Newby here looking for practice

mattymags · Sep 9, 2014

So I made it a point this year to enjoy this hobby of mine as a way to deal with the stresses of life. I have been making it a point to grab the camera, leave the family and work stress at the house and spend an hour or so just wandering about with the camera. I must say that the more pictures I take and bring home to look at, the more I get excited about going back out. I think to myself the different ways I could have framed the picture or how I want to try something else. I am definitely catching the fever and find it to be the perfect way to relax and ease the stresses of life. Besides just going out and taking pictures, I find myself getting in a rut trying to make a picture out of nothing. I get a little frustrated and was wondering if there was any little challenges that people use to help expand their skills. Here are two pics I recently took. I appreciate and feedback/critique/and thoughts in general. I am excited to be going down this road and have been looking for an outlet that I think this will fill very nicely. You all have a wonderful evening and thanks for taking a look.

snowbear · Sep 9, 2014

Welcome aboard.

I like the compositions. The deer might need a little post work (it looks a bit too green to me) but I like it otherwise.
There are a number of exercises you can try that will help you "learn to look" at things:
* multiple shots of the same object (fire hydrants seem to be popular) from different view points;
* limiting yourself to a specific location - ten shots in one room or 15 things in your back yard;
* shoot at one focal length only (better if it's not the usual 35mm or 50mm)
* pick a theme and shoot only things that follow it (only red, for example)
* scavenger hunts - make a list of 10-15 things to shoot (circle, triangle, diagonal, the letters A through E, reflection, sign, etc.)

Where are you? I'm in beautiful downtown Waldorf, Chuck Co.

smalltowngirl13 · Sep 10, 2014

Hello and welcome to the forum...

dascrow · Sep 10, 2014

Welcome to The Photo Forum!

ffarl · Sep 10, 2014

Glad to have you with us!

mishele · Sep 10, 2014

Welcome to the party!!!

mattymags · Sep 10, 2014

snowbear said:
Welcome aboard.

I like the compositions. The deer might need a little post work (it looks a bit too green to me) but I like it otherwise.
There are a number of exercises you can try that will help you "learn to look" at things:
* multiple shots of the same object (fire hydrants seem to be popular) from different view points;
* limiting yourself to a specific location - ten shots in one room or 15 things in your back yard;
* shoot at one focal length only (better if it's not the usual 35mm or 50mm)
* pick a theme and shoot only things that follow it (only red, for example)
* scavenger hunts - make a list of 10-15 things to shoot (circle, triangle, diagonal, the letters A through E, reflection, sign, etc.)

Where are you? I'm in beautiful downtown Waldorf, Chuck Co.

I drive around Waldorf every day right now, I actually work down in Lexington Park, and am currently commuting to Northern Virginia, Annandale. Getting ready for a re-location move to the Orlando, FL area.
Thank-you for all of the great tips, I think I will use the theme this weekend. I was thinking about an early morning trip to Great Falls, I haven't been there in awhile and since I can get out early I should be able to time the morning light.I look forward to the chance to learn ad grow. Thank-you again for the response.