Your Work

 Rob Van Petten says:

An art director once told me, “I don’t have time to look at your porfolio. Just send me your best shot. Just one picture that shows me your work.”

OH NO! What a daunting demand. So I looked around at the pictures on my wall and found the one that made me the happiest.

Artist have their “work”. It’s an illusive notion that travels with them in their mind and gives them something to think about before they go to sleep.

What defines your own “work” from the work you do for other people or jobs or experimentation and imitation?

Your work – your signature inherent imagery – the stuff you do for yourself – when we go out to shoot and progress.

Some of my commercial work comes as a result of people responding to my own work.

It’s always an ongoing pursuit. Your “work”. My “work”.

Give me one shot that epitomizes your “work”. Who are you and how do you define yourself?

This in an exercise in defining what is really important for you to do with a camera.

6:41PM, 5 October 2013 EST

BioArt says:

This is one of my favorite shots on my wall. Taken many years ago on my third trip to the Matterhorn with an all manual Rollei in arctic type conditions that day. Photography is very personal in the unique experience it takes to get images that you, as the photographer, enjoy.

©BioArtPhotography.com – All Rights Reserved
4 months ago

Pat Kavanagh says:

This is one of my most recent shots (and editing). With the addition of new editing programs I am off on yet another adventure on refining what I personally like which is details and mood in an image. Not all lighting conditions or subjects fall into this category but when they do – I am in my work heaven.

4 months ago

Mully410 * Images says:

I have a 20″x30″ print of this on my wall at work. It was taken at a local spot near my house. I love that it isn’t the “perfect” clean white eagle head.

4 months ago

Orbmiser says:

Probably anything that defines me with other’s is my Leaf & Leaves work. Or as other contacts are always reminding me that they love my Fall Leaves Compositions 🙂

Wet & Fall compositions.

Most recent one that reflects our changing weather here in Portland,Or. And entering my favorite month of the year October! 🙂
.
Originally posted 4 months ago.
Orbmiser edited this topic 4 months ago. 

petepixxx says:

I’ve been into post processing a lot more recently. Updating an old picture I took got me this. I feel proud of it and others like it.

Originally posted 4 months ago.
petepixxx edited this topic 4 months ago. 

Edson_Matthews says:

Man, I don’t know where to begin. I make it a point to shoot absolutely everything and I readily admit that my work is terribly derivative. So, between having shots running the spectrum that look just like everyone else’s work along the spectrum…..crap….I dunno.

I guess I’ll go with this one. Portrait. Moody. Symmetrical. An older shot I still actually like.

Originally posted 4 months ago.
Edson_Matthews edited this topic 4 months ago. 

Simple use [deleted] says:

This is my first time working with a model. I am happy with the results. Obviously not professional. But it is good enough to encourage me in a direction with photography.

4 months ago

Zeroneg1 says:

For me it would have to be this image:

It is painterly, has mood, layers as well as forms that goes all over and tonal range with a hint of chaos and order all compressed into a single image of a hot New York City summer afternoon.
Originally posted 4 months ago.
Zeroneg1 edited this topic 4 months ago. 

PenneyBR says:

Still a newbie so for me my favourite photo is usually my most recent and I take everything and anything. I had waited a long time to get a good shot of this guy though.

4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 BioArt:

Bio Art – This is a departure from your regular subject matter – which makes me wonder about the significance of a recognizable natural landmark as defining to you over the birds in flight, and the people on the street in high contrast and so many other images that sum up the Bio Art Book.

This is especially significant to me after having so many formative images of this same mountain from Zermatt and the surrounding towns when I was very young and learning photography.

This is identifiably Bio Art style. This is a very personal pursuit as you say. We all have uniquely identifiable qualities in our work. Thanks.
4 months ago

By Peter Hollander says:

Taking zoo trips and translating what I see with my eyes into a picture, and hoping the camera view surpasses what I saw in the first place, really defines what I love about this hobby.
This picture illustrates that.
4 months ago

BioArt says:

Thank you for your thoughtful comment Rob. It’s nice to know that we share similar experiences in our own personal learning curves. The birds, people, architecture, fashion, sports, etc. are wonderful, and available, ways to always enjoy the challenges of utilizing our cameras to realize our unique visions, and create launching pads for unending experimentation with light.

The fundamental basis, however, is the individuality that we each develop as we use acquired skills to create photographic artistry in the future.

This could be your best discussion topic – it reaches into the depths of the participants.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Pat Kavanagh:

I can certainly understand how heavenly work feels when you create a shot like this. The textures, colors and light quality that you crafted in this shot are really gorgeous. The rusty relic abandoned in the field like this is classic (1960 Dodge Pioneer I think?) It conjures up the image of Andrew Wyeth’ s famous painting “Christina’s World”. I assume this has been developed with a large dose of HDR in Photomatrix or something similar. The light dynamics in the grass and highlights overall are very effective in creating this hyper real sense of peaceful serenity and foreboding sky. This one has a long viewing life. If this exemplifies where you are as a photographer I encourage you to keep doing it. Nice work.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Mully410 * Images:

It is a nice shot. If you hadn’t pointed out that the eagles head wasn’t perfectly white I might not have noticed. I don’t expect a wild bird of prey to have a perfect shampoo and doo. These bird-in-flight shots are all about timing and very quick focus. I couldn’t tell what lens this is but I assume it’s pretty long which also adds to the degree of difficulty. I’m sure this does look really good 20 x 30 because of all the detail and the focus on his face. Thanks for showing us.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Orbmiser:

