Photography Assignments

[Mark]

Anyone interested in having monthly photography assignments? Here's an example of how it would work.

May - Topic: Repetition - Post photos that show repeating patterns.
June - Topic: Loud - Post photos that give a sense of loud sounds.

The topics give you a purpose when you go out and shoot. They help you to think about possible subjects. They help you to think about translating an idea into a photograph.

Looking at other people's submissions give you inspiration and let you see how other people translate the topic into a photograph.

[Robin]

I would suggest with spring arriving, what about an assignment of closeups? Not 'just' flowers, but water droplets, and other fine details in the yard?

[ChrisR]

sounds like fun, count me in :photog:

[Barrie]

I'll play.

[Ursulinda]

I'll play!

[MissBianca]

This is a great idea! I'll give it a try. Mark, you are a majorly wonderful addition to this forum :D

[Tagrel]

Great idea and sounds like fun. Love Mark's photos, and tips and I especially want that camera... Did some pricing and YOWSA! That one won't be something the wife lets me pick up this year! :shock: I'll have to do my homework with the one I have now. :yes: But I'm still looking....

[MissBianca]

I know what you mean, I lust after one of those cameras too. I figure I can either have the camera or go on the cruise next year...

Or win the lottery...*runs out to buy tickets* :letsgo:

[Scottwdw]

What fun, I've been looking for patterns as I've been driving around town. :D Now, that spring has finally arrived in the northeast, I'll be out and about taking some pictures from all that I've been learning here.

Hmmmm...trip to WDW next month. Think I can find some LOUD subjects there? :boyears:

Great ideas, Mark! Gets one's creative juices flowing.

[Mark]

Great idea and sounds like fun. Love Mark's photos, and tips and I especially want that camera... Did some pricing and YOWSA! That one won't be something the wife lets me pick up this year! I'll have to do my homework with the one I have now. But I'm still looking....
Yesterday 11:09 AM

I would strongly advise against getting a camera like mine unless you are absolutely sure that you are ready for it. It's hard to use (there are no easy modes); it's very heavy and bulky; and it's a just bit pricy.

The truth is that once you get to the DSLR level, you have to spend a lot more money for very little gain in picture quality. A low-end Canon Rebel XTi is suprisingly close in quality to an $8,000 1DsM2. The more expensive cameras do take better pictures, but the difference isn't nearly as large as the price would suggest.

If you really want to get serious about photography and learn about how to get the most from your pictures, I would recommend a low-end DSLR like the Canon Rebel XTi or the Nikon D50. Spend any money that you would have spent on a better camera on better lenses, books, seminars, etc. Lenses are more important to picture quality than the camera body is. I'd much rather shoot with a Rebel XTi and a really good lens than a 1DsM2 and a cheap lens.

With that said, even a Rebel XTi and a cheap lens will take very nice pictures. It'll also let you learn a lot about how to take evey better pictures. In my experience, spending twice as much money doesn't mean that your pictures are twice as good. It just means that you can get a few more pictures that cheaper equipment couldn't get and that other pictures will look slightly better.

I'm quite passionate about photography as a hobby. I'm living proof that someone with absolutely know talent can eventually train themselves to take decent pictures. It's not the cheapest hobby, but it's far from the most expensive. The thing that I love most about it is that it is extremely compatible with family activities and it leaves you with something tangible when you're done.

Don't get obsessed with gear. Get obsessed with learning to capture events, emotions, and stories with pictures.

[MissBianca]

Great suggestions and tips, Mark! I need to carry my camera more. I'm really looking forward to your challenges here to get me to taking more photos.

When I said "those cameras" I really just meant a DSLR. (And I still need to win that lottery :lol: )

[ILoveMickey]

Please count me in. I would love to learn more.

[kathleena]

Just push play! I'm in! I think I have one from my trip...........

[Snickerdoodlesmommy]

I will play!!