Excellent post! I am almost entirely self taught and have become ravenous about learning.
Would you suggest first identifying a skill to work on and THEN going out to improve it, regardless of the conditions? Or do you see what conditions exist and then identify what specific skill is needed to make the best of it? Or maybe a combination of both?
Great question Erik. I have a list of things I am actively working on (by active I mean reading and watching tutorials, taking notes, practice, review, repeat). Given the list, and given expected conditions on the day (out of my control), I will often choose the location because there is something specific I want to practice. For example, today was going to be sunny, I have been working timelapse, so I went to an area of forest that I thought would be conducive to practice.
I agree, never stop learning...also, from the journey of others...and self-learning is the best way to work your neurons in my opinion, I agree less with seeking feedback for an artist, be confident to be you and do you...it doesn’t matter what people think...Art is not a business, it drives business...
Feedback is tricky, especially for something you have put your heart and soul into. And you need to find what works for you.
Two reasons why I embrace feedback - I need to learn to take feedback (good and bad) and not let it impact what I am trying to achieve (otherwise I may become reluctant to put work out in the world for others to see), and secondly, from the right people, feedback can be incredibly valuable - the trick is to find someone you trust, has your best interests at heart and knows what they are talking about (eg find a mentor, not social media comments LOL).
Oh I understand, a mentor yes, definitely...but still someone can give you their honest advice and if it doesn't resonate with you inner feeling, then you should follow your heart anyway...
Great read! Interesting approach to get you out there and photograph. And congratulations on the competition! It is a wonderful image. The light and mood is fantastic! Makes me want to be there...
Nice to find you here James, and congratulations on your NLPA award.
Thank you Michela - I am finding the most wonderful people here!
Yes, it's an inspiring place to be
Excellent post! I am almost entirely self taught and have become ravenous about learning.
Would you suggest first identifying a skill to work on and THEN going out to improve it, regardless of the conditions? Or do you see what conditions exist and then identify what specific skill is needed to make the best of it? Or maybe a combination of both?
Great question Erik. I have a list of things I am actively working on (by active I mean reading and watching tutorials, taking notes, practice, review, repeat). Given the list, and given expected conditions on the day (out of my control), I will often choose the location because there is something specific I want to practice. For example, today was going to be sunny, I have been working timelapse, so I went to an area of forest that I thought would be conducive to practice.
Once you start - ravenous is a good word!
That's an outstanding approach! I'm going to start working on my list right away!
I agree, never stop learning...also, from the journey of others...and self-learning is the best way to work your neurons in my opinion, I agree less with seeking feedback for an artist, be confident to be you and do you...it doesn’t matter what people think...Art is not a business, it drives business...
Feedback is tricky, especially for something you have put your heart and soul into. And you need to find what works for you.
Two reasons why I embrace feedback - I need to learn to take feedback (good and bad) and not let it impact what I am trying to achieve (otherwise I may become reluctant to put work out in the world for others to see), and secondly, from the right people, feedback can be incredibly valuable - the trick is to find someone you trust, has your best interests at heart and knows what they are talking about (eg find a mentor, not social media comments LOL).
Oh I understand, a mentor yes, definitely...but still someone can give you their honest advice and if it doesn't resonate with you inner feeling, then you should follow your heart anyway...
Great read! Interesting approach to get you out there and photograph. And congratulations on the competition! It is a wonderful image. The light and mood is fantastic! Makes me want to be there...
Thanks Susanne - the win was totally unexpected. I only do one or two competitions each year to get some feedback. I liked this feedback!