There is something really graphically powerful about a simple shape on a dark field like this. It is a variation on the classic dot composition. The almost pentagonal shape of the leave with all it’s points is a lot more interesting. On top of that it has great color – rich saturated green that makes you want to eat it – and the water droplets overall give this whole shot the tactile sense of a wet fall day and sense of direction from the lines the droplets create. What appears to be very simple is really a lot more complex in texture, color and light quality. I’m wondering if this is glass or the hood of a car because it looks opaque. Rich shot though. Sometimes isolating the simplest most common thing and making it the hero instead of taking it for granted can be a great subject. Thanks.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

Pete Pixx –

Revisiting old images with new post production skills is a totally valid way to see something new in something you let sit for a while. Some images, I feel, are totally complete when I’m done and some I don’t mind revitalizing with a fresh trip through Photoshop. There are certainly a number of ways to process a landscape like this to evoke a different sensation. That’s a great point for a topic like this. This comes up in my classes often when students are learning a lot of new technique rapidly. It’s the “Oh I just got a better idea” syndrome. There are times I shoot something just because it’s there and so am I and I like it – don’t know why – But – I know I’ll use part of it later or use it as a background. I think you should really explore this post processing style if it is resonating with you. Do it.
4 months ago

Mully410 * Images says:

 Rob Van Petten:

Thanks, Rob! I used the Nikkor 500f4 G VR. Probably had the Nikon TC1.4eII on it with a D7000 body.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Edson_Matthews:

You do shoot a variety of subject matter and you may like it all. I do think there is a recognizable style to most of what you do. This one has a strong bilateral symmetrical set up and the B & W accentuates that. It makes a strong stage to support the one lone guy sitting in the dim light. It’s more journalistic than most of your pictures. You shoot a lot of landscape, travel and nature. Your people pictures have a lot of portrait quality to them. This one could fit into your portrait group, but it has more of a story to it. So many of your images are very good so I can see why you would have trouble picking one. Your subject matter is diverse. So let’s accept this at face value and say this represents you. You do a lot of things really well. This is one of them. Thanks for joint in again.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Simple use:

Nice shot. I read that you had some help from some more experienced photographers, but you found the frame and hit the moment. It was you who recognized this very interesting stripe of light that brings us to her one very sharp eye. The use of depth of field is very effective here. There’s a lot that is effective. The tilt works well in this case. The colors are all complimentary. The blues and greens make a great foil for the red lips. The sharp texture of her straight hair with the lines of the green verticals and the hat texture moving horizontally all work together to make a great simple dramatic shot of a sensitive quiet emergence from the dark. If you are just beginning this craft, my comment is that your instincts are very good and keep doing what you are doing. I bet I have shot over 1000 models, and if this is your first, just trust your instincts.
Originally posted 4 months ago.
Rob Van Petten edited this topic 4 months ago. 

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Zeroneg1:

Zeroneg – I couldn’t say it any better than you did. NYC – home sweet home no matter how hot and sticky. I can see how this represents you. Thanks.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 PenneyBR:

Is that a hedge hog? It’s a gnarly looking creature – or maybe not to another hedge hog. I appreciate your comment about the newest picture that works being the favorite. I’m sure that’s true for most of us – even the most experienced and best. We are always trying to supersede our last shot or apply something we have learned. We never stop learning this craft. It’s obsessive. So the last one can often be the best, most important and most inspiring. I always say that one good shot can fuel me through a month of misery until I do it again. I hope that doesn’t sound like an addiction. I think its a constructive creative habit. Thanks for submitting you’re scruffy faced friend.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 By Peter Hollander:

Hi Peter. I think what you say about translating what you see into something better through the camera is a good point for this thread. Cameras do see it differently than we do and allows us to apply a point of view and an attitude. You shoot a lot of long lens images that isolate your subjects with a shallow POF and their own light zone. This one does exemplify your work. I like a lot of others you’ve done with animals too. Maybe the monkeys remind us of ourselves and that makes them better subjects for photographs. It’s a nice shot. Thanks.
4 months ago

Cube Ace . says:

This got me thinking a lot.
One photo 🙂
I like shooting events.
The more I photograph people either participating or watching a local event the more I find myself looking for moments that are fleeting, where the people concerned don’t realise how much they have conveyed in a glance, so it’s those pictures I seek and think define my work although the good timing of such a shot is hard to come by so those pictures are few.

4 months ago

Simple use [deleted] says:

 Thank you for the encouraging words!

Gary
4 months ago

Ross1768 says:

I have struggled over the years to decide which type of subject I enjoy shooting the most, but I think people are the most interesting. The intensity of her gaze into the camera draws your attention, wanting to know more about her life, and I think it’s ended up as my best portrait so far

4 months ago

By Peter Hollander says:

 Rob Van Petten:
Thanks for the kind and encouraging words Rob. I might add that especially the eyes of monkeys are great reminders of what and who we are.
4 months ago

Pat Kavanagh says:

Thanks  Rob Van Petten:

for taking the time to not only respond to my image but to REALLY say something of value to me personally….I don’t hear that too often.
4 months ago

jrash168 says:

I have always been drawn to sports photography but have only recently (2 years ago) learned how to use a camera in manual mode and to “see” the light and composition. The action is usually pretty easy to capture, but when the light falls on the subject just right, it makes it so much better.
4 months ago

JyBravo says:

Here is my submission, though work I would not call it as its a hobby.

