 Aleksandra Miesak |
Fear So I recently returned to photography with a new camera (Nikon D80) after being tired of shooting film with my Nikon N60. Now I have done the ground work and studied the owners manual and have taken a bunch of shots in my appartment and the fire escape (...haha) but I have this fear of shooting outside. I've had the camera for a while now I'm just afraid that my pictures won't be worthy (??!!) or I'll somehow mess it up anyway. I carry the camera with me all the time but it has never left the bag in public. Has any of you ever had that fear and how do you get passed it?
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Jagadeesh Andrew Owens |
LOL! I think a lot of have been there, maybe even all of us. I know I certainly have. I remember when I first went out in public with my camera. I was downtown on foot and kept the camera hidden for a while. Then it progressed to if no cars were coming and there were no people on the sidewalk then I’d take a photo. Then it hit me – these people don’t know I’m not a professional award winning photographer! They don’t know I’m not a photography student or a reporter out on assignment! Hell, they could think I’m a tourist! After realizing that and being sorely ashamed of being shy (which I have NEVER been) I quickly got over my hesitancy and shot several gigs of downtown life. You can’t worry about what others think of you out and about with your camera. What the hell do other people’s opinions matter anyway?? Get out there and have a blast.
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Debby A. Tabb |
Good Day Aleksnadra, I am sorry to be so simplistic here but there are a lot of things in ones life to fear- a camera is not one of them! who sees those first shots? you. only you deside wheather they are "worthy" and what is worthy anyway- we all shoot things that we feel is art and someone else sees as junk. who cares! you have a wonderful camera,wasting away like a insturment locked in a case, go out and play it! have fun and learn how to speak to others through your success and failures. quite frankly fear is a waste of time! wishing you a day of FUN, Debby
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W. |
That sounds as if not photography, nor your gear, is the problem. But that the problem is between your ears, Aleksandra: insecurity! Do you also don't drive a car for fear of 'messing up'? If you do, it's serious. And it probably hampers your functioning in day-to-day life. I would seriously consider some therapy.
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Aleksandra Miesak |
In this instance I do think I need therapy. I'm generally a very outgoing person talking to anyone and everyone. For some reason I get "camera shy". But I know you're all right and I know it's just my insecurity. I also know that as soon as I get out there and shoot that first frame, good or bad, it's going to feel amazing and I'm going to be my old self again. I just needed some reassurance and a good kick in a butt (thanks for that WS ;-)). Let's see what happens...
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Debbie Del Tejo |
Consider this another swift kick in the *deriere* GET OUT THERE AND SHOOT
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Mike Rubin |
I once laid down in the ceter of a roundhouse to photograph the ceiling. My wife & son were embarassed, but I got the shot! I have also had people look and wonder what I was shooting off the side of the road. Today I saw a man parked on the side of a highway,sitting on top of hte pickup bed cap and shooting a Hawk.If you think about what others think, you will always miss the shot. GET OUT AND SHOOT SOMETHING! :)
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Aleksandra Miesak |
Thanks everyone, I did go out and got a few shots. There is a storm coming our way (New York City) and it was really cloudy so they're not great shots (some looked better in B&W) but take a look when you get a chance and let me know what you think. I could use some pointers.
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Debby A. Tabb |
Me too,Mike!! But mine was on the sidewalk in front of the Louisville Slugger Museam. To Photograph that hugh Louisville Slugger Bat- What a COOL Picture!! But not so much for the family as they watched the passers by laugh at me. What do I care,I love that shot! *Film shot not scaned in ,sorry I fell so good everytime I look at it. debby
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Kendall L. Noland |
Take a friend with you, if possiable another photographer. Kendall
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Samuel Smith |
welcome aleksandra, this can work for you in your area.carry some business cards and a booklet of your photos with you when your out shooting.you'll be surprised at some of the business you can get.it,at least in my locale ain't much money,but as people start calling for photos of their house to senior portraits to classic cars,is just plain fun/expierence.i like the people side of this,like hey ya wanna stay for the cookout and a few beers? ok. if I have to. but like sipho said,i really don't care what people think.though working with a lot of young kids,it's understandable.you'll get used to it. if anyone says something to you while your out shooting,other than business or something casual,take the teacher approach and offer to teach them the aspects of photography.mention something like you're not sure if the scene will be better rendered at f11 or f16,might even use f22.and boy I hope I got the right iso set.ya don't have to be rude.if they persist you could say-hey watch your shadow.. now a fun note,sorry cookie butchered your name and i'll probably die in a place that is so warm,i really won't need a coat,sam
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- Christine Czernin Contact Christine Czernin Christine Czernin's Gallery |
Hi Aleksandra, I am glad you put this question into the forum. I have to fight quite hard to overcome the same feeling. I like best shooting in my own garden. But right now I am roaming the streets of Vienna, (my home town) to get used and learn the ways of my new camera. Especially when I use the tripod I feel like shouting "DON'T WATCH". But like Sipho and all the other said..Who cares. It is OUR hobby and our pleasure. Good luck and much success.
