Photographer Clay

Tag: learn

  • It isn’t always about you.

    It isn’t always about you.

    I have pondered this post for a couple of weeks now. In fact, I started to write it and gave it a title, then I stopped because it was going to be too much of a rant on new or beginning photographers and selling their services to customers. I ran through several wording styles in my head and then finally deleted the entire post this morning.

    The reason I wanted to start over was that I have been reading a book, Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy, and yesterday I came upon two quotes that resonated with me. The first was, “if all you see is chickens and chicken scratch, it doesn’t matter if you are an eagle; flying won’t be part of your world.” The second was, “expect nothing, prepare for anything.”

    These were very powerful messages for me, igniting a self-reflective journey. Instead of concerning myself with what others were doing or how they were marketing their photography services, I needed to focus on mastering my own mind. By doing so, I would subsequently empower myself to master my unique vision and skills in producing the art I truly want to create. My obsession with the perceived failures of others was clouding my judgment and inhibiting my own self-mastery.

    Rather than rant about this publicly, I realized there’s tremendous value in working to demonstrate the message I was attempting to relay to others. The true path to inspire and be of service to others lies in action rather than mere words or criticisms. By focusing on my inner growth and honing my skills, I could transform the frustrations I feel into motivation and clarity. In doing so, I pave the way to uplift others in their journeys, reminding them that personal excellence often stems from a place of introspection and self-awareness.

    This renewed perspective has encouraged me to cultivate a mindset where I expect nothing but prepare for anything. Embracing this principle allows me to navigate challenges without getting bogged down by the comparative metrics that often stifle creativity and joy in the craft. Each photographer’s journey is unique, and by staying true to my own path, I can create visuals that reflect my personal story, thus leaving space for authentic connections with others who appreciate my work. Through this reflection, I turn the quest for excellence into both a personal and collective endeavor, fostering a community where creativity thrives.

  • The Internet – What a strange and often fascinating place.

    The Internet – What a strange and often fascinating place.

    I am entertained on nearly a daily basis at some of the comments I see made throughout the internet. So many times, I see comments that profess to be facts but are merely an opinion. I will give you that an opinion can be a nearly a fact but only after some designation that the opinion is given by an expert in the particular field for which they are expressing an opinion.

    Recently I expressed some thoughts on a question in a photography forum where a member asked a question about laptops versus desktop computers and which was “better”. Wow! What a can of worms that opened up. Most of the replies were merely opinions, nothing wrong with that, a few attempted to make their opinion a fact, with clearly biased information. I could tell where the anti-laptop person was going from the very first line of their “opinion”, “Laptops are crap for editing”. Well, that may have been the case a few years ago, but times have changed.

    I use both a laptop and a desktop. The quality of my output is the same on both computers. I’ve used Mac based systems and Windows based systems. Looking at the image above can you tell if it were edited on a laptop or desktop?

    The problem, as I see it, is that so many times new photographers or artists can easily be confused by these “so-called” experts. I should add that the person who stated that laptops were crap in a photography forum had no examples of their photography, no links to examples, and provided no evidence or facts to support their claim.

  • Look for the small things

    Look for the small things

    Landscape photography is not always about the grand scene, the sunrise or sunset. It is sometimes about the small details. I am frequently amazed at others who miss seeing the small details of the forest, or landscape scene.

    While I would not say that I don’t miss some things I do try to make a conscious effort to see small details when I’m out wandering about.

    Try it the next time you venture out into the world, look for the small elements and you may be surprised at the things you never noticed before.

  • Photographic vision

    Photographic vision

    One of the things that I have discovered about photography is that you must learn to see the world around you. On many occasions I have been hiking through the woods or along a trail and had other people ask, “getting anything good”? What most of them have missed are the wildflowers, small insects, the colorful leaf, or the way the sunlight highlights a scene. So much of it is being able to see the world with a different perspective and to pay attention to the details of our world.

    It matters not your genre of photography. What matters is the ability to see and capture the unique world around you.

  • All creativity isn’t art

    All creativity isn’t art

    One of the biggest misconceptions about creativity is the swapping and substituting of terms to encompass all art or all creativity. At its root, creativity is creating. It’s making something, anything! While you can say that all art is creative, all creativity doesn’t have to be art.