Taken with a kit telephoto and using a Scene Mode I was able to capture the exact moment I wanted and was lucky the camera selected f/6.3 to blur the background. Why this one shot? Yes it is 5 years old and one of my first digital SLR shots but coming from a Pentax K1000 I was curious what digital had to offer. Well it has won me a bridge camera and digital photo frame, and is one of 2 shots I have blown up to a large print and hung on the wall. It is more typical of my shots though in my focus is not of my daughter but what she is doing and details around her. For me photography is more about capturing what is going on at that moment in time to better remember the day and events.
Originally posted 4 months ago.
JyBravo edited this topic 4 months ago. 

Zeroneg1 says:

 Rob Van Petten:

Thanks! Indeed and most of my own the shots I really like are of NYC:

There is no city like it and we are spoiled by it and only notice the difference when we travel. I think the environment we live in can influence and define our work. Thanks for the feedback.
Originally posted 4 months ago.
Zeroneg1 edited this topic 4 months ago. 

Roll-Dagger says:

Caption : Time passes, memories fade

This pic just shows that beauty is everywhere, even if you just look up the sky.
4 months ago

Crick3 says:

I have been asked, “why do you keep taking photos of the same things?” For years. This staircase was shot with infrared film in 1997.
After 100’s more shots over the years, I took this last week. 
Nearly 47,00 views in less than a week here on Flickr, says to me that perseverance pays off. This is what I shoot, for me.
4 months ago

bj1938 says:

Technically this isn’t the best. But it’s an image that has always caused me to wonder who is beneath the cross. And when found and even today my impression was the tree was intent on protecting whomever it was.
bj

4 months ago

jon.atli says:

I can’t figure out how to post the picture, but here is the link within flickr.

I like to walk around ans see things that others overlook. The beauty in the mundane.

farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/8055375513_cb10f67be9.jpg
Originally posted 4 months ago.
Rob Van Petten edited this topic 4 months ago. 

shottwokill says:

That Fleeting moment in time that may not be there again. That thought that is displayed with an expression, the melancholy that is expressed in a moment of solitude or the child that feels the need to look for spiders when the parents are in a hurry. (and he finds them)

4 months ago

Richard McGuire says:

It’s not my best shot or my favourite, but this one typifies my “work” in a number of ways.

It’s a shot I took of a street checkers game in Havana, Cuba. I asked permission to take the photo, but the men quickly became so engrossed again in their game that they ignored my presence. I love observing people and their rites of work and play, especially in exotic locales. But although I got as close as the men were to each other, I was the sole outsider, observing without participating. Perhaps like many photographers I’m a bit of a voyeur.

The scene struck me because I’ve never really thought of checkers as a spectator sport, and it says something about the difference in culture from North America — where attention spans rarely extend beyond a few seconds. These guys are in no hurry to go anywhere.

4 months ago

Naked Lens Dallas says:

4 months ago

tomassan says:

I think this represents about 80-90 per cent of what I like to achieve as a photographer, and it’s about finding symbols and conveying this in a photograph, in this case for the Swedish subculture “Raggare”. Finding the simplicity of it is a key.

Still, just being an amateur, I can’t say I hit the nail everytime, but it shure does feel good when it works.

4 months ago

mulders_jan says:

While skipping trough my photo’s from a portrait shoot with Finn Andrews last march I came across this shot. I immediately realized it was going to be part of my portfolio for years to come. I strive to create images like this one and know i’m capable of producing similar images.

During the shoot, that lasted 6 minutes instead of the 15 the record label promised me i had to work with a unmotivated artist whom i had to interrupt during his meal (or lose my time slot). Communication was difficult due to my nervousness and because english is not my native language. Anway, kept it simple, saw an opportunity and set up the shot.
Originally posted 4 months ago.
mulders_jan edited this topic 4 months ago. 

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Cube Ace .:

I’m glad this “One Defining Shot” idea got you thinking. It’s by articulating who we are as photographers that helps us make decisions about what to spend our time perfecting and what to pursue as subject matter.

These event moments are terrific social documents. It’s a personal segment of social photojournalism that you may have opportunities to find if your assignments get you access to events. These are about timing and recognizing and responding to action very instinctually. ( I think our NDLC moderator Steve Simon is a master of this kind of moment. ) It requires reflexes and intuition to grab the shot.

I like this fleeting moment very much. The facial expressions speak volumes. I do think the faces might be a little easier to see if this exposure came up about 2/3 of a stop. There is a lot more detail in the shadows that could me rescued here. This is a great shot and a little tweaking could make this one really come a live. Good luck on the search.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Ross1768:

She does have an intensity to her stare. It’s “Blue Steel” in black and white. It’s very riveting. The gesture of her arms being held back also adds a bit of forward thrust to her stance. Her cosmetic face and hair give it a bit of a fashion look, all making it a strong portrait. You obviously have confidence in your portrait shooting to make such a strong confrontational portrait. You’re able to evoke the mood you want from your subjects. Seems like the right choice.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Roll-Dagger:

This is a very spiritually uplifting shot. The quality of light, the tree in the shadow and the three in the bright sun create a great light dynamic. Simple and very nice. Sometimes it’s just a matter of slowing down and looking right in front of you – or up. I think of these kind of shots as visual poems. Thanks.
4 months ago

SquawCreekPhoto says:

I would have to say that this is one of my most recent favorites that I have taken. With a little editing I tried to make this a bold photo with some mysteriousness behind it.

