Thinking outside the box

[Skygod44]

Some of you may recall that Missus Skygod mk3 crashed her car a year ago, and today she'll have major surgery to remove the metalwork which helped her spinal column to get fixed...
...this means it's me alone being "daddy and mummy" to my 13-, and 7-year old monsters.

The result of which, was not enough sleep last night, and tears this morning (Sofia, not me...although it was close ).

And what happens when I don't get enough sleep?
My brain thinks up stuff to ask you lot, out there in FoP Land.

So:
Can we think outside the box?

Yes, the question is in the title!

More specifically:
can we and should we try to take photos within a genre, which we're not comfortable approaching?

This is also linked to my early-hours musings on how language defines our thought patterns and behaviour.
And this was due to my recent obsession with watching AGT, or BGT, or X Factor videos on YouTube with wonderful, talented people singing their little hearts out...
...and realising that the English language is why we can sing anything, whilst my poor Japanese fellows are stuck with rap or pop or 'enka'.
(It's to do with phonemes).

But back to photography:
There are some seriously talented photographers in FoP...
...who only seem to upload one genre of photo.

There's nothing wrong with that.
Or, is there?

Is this linked to a static mindset?

Does a photographer becoming a master of, for example landscapes, detract from their potential?

Does limiting our creativity spill out into other aspects of our lives? Or could this be an inverse relationship?

Now, I need to take some things to hospital for Missus Skygod mk3, post-surgery, so I'll leave it there...

Cheers for now,
Simon

 

[Cliff Hilbert]

Some of you may recall that Missus Skygod mk3 crashed her car a year ago, and today she'll have major surgery to remove the metalwork which helped her spinal column to get fixed...
...this means it's me alone being "daddy and mummy" to my 13-, and 7-year old monsters.

The result of which, was not enough sleep last night, and tears this morning (Sofia, not me...although it was close ).

And what happens when I don't get enough sleep?
My brain thinks up stuff to ask you lot, out there in FoP Land.

So:
Can we think outside the box?

Yes, the question is in the title!

More specifically:
can we and should we try to take photos within a genre, which we're not comfortable approaching?

This is also linked to my early-hours musings on how language defines our thought patterns and behaviour.
And this was due to my recent obsession with watching AGT, or BGT, or X Factor videos on YouTube with wonderful, talented people singing their little hearts out...
...and realising that the English language is why we can sing anything, whilst my poor Japanese fellows are stuck with rap or pop or 'enka'.
(It's to do with phonemes).

But back to photography:
There are some seriously talented photographers in FoP...
...who only seem to upload one genre of photo.

There's nothing wrong with that.
Or, is there?

Is this linked to a static mindset?

Does a photographer becoming a master of, for example landscapes, detract from their potential?

Does limiting our creativity spill out into other aspects of our lives? Or could this be an inverse relationship?

Now, I need to take some things to hospital for Missus Skygod mk3, post-surgery, so I'll leave it there...

Cheers for now,
Simon

You need to get some sleep, Simon.

 

[Skygod44]

You need to get some sleep, Simon.

I do...

But although the hospital called an hour ago to say the removal of the six bolts and two rods was a success, Missus S won't be home for another week.

 

[joayne]

Buckle up Daddy!
Take some sleep Simon, you are going to need it...
Those kids see an opportunity

 

[Rick Waldroup]

I think most photographers simply shoot what they know. I grew up in big cities. For the most part, I shoot documentary and street stuff. When I was a teen, teaching myself about photography, I shot everything. That is how one learns. But as time went by and I became more comfortable with a camera, I started concentrating on where I live and what I know. Now, having said all that, I currently live in a small, rural town outside of Dallas. This was a retirement decision made several years ago by my wife and me. However, I still travel into the city a couple of times a month to take pictures. I like where I currently live, I just don't particularly like taking pictures here.

 

[Skygod44]

I think most photographers simply shoot what they know. I grew up in big cities. For the most part, I shoot documentary and street stuff. When I was a teen, teaching myself about photography, I shot everything. That is how one learns. But as time went by and I became more comfortable with a camera, I started concentrating on where I live and what I know. Now, having said all that, I currently live in a small, rural town outside of Dallas. This was a retirement decision made several years ago by my wife and me. However, I still travel into the city a couple of times a month to take pictures. I like where I currently live, I just don't particularly like taking pictures here.

Thanks Rick for taking part.

Moving away from personal stories, do you think we should encourage FoP members to "just get out there and shoot"? And not to focus (pun intended) on what seems easiest...

Any thoughts?

Cheers again,
Simon

 

[Lester Wareham]

It's a fever dream Simon, you'l wake up soon.

To answer you dream question:

We should try different things, I am trying to now I have retired (Mrs W has stoically put up with this).

However, people are limited by temperament and opportunity. For example:

1) I like urban grit, but being located in leafy Hampshire limits opportunity. However there is (for the UK) quite a lot of wildlife (except large mammals, long ago hunted out).

2) I quite like street/candid, but even at this age, am a bit shy about photographing strangers.

 

[Skygod44]

It's a fever dream Simon, you'l wake up soon.