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Bob Cammarata |
The lenghts we sometimes go through to get that perfect shot might suggest that we could all benefit from a little therapy. ;) It used to really bother me when passers-by would stop and watch me set up my equipment. Now, I don't care and I even welcome their questions and interest in what I'm shooting. Bob
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- Christine Czernin Contact Christine Czernin Christine Czernin's Gallery |
I will never forget one of my first workshops: capturing the first tiny springflowers ,like snowdrops and such. We must have been a hilarious sight. A bunch of not so young people lying on the damp ground, doing what??? The faces of passengers of passing cars were priceless. But of course with a group, that does make a difference.
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Aleksandra Miesak |
Actually, I'm used to people staring at me on the streets. I'm an environmental geologist in New York City... I go with drilling crews to install groundwater monitoring wells in the most populated places. And that used to bother me and I hated when people asked questions. And Sam, you're right about getting into the really detailed information. Once I confused them enough they walked away. I guess I need to apply similar attitude when photography. I went out this morning to get some sunrise over NYC shots, it was freezing so I was all alone... baby steps, haha.
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Debbie Del Tejo |
Look at it this way Aleksandra....you are looking at the world with entirely different eyes then everyone without a camera is.....you are actually LOOKING and they are just seeing! Be proud of yourself and that camera... maybe they are all jelous of you for having a zest for life!!!! Baby steps but be brace and conquer!!!
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Julie Wall |
OMG! I just hit your gallery! I'm in awe! You are SO lucky to have the city to shoot in! I liked all of them...especially the one with the sun between the buildings and the one with the park bench and the lamps. :) Keep that bad boy out of the case and shoot, shoot, SHOOT!!!!
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Justin |
that is the trouble with you Americans, you are always worried about what everyone thinks of you.
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Mike Rubin |
Justin - Is that our only problem? I thought we had a lot more. LOL Actually, the behavior of our politicans is proof they don't care what people think. Oh well,back to photography.
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Justin |
If you were one, you'd be in the same place.
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Who Me? |
Easier said then done Mike. Which proves you don't know much about politics, except what you see on CNN. If the US didn't have to Police rest of the world so often, then maybe they could spend some time at home and address those problems.
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Julie Wall |
I can't speak for Aleksandra, but I know that for me, it's wasn't so much that I cared what people thought of me because I was wandering through wherever (downtown, the local hospital, some farmer's field) with a camera in my hand, but that what I thought was good might not be construed as that by everyone that might see what I'd shot. However, I quickly realized that some of my least favorite shots are someone else's favorites, and vice versa. As in everything else in life, you can't please everyone, so shoot to make yourself happy, and don't worry about what people think about any of it, unless it's the only way you have to put food on your table. :)
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Mike Rubin |
Derek -you're right,unfortunetly each news network puts their own spin on the issues. OK, Back to photography Julie-"However, I quickly realized that some of my least favorite shots are someone else's favorites, and vice versa. As in everything else in life, you can't please everyone, so shoot to make yourself happy, and don't worry about what people think about any of it, unless it's the only way you have to put food on your table. :)" I agree.
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sherry-adkins-photography.com - Sherry Karr Adkins Contact Sherry Karr Adkins Sherry Karr Adkins's Gallery |
I find that when I have my camera out and taking pictures, people are more curious than anything. I have struck up many conversations because they ask me questions. "What are you shooting?". I have met some really interesting people ,even other photographers. No one has ever been rude, but if anyone ever was, those just need to be ignored. Aleksandra, you say you're an outgoing person, so take this as an opportunity to open up more dialog with others and possibly you might inspire someone to take up this wonderful passion we share. Go out and have fun!
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Who Me? |
"Derek -you're right,unfortunetly each news network puts their own spin on the issues." You're right, they have to make it interesting or no one will watch. I just went with the heaviest spinner.