4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Crick3:

This brings up an interesting point. I bet most of us who carry a camera around revisit the same place or at least the same equivalent composition repeatedly to try to find a better angle or see it in a different light. I find myself attracted to the same graphic elements of swimming pool ladders everywhere I travel in the world. Then I get them home and laugh at myself for having gone all the way to New Zealand and shot the same shot I did at the local YMCA. It’s part of the search. Keep doing it until it feels right. 47,000 views is some kind of external measure of success for sure.
But – How does it feel to you? Did you finally get it. Maybe everyone does that in some way. My brother the fisherman goes out in the same boat in the same place to catch a better fish each time too. He’s probably learning something new each time just like a photographer.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 bj1938:

This shot does evoke an erie kind of reverence. The tree takes on a human attitude with this lean toward the cross. It has a kind of cartoon character quality to the tree shape. I don’t see too much technically that is distracting. The light level is rich and saturated. The silhouette quality of the cross and the tree make them a bit more foreboding. It looks pretty sharp here on screen. It looks like you have an on-camera flash lighting up the foreground. There is always more you can do to finesse a photo but I don’t see any glaring errors here. It’s a cool shot. Thanks for submitting.
4 months ago

delboysnaps says:

I love taking photographs of my kids, and I have always wanted to get that nice bright look to portraits with out it looking like i have used a flash. I think i’m starting to learn how to combine ambient light with flash to get the look i want.

4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 jrash168:

Sorry for getting out of order here… You hit on something really important in your comment about the action and the light coming together to create something stronger. When the mood of a shot, created by the lighting, supports the action of the subject, the shot always is more successful. (Rob’s First Rule of Getting a Good One) The Mood Supports the Moment. This receiver reaching up in the bright sun and grabbing that ball in the midst of a jump has the action supported by the light. Then there’s a few other important steps like getting it in focus and getting the client to pay the bill… Regardless of that we can all see why you like this one. It’s a good catch.
4 months ago

Jim529 says:

This is an interesting and very helpful strand, Rob. For me the key questions is – “what is my work? What do I want to be my work? My main subjects are birds, railway engines, buildings (whle and part) and flowers (when I run out of the other subjects). And I’m a capturer of interesting subjects not a creator, if that makes sense

But thinking the “work” question through I have realised that a substantial part of my stream is of the detail of buildings rather than the whole. I’ve set up a set and its approaching 10% of my stream and includes interesting, intriguing and often colourful subjects. I now think that it is well worth my going out looking for detail rather than just taking it when i see it. Looking at them as a whole it also becomes obvious that they are not good technically – they are too much snaps not careful photographs. I include too much of the parent building for example.
I have post processed some but often I haven’t or not enough.

So I think you’ve helped me find an ongoing project. It fits in with my interest in buildings and often history as well as my preference for the tele end rather than the wide angle. My late year resolutions are go out looking for detail, take photographic care and post process if required.
So as for the example – this is the insignia crest of a long gone railway company that sits in modern London.

many thanks.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 JyBravo:

A photographer’s quality of work does not define whether someone is a professional or a hobbyist. What kind of jobs you get and getting people to hire you makes you a pro. It’s merit based. There are a lot of very capable amateurs who shoot stunningly good pictures and a lot of mediocre pros who aren’t as good.

I think what does work in this lifestyle shot is the action and the environment and then she does the rest. It’s like setting the stage, lighting and letting the actors perform for the camera. It’s a completely legitimate approach. Non-posing people shooting.

This also serves as a reminder of the day and the time when five years ago you were both were fasciated with this phenomenon. Cameras have a better memory than we do for sure.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 jon.atli:

The beauty is in the mundane. I aways say there is a great shot within 50 feet of wherever you are at any time. You just have to see it. This is a great example. The light through this grass is beautiful. The camera probably renders this better than the eye saw it. So much of this shot is knowing what the camera is capable of doing better than your eye and making the camera perform as you want it to. This comes from practice and mastering how to plot the placement of light zones and color. It’s done more in your minds eye than i your camera. Nice Work.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 shottwokill:

Fleeting moments that the camera remembers better than we do – great work – and you articulated this very well for us. The placement of the shadow across his eye helps to intensify his wonder. Do I ever know this moment… “But Dad… Wait…” And I probably should. Thanks for this beauty of a shot.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Richard McGuire:

You’re right Richard. This is a very valid cultural study. I am often aware of this same cultural difference when I am traveling especially in the islands where people take their time and congregate for the sake of being together. If this happens in the US it’s usually people from another culture. I see this kind of chess game spectator sport in the parks in NY but maybe not as relaxed.

