*** August 2024 Image and Video Thread ***

[Oíche]

I've currently got photography block, loads of nice flowers etc. in my garden and can't be bothered. Also missed all the solar storms producing aurorae in this rare maximum.

Pined for FF for years and now not using it? Help me from being a bum

 

[Pete_W]

I've currently got photography block, loads of nice flowers etc. in my garden and can't be bothered. Also missed all the solar storms producing aurorae in this rare maximum.

Pined for FF for years and now not using it? Help me from being a bum

First thing is, don't be hard on yourself. You're not a bum! It's perfectly fine to take a break and not use your camera gear if you're not in the right frame of mind. Don't put pressure on yourself.

Second thing - only if you're in the mood for it - is take some time to think about what it is that's making you feel the way you do. Maybe you are simply tired of the same choice of subjects? Or maybe it's deeper than that. Have a chat to someone about it, or even write down what you're feeling and then come back and read it later to see how you feel.

A few things I do when I'm lacking enthusiasm...

The first one is some good cardio exercise, like running. I find this helps to blow away the cobwebs and deal with the stress I may be subconsciously carrying around. For me, 45-60 minutes of running is a good "reset button" for the mind. If running is not your thing, maybe a bike ride?

The second thing I try is to take a long walk (1-2 hours) with the camera and a single lens. I take just the camera and one lens, something that's easy to carry. I used to take my GX85 but now take my S9. If I come across anything interesting I will take some photos. Sometimes I take only a few photos, other times I will happen on something (a scene, an object like a car or a sign) that gets my interest and fire off quite a few shots from different angles or with different settings. Sometimes this gets me to start to think creatively, and I enjoy the post processing later on the computer to see what I can make of the photo.

I often find going somewhere different with the camera is helpful too. My local area is so familiar to me that I stop noticing things and take it all for granted. Going to another town or village that I've not visited or maybe haven't been to for a long time can sometimes switch on the enthusiasm for taking photos.

Anyway, back to my starting point... be kind to yourself!

 

[Nevyn72]

Help me from being a bum

First of all: You are not a bum
Secondly: Pete has very good advise, nothing more to add

 

[inspiredtimothy]

So, a minor bit of celebration...

View attachment 6519

One of my pics made it into an art exhibit at the local city hall. Feeling a little happy about that.

That's great! It looks like a wonderful image!

 

[inspiredtimothy]

First thing is, don't be hard on yourself. You're not a bum! It's perfectly fine to take a break and not use your camera gear if you're not in the right frame of mind. Don't put pressure on yourself.

Second thing - only if you're in the mood for it - is take some time to think about what it is that's making you feel the way you do. Maybe you are simply tired of the same choice of subjects? Or maybe it's deeper than that. Have a chat to someone about it, or even write down what you're feeling and then come back and read it later to see how you feel.

A few things I do when I'm lacking enthusiasm...

The first one is some good cardio exercise, like running. I find this helps to blow away the cobwebs and deal with the stress I may be subconsciously carrying around. For me, 45-60 minutes of running is a good "reset button" for the mind. If running is not your thing, maybe a bike ride?

The second thing I try is to take a long walk (1-2 hours) with the camera and a single lens. I take just the camera and one lens, something that's easy to carry. I used to take my GX85 but now take my S9. If I come across anything interesting I will take some photos. Sometimes I take only a few photos, other times I will happen on something (a scene, an object like a car or a sign) that gets my interest and fire off quite a few shots from different angles or with different settings. Sometimes this gets me to start to think creatively, and I enjoy the post processing later on the computer to see what I can make of the photo.

I often find going somewhere different with the camera is helpful too. My local area is so familiar to me that I stop noticing things and take it all for granted. Going to another town or village that I've not visited or maybe haven't been to for a long time can sometimes switch on the enthusiasm for taking photos.

Anyway, back to my starting point... be kind to yourself!

Fantastic advice, Pete! Only thing I would add is maybe a change of scenery would help? You could scout out locations on Google earth and plan a trip (even a short one) around good photo subjects. If that sounds like your thing

 

[AlanC]

Flamborough Head, round about midday so the light was a bit harsh. Sigma fp L and 35mm f/2.

Archway.


Bay with the tide just starting to go out.


Lighthouse and fog signal from the headland you can see in the previous photo. I'm old enough to remember the diapason fog signal that had a pair of large horns mounted on a black turret on the top of the building at the far left; it's gone now, replaced by an electronic version back in 1975.


The chalk tower, built in 1674. It was used for semaphore signalling, there's no evidence it was ever used as a lighthouse.

 

[xaviergut]

I've currently got photography block, loads of nice flowers etc. in my garden and can't be bothered. Also missed all the solar storms producing aurorae in this rare maximum.

Pined for FF for years and now not using it? Help me from being a bum

Well, sometimes it's normal to have a block. You can turn to sources of inspiration such as a good book, movies, series or trips. Even try other ways of taking photography or video. For example changing color to black and white. Or change the aspect ratio to 1:1. In Lumix cameras it is very easy to configure. Even these days I have been testing the multiple exposure option that the S5 has. I have been able to overlay up to 4 images on one:

• Panasonic DC-S5
• LUMIX S 50/F1.8
• ƒ/1.8
• 50mm
• 1/320s
• ISO 100

• Panasonic DC-S5
• LUMIX S 50/F1.8
• ƒ/1.8
• 50mm
• 1/60s
• ISO 320

I made that just for the sake of experimentig, they are not great pictures, but it is fun just to try it out.

