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i'm so frustrated! how come i can do perfectly good photographs when i glide with the breeze and let it flow, but when i'm trying to convey something really specific i fail miserably!?
i hate to post my own picture into the forum, but i need some serious guidance! can anyone go in and tell me please why this doesn't work? i mean i already have an idea, but i'm sitting here making a new version and i just don't know if i'm on the right track or not, or if i should just throw my camera out the window into that snowbank! - lu
One off picture doesn't spoil the lot. You produce really special images, just because one doesn't elicite the response you want doesn't mean you should give up!! just let it go. when you are gliding, you are acting on instict, your images are full of emotion and feeling that's what I like and where I feel connected to you.
This image just doesn't do anything for me, maybe in B&W it might be different? I feel it lacks focus and direction (like most of mine!) - you are a people person, and that's what you do really well - get out there and embrace what you love!!! (and for the record - I do care how you feel)
Don't panic! Don't quit!
We'll try and help.
Or we'll try not to make it worse, at least.
I studied the photo and I had a thought:
I couldn't find anything to focus on - I am more comfortable with a picture when something shouts out - either a colour or an object, or shape. I didn't quite know where to look.
Does that make any sense?
Don't give up. I wish I could take a photo half as good as your self portrait for example.
I think in this one you need to look at the picture and identify elements that show the contrast. e.g someone sitting in shorts with flowers around them and the window in shot so you can see snow.
Not that that is the solution, rather that you need to have the elements in the picture to draw the theme. It's just my thoughts on how to convey the idea in the photo. I am certain that you can work it out.
You have a talent, perhapse you just need to take time to develope it further into this type of photography, but don't give up.
maybe i'm just not patient enough...well, thanks guys. i really appreciate all your honesty and your support.
One of the good things about this site is that it inspires and challenges. We start venturing into unfamiliar realms and, just like when we are learning to walk, we will get a lot of bruises. Don't hammer yourself for not getting it spot on first time Lucie, instead give yourself a pat on the back for a) at least trying and b) recognising that it wasn't one of your best.
I look forward to seeing your next attempts.
Ian
or the third time!
thanks, ian. i'm still frustrated, but i feel a lot more hopeful now, and to use kyd's words i feel all fuzzy inside. you guys are great, thanks!
Lucie - we all fall down sometimes - it comes with trying to achieve something new. I won't do the words of the song, but you just have to take the pain to get the pleasure 
Looking at your shot, one thought may be to try separating the shot into the inside and the outside. Get each element right then use layers to blend them to achieve the effect you have in mind.
The more you experiment the more options will present themselves to you (and the more frustrations as well!)
Never give up, you've shown you can get the shots you want,
Brian
Lucie I think it's great what you are doing here and hopefully more members will follow. It's a shame some are not near you to actually work through the situation in real life, because I think then we'd see what you really have in front of you and are trying to create. It would be a great project. The magazines over here have from time to time had a reader challenge feature where a skilled photographer has teamed up with the person who's struggling and helped. They work really well, but can be a nightmare to organise.
wow, what a great concept! i do have a friend who's a photographer. he's pretty busy though. i don't feel so bad now. i can get really wrapped up in the failure of of it sometimes.
Yes, I agree - a great portfolio and now you're experimenting with some new material. It takes a brave person to put up an image that you're not happy with and invite coment, so well done for that. I wish I had the self confidence to do that.
How about taking a purely record shot of the set up, ie from a few steps back showing the camera set up and all the elements. It may helps us understand where you're starting from.
Dave
that's a good idea. it would only work if indeed the outcome is a success. i guess right now we're still in suspense, all of us.
let me tell you it would be a pretty poignant tale, i've done a lot of gymnastics for that stupid snowbank. i have about a hundred shots from different angles at different times of the day. is a snowbank worth it? i'm moving to florida!
i appreciate all your feedback and encouragement so much. i promise i won't be out here every day, fishing for compliments!
Not fishing for compliments but learning. (Can you guess I'm a trainer?)
I suppose the bottom line is that you've tried and whatever the outcome, you'll be able to sit back and say 'there was no more I could do'. I can think of several situations where I'm still left with a nagging doubt about whether I should have tried moving to the left, or waiting a little longer for the sun to come out. (The answer is inevitably 'Yes')
Dave
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