As far as the class goes, I didn't really enjoy it directly. Being 1 of 30 shooters en masse out in public doesn't interest me. I can do that on my own, at my own pace. What I should have done was to put my camera away, and tucked myself in with Ken asking questions. See how his mind works, what is he seeing? What's going on in his head? Live and learn. Here are the shots I knabbed: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7295452@N03/sets/72157619804956560/
xo, Biggles
Biggles,
You make a great point - spending some time to get to know the "expert" without hitting the shutter - just listen, watch and learn... I would really like to do that with some of the folks that post here as well as some other sites - including Ken Rockwell. When I started going digital I fell into the same trap as I am sure many do - buy a big card and snap as many exposures as possible - something good is bound to happen.
After a trip to Africa, I returned with over 3000 expposures
Yes, there actually were a bunch of really good ones. But, as I sifted (for hours) through the dredge, I realized I was not learning to shoot better. I relied on instinct and succeeded many times - but not in a way that I could replicate it. Since then I have forced myself to shoot more like I was using film - considering the "cost" of processing and printing. I press the shutter release a lot less, but the results are getting better.
Thank you for sharing your pictures - it is interesting to see how you look at things. The high contrast and "painterly" images seem to be one of your favorite ways of looking at things. I'd love to see more. I like street scenes and typically see them in B&W - as I look at my own stuff those are the ones I keep coming back to.
I'd enjoy continuing this conversation and bringing in other folks - it is a great way for me to learn.
Thanks!
David