To answer you dream question:

We should try different things, I am trying to now I have retired (Mrs W has stoically put up with this).

However, people are limited by temperament and opportunity. For example:

1) I like urban grit, but being located in leafy Hampshire limits opportunity. However there is (for the UK) quite a lot of wildlife (except large mammals, long ago hunted out).

2) I quite like street/candid, but even at this age, am a bit shy about photographing strangers.

Thanks Lester,
Yes, thankfully today hasn't been so bad; no migraines!
And Missus S has gone through her surgery successfully, so I hope the kids will be happier tonight and tomorrow...

And back to my feverish thread, it's good to hear you're trying new things.

Of course, it's just a topic for discussion, but comparing work with adults, and with children easily inspires me to stop acting like an adult; to get off my backside and try new things.

Often, this puts me into unknown territory.

I feel uncomfortable...

...but then I remember that life is precious, comes only once, and that being stuck in a rut of my own making simply isn't good enough.

Anyway, thanks again my friend

Simon

 

[Rick Waldroup]

Thanks Rick for taking part.

Moving away from personal stories, do you think we should encourage FoP members to "just get out there and shoot"? And not to focus (pun intended) on what seems easiest...

Any thoughts?

Cheers again,
Simon

I would encourage anyone to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. I did, and it just did not work out for me personally. When my wife and I retired to this small town I live in, I really tried taking photos that I don't normally take- landscapes, nature, sunsets/sunrises, animals, just rural life in general. It was okay. Technically, I can shoot just about anything, but my heart just wasn't into that type of photography. If I had it to do over, I would never have moved to this small town. But, that is water under the bridge and the wife is happy here, so that is the main objective. Like I mentioned before, I catch a train, usually alone, into the Dallas area a couple times a month, and I spend all day shooting what I know. For better or worse, I have learned that I cannot change who I am as a photographer.

 

[davidedric]

A while ago, I decided I'm not a photographer, I'm a traveller who takes photographs - with wildlife my particular passion, and within that even more particularly African wildlife.

Unfortunately, I have to say "used to be a traveller........."

My mobility is increasingly limited by a progressive and non-treatable muscle wasting disease. I did say to myself "why not try some macro photography, bugs for example....", but the truth is that it just doesn't interest me, and it's hard to kindle enthusiasm when there isn't a spark.

So I'll probably continue posting a few old photographs, and enjoying the work of others.

 

[Lester Wareham]

Thanks Lester,
Yes, thankfully today hasn't been so bad; no migraines!
And Missus S has gone through her surgery successfully, so I hope the kids will be happier tonight and tomorrow...

And back to my feverish thread, it's good to hear you're trying new things.

Of course, it's just a topic for discussion, but comparing work with adults, and with children easily inspires me to stop acting like an adult; to get off my backside and try new things.

Often, this puts me into unknown territory.

I feel uncomfortable...

...but then I remember that life is precious, comes only once, and that being stuck in a rut of my own making simply isn't good enough.

Anyway, thanks again my friend

Simon

I am so glad Mrs SG is on the mend, it sounded quite serious and scary, no wonder the mini-SG team were upset.

Hopefully they will settle now. Are they allowed to visit Mrs SG?

 

[joayne]

Glad to hear your wife has come through the surgery well.
Good news for the whole family!

 

[Skygod44]

I am so glad Mrs SG is on the mend, it sounded quite serious and scary, no wonder the mini-SG team were upset.

Hopefully they will settle now. Are they allowed to visit Mrs SG?

Thanks Lester and Joayne,
Yes, quite the drama it's been, but she'll be discharged next Wednesday.

As to visits for the kids, sadly, nope - not allowed I've heard.

Oh, and I posted the "metalwork" in The Older Photographers' thread, as it was there I posted her x-ray a year ago.

Thanks again,
Simon

 

[Skygod44]

I would encourage anyone to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. I did, and it just did not work out for me personally. When my wife and I retired to this small town I live in, I really tried taking photos that I don't normally take- landscapes, nature, sunsets/sunrises, animals, just rural life in general. It was okay. Technically, I can shoot just about anything, but my heart just wasn't into that type of photography. If I had it to do over, I would never have moved to this small town. But, that is water under the bridge and the wife is happy here, so that is the main objective. Like I mentioned before, I catch a train, usually alone, into the Dallas area a couple times a month, and I spend all day shooting what I know. For better or worse, I have learned that I cannot change who I am as a photographer.

That's a really interesting update - thanks.
And for me, the most important parts are that you and your wife can be perfectly happy following your own hearts, when it comes to free time activities.

Very positive attitudes.

Thanks again,
Simon

 

[Skygod44]

A while ago, I decided I'm not a photographer, I'm a traveller who takes photographs - with wildlife my particular passion, and within that even more particularly African wildlife.

Unfortunately, I have to say "used to be a traveller........."

My mobility is increasingly limited by a progressive and non-treatable muscle wasting disease. I did say to myself "why not try some macro photography, bugs for example....", but the truth is that it just doesn't interest me, and it's hard to kindle enthusiasm when there isn't a spark.

