What to do?

Paul870

Paul870

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Hi guys, not been on here in a while sorry!
I've not been using my camera for a good while, work has taken over in the festive period and ive not bothered too much with photography at all.

Now I'm unsure what to do, the bill for my camera is due in march (0% deal) now I'm contemplating trying to sell my gear and cover a good portion of the costs.
Or to grin and bear it and see if I regain interest.

I enjoyed itmall a lot more on my holidays, in the summer time when the weather was nice, I think winter puts a big dampener on hobbys!

Anyone ever been in this predicament?
 
In some ways I prefer winter and bad weather as there are less people about and you will often be the only person about compared with summer when the masses come out and literally invade what are often quite nice locations in winter.

Summer does have advantages like being warmer and less muddy & wet, but there are plusses and minusses with each season.
 
Night shoots are easier cos it gets dark early!
 
Paul870 said:
....... Anyone ever been in this predicament?
Click to expand...

Yep - spent a shed load of dosh (in a fortnight) on a new D700 & a Nikon 24-70 & 70-200 VRII...

I've yet to get them out of the house to use them since I got em Sept 2010..
Have even thought of selling the whole of my gear at times - but just might get out one weekend & use it - which weekend is the real question thou as I dont quite have the answer to it...
 
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Paul - you are missing the best light of the year! Just look outside when it is frosty, the low, warm sunlight (not warm in that you can just wear a T-shirt, but warm as in 81b filter strength).

Glorious slanting light, sometimes dramatic lighting with the sunlight trapped between the hills and the clouds, acting like a giant directed softbox and a flag.
The light then is just amazing. Dark clouds of brooding skies contrasted by areas of bright sunshine, and because of the angle casting detail enhancing shadows.

You might have got a camera, but have you got EYES? Have you got a SOUL?
Are the two connected?

How can anyone see these situations and not be inspired or awestruck?

Do you actually notice the lighting?

Maybe these are areas you could do with concentrating on. Actually seeing what is around you, instead of waiting for it to smack you in the teeth.
 
I have to agree with that. I fond that during summer the light's just too harsh during the day unless you get up really early or have loads of free evenings, there's lots to be had in winter / spring when you're our and about.
Can't advise whether to sell up or not, only you'll know what's really in your heart. Would suggest though that you try and make some time to play with your kit to see if it re-kindles your mojo.

There's plenty to do indoors too. Have you tried water drops? Blending multiple self portraits ? Have a wander around indoors and try and have a look at things differently, look for interesting angles, shapes or colours. Even every day objects have a photo in them waiting to be taken.

There's plenty of indoor examples on here or flickr for inspiration.
 
To the OP...so much depends on the type(s) of photography you enjoy and are passionate about. Only you can decide if the return on investment is adequate. Cameras, lenses and other gear are expensive (as we all know too well). If you aren't using your kit, sell it.

I am more a summer photographer. I like landscapes, and winter in North Dakota limits possibilities for the things I prefer. I do, however, enjoy the post-processing side of things, so I spend much of my hobby time working with my summer photos on the computer.
 
Thank you for the replies!
I think my main issue is I dont have a speciality or preference on what I shoot.

My gear at the moment consists of a canon 500d with 18-55 and 2.8 nifty fifty.
I've never really done too much processing wise to any of my pictures, I've always tried to get the best image possible from the camera and adjust things like contrast, sharpness etc.
I think maybe with some direction I might take interest again as currently thinking how lost and with not a lot to work towards makes it less appealing.
 
i had this just after getting mine, i found it just sat there on the desk being an expensive paperweight, so to regain some of the cost i started taking it everywhere with me, even if it was just the 50mm lens, its now a permanent attatchment to me...

if you want to play with it, allways have it with you, even if its in the car boot...

or why not start a challenge, try and get a picture a day for a month or something like that :)
 
Right, I've definitely decided to keep my equipment, get off my arse and get on it!

My camera seems still up to date and easily enough to get me good shots.

The thing I'm missing now is direction, how do you guys decide on your 'area'? Is it something that comes to you, or did you see other pictures and think, that's what I'll do?

Having a think of my location, Liverpool seems a great way to get some great night time landscapes and building shots. Plus with the big wheel, old docks and new buildings in town this seems a good option to start with.
With my 18-55 and 50mm to hand, are these suitable for what I'm thinking to do?

I acquired and iPad for christmas, and have enjoyed it for sketching and designing with software like sketchbook pro.

Ive done some googling and looking on here and found there's an app called filter storm. I've had a play with it and found it to be quite acceptable considering it's been done on a gadget like an iPad!
Not as in depth as Photoshop, or other pieces of software however enough to grasp my attention!
 
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Basically the main thing is to get out there and start shooting.

I remember reading about a photography tutorial where students were told to walk 20 paces and from that position find something interesting to shoot, and then walk another 20 paces etc.

I try if possible to make the effort to get outside my immediate home area, but on occasions I can't be bothered to drive or get the train so I'll just walk for from my front door for a couple of hours and shoot what I see.

At first it can take a few moments to get into "creative mode" but after you have wandered around for an hour or two you are bound to have captured a few shots that are worth having, and had the benefit of some fresh air anyway.
 
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Paul870 said:
Thank you for the replies!
I think my main issue is I dont have a speciality or preference on what I shoot.

My gear at the moment consists of a canon 500d with 18-55 and 2.8 nifty fifty.
I've never really done too much processing wise to any of my pictures, I've always tried to get the best image possible from the camera and adjust things like contrast, sharpness etc.
I think maybe with some direction I might take interest again as currently thinking how lost and with not a lot to work towards makes it less appealing.
Click to expand...

Why not look in here
or here

to get some inspiration :thumbs:
 
Hi Paul,
Glad that you have decided to keep your gear, you would without doubt had regrets should you have sold it. I, like yourself it sounds, have a very busy work-life and seem to find it hard to get much hobby time. So like others have said, take my camera with me at all times, at least then if anything catches your eye you can snap it, or just find a bit of time some days, even just 10mins to take some time out and take a walk and grab some snaps.... just escape for a bit!........Having said all that, I do have the itch, a big one to upgrade my camera, but still do not know if I use it enough to justify it. :thinking:

Jon
 
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