NON Square Cropped Portraits - (nSCP's) - Archive

[Alis]

This is why when someone wants to learn photography by using the very best money can buy then I don't shoot them down in flames because right from the start it removes one set of limitations - AND - it gives them something to grow into (that's not to say I'd recommend that everyone does it that way, but if you WANT to do it that way - and money isn't an obstacle - then I think it's a perfectly valid approach).

... Just wish I could have learned to drive in a Ferrari instead of a Morris 1000 minor

I completely agree with Colins. And I have tried it myself. Aside from the fact that a low quality equimpment may actually disappoint the novice to the point of kissing photography good bye, it always introduces some sort of limitation that prevents you from using your full potential. Of course, there is no limit in the improving your equipment, but I think you should improve it as much as you can.

And I think the camera is there to take a picture, the best representation of the reality. I do not understand the reason I might force myself to work with suboptimal equipment to prove anything.

Besides, at least for me, there is always that psychological factor, that when I using a non-top-of-the-line equipment, I can not distinguish my own limitations from the limitations of the equipment and do not know which one should be improved.

Of course, I have to add that all of this applies to me at least, because I am learning it on my own and started almost from scratch. It always helps a lot if you have a mentor.

[Colin Southern]

Besides, at least for me, there is always that psychological factor, that when I using a non-top-of-the-line equipment, I can not distinguish my own limitations from the limitations of the equipment and do not know which one should be improved.

The other psychological bit I enjoy is knowing that I've got a "Ferrari" (in camera terms), which leads me to the challenge of "OK - now lets see what this baby can do" - and so I push the limits - HARD, and (hopefully) get results that reflect the investment that I've made (in camera equipment, post-processing equipment, printing equipment, training resources, and of course a some kind of "return on investment" for getting up in the middle of the night and all that comes with it").

[Antonio Correia]

I think it may be your monitor, Antonio if her head appears dark. Let me explain a very unique way that I photograph. When I travel long distances from home, I like to travel light. 2-3 memory cards, one or two lenses, extra battery, and one camera. No strobes, including use of built in pop up. I like to challenge my skills and push my camera to make things work; using only what's available to me. To be resourceful artist. It's a very old school methodology with results that one (I hope) can appreciate. I don't shoot for myself, I shot for others to enjoy. Even at 30+ years, I'm still trying to prove myself like Avedon.

Well said.
I also like to travel light ...
Your option is very wise and clever, indeed.

[Antonio Correia]

I do understand and share some thought with you both Colin and Alis.

And after all, I may not be completely right in my opinion.

[Dave Humphries]

Antonio,

Congratulations on passing 100,000 views in this thread now.

Regards, Dave

[Amberglass]

Alis, please watch this video of Zack Arias:

http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/3433

I can sympathize with Zack Arias very closely. My dad bought me my very first camera too. Even if you know everything there is to know, you still will need to grow in life and art. After 25+ years, I am still growing and learning my way around. The transformation continues......

When people asks me if I am a professional photographer, I always tell them "no". Then I say honestly, "I am merely an artist who happens to be a photographer."

“ You don’t take a photograph, you make it." - Ansel Adams
"Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst." – Henri Cartier-Bresson
“ Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop." – Ansel Adams

[Colin Southern]

Antonio,

Congratulations on passing 100,000 views in this thread now.

Regards, Dave

And it's twin sister still going strong past 150,000 now!

[Antonio Correia]

Antonio, Congratulations on passing 100,000 views in this thread now. Regards, Dave

Dave, I am not the one to congratulate.
We all are mainly yourself, Colin, Alis and all the others who have contributed to this figure.


Have a nice week end

[Antonio Correia]

And it's twin sister still going strong past 150,000 now!

Thanks to us all. Not only me ...

I just started the thing

[Antonio Correia]

...Even if you know everything there is to know, you still will need to grow in life and art. After 25+ years, I am still growing and learning my way around. The transformation continues...
“ You don’t take a photograph, you make it." - Ansel Adams
"Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst." – Henri Cartier-Bresson
“ Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop." – Ansel Adams

These are reasons why I think learning is an endless process.
The more we know the more we understand that we know nothing.

[Colin Southern]

Thanks to us all. Not only me ...

I just started the thing

Yeah, but with that thread title, everyone thought it was something they were supposed to do, not just a request!

[Colin Southern]

The more we know the more we understand that we know nothing.

But at least we're confused on a higher level about more important things!

[Alis]

Dave, I am not the one to congratulate.
We all are mainly yourself, Colin, Alis and all the others who have contributed to this figure.

Congratulations, Antonio!

As for me, I have to thank my son. He has been really cooperative. Not even one release form signed

[Alis]

Alis, please watch this video of Zack Arias:

http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/3433

I can sympathize with Zack Arias very closely. My dad bought me my very first camera too. Even if you know everything there is to know, you still will need to grow in life and art. After 25+ years, I am still growing and learning my way around. The transformation continues......

When people asks me if I am a professional photographer, I always tell them "no". Then I say honestly, "I am merely an artist who happens to be a photographer."

“ You don’t take a photograph, you make it." - Ansel Adams
"Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst." – Henri Cartier-Bresson
“ Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop." – Ansel Adams

Thanks! It was nice.

I think I am still in the sucking period but I am very hopeful

[Alis]

Another new model, Antonio!

[Amberglass]

Thanks! It was nice.

I think I am still in the sucking period but I am very hopeful

Everyone has to start somewhere. Even the Masters did not start with the latest, greatest, and newest camera gear. Photography has always been, and will continue to be, a very expensive interest, hobby, and career choice financially and in life.

Did you know Master Henri Cartier Bresson did most of his life work on a 35 mm rangefinder and a 50 1.4 prime? All the masters knew their cameras inside and out, but in the end the images were created from them and their mind's eye.

Ansel Adams even admitted if you only get one "winner" of a photo per month, 12 photos per year, that should be considered a success and not a failure. That one winner a month, he also goes back to it (every few years as darkroom technology improves) and improves upon the images with his developing/processing skills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCpZu6Y82XQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZND3eczqoIA&NR=1

[Alis]

I thought it is good to have a portrait here once in a while

[Antonio Correia]

You are right Alis and thank you for doing so.

In fact, I have been rather busy these days - in spite of being retired - but I will post something soon.

[Antonio Correia]

I am sorry I cut his foot. I saw it now! Too late.

[Dave Humphries]

By request, the pick of the bunch


1/250s @ f11, ISO800, 18mm, LV + MF

there could be more ...