So I'll probably continue posting a few old photographs, and enjoying the work of others.

Thanks for joining in, but I'm so sorry to hear about your condition.

Keep on keeping on, posting old images & comments, and joining in with all of us in FoP.


Simon

 

[DavidWatts]

...but then I remember that life is precious, comes only once, and that being stuck in a rut of my own making simply isn't good enough.

This statement is true and you should print it big and place it on your wall at home.

Just viewed the parts that came out. Yeouch! Glad the Mrs. is now on the road to a decent recovery.

 

[Skygod44]

This statement is true and you should print it big and place it on your wall at home.

Just viewed the parts that came out. Yeouch! Glad the Mrs. is now on the road to a decent recovery.

Thanks mate

 

[Bergmen]

Most of my photography has been WYSIWYG in nature (What You See Is What You Get). In all most all cases (there are exceptions) I bring my camera along to record whatever activity I happen to be involved in, this going way back into the film days. I almost never post-process any image unless I absolutely have to (severe under-exposure for instance), so I have no use for Photoshop, Lightroom, etc. My Dad was very interested in photography and tutored me at a young age on shutter speeds, apertures, holding and working the camera(s), etc. This was before we had light meters so it was seat of the pants picture taking and he was pretty good at it. One of the things my Dad taught me was to visualize scenes as if looking through the viewfinder of a camera, size it up to see if it was film-worthy. Good basic stuff.

Activities include (but are not limited to):

Family gatherings of all types (all candid if possible), sport-touring motorcycling (all over the place going back several decades), alpine skiing (in the Tahoe region), camping, hiking, all types of aviation, sport parachuting, domestic and international traveling, whale migration out at the California coast, sunrises and sunsets, flowers in springtime, etc., etc., etc.

Dan

 

[Skygod44]

Most of my photography has been WYSIWYG in nature (What You See Is What You Get). In all most all cases (there are exceptions) I bring my camera along to record whatever activity I happen to be involved in, this going way back into the film days. I almost never post-process any image unless I absolutely have to (severe under-exposure for instance), so I have no use for Photoshop, Lightroom, etc. My Dad was very interested in photography and tutored me at a young age on shutter speeds, apertures, holding and working the camera(s), etc. This was before we had light meters so it was seat of the pants picture taking and he was pretty good at it. One of the things my Dad taught me was to visualize scenes as if looking through the viewfinder of a camera, size it up to see if it was film-worthy. Good basic stuff.

Activities include (but are not limited to):

Family gatherings of all types (all candid if possible), sport-touring motorcycling (all over the place going back several decades), alpine skiing (in the Tahoe region), camping, hiking, all types of aviation, sport parachuting, domestic and international traveling, whale migration out at the California coast, sunrises and sunsets, flowers in springtime, etc., etc., etc.

Dan

Thanks for adding your experience and thoughts, Dan.

So, looking through that exhaustive list of achieved genre, is there anything missing?

You could do a "compare & contrast" with the forums' titles...

For me, there are several which I don't/won't attempt seriously, such as anything "birds":
The reason is, the investment in time and money for me to reach a similar level, as can already beautifully be found in any bird threads from some incredibly talented and dedicated FoPpers, isn't worth it.

Cheers for now,
Simon

 

[ShipleyNW]

If you're a pro or aspire to be one, you should specialize. You need the skills to, and market yourself as, the right person to shoot "this" job. I worked at newspapers and believed I could shoot anything. When that dried up, I found out "this" is not "anything." Clients were looking for specialists.

Today I'm an almost militant hobbyist. I don't want to get paid. I don't want that to be a measure of my work, and I don't need the money. I don't have the access I used to, but I can shoot anything I want as long as I'm allowed to get close enough and not piss anyone off. That leaves me roaming the countryside mostly, but it doesn't define my genre. I'm not looking for landscapes, I'm looking for shots.

I try a lot of different things, a lot of different techniques. If I read an article or watch an interesting video showing something I've never tried, I might see if I can make it work, become familiar with the technique. Most of those are too complicated or too gimmicky to put in the repertoire, but if the situation ever demands it, it's a tool I can use if I can remember how to work it.

I tried my hand at bird photography. I'm an old, formerly-credentialed sports photographer. There's nothing like that in civilian life. Birding comes close, or at least the gear overlaps. I do love me a long lens. For a couple of years I worked hard at becoming a good bird photographer. The problem is that I've never been a hunter and I'm too old to learn. If you want to be a good bird photographer, you have to learn how to sneak up on them. If you can't do that, photo skills and gear don't matter.

So I'm a pretty crummy bird photographer. I can live with that. I still have a bird kit. I take it with me every time I go out, in case I get lucky. Mainly I shoot shorebirds. The ones that don't take much sneaking up on. But it's shooting action with a long lens, so that's fun, and that's really why I'm doing it.

So try stuff. See if you like it. If you do, see if you can get good at it. If you can't, try harder, or not. If you're having fun doing it the way you can, keep doing that. Or just quit and try something new. All those options are valid and open to you.