    This is something that I have often wondered about, and I have been guilty of falling into that misconception. There are times when I feel creative but definitely not creating art.

    While all creativity may not be art, being creative inspires me. It inspires me to want to become more creative and work towards creating something artistic.

    I just today realized that by ignoring my blog as I have for the past year and a half, I have become less and less creative. Writing this blog has, in the past, inspired me to create art. What reminded me of this was today was time to renew my blog site and domain name. How I was reminded was that my Venmo account didn’t have sufficient funds to renew (I keep only enough funds in my Venmo to pay for many of my online accounts as a way of lowering my chances of being hacked and scammers stealing funds). With all that being said, I hope to become more active in writing my thoughts and I certainly hope that you join me by reading and then sharing your thoughts on what I have written with the intend to keep us all creative.

  • That’s just your opinion on photography

    That’s just your opinion on photography

    Recently, I joined a social media group focusing on Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. It is a very large group with over 100,000 members with it’s focus on “photography, Photoshop Art, Photo Composites, Digital Art, AI Art.” What I find both interesting and disheartening is the number of members that are insulting or belittling when another posts an example of their work. Often the comment goes something like, “way overprocessed making this photo look like a painting” or “This is no longer a photograph but a picture” (I’m still trying to figure out what that means). What is even more intriguing is often the members making such comments haven’t shared any examples of their work or the work they generate is a basic photograph that, in my most honest opinion, that appears to be a “saw scene took picture of same”.

    There is nothing wrong with a basic simple photograph in the world of photography as long as it is done well and at the same time, there is nothing wrong with working to be creative. What is wrong is becoming insulting, belittling, or rude because a style doesn’t fit your style. In my best “The Dude” voice I want to say, “Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, your opinion, man”.

  • It’s all about the art!

    It’s all about the art!

    Photography has changed for me and for the better. Photography has become more about the art rather than the technical. The technical aspects are important but with the best techniques, the camera still cannot capture what I envision. It is about the artist in the photographer to bring out something that engages the viewer, even if the viewer is just the photographer. How did this change come about? I began to listen and experiment based on one of the finest photographers I know.

    I started using Photoshop 14 years ago and actually believed I had a decent understanding of the program. Then you’re reminded of the old adage, “you don’t know what you don’t know”. The re-awaking has reminded me, don’t stop pushing yourself, don’t stop learning, don’t stop trying new things.

  • Rediscovering the Joy of Photography: A Journey Back to Passion

    Rediscovering the Joy of Photography: A Journey Back to Passion

    (c)CSwatzell 2023

    Photography is not just an art; it’s a journey that captures the essence of moments, emotions, and the world through the lens. For many, it starts as a hobby, a way to document life’s events, but over time, it can blossom into a profound passion. However, like any journey, the path of photography can have its ebbs and flows. Sometimes, the initial spark that ignited the love for photography may dim, leaving one to yearn for that lost connection.

    If you find yourself in this place, longing to reignite your passion for photography, take heart. You’re about to embark on a beautiful journey of rediscovery. Here’s how you can rekindle that fire and fall in love with photography all over again.

    Explore New Horizons
    Step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself with new subjects or techniques. If you’ve always been drawn to landscapes, try your hand at portraits or street photography. Experiment with different lighting, angles, and compositions. The change of pace will stimulate your creativity and may lead you to discover a new favorite genre.

    Connect with Fellow Enthusiasts
    Join photography groups or online communities. Engaging with like-minded individuals can provide a fresh perspective and inspire you. Share your work, ask for feedback, and participate in challenges. The camaraderie and support of fellow photographers can be incredibly motivating.

    Set Personal Projects or Goals
    Create a project for yourself with clear objectives. Whether it’s a 365-day photo challenge or a thematic series, having a goal gives you a reason to pick up your camera every day. It also provides a sense of accomplishment as you progress, fueling your enthusiasm.

    Learn and Grow
    Invest time in learning new skills or refining existing ones. Attend workshops, watch tutorials, or read books on photography. Education is a powerful tool that can open your eyes to different aspects of photography and enhance your technical abilities.

