Do you think my photography is any good?

Question

I want honest responses only please. I want to apply for some photography courses but I don't know if it's worth it. Link to my photos is as follows:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/beetlechickster/
I realise I still have a lot to learn and a lot of hard work to go, but do you think (from what you can see) it is worth it??

Answer 1

Good for you. You seem to appreciate the whole aspect of photography that capture to mood and taste of what you are saying visually. This is good and with plenty of practice.

Use the source link for one course you can do at your time at home on the internet. Don't let the price take you far from your dreams of displaying it in a gallery somewhere.

Two things to advise you about photos.

1) As you learn about photography remember to find your voice or at least develop your style (Example question to help is do you go for finding the right colours or moods when shooting flowers? or finding the right timing when shooting the cat? Is this a problem when you wanted to say visually in a photo? If you had the ability to change just for a photo shoot what would you do for that?)

2) Decide if a career in photography can be adapted in other field of employment so you have a broad range to apply your skills should you limitation in one will be compensated in another so you don't feel lost if not at all.

For an example with flowers or cats as mentioned in your websites, why not combine with either a stories or famous poems? Photography and english will be developed.

Another idea is changing the image slightly and blend it with other colours for interior designing. Photography and Art goes togehter.

I'm sure you get some idea.

Answer 2

Like another person said, the pictures are good but the composition isn't something that would make people say "wow! that's a great picture"
For example, the picture of the angel statue, I wouldn't have known it's in a grave yard if you hadn't said so. A good shot might have been more from ground level looking up so you get the tombstone and it increases the importance/drame/etc of the angel.
Unless you have gorgeous photos of flowers I would go in another direction, I think nearly everyone has these, you should focus on something else that will make you stand out more. Like the seagull picture for example, I think that's a pretty good shot, and by the looks of the comments on that page, so do quite a few people.
If you are interested in taking classes you should! You seem to enjoy it and that's what seperates a good photographer from a great one. You might also learn a lot if you just go to the library and read everything you can get your hands on. You'll learn all about composition, lighting, etc. but you will also see other people's work and it might give you some new ideas. The best way to learn about photography is hands-on, just keep shooting and you'll figure everything out.
Christen
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Answer 3

They are okay. I didnt see anything that is a contest winner. The best ones are the flowers, esp the red rose, but I never really liked pictures of flowers because the real thing is 100 times better, know what I mean? But as far as the rest go, I like the seagulls in a line, and the close up of the dog, the sunset is kind of ok.

I hate the close up of the bee, too big, gives me the creeps.

You need to improve but they are all pretty good. Maybe Im being a little harsh, but the way Im measuring the quality of the pictures is by asking myself "would I want to look at that picture again?". For most of these, Id say no. But then again, 99% of all pictures people take arent truly worth a second look. But you have some talent, and should try to develop it more.

Answer 4

Your pictures looked quite sharp and clear for the given size that the website can offer. I can't comment much on the technical aspects of your photos because photographs on the web are usually compromised to match the internet bandwidth requirements of the viewer.

However, I can offer this feedback that you could work on the "story" or "theme" of your photos. Some of them, example the lizard photo, could show more life in that perhaps you can compose the photo to show the lizard preying on a prey. Another example, is that of your yellow flower "blowing in the wind" - if you can show a rotating windmill in the background depicting "wind", you could make the whole photo come alive. Learn to make use of relationships to bring a photo alive. It will speak wordlessly to the viewers and perhaps even touch their hearts, as the saying goes "a picture says a thousand words".

Depending on what you want to do with your skills.... do you intend to make a living out of it? If so, take up a course as it gives you at least some academic credibility. If it's only for hobby or freelance, it's actually up to you. Sometimes, word-of-mouth is a more powerful promotion tool than a academic certificate. I've been doing freelance wedding photography for eight years with a steady clientele and I've not gone for any formal courses. I was recommended by my previous clients who liked the photos that I took for them. I've retired from that now that I'm focusing my energies on other things.

Answer 5

Everyone starts some where. I think several of them are really good. I bet if you invested your time into photography you could see a real improvement quickly because it's obvious you have an eye for it. Educate yourself through texts and local classes. I don't know where you are in the world but often times there are local photo clubs that offer free classes. Check the Internet in your local area or ask the local camera store. They always know what's going on. The most important thing is recognize if you have a passion for it and if you do, then of course it's worth it.

Answer 6

Actually, this is an important challenge/opportunity for you which goes beyond photography. This is a situation which may repeat itself many times in future years, in one form or another. Since you love photography, you should not allow someone else to ruin your enjoyment of it. That takes controlling your own thoughts and emotions regarding this teacher. You need to make a conscious effort to enjoy your hobby despite this problem. I would recommend you check the library for the book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." Its reading can be challenging, but it explains these concepts.

Answer 7

I have looked at your pictures and find them interesting. A lot of great shots are a matter of opportunity (right place at right time). Your still life of flowers are really nice and I particularly like the microphotos of the droplet and the bee. I honestly believe you would benefit from course(s) in photography especially if you want to become a professional photog. As you probably know there is more to photography than knowing how to handle a camera, that is where courses come in to play. Go for it, enjoy, I believe you have the talent.

Answer 8

Your photos are good, but it could be better if you understand more about composition and try out the different techniques and style.

A photography course is just a medium which introduces the different techniques to you, but however it isn't cheap. Unless you want to be a real professional photographer, you should just check out and learn more about photography from the internet resources and experience/practice more instead.

There is always something new to learn from each time you shoot a photo. ;)

cheers!

Answer 9

I can honestly it is very worth it. Sorry to say this, but some are the pictures are too much of a close-up shot, but then again, some aren't. Like the dog and cat. The dog's face takes up almost the whole picture. Just giving you details. But the rest are awesome. I love how you took the sunset pictures, and the Alpaca one is hilarious. :-) Anyways, great work.

Answer 10

Singing is something that everybody can learn and improve. Of course, some are more naturally skilled than others, but even a poor voice can be overcome by dedication, practice, and more practice. Even if you're content to sing in the shower, there are some things you can do to improve your voice. This is probably the best online course to improve your singing skills https://tr.im/WmU1E
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