Frustration issues with photograpy

[fsendel]

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I've been around here but in the past I have had very positive responses from the crowd here, so I have an issue now that I wanted to comment on with everyone.

Sometimes I get frustrated photography, with a couple of things:

1. I go out and take a shot of a subject, whatever, say a seagull. Then I go back home and post in online, only to find that there are thousands of shots of seagulls that are many times better! So in times like this it makes me wonder , why bother at all? I was wondering if you ever have similar frustrations and what to do about them, because in general I do enjoy shooting.

2. Sometimes I look at my collection of shots and get frustrated because I just don't know what to do with all of them! Does this ever happen to you? There are only so many shots I can print and hang on the wall or give as presents!


Anyway... I've had this on my mind the past few days and was wondering what you guys think.

Happy 2011 from Mexico!

Federico

[Mad Aussie]

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I've been around here but in the past I have had very positive responses from the crowd here, so I have an issue now that I wanted to comment on with everyone.

Sometimes I get frustrated photography, with a couple of things:

1. I go out and take a shot of a subject, whatever, say a seagull. Then I go back home and post in online, only to find that there are thousands of shots of seagulls that are many times better! So in times like this it makes me wonder , why bother at all? I was wondering if you ever have similar frustrations and what to do about them, because in general I do enjoy shooting.

I think your last statement helps to answer this one. As they say, it's not only the destination that matters, it's the journey as well.
You enjoy shooting ... so keep shooting. If you want to compete with other peoples work, then you will need to take positive steps towards reaching that goal. You will need to look at their work (or get us to) and diagnose where your own offerings are lacking and then work specifically on those weaknesses. It could be an exciting turn in your photography.
And, there's ALWAYS someone better it seems ... we ALL have that problem! Accepting that and focusing on what is really important to ourselves in photography, our art, our recreation is what's important most.

2. Sometimes I look at my collection of shots and get frustrated because I just don't know what to do with all of them! Does this ever happen to you? There are only so many shots I can print and hang on the wall or give as presents!

Well, there's several ways for an amateur photographer to use their photos.
Online albums are fairly obvious. For example Flickr allows you to join 'groups' and show your photos of a specific theme and get some feedback from others in the group. Not usually very specific feedback and you have to sift through a lot of rubbish but what the hell.
Recently we got a 40 inch Digital TV that has a built in photo slide-show. Now when friends and relatives arrive they can watch my photos rolling over which is great for conversation and it's nice to see my photos getting used.
A blog could be another option perhaps.

[Wicked Dark]

I know how you feel, but if you enjoy shooting you can work on developing a more distinct style if it bothers you. You can also try and find unusual subjects or locations. Or find a way to photograph a mundane object in a different way. Otherwise just enjoy the process. I blogged a little bit about this subject - The Shots I Don't Take - if you want to check it out.

[Iguanasan]

Both have given great advice so far but I'm going to chime in too as I have had the same feelings from time to time. A few of the things that keep me going is that I keep trying to get that shot of the seagull that no one else has ever gotten. I check out the shots I've taken and find the ones that didn't turn out the way I wanted and try to understand why so that next time that doesn't happen or at least I can get more successful shots than unsuccessful.

One of my projects that I have is my "photo of the week" at work. I print one 8x10 every week and post it outside my office cubical for anyone who cares to view. I share photos here and on Flickr too but those are just digital copies.

The biggest drive I have is to create new images. It doesn't really matter to me how many great shots or horrible shots I have taken in the past, I feel driven to create the next image with as much skill as possible.

[Andrew]

I've taken many photographs since the mid sixty's and I only know of a few that I was totally satisfied with. You also know that most really good shots in magazines and advertising are one of hundreds taken by the photographer. He had bad ones too. Keep shooting, keep learning, keep evaluating, keep changing, keep sharing and most importantly keep having fun.

[Mad Aussie]

I've taken many photographs since the mid sixty's and I only know of a few that I was totally satisfied with. You also know that most really good shots in magazines and advertising are one of hundreds taken by the photographer. He had bad ones too. Keep shooting, keep learning, keep evaluating, keep changing, keep sharing and most importantly keep having fun.

I was out yesterday teaching a group about their new cameras and told them this very thing. Very few people can claim they take a good shot every time ... and many of them are lying

[Iguanasan]

I was out yesterday teaching a group about their new cameras and told them this very thing. Very few people can claim they take a good shot every time ... and many of them are lying

Very true. I shot about 10,000 frames in 2010 and I probably only got a handful of shots with which I was really satisfied.

[Peter]

For me it’s getting out and about. I have explored different areas of my city and the area surrounding it on a mission of taking a great photo. If I don't get that photo it’s no big deal It was fun trying. I was a hunter and I would spend hours reconnoitring areas for the future hunting season. That was more fun then the kill. Now I’m hunting with my camera. Peata loves me and I still have the thrill of the hunt. Its fun.

[fsendel]

Well I am very glad to have gotten so many responses. Thanks a lot! I will surely keep all of this in mind from now on and I will keep on shooting! I'll also come back here and share some shots

[Wicked Dark]

I'm with you on the exploring Peter. So many new to me places that I'd never seen before. Tomorrow I plan to hit another one. It's just about the most fun aspect.