    Take a Break
    Sometimes, stepping away from your camera can be beneficial. Take a break and allow yourself to miss the act of taking photos. Often, distance can make the heart grow fonder, and you may find yourself returning with a renewed zest.

    Reflect and Appreciate
    Look back at your old work and reflect on your journey. Appreciate how far you’ve come and the experiences you’ve captured. This reflection can remind you why you fell in love with photography in the first place.

    Rekindling your passion for photography is a personal and rewarding journey. It’s about finding what excites you, what moves you, and what makes you eager to look through the viewfinder once more. Embrace the process, and let your love for photography flourish anew. Remember, every photograph you take is a reflection of your passion, so let it shine brightly. Happy shooting!

  • Can you keep up with A.I.?

    Can you keep up with A.I.?

    Embracing the Future: The Synergy of Photography and Artificial Intelligence

    Photography has always been a field that combines art with technology. From the invention of the camera obscura to the digital revolution, photographers have embraced technological advancements to enhance their craft. Today, we stand at the precipice of a new era where artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to play a significant role in photography, and it’s an exciting time for both professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.

    AI in photography is not just about the automation of tasks; it’s about augmenting the creative process and opening up new possibilities. Advanced autofocus systems in modern cameras, powered by AI, can track subjects with incredible accuracy, ensuring that even the most fleeting moments are captured with precision. Photo editing software has also seen a significant leap forward, with AI-driven tools that can enhance detail, reduce noise, and even suggest creative edits that might not have been considered before.

    One of the most fascinating developments is the emergence of AI-generated photography. With the help of text prompts, specialized websites can now create images that were once only possible in the imagination. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about stock photography, conceptual art, and even photojournalism.

    But what does this mean for photographers? Far from rendering the photographer obsolete, AI is a tool that can be harnessed to push the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s a partner in the creative process, handling the more mundane aspects of the craft so that photographers can focus on the artistry and storytelling that lie at the heart of great photography.

    The future of AI in photography is bright and full of potential. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications that will transform the way we capture, process, and think about images. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, there’s never been a better time to explore the possibilities that AI brings to photography.

    So, can you keep up with AI in your photography? Absolutely. By embracing AI, photographers can stay ahead of the curve, continually learning and adapting to incorporate these new tools into their workflow. The key is to view AI not as a competitor, but as a collaborator that enhances the creative potential of every photographer.

    Are you ready to explore the intersection of AI and photography? Dive into the world of smart cameras, learn about the latest AI techniques, and discover how you can leverage these advancements to take your photography to new heights. The journey into the future of photography is just beginning, and it promises to be an exhilarating ride.

  • Make a photograph rather than take a photograph

    Make a photograph rather than take a photograph

    Many of you may be familiar with the Ansel Adams quote; “You don’t take a photograph you make it”. I would argue that many people take photographs rather than make them. I’ve heard many people discuss a picture as “straight out of the camera” and hold it up as a badge of honor. To be brutally honest the majority of the time the picture sucks. I’m certain that many people will be offended by that statement or tell me I’m rude for making such a statement. I’m not by any stretch of the imagination an expert or produce the greatest photographs consistently however I understand that and strive to learn and improve. In fact, I recently faced a reality of my own: I have become lazy and begun to accept mediocrity in my photography.

    I’ve had the opportunity to visit some stunning places over the past year, but I’ve realized that I often rushed through taking photographs and found myself wandering aimlessly. I would see a beautiful scene, point my camera, and press the button without much thought. However, when I reviewed the photographs, I was frequently disappointed. I have only myself to blame as I have most of the tools needed to do better.

    Lately, I’ve been training with a highly skilled photographer and educator, whose expertise surpasses mine by leaps and bounds. I’ve dedicated significant time to mastering various techniques aimed at enriching the viewer’s experience when admiring my photographs. We don’t improve by continuing to do the same thing over and again unless we are willing to open our minds to change and new ideas.

    Challenge yourself and begin to expand your knowledge and skills. Experiment and test out new techniques. Become the artist you want to be by challenging yourself to grow and learn. If you don’t you will be left behind.