Developing the "eye"...

[A.M.D.A.]

Hello everybody,

I would like to know how any of you experienced photographers got to be professionals. How did you start finding subjects to photograph in ordinary surroundings, like your backyard, for example.

I am currently having some trouble with this, developing the "photographer's eye". I know that there are MANY things around my house that would make a great picture, but just can't seem to notice them. Any advice on developing this "eye"?

I've been taking pictures for over 2 years now, but most photos lack that special "look".:sad:
(I started being serious about photography about 5-8 months ago).
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Also, how do you know when the lighting is perfect, the composition is as good as it gets, etc.?

[Mr Yuck]

I've learned the basic "rules" to make a good photograph, looked to other photographers for inspiration, and emulated various techniques on the subjects available to me.

Think in little details, I saw a broken glass cover on a coffee table and went in for a closeup, processed it heavily, and then set it as my background...I love the "what is that" response.

One of the most helpful things I've learned for landscapes is to give it a point of interest other than the landscape, that will complement the landscape. I often do this by putting my car in front of a landscape.

[another view]

Also, how do you know when the lighting is perfect

First off, I'm not a professional but have done paid work in the past. I think your question really applies to all serious photographers, and possibly more to serious amateurs than professionals. I'll quickly explain that - to me, pros have to come back with a shot. (period) Amateurs can go back to the spot a hundred times while they wait for really special conditions that only happen every once in awhile, even if it takes months of waiting. Deadlines don't apply to amateurs.

Work on seeing the quality of light first. The only real way to know what is good light and what is bad light is to shoot a lot. Look at how overcast light tends to make colors more vibrant but without depth from shadows. Look at how harsh light can give you just the opposite. See how fill flash (I didn't say only natural light ) can affect both situations. Don't take my word for it; shoot a ton all the time and critically examine your results. You've probably heard the term "the golden hour" which is right after sunrise and before sunset - and if you shoot a lot you'll understand why it got that name.

Another big one is the direction of light. You'll see something look flat with the sun over your shoulder, have depth with the sun at the side, and take on a whole different look with the sun in front of you.

Only problem I see with this is that dreaded Auto White Balance. Not that digital is better, but I learned this stuff with slide film. You got exactly what you shot. If you had a cloudy day, you'd use a warming filter, etc. For some of these experiments, you could come close to that idea by setting the white balance on "daylight" or "sunny".

It's good to want to improve at anything you do, but realize that five to eight months in something that takes a lifetime to learn really isn't a long time. Learning is part of the fun!

[Frog]

Well, I'm not a pro but I do manage to 'find' things.
I wouldn't say have the best eye but I tend to notice how the light catches that blade of grass in the morning or how that old bucket in the flower garden has a lot of texture in it and the paint peeling on that windowsill. Mostly I notice people's faces in different light and when they aren't posing.
How to develop it, I don't know for sure and often what I found interesting didn't make such a great pic.
Sit in one place for an hour and study everything and think about each things bg, fg, light, shadow, etc. Look small, look big, look at the parts.
One thing I also do is look at things through my index finger and thumb,(see my avatar)
This approximates the dimensions of a frame and also makes people stare at you wondering what the heck.
I'll be interested to read other responses to this. Good question!

[A.M.D.A.]

Thanks for your replies Mr Yuck, another view and Frog.

One of the most helpful things I've learned for landscapes is to give it a point of interest other than the landscape, that will complement the landscape. I often do this by putting my car in front of a landscape.

I sometimes include people in the foreground and off to an edge of the frame, come to think of it, these photos do look better!:thumbsup:
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Only problem I see with this is that dreaded Auto White Balance.

I don't use "Auto WB" very often, it makes my pictures turn out greenish.
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One thing I also do is look at things through my index finger and thumb,(see my avatar) This approximates the dimensions of a frame and also makes people stare at you wondering what the heck.

You know what, Frog? I started to do the same thing about a week ago!
This trick sometimes helps in finding compositions:
I see a scene that I like, put my fingers by my eye, then turn this way and that, look up and down, etc.