Critiques Received

I received my Unit 2 photo assignment critiques yesterday, and they weren't too bad. Phillip had some more good recommendations as to how I could improve my images, such as cropping in further on one of them, dodging one of the corners on another one, etc. He wasn't as happy with with the "framing" picture that I submitted, and I have to agree with him on that. I didn't really have a submission that I liked for that particular assignment, but I had to submit something. I had another stronger image that I COULD have submitted for the "framing" assignment, but I liked it better for the "leading lines" submission. Apparently I SHOULD have submitted it for the framing assignment. Oh well. :-)  I sent him more than the required 3 images, per his suggestion, so he could start to get a better idea of the type of pictures I took, and get a better idea of where my strengths and weaknesses are. He really liked the picture of the sun in the clouds over the dock that I submitted, stating that he wouldn't make any changes to that picture; that it was good just how it was. That was nice to hear. :-)

So now it's on to Unit 3, which isn't quite as exciting, but starts to make use of lighting, which is one of the most important aspects of photography. Hopefully I won't take as long to submit this assignment. *fingers crossed*

Unit 2 Submissions Ready To Go

I received my 8x10 prints from MPix.com in the mail today, and I have filled out the paperwork that goes along with the Unit submissions. Now all I have to do is try and find time to get to the post office so I can send my Unit 2 photo projects to Philip for critique.

I have been subconsciously delaying this whole process, possibly due to the fact that I'm usually not completely satisfied with the images I have taken, for one reason or another. But I am fairly happy with the way the prints turned out, so hopefully my submissions will be received well. I'll post again once I've had a chance to review my critique. :)

Getting Unit 2 Submissions Ready

I got off to such an amazing start with this program, blasting through the first 4 units of material, and then I sort of hit a wall. I'm working my way slowly through Unit 5 at the moment, but I've still only submitted photo projects for Unit 1. That being said, here are some of the candidates for Unit 2 submissions. And yes, some of you have probably seen most of these pictures before, one way or another.

Photograph #1: Emphasizing the subject by its size and off-center placement.

Photograph #2: Using framing to focus attention on your subject.

Project #3: Using leading lines to draw attention to your subject.

I need to shoot a few more images, especially for project #2 (although I COULD use the first picture under project #3 as one of my framing photos,) but I am fairly happy with most of these pictures. Provided they print out well, I think they will make decent submissions.

Fellow NYIP students (and anyone else who would care to take a look,) please offer any helpful critiques, opinions, or ideas that you may have, as long as they're not overly negative or derogatory. Constructive criticism and feedback is welcome. Just remember, I am NOT a professional photographer (which should be fairly obvious by now!

Thanks, and I look forward to reading your comments.

A Missed Opportunity

Well, with all the hype surrounding Clint Eastwood, Justin Timberlake, Amy Adams, et al, filming scenes from the upcoming movie "Trouble With The Curve" here in Athens, I decided to use my NYIP news card/press pass for the first time, to see if I could get close to the action. Sadly there wasn't an actual "press area" that I could use it to gain access to, and they were filming a night scene the day we were on location so we missed Eastwood and Timberlake, but it was still cool to be on a live movie set, and watch some of what goes on behind the scenes. This is one of my favorite shots from that day. I'm not sure who he is, but he seemed to be well connected to the production.

Naturally, I Couldn't Stay Away For Long

Well, I knew I couldn't stay away for too long. I've started reading the first booklet in Unit 5, "Photojournalism 1." I may never cut it as a full time, professional portrait or wedding photographer, but photojournalism is something that has always fascinated me, and it's a career path I've thought about pursuing, off and on, throughout my life; especially since I love to write in addition to taking pictures. There's just something about the spontaneity and "in the moment" nature of photojournalism that has always appealed to me. To be the first person on the scene, or the first to capture a critical or pivotal moment in time...THAT is something I've always dreamed about!

So I'm reading my way through the material, absorbing all the information and taking the suggestions they make into strong consideration. I'm going to compile a list of phone numbers and addresses for all the local newspapers and TV stations, and the local wire service if there is one, and I'm going to keep the information in my phone. That way, if I'm ever out and about with my camera, and I happen to come upon a scene that I think is news worthy, I'll be able to contact those organizations that might be able to use (and will probably pay for) my photos. Maybe one day, if I get enough of my material into some of the local publications, I can serve as a stringer for one or more of them, or maybe even get hired as a staff photographer. That would be pretty cool.

To that end, I need to get a small "ID picture" made for my NYIP PhotoWorld press pass, and I need to acquire another compact, high quality point-and-shoot camera, so I ALWAYS have a camera with me, no matter where I am. Because you never know when breaking news is going to happen. I'm also going to add the "Photographer's Rights Gray Card Set" to my gear, in the event that my presence at a scene is ever questioned, or my right to photograph something is ever denied.

So here's to the exciting world of photojournalism. If you see something important happening, photograph and/or video record it, so that others may know what's going on in the world around them. Who knows, maybe your photo or video will be tomorrow's headlines. You never know what's going to happen, so always be on the lookout for news worthy stories, and always make sure to have your camera nearby!

Until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Unit Six Has Arrived

Unit 6 arrived today. Now I have all of the materials from the Complete Course in Professional Photography, and I have to start working through it from where I left off. Before I get to that point though, it's time to get some of my photo projects out of the way!

PPA Membership

My PPA (Professional Photographers of America) membership packet arrived in the mail today. I joined as an "Aspiring Photographer," which I can do for a maximum of 2 years, before I have to enroll as an "Active Professional," something which I hope I will be much closer to being after 2 years of experience. I think the PPA membership will compliment my NYIP training nicely, offering me access to additional training materials, industry incites, and professional certifications.

Much of this is still new to me, and I have a lot to explore and learn about; but I hope this additional level of involvement will help expand my skill base, and enhance my studies as I journey along the path to becoming a Professional Photographer.