It also says a lot about them accepting what you are doing without suspicion or distrust. It’s a great shot and it says a lot about your confidence with your photo agenda to move in on a great moment. You have the ability to radiate a trust and sense of purpose to these guys so they comfortably allow you to come inside their zone and belong there. There’s a big lesson in how to be a street photographer in this shot. Very good one.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Naked Lens Dallas:

You said this is your most popular image no matter where it has been displayed. It is a strong emotional moment, and probably because it is two men it’s more unusual. What surprises me is that it doesn’t have your usual electric light driven quality that we’ve come to recognize in so much of your work. You are a guy with a serious body of work. Most of it big flash. This one is more serious body. Two leather guys embrace at the port-a- potty. There are always at least 2 people in the picture. In this case 3. The subjects and the photographer. If this one exemplifies your “work” , that offers more of an insight into you, the photographer.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 tomassan:

This image is full of big strong symbols. The hot rod steering wheel and the stars and stripes towel seat cover with a box of High School Teenage Ballad CD’s on the seat – It’s Americana which I have witnessed is a popular trend in Sweden. I was surprised to find in the land of modern efficient Volvo Station Wagons and Saab turbos, there was a status and a reverence for Mustang Fastbacks and rumbling V-8s.

About hitting the nail – It is often about reducing the shot to the simple essence. Getting in close. Reducing distractions. The pro does have to deliver a job every time. The process is usually a search to get to the essence, reduce distractions and find a fresh point of view that gives it a new spin. Often that search involves shooting a lot more images than a non-pro would shoot. I often shoot 1000 frames of a model’s face to finally find that one chance gesture that reveals something special. Pros may hit the nail more often but the ratio of strikes may be a lot higher.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 mulders_jan:

This is a very nice shot reminiscent of an early black and white Cartier Bresson portraits or the famous Brassai – Paris by Night pictures. I think it’s partly his signature big hat and sidelong gaze. It’s a really nice shot, first of of Finn Andrews, and in general. Portraits of celebs and musicians always add credibility to a photographers work. It’s about 2 artist working together. And although they have tight schedules, they know they need you too promote them and make them look good too. This is a really strong shot and a job very well done.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 SquawCreekPhoto:

A moody graphic Chevy grill. It looks like a tungsten white balance or blue of some kind that does enhance the mood. Personally I think the blue works really well. Doing a graphic study like this is about getting all the detail in the highlights and the shadow areas as well as you can to give the readers more detail than they notice with their eyes. The textures and tones are what makes this shot special. Nice looking shot and a nice looking truck.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 delboysnaps:

A bright clean filled open feel to the lighting is what you’re after. It’s a combination of filling shadows and keeping the exposure on the bright side as well. Balancing fill flash with ambient light takes a little practice but I’ll offer you a good trick. First shoot the scene without the flash and get the ambient light level right. Then add the flash to that exposure enough to fill the shadows. There are 2 parts to the exposure. Use the shutter speed to control the ambient light level. Then use the F stops to control the flash because the flash doesn’t care what your shutter speed is below the sync speed. If you think of the ambient as shutter speed and the flash as F stop it’s a lot easier to balance. You might enjoy Barbara Peacock’s pictures. She is speaking at the Big Shot Workshops this weekend which has reintroduced her work to me.www.bigshotworkshops.com/products-page/show/barbara-peaco…
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Jim529:

I’m very glad you find this topic thought provoking. If for no other reason, that is why I participate here. I want to engage in a community of like minded photographers who are curious about what we are obsessed to do and moreover to improve and learn by sharing in this forum. I’m glad to hear you are making this a project. Coming to a resolution is a great accomplishment creatively. You are defining a new direction. Thanks for your comments about “your work”. Good luck and enjoy it.
4 months ago

Jim529 says:

Thank you, Rob.
4 months ago

SquawCreekPhoto says:

Thank you for the comments Rob.
I am always trying to figure out how to take my photographs to the next level.
4 months ago

k.monsoor says:

 Rob Van Petten:

i guess this is my best shot …

4 months ago

John-D7000 says:

I really like taking candid photos but sometimes try to get a portrait feel to them. I am a self taught amateur and hope that sometimes I get it right. This photo is of a tourist watching out for his girlfriend. I think (hope) it works !

www.flickr.com/photos/75606527@N03/9593803332/
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 k.monsoor:

I can see why you like this shot. I went on your photo stream and it appears that most of what you have been showing is landscape and flowers and architectural details. You have fewer pictures of people and fewer B&W images than anything. That makes me wonder why this one is the one that gives you the sense of accomplishment. For sure it is a very nice shot. It has great human sensitivity. The single eye of this little child appears to be looking up with curiosity or concern from a place of safety and security. The shallow depth of field takes us right to his eye. You also appear to have a softening in the darker tones that supports the effective mood of the light in this image.

It’s a very strong shot. If this shot represents you, is this a new direction from your landscape, flowers, and colored details? I think you did this very well. Are you now going to shoot B&W portraits and street pictures now?
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 John-D7000:

Most of what you show in your photo stream is street pictures of people pretty close up. I see you enjoy that shot and you seem to have a lot of success at it. That takes a lot of practiced skill and confidence in yourself to aim at strangers and capture them publicly. I think this B&W shot you submitted is a strong shot and represents most of your style. Many of your images are in color and use a strong colored element somewhere in the composition. This one is different. First it’s B&W and it’s more about the chance action of this guy looking after his girlfriend. I do think it works. However, I don’t think it’s as strong or represents you as well as some others. A small distraction I notice is that his face and especially his eyes are not as sharp as other parts of the image. If the focus were on his face, we might connect with his expression a little quicker. Small point though.

