Meets create better images - or not?

rh1944

rh1944

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Has anyone noticed that the quality of the photographs they take seems to be better when a group of people meet to take photographs? It's my view that the interaction with other toggers with the same subject in front of them leads to an interchange of ideas that makes for better images. I think good company and having fun with other people helps the final image. Who differs and prefers togging on their own as they feel other toggers stifle their creativity?
 
I only stick to going out with my usual tog mate or my missus, wouldn`t be keen to go out with a group.

Dunno why i dont, but just dont feel like i could concentrate with a group around. My flickr contacts have regular meets but when they upload their pics they all seemed to take near enough the same picture.

My take on photography is exploring and finding your own style of picture.
 
I think there was a thread along this lines a few moons ago, but I can't find it now.

I tend to find it the other way myself Russell, I end up having too much of a laugh and not really concentrating on the photos, but then again that depends on when/where. I got some shots I liked walking around Chester Zoo with Pete (Carr) we were having a laugh but we were both looking for shots and nicking each others ideas (well I was nicking his)....but then at focus (yesterday) I was too busy having a laugh to get any setting right, frame shots properly or anything really, not a great example as I didn't really go to Focus to get great shots, but it also happened at the last Blackpool meet, I got pretty much no decent shots, but had a good day out. I am guessing it is probably the mood I am in rather than who I am with. If I am out on my own it is usually because I am in the mood to take some photos so go out and do it. Meets are arranged in advance generally and I could be in any mood on the day.
 
No but it does give you the opportunity to photography your fellow TP'er and not get a thick ear like you would from a complete stranger :lol:
 
It's basic psychology, if you're good at something you'll be even better when there's people watching you or doing it with you :thumbs:

However, photography has other aspects to it. I suspect some togs find it hard to concentrate when there's other people around :shrug:
 
I am a solitary beast at the best of times & I doubt very much if going out with a group would make me take better shots. I sometimes take folks to my hide so they can get nature shots & I rarely lift the camera myself then. I have no idea why though.
 
On the one hand...
I feel a lot less self concious about using my camera in a group. Presumably this is because disparaging comments and mucky looks are spread out over the group rather than all directed at me. I'll adopt stupider poses, i.e. laying down in silly places and I'll be more likely to explore and hang around in places I'd rather not be alone.

On the other hand...
By myself I feel less pressure to hurry up, move on etc if people are ready to go. I can take as much time as I like over my shots. I also don't like feeling like a copycat if I want to go for a similar shot to someone wlse who is present in a group thing, so I might limit myself a bit more...
 
It all depends for me. I like going by myself our with one other person because you don't have to wait around as much and I don't like spotting a shot and people copying (in most circumstances)because for me a big part of photography is spotting the shot. When I met up with Duncan he opened my eyes to new things but on a couple I felt like I cheated because I didn't spot it, doesn't feel right.

On the flipside a group is great because your with a bunch of like minded people and its always going to be fun and the more people im with the more confident I am, thats probably not the best of things though :D

So personally I Like to do both :)
 
I haven't been on a meet yet with any of my flickr groups but that doesn't say i wouldn't. I'd use it to have a look and use equipment that i don't own.
 
On TP meets (or any other I organise) I tend to be asked for my opinions quite a lot, and often have a couple with me all the time; I like to help others get over a few technical aspects - but I also like to 'see' through others' eyes too

I've no issue with someone taking the same shot as me, so long as they don't mind me copying theirs too when I realise I was just about to miss something

So we all benefit

I've been on more than enough group meets where people go their separate ways and although I've won a few comps from being alone on the day, I've also had to shout 'b****r' for missing a few good'uns too

So yes Russ - I agree that group meets can improve your photography

DD
 
Jimmy_Lemon said:
I think there was a thread along this lines a few moons ago, but I can't find it now.

I tend to find it the other way myself Russell, I end up having too much of a laugh and not really concentrating on the photos, but then again that depends on when/where. I got some shots I liked walking around Chester Zoo with Pete (Carr) we were having a laugh but we were both looking for shots and nicking each others ideas (well I was nicking his)....but then at focus (yesterday) I was too busy having a laugh to get any setting right, frame shots properly or anything really, not a great example as I didn't really go to Focus to get great shots, but it also happened at the last Blackpool meet, I got pretty much no decent shots, but had a good day out. I am guessing it is probably the mood I am in rather than who I am with. If I am out on my own it is usually because I am in the mood to take some photos so go out and do it. Meets are arranged in advance generally and I could be in any mood on the day.
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Completely agree. Some meets its just a hilarious day out and you might get 5 photos. Others you get loads of shots and still have fun. I never really photograph animals but I enjoy the Chester Zoo trip for the social aspect. Its more of a laugh than good photos. I spend most of the day at the marmot area.
 
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