Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Color and composition, yes?


Focusing on shape and composition is difficult for me. I'm not sure where it all started, but in my mind it is contrived artsy nonsense.

I know that this is a false statement and the wrong way to feel about it.

It's difficult to break this belief for me though, I've carried it with me for so long. Admitting I have a problem is the first step! This is where art history would be so unbelievably helpful.

At work today Ryan and I discussed my current point and shoot excursions. He suggested that my focus this quarter be on taking more photos than just my 365 shots. He said bring my camera with me literally everywhere and take photos of anything and everything that catches my eye, no matter how big or small. I started today and I had fun with it.

I felt kind of like a bird, my eyes darting constantly around me as I walked around the halls and off campus. Felt a little ADD too, seeing as I double or triple checked everything shiny. Maybe a little crazy too, because of standing really close to random objects or squatting down and cocking my head to the side.

I miss having a camera with me literally at all times. I love my D80 and I miss it terribly right now, but I really appreciate how easy it is to pull out the pocket camera, snap a photo and then put it away. No muss, no fuss and it doesn't kill my back or scream, "I'm kind of expensive so I tempt thieves". 

Up there I wrote that I'm going to carry my camera with me at all times now. This kind of gives the impression that that wasn't my goal previous to today, which isn't the case. I've gone on and off having my camera with me on all outings and leaving it at home. Having my D80 with me at all times doesn't necessarily make it easy to use at all times. It's not particularly inconspicuous. I don't like it when people look at me funny.

I probably shouldn't care though.

I've considered purchasing a new point and shoot, but I'm having a difficult time justifying it. My old point and shoot, a trusty Sony from June of 2004, did me well for three years. But it's old now, and far too slow for speedy me. It looks as though Jake and I will be getting iPhones in June and that'll eliminate any situation where I lack a camera.
I greatly look forward to it. Can't wait to join The Best Camera community!

-MJ

3 comments:

Unknown said...

So I know some directors and Cinematographers who, rather than carrying a huge camera, just carry their favorite lens with them with a special attachment so they can just look through it. Just a thought for those times where you wouldn't be comfortable carrying around the whole camera.

Cassidy said...

i really like the light switch picture.

i know that you feel that you can't justify buying a new point and shoot. is this because you want a snazzy, new professional camera? paying for repairs to your beloved D80? or because there is a fancy schmancy point and shoot that would produce pictures more to your photographer's standards and therefore make it easier to... go point and shoot?

Unknown said...

That might be nice Andrew, but then what happens if I find a great photo and don't actually have a camera?? It would be a great exercise in framing and composition though...

At this moment in time I feel I can't justify a new point and shoot because I'm going to spend at least $300 on fixing my D80 and I have to save as much as I can this quarter so I have spending money for Ireland! :)

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