Podcast Suggestion- Finding worthy subjects

[F8&Bthere]

In the middle of winter, when it's 20 below outside. Or when one doesn't have the budget for professional models, extravagant costumes/props, exotic destinations abroad, etc. Or when one just has the photographer's version of writer's block... Help me, I'm there....all of the above...

[Marko]

A good topic F8 - I'm way behind on the podcast list, but this one is added :highfive:

Let's see if you can get some ideas straight up though so I'll copy this into the general forum

Thanks!

marko

[JAS_Photo]

I don't know. I think every subject is worthy. Just depends on your point of view. I think if you were to move this topic to a general forum, there would be several that could give you ideas right now.

For instance still life of a carefully arranged favorite knick knack, bowl, basket or vase with a piece of fruit using natural window light and homemade reflectors, and a tripod. Tissue paper or fabric hung on a wall, a foot or two behind gives color.

Lol, Mad Aussie just did a silly series of photos with a stuffed snake.

[F8&Bthere]

I think the disconnect that happens in some of us is that everything around us on day to day basis (especially when bound indoors during winter in some colder climates) seems so boring. But you nailed it really- the ordinary can be made extraordinary with a bit of inspiration and technique... that's what I was after. But for those of us lacking the imagination or inspiration- we're hungry for new ideas!

[Marko]

Maybe this IS better just as an idea thread that we could all answer instead of a podcast.

How's this - for now I WILL move this to the general forum and after people contribute, If you still want me to do this as a podcast in the future i will. This will get you good instant feedback.

Let me know - thx - Marko

[Marko]

For me, a great thing to try are different angles, different lighting, different lenses. Use what you have.

Too cold outside? Take a bowl of sugar and dump it on some green construction paper. Shoot it from different angles. If you have a flash, maybe put a gel or ANYTHING that changes the colour and there you go - different light.

Too boring? - put the camera on a tripod and stare into a mirror and try to take a cool self portrait.

Too complicated? - get some eggs out of the fridge and take some shots at f2.8 and then again at f-16. maybe put the camera on a tripod and shoot the eggs from above.

Not sexy enough? Get your wife or girlfriend or husband, boyfiend, partner, regular friend to allow you to photograph just 1 part of their body. maybe the neck - maybe a leg - maybe the hands.

See what i mean...at the end of the day the limit is not even imagination...it's gumption or the desire to actually use your imagination and follow through. The follow through is the key to it all.

Hope that helps - anyone else?

[Lovin]

Thanks Marko !
I was thinking this days about same thing. I was bored trying to find a stunning shots, or taking photos in the same spots, but what if I'll try to be original, or to improvise something inside, outside being sooo cold.

So I'll think at something.

:highfive:

[kat]

You would die laughing if you saw what I shoot when I can't get out. Everything including the kitchen sink.

As Marko states, it's more so playing with light, shutter speed and aperture and seeing what I'll get. Great practice. And now and then you'll get a really good shot of the least likely subject.

I used to do the facebook photo contest group things. It was great to get several weekly themed challenges and go running off with it. Hence the millions of photos I have in the "March Wind Theme".

[F8&Bthere]

I've come to realize lately that my cabin fever is something I might have to live with unless I change the fact that photographing inanimate household objects indoors is just not my bag. Maybe trying some studio-ish fun-yet-overdone things like a cherry dropping into a glass of milk... but by the time I set everything up, practice, shoot, put everything away and head to the "digital darkroom" I would need a good block of at least 2 hours. Don't have that kind of time (without distractions) in my household- maybe when the kids are grown up.

[Marko]

I would need a good block of at least 2 hours.

You could always try after the kids go to sleep...maybe once a week?

One thing you'll learn quickly is that for quite a while, the more you learn, the longer it takes to take a shot. That said, the shots you do take will be way better than before you started learning.

Then, after doing this for a while (practice practice practice), the speed returns and you can take pictures faster.

[kat]

You could always try after the kids go to sleep...maybe once a week?

One thing you'll learn quickly is that for quite a while, the more you learn, the longer it takes to take a shot. That said, the shots you do take will be way better than before you started learning.

Then, after doing this for a while (practice practice practice), the speed returns and you can take pictures faster.

That's the best thing I've heard you say yet Marko!!! :D :D :D

[casil403]

There's a few neat ideas you could try with your kids at the thread entitled "Wanting to be Inspired? ".
Also I saw a thread in here about light-painting and I checked out DIYphotography.net where they had a write up on light-painting as well as homemade bokeh filters.
I can totally relate to feeling cabin fever also! I'm using this time as a way to get to know the settings/modes on my SLR as well as equipment. As Marko says it's a good time to practice, practice, practise!

[JAS_Photo]

I was just looking through this blog and there are tons of ideas here.

http://365photosin2009.wordpress.com/

[jjeling]

If you cant get two hours of free time away from your kids, then I would make the kids your subject for a while.

[Marko]

This subject has been published as our 64th podcast here:
http://www.photography.ca/blog/?p=303

Thanks for the suggestion F8&Bthere :highfive:

[AcadieLibre]

Get dressed accordingly, I have done shots -30 and with the wind chill even colder. Winter shots are a ton of fun. Always at those temperatures, bring one or two pairs of extra socks because you feet are what need to keep warm. And extra batteries. You should be looking at it all differently, what works i the winter, find friends willing to help, post an ad at craiglist for models willing to work for photos. Research there are many ways to get this done.

[scorpio_e]

I have to say. I LOVED this pod cast. Great information and I enjoyed listening to it. I am inspired !!!!

[Marko]

Thanks so much for that Scorpio_e!!