You shoot a lot of couples reacting to each other or other outside influence. The range of expression is varied and interesting in most of your images. Some of the humorous images remind me a bit of the whimsical street pictures by Elliot Erwitt. Nice work.
4 months ago

JyBravo says:

 Rob Van Petten:

Cameras have a better memory than we do for sure.

Thank you Rob. I have been facinated with photography since I can remember, taking pictures of my dog and Star Wars posters and toys in first grade on. When I go back and look at them I can remember many things I had forgotten. In today’s hustle and busle of modern life we have had our work and social lives compressed to the point of it all blurring together. What I love about digital photography is the amount of history it can capture and store for us and our families. Our home as a couple of digital picture frames that rotate through the last 10 year’s worth of memories, the kids love them.
4 months ago

k.monsoor says:

 Rob Van Petten:

Thanks for your inspiring reply.
For a while, i was wondering about why someone shoot in BW. But, now i don’t have that confusion. I believe the subject (of any picture) should suggest what color it will express itself most. I think, i’ll continue to shoot both.

About the subject topic, still i am exploring. Anything interesting (with a pattern) that triggers emotion attracts me. As a newbie (less than a year of photography) i am yet to decide which area i should focus in.

Thanks again, Rob
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 k.monsoor:

Very surprised to hear you have been shooting for less than 1 year. You obviously have good instincts, mechanical aptitude, and a strong visual sense to do as many nice images as you do consistently.

Don’t try to make any of these decisions about direction and style this soon. Shoot and explore. Put your similar images together in groups. In ten years, look at what you have gathered. Then some pattern will reveal itself. There is no rush. It’s a process, not a destination. We look forward to seeing what you do. I’m glad you joined in the discussion.
4 months ago

iScan-Cumbria says:

 Rob Van Petten:

Who are you and how do you define yourself?

This in an exercise in defining what is really important for you to do with a camera

Hi Rob

To me and my photography it’s about recording the great light modifier we have here in Cumbria (UK) – the weather stuff that comes in off the Irish Sea. Being a maritime climate we get all sorts of weather landing. It’s endlessly inspiring all year round, year in year out. Downside, is I/ we only get one lifetime to work with it.

My canvas is a few hundred square kilometres in area, with a costal plain of about around 80ish kilometres. Nature provides the palate, Nikon the tech, including the undervalued NX2 stable of software.

2 seasons in 1?

Regards
Cliff (THAT NX2 guy)
4 months ago

John-D7000 says:

 Rob Van Petten:

Elliot Erwitt

Hi Rob,

Thank you so much for this invaluable feedback, it is much appreciated. I’ve taken on board everything you’ve said and will learn from it. Hopefully this will show in my future postings. Once again, thank you so much. John
4 months ago

Naked Lens Dallas says:

 Rob Van Petten:

It was a shot I made really early on in 2006, with a D50.

I think it’s the interaction between the two that keeps bringing me back to it; my favorites are always images than convey emotion or a connection between people.

I’m heading out to a small festival this weekend, and I’m planning to switch back and forth between big lights and natural light. Daylight shooting has been my weak point, and I’m working to bring that up to a more appropriate skill level.
4 months ago

Crick3 says:

 Rob Van Petten:

Thanks Rob, I didn’t notice when I put these up that they were almost identical in in camera placement. I have others that I prefer better than this last shot and I have no idea why this one went viral. I have some with 3, 4, 5000 views but there is no explaining the view count on this last one. This stairway won’t be with us much longer and that was one of the reasons I started documenting this area.
4 months ago

0bender0 says:

The was one of my first groups of shots when I got into photography
Using and old camcorder tripod a newly purchased d5100 with the kit 18-55 ex lens
And a 2 second delay instead of remote.

And the reason I stuck with it.

Originally posted 4 months ago.
0bender0 edited this topic 4 months ago. 

thedarklordchucklesthesillypiggy says:

4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 iScan-Cumbria:

This is a very intriguing shot with the brightness of the highlights and the darkness of the foreboding sky. We see this kind of changeable light pattern and dramatic light effected by the extremes of the sea coast weather patterns. I’m looking out at the autumn light on the water as I write this and I get it.

Your approach of being the eyes and illustrator of this particular geographic phenomenon is a significant point for this thread. There are photographers who live in inspiring places, Point Lobos as Ansel Adams did, and Nantucket or Cape light and are inspired by the topography and light influences of that particular place. It’s got to be a great calling for a photographer. I have a very good friend who traveled around exotic locations with me shooting the hectic lunacy of fashion assignments, and now lives in the serenity of Marthas’ Vineyard and shoots minimalistic seascapes and landscapes of that changeable island light. I get it. Nice shot.

Does the advent of HDR play a part in this passion? I would think that HDR would be a great tool for the way you shoot giving you the ability to enhance the light dynamics that Mother Nature offers you.

As for the downside of only having one lifetime to work with it, you probably won’t get a lot of sympathy on that note. There aren’t many that can claim they got to come back for a second shot at it. So enjoy it while you can and spend as much time indulging yourself in the glory of your unique locale. The bright side is that the images live on a lot longer than we will.

Thanks for your contribution here. My wife just returned from a week in Ireland with a number if nice rolling coastal landscapes.

Rob (another NX2 guy)
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Naked Lens Dallas:

Ironic to me that you have concocted some of the wildest strobe gear I can remember and you wear it well. You have mastered that genre. And what you see missing is the mastery of available natural light.

