmas be glorious and your New Year bring to you dream after dream come true. Much Love to you! šŸ’

      Like

      Reply

    1. Catherine, I LOVE that seed picture so much I am planning on putting it up on my wall. Yes there is something about it that SO uplifts me too!! Happy Holidays, dear friend!! XOXO šŸ’

      Like

      Reply

    1. Aw, Christy, thank you and thank you! I love to hear feedback like this because there is such a big part of me that truly loves to share and teach. May your Christmas be glorious and filled with Much Love and Peace. Merry Christmas! šŸ’šŸ’šŸ’

      Like

      Reply

  24. I have missed this heart in the woods dear Amy, and wow have you seriously touched that beauty within. These are amazing ā¤
    I've been a little sidetracked but to come back and 'see' all of this is incredible šŸ˜€
    Take a bow young lady…and a very Merry Christmas and New Year to you and your loved ones, they have a genius in their midst ā¤ šŸ˜€
    I look forward to cruising through all I have missed.
    May your camera stay blessed by the love you hold it in, and the boots that took it there šŸ˜€ ā¤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh my goodness, Mark! I had just been thinking about you not 2 to 3 days ago, missing you and hoping you were all right. And here you are! I had no plans on answering any more comments today … But! When I saw you I just had to talk to you. LONG story short, I’ve been through a lot while you were away and my gas tank is about on empty come late afternoon. The good news is, by honoring my body, I’m regaining my stamina and strength!

      To hear your astonishment about my photography and your phenomenal compliments makes MY DAY! Thank you SO much, dear friend. I have seen a huge advancement in my images and am left many times in awe of myself. Seems as if life itself is compressing and squeezing and applying pressure to make the diamond perfect. (smile)

      A very Merry Christmas to you and yours as well. May the coming year bring your dreams to you and above all else, Love. My camera is blessed and I am so humbled and so grateful that Mother is working so closely with me that when I open that Magic Door to Her Kingdom, we seem to merge into ONE Being.

      It is SOOOOO good to have you back!! BIG (((HUGS)))!!!! šŸ’šŸ’žšŸ’

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Big hugs back at you kind lady, I will be still plodding along but it is great that I seem to be having a little more luck with my blog, I’m receiving some of my previous followings posts etc…maybe an early Christmas present for being a good boy šŸ˜€
        Have a beautiful time Amy, and I look forward to more images from ‘Mother’ ā¤ šŸ˜€

        Liked by 1 person

  26. I feel tbe same way Amy. Im happy to learn technical tips and practical use information is helpful, but when it comes to creating, I like to find my own way. To me that is what makes it art.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. And for that exact reason, I do not follow the crowd, Cheryl. I’ve always been outside of the box and I don’t plan on changing any time soon. Sure I read some photography books for guidance but when it comes my time behind my camera, I discover what I can do. I’ve just recently stepped into wildlife and now know just how challenging it really is, especially birds. I’m finding my own way and it feels just right. šŸ’

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      2. I’ve discovered when word gets out you can be trusted,(and believe me I’ve actually witnessed this), the animals and yes some birds will pose. Right now the star of one of the parks I go to is a Red Tail Hawk who is quite the ham. He allows photographers to get extremely close, something I have never seen before. What an honor! And what a feeling to have this majestic bird of prey allow you to come close. Way cool!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Speaking of hawks, I posted a picture of one today that has allowed me to get up close and personal. Cheryl, am having trouble getting over to your blog. I’ll try again …. šŸ˜‰

      Like

      Reply

What we think and write and say become our reality ....