Snap-shot vs photo

[slitherjef]

One of my biggest problem is composition and many of my photos just turn out to be just basicly snap-shots. Most of what I post simply clash with what other posters do, especially nature / landscape shots

A while back I posted this:
http://home.comcast.net/~slitherjef/summer08/setrays2.jpg

The comments I got where basicly saying its everyday and try to shoot something like a bird taking off (I had cloned out the plane, the photo also needed some minor adjustments). I shot the photo because I liked the colors and rays and wanted to show them off.

So it came as a bit of a suprise that I did not get a huge mess of comments and was an even bigger suprise that some one suggested I wait until a bird pops up into the frame, something that opted not to do. I totaly missed the plane as it passed in front of my lens, otherwise I would have waited for it to be out of my frame.

So, that is my problem. Most of my photos tend to be "everyday" or too much of a snap shot or just down right not interesting.

So my question and request for everyone, should you be willing to do so, would be to make two photographs, one a simple snap shot of the area and then something more of a photo, I guess in other words, turn the everyday into something not often seen.

[saravrose]

Well it's a little late in the day for me to be artsy vs. point and clicking. I think what constitutes a 'photograph' vs. a snapshot is in the eye of whoever is shooting it. If your objective was to take a picture of an incredible looking sky good for you. Mission accomplished nothing wrong with that.

I have tons of snapshots things that are almost accidental, flukes. Times when I pushed the shutter without really giving it a lot of forethought. The great news is that sometimes it really, really works. Better than my tedius efforts to create something meaningful and dramatic. It all takes time effort practice. It's an incredibly individual thing which I think makes it worthwhile.

If I were you I wouldn't worry about being told you're a snapshooter. Maybe you are today. Maybe you've found yourself in 'spray and pray' mode. It's all part of the process, part of creating something not everybody has to be Ansel Adams or James Nachtwey all the time. Just my two cents. I can tell you that the more you shoot. The more you allow yourself to move around study angles, light, concentrate on what you're leaving out of the frame as much as what you put into it the better you'll become.

[pprice]

You don't take a photograph to get a pat on the back from anyone on here, you take it because it was something that moved you at that time. A photo is just a memory for most and unless you are trying to get paid, I would not worry to much what other think. It is good to get advise on here as it could help you get a better picture, but I would not worry to far past that.

If you take enough and post them, you will have one that will move others soon enough!

[Jamie Holladay]

You don't need to worry about what other people think. Someone is going to like what you shoot, and someone is not. It is best to shoot what you enjoy. If you like what you shot that is really all that matters. Take the comments and grow form them. You may not agree but trust me I have seen too many people on here increase their skills 10 fold from posting here. Myself included.

but per your request: As I see two of my shots. The first a snap shot the second a photograph (Yeah it is my current Avatar)

[Zebceponaf]

This is a great idea here, would be an awesome project for a photo class.

Art is what you make it. One mans trash is another's treasure and vice versa.

[photoguy6405]

I agree that you should take photos for yourself first, but... it does feel good to get recognition for your work, also.

[thebishopp]

You don't need to worry about what other people think. Someone is going to like what you shoot, and someone is not. It is best to shoot what you enjoy. If you like what you shot that is really all that matters. Take the comments and grow form them. You may not agree but trust me I have seen too many people on here increase their skills 10 fold from posting here. Myself included.

but per your request: As I see two of my shots. The first a snap shot the second a photograph (Yeah it is my current Avatar)


That is a GREAT example Jamie. The first one is kind of everyday and very cluttered. The eye is not really drawn into any one part of the vehicle. Just another shot (albiet very well done) of the inside of a car from the drivers side. With a little PP you could probably turn it into a nice brochure shot for an advertisment (maybe with a bit better angles as well).

Now the 2nd really bring you down to focus on what the photographer wants you to see (by not really giving you the option LOL). Also very well done.

Now I'm no "professional artist" but I know what I like... oh yes and I did stay at a holdiay inn once.

[Persephone]

The reason why people may have thought it was everyday is because sunsets are very cliched and there are probably millions of them floating about. Birds are a lot harder and show off more exceptional skill to get a good bird shot. Don't let the comments get you down, I thought it was a very good sunset.

[slitherjef]

Thanks for the pep-talk everyone. I guess I will just keep shooting what catches my eye :)