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Mike Rubin |
"I listen to people who are actualy fighting for our freedom and there stories are totaly different then what you see on the news." I totally agree.
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Mike Rubin |
Aleksandra's queston needs to get back on track.
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Samuel Smith |
again slick,and I have been more patient than many,you know what your doing,you have knowledge,yet your goal is to antoganize?you waste your talent.i do wonder why my friend.but I guess to an end you have a reason. and I would say with me,you have reached your goal.i have failed in my attempt.that is forever going to be my fault. my basketball team beat an undefeated team tonight.i am not happy. there is a certain light to capture a scene,did I miss it. meet some new friends aleksandra,and you'll be fine.
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Who Me? |
"there is a certain light to capture a scene,did I miss it." you didn't miss it, your camera did. It is hard to master the light, but when you do what is left. That little blinking light telling you that you are almost dead, knowing soon you will relive that picture bathed in the perfect light that you've always dreamed of. And a smile that sooths you for an eternity.
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Aleksandra Miesak |
WOW, I missed A LOT when I was out shooting... Julie, thanks for your kind words; however I wish to have nature as my subject and not city so much. And about all the politics, I think it started with a comment ...all you americans... correction I'm POLISH, I just happen to live in NYC and noone has to remind me what's going on, I see it (or more like not see it...)in my skyline everyday. Now back to photography, I spent the entire day shooting and it was fantastic. I had some heads turn when I was just shooting bamboo trees in Central Park Zoo... the guy thought there was some cool animal there, needless to say he was dissapointed when I said it was just sun behind the bamboo tree... Hello, how often do you see bamboo trees when its 25 degrees?
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Julie Wall |
You're welcome, Aleksandra! There's bamboo in NYC???? :) It's so funny that you want to shoot nature, when you have such a great skyline...I want to shoot in the city, and pretty much all I have is small town and nature. :) Looks like day trips for both of us, huh? :) Have a great weekend! And stay warm!!!
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Samuel Smith |
that blinking light is a warning.sometimes I don't care. my camera doesn't fail me,i do. but quite the answer. I and only I miss the light.i have never blamed my camera. yet I do smile when I know I got it right,sam
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Who Me? |
you Polish are all the same, trying to photograph nature when you have such a beautiful skyline.
Use your LCD (your best friend). Light meter the light you want (lock the exposure), bracket and make sure you get the shot.
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Christopher Delaney |
BP members, whatch out for this Justin idiot! He has been posting perverted and other stupid comments on other questions! He has been reported! To the main question! Just do it! Most people will be jelous that you have a hobby and they don't! They will most likley wish they had a nice D80! I got one and love to show it off!
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Oliver Anderson |
Trust me Justin I wear a Speedo always and don't worry about the AMERICANS!!!!! except on Sundays because it would be weird to go to church... my Priest is great but I couldn't stand the comments....anyways.... My GF always hates that I bring my HUGE camera to events but I say if you got it bring it. Then the people always say WOW your photos are sooooo Nice.....Size does matter...silly Americans
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Aleksandra Miesak |
So I posted some of my yesterdey's work. It was a tough day to shoot at the bridge, so cold and the wind was really strong. Most of my pictures were shaky. Does anyone have any tricks to fix that? I was trying to cover the camera as much as possible and hold the tripod down really hard but it didn't seem to help much. I need go back there on a warmer and less windy day next time. But anyway, if you have a moment take a look and tell me what you think. Thanks
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Julie Wall |
Wait till it warms up? Ha ha...Seriously, I ran into the same thing today...It was frigid at dawn, by mid morning it had warmed a little but there was a good stiff breeze, and by early afternoon the wind was blowing so hard I had a hard time getting clear shots! I don't have anti-shake on my camera, so I'm interested to take a hard look and see what happened. I'm going to pop over to your gallery, Aleksandra, as I cant wait to peek!
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Samuel Smith |
what is an lcd screen slick?can I get one for my camera?does it screw into the front of the lens? tupid
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Christopher A. Vedros |
Give it up Sam. We all know that Justin is Derek, and Suzzy, and Slick, and Dr. Evil, and Craig Paulsen, and other names he has used. You're wasting your time if you think you'll ever get him to agree with you on anything. Save it for your ball players - they're more likely to learn something. Ignore him.
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Samuel Smith |
well , ok .
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