I just finished a workshop in very dim light with cameras and lenses that handle low light levels very well. It was eye opening to me again, how good the new cameras, especially the D4, D7100 handle murky over cast days and make the light look great. We warmed up our white balance and shot at F/1.4 and F/ 2 and things look great.

Shooting with new cameras in available light and especially low light is simply getting better and easier to do. Some of what I shot today is better than I could have done before with lesser ISO and noise reduction.

This is a great time to explore the great looking options available in shooting available light because these new bodies manage low light so beautifully. Good luck with it.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Crick3:

Interesting phenomenon. Something worth analyzing. There is a big difference in popularity… I’m not necessarily advocating for popularity to determine whether a shot is good. I think if it makes you happy it works. But if you have a huge response to a shot and you are marketing images to support your photo habit it’s a good measure of potential income. It’s worth exploring and understanding what the appeal of a particular take might be over another.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 0bender0:

This is a nice shot. From my quick survey of your collection on flickr you shoot a variety of subjects from insects close up, reflections, portraits and landscapes. You’re a very general practice photographer. As someone who I assume shoots pictures for the sheer enjoyment of it and the challenge of learning, you have a lot of very good instincts about what a camera can do and what to do with a camera. This sunset seascape is an example of that good instinct. You’ve chosen a great composition, place and time. From there it’s about watching the conditions and hoping something more dramatic happens as you wait. There’s a meditation in the process of shooting and watching the conditions that can be one of the most pleasant parts of the image making process. Thanks for reminding me.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 thedarklordchucklesthesillypiggy:

This appears to be a double exposure. Of the 9 images you have posted here (7 being young asian model woman posing) this is very different from the rest. If this is something you are excited to explore, double exposures and the illustrative, metaphysical notions they conjure up, go for it. There is magic to be made there. it’s fun to play with new techniques and work in different styles for experimentation. The best shots always start with a strong concept. The idea drives the technique and the style. Thanks for joining in.
4 months ago

Dream Source Studio says:

Picking one? That’s very difficult, but I guess an image like this sort of represents what I “do” and what I like to do (though I did go a little heavy-handed on the post-vignetting):

4 months ago

0bender0 says:

Thanks for your kind words Rob.
Yes I just enjoy pushing my bounderys with all kinds of shots.
I don’t want to be a pro as I think it would destroy my passion.

What I would like to do is get to a point where I know enough to pass
On the info to people who struggle with photography.
Not a teacher a such but a guide.:-)
4 months ago

awake24 says:

lately i ‘m taking a lot of “party” shots. and singer songwriter events.
This Is one of my favourites.

(Link was broken because of move to set Fixed)
Originally posted 4 months ago.
awake24 edited this topic 3 months ago. 

Julie Carlton says:

I take a lot of live band photos. I love the colors and effects that stage lighting produces. This is my favorite one I’ve taken so far:

4 months ago

www.nickgironphoto.com says:

I specialize in editorial portraiture.
I’ve liked this shot based on comp, processing, and the “moment” it captures.
It’s pretty representative of my work, stylistically.
This is a minor league team I shot for last season.

4 months ago

PaulKazmierski says:

I enjoy exploring and observing places and perspectives where no one else looks. I think there’s a sense of satisfaction and pride in capturing something that will never happen the same way again and that no one else in the world will ever see with the exception of my photo.

I’ve only owned a camera since April so every new batch of photos seems to net me a new favorite. I recently went on a camping trip and got to spend 2 hours watching the mist roll in over a large pond with the sun rising while everyone else was asleep.

Choosing a favorite from that morning is tough but I like this one because it looks like the sun is on fire and smoking.

4 months ago

rajnishjaiswal says:

It would be difficult to just show one picture.

But here is one which actually make me happy … as I am with my kids here. 🙂

4 months ago

iScan-Cumbria says:

 Rob Van Petten:

Thank you so much Rob, your insightful comments are much appreciated.

But… give me some idea of your thinking on the application of HDR to my photography? I tend to think of the technique in terms of real estate interiors and the weird & wacky colourisatioin that to we see from time to time.

A little input from you, on the techniques applicability, may well go a long way.

Regards

Cliff (THAT NX2 guy)
4 months ago

RAWspot Photos says:

Hello Rob Van Petten:

I am new to photography and after learning a bit of photo composition, bokeh effects, how to manage the apeture etc. I believe this is my best shot,

Thank you
4 months ago

Titanfan says:

In Nashville this summer they opened up the Music City Center, a new convention center. It was a 500 million dollar job that was pretty controversial to say the least. I went down one day and took few snaps of it and have had a few inquiries about usage. As far as whether this defines my photography, I don’t know. I like wildlife, sports, action, and landscapes. I get out and do some architecture but not on a regular basis. So it surprised me when it started generating interest.

4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Dream Source Studio:

This images seems to represent your work very well. It is a very comfortably framed and precisely captured moment. You have a lot of practice at this from what I see. I don’t object to the degree of vignetting. I think it’s OK and maybe it would pop a bit more if the whites were a little brighter. Hard to tell here what latitude is left, but this very good. Nice and sharp. Those are some seriously skinny legs and bright yellow feet too. I love this one.
4 months ago

Dream Source Studio says:

 Rob Van Petten:

Agreed on the whites. I noticed it too when I was reviewing the image before I posted it. It was taken at sunset, but still whites should be a tiny bit brighter. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 awake24:

Black and white works for this one. The light makes it work. Moody and rich tones. Kind of a Ziggy Marley moment. We see what you like and I hope you are having fun doing this. Good for you. Too bad there’s not sound track. Thanks for tuning in. Get some sleep…
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Julie Carlton:

Thanks for showing us this one Julie. The help you can get from good stage lighting effects is enormous. It’s dramatic, colorful and changeable. It makes shooting the action of a concert really exciting. With the higher ISO cameras and white balance adjustments available now the possibilities are endless. You would probably like the work done by my friend Mike Corrado at Nikon. Here’s the best rock and roll shooter I know. Just don’t tell him I said so.www.corradophotography.com/galleries-4/rock-works/
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Nickgphoto:

I can see you are a story teller. This shot sums up a lot about a minor league team. This has an almost Norman Rockwell painting sense of light and gesture. The hands on the hips and stance of these guys is characteristic of a hard working serious bunch of All American Regular Guys. The guy on the right framed in the arm of #18 is perfect Norman Rockwell composition… All so nicely packaged in the perspective of these crazy wide angle guard rails. This is a beauty. Thanks.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 PaulKazmierski:

Paul, I have to give you a lot of credit. You have been shooting pictures since April and you have discovered some of the most satisfying and wonderful things about taking pictures. You may have even accomplished something that I have longed to do for over 40 years as a pro photographer. You “spend 2 hours watching the mist roll in over a large pond…” and shot pictures. How delightful. Maybe if you do it for a living you never have that much time to relax.

I think you said it much better than I could. “I enjoy exploring and observing places and perspectives where no one else looks.” You get the NDLC gold star on your forehead for that one. Each of us sees things differently and shoots our own interpretation of an event. “The sun is on fire and smoking” is a beautiful little photo poem. I hope you continue to enjoy your discovery for a long time. Thanks.
Originally posted 4 months ago.
Rob Van Petten edited this topic 4 months ago. 

 Rob Van Petten says:

 rajnishjaiswal:

Nice to hear from you again Rajnish. We can see the happiness. This does represent a photographer who primarily shoots his family – and in this dramatic picture perfect style. So many of your pictures remind me of advertising images. This one for sure. You have a beautiful family.
Beautiful shot of you all too. Thanks for showing us.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 iScan-Cumbria:

What we see often of HDR is a radical use of tonal compression to give a shot very extreme effects. Shadow and highlight colliding in a surreal acid trip of colors and unreal tonal range. It is not that HDR quality that I am referring to. It’s the exact same process, just not turned up to eleven.

Expanding the tone range of some of the landscape that you shoot can enhance details in shadow and highlights and provide a much longer lived viewing experience – just more detail and a touch of enhanced quality makes the image look really great.

It’s a matter of adding vitamins instead of steroids. It’s the same Photomatix and multiple exposure process I suppose. It can be done with a single exposure and processing 3 – 5 versions of an image differently in the RAW process.
Originally posted 4 months ago.
Rob Van Petten edited this topic 4 months ago. 

 Rob Van Petten says:

 danny photography1:

Well thank you too. Learning photography is a never ending learning process. But luckily the learning curve evens out a little bit after you get some basics under control. Managing exposure is key. Lenses and what they look like is a long expensive lesson. Composition and moment is a lifetime. Directing subjects is an eternity. I think you picked a very good subject to practice on. It can be an extremely gratifying lifestyle. Welcome to the Nikon Digital Learning Center and I hope you continue to participate, ask questions and show your work. We’ll do our best to keep it informative, challenging and friendly.
4 months ago

 Rob Van Petten says:

 Titanfan:

Hi Mike – It is a colosal building and a controversial design. I like this shot, but after visiting your images, there are others I things you do better – and I think that’s what you are insinuating. (By the way – I think the eagle images are fantastic and some of the other animals as well. You’ve got the timing necessary to shoot moving targets. That’s what you do in sports and wildlife very well. Nice gallery.) There appears to be a light touch of HDR here too. Are you using an HDR action? I think it works here. Gives it an architectural rendering look. You have very good light and moment instincts. This makes me think I need a trip to Nashville. Good Stuff.
4 months ago

Ellipsis3 says:

I am still new to DSLR but I would say that I love to photograph nature. This one is a recent shot but I liked it. Originally I am from Pakistan living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia these days. I used to take a lot of pictures of flowers, birds and animals back at home but now Its a bit difficult to find a lot of these things here. So I enjoy whenever I find an opportunity to photograph something close to it.
4 months ago

kuronakko says:

This in an exercise in defining what is really important for you to do with a camera.

Many years ago when I was just 18 I tried my hands on a 4×5 monorail camera for the very first time. It was a most intimidating and challenging experience. Maybe I was too young, too inexperienced, too impatient, I let it get to me physically and mentally and gave up ( on 4×5 that is, not on photography )

Many years have passed and as fate would have it, a 4×5 folding view camera came to my possession thru a series of unforeseen yet fortunate events. This time with age and wisdom, I embraced it wholeheartedly and never waivered.

This is just a snapshot of testing a 4×5 for the very first time since I was 18 years old, it gave me a new found meaning of the phrase “coming around in full circle”
Sorry it is not a Nikon digital shot.
4 months ago