There is a very inspiring photography youtuber, called AOWS, whose videos are 95% about photography and 5% about gear, and he uses the 1:1 aspecto ratio in black and white. He is a spanish guy who lives with his north american wife in San Francisco and was travelling by car (actually sleeping in his car) in Scottland and Norway just in order to take pictures:




I like what he does and his passion for photography so much that I decided to sponsor him through Patreon

 

[inspiredtimothy]

Well, sometimes it's normal to have a block. You can turn to sources of inspiration such as a good book, movies, series or trips. Even try other ways of taking photography or video. For example changing color to black and white. Or change the aspect ratio to 1:1. In Lumix cameras it is very easy to configure. Even these days I have been testing the multiple exposure option that the S5 has. I have been able to overlay up to 4 images on one:


View attachment 6523


View attachment 6524

I made that just for the sake of experimentig, they are not great pictures, but it is fun just to try it out.

There is a very inspiring photography youtuber, called AOWS, whose videos are 95% about photography and 5% about gear, and he uses the 1:1 aspecto ratio in black and white. He is a spanish guy who lives with his north american wife in San Francisco and was travelling by car (actually sleeping in his car) in Scottland and Norway just in order to take pictures:




I like what he does and his passion for photography so much that I decided to sponsor him through Patreon

I was just watching his videos and thinking about how wonderful and inspirational they are! Quality work, with great presentation.

 

[Travis Butler]

I've currently got photography block, loads of nice flowers etc. in my garden and can't be bothered. Also missed all the solar storms producing aurorae in this rare maximum.

Pined for FF for years and now not using it? Help me from being a bum

I've been through many periods like that, sometimes not picking up a camera for months. I'd call it fairly normal, not being a bum.

Sometimes it's because I've been tired, or stressed, or had other distractions that ate up my attention. Sometimes I just didn't feel like shooting.

The best advice I've got:

• I need to keep exercising to keep my weight and diabetes under control, and the easiest way is to walk. So I try to take a camera with me whenever I do. (One reason I prefer small cameras!) Sometimes I don't take it out a single time. Sometimes I only take 2 or 3 shots. But having it with me makes it easier to spot something and shoot.
• I've got two decades worth of pics, and going back through them every now and then makes me wince at some of the mistakes I made... and inspires me to go out and do it again, but right this time.
• Likewise, going through other photographers' work is often an inspiration - either 'hey, could I do that?' or 'hey, I can do that better.' ^^;;

Finally, it's hard to go out shooting if you aren't feeling well. So sleep well, eat well, and keep up your energy.

 

[Markuswelder]

So I get home from work, pull up in the driveway, & these characters are having a good old fossic in my lawn Looked like one of those spiked aerators had been running backwards & forwards over it. Sat & watched them for a while, opened the door to take a couple of shots, & they didn't seem worried in the least.

• Panasonic DC-S5
• ƒ/10
• 42mm
• 1/80s
• ISO 200

 

[Markuswelder]

I did shoot a frame or two with the 26 f8, a little bit short Nothing wrong with the colour, contrast & sharpness though to my eye. Probably a bit hard to see at this size though. Should have tried getting out, & sneaking in a bit closer

• Panasonic DC-S5
• ƒ/8
• 26mm
• 1/100s
• ISO 100

 

[Pete_W]

I did shoot a frame or two with the 26 f8, a little bit short Nothing wrong with the colour, contrast & sharpness though to my eye. Probably a bit hard to see at this size though. Should have tried getting out, & sneaking in a bit closer

Looks good to me. Nice colour rendition and plenty sharp.

Those cockies are really are characters. We get a lot around where I live and the visit the school where I work and are quite adept at opening bags and stealing food.

 

[Markuswelder]

Yeah, I'm pretty pleased with it. One thing I think a lot of people forget, because it's relatively wide @ 26mm, you do have to get quite close to frame up certain subjects. I've never, ever subscribed to the "set focus @ infinity, & everything from x distance out will be in focus" It's not worked for me. Subject to background distance does make quite a difference to apparent DOF falloff, & even though the lens is a fixed f8, DOF is not infinite. I'm really quite happy with how sharp it is, I'm not going to be shooting landscapes with it, & I'm not going to be doing stringent testing of the extreme borders & corners, because that has nothing to do with photography or taking photos. Which is what I bought it for.

• Panasonic DC-S5
• ƒ/8
• 26mm
• 1/30s
• ISO 125

 

[RuleOfThirds]

Right now I'm on vacation and a vveerrryyy slow wifi connection. But I already wanted to share my picture of Malbork Castle, Poland.
Luckily I also took a 96mp hand held high-res version of this... I intend to make a large print of this one.

• Panasonic DC-S5M2
• LUMIX S 24-105/F4
• ƒ/8
• 68mm
• 1/250s
• ISO 100

Largest castle of Europe in surface area... I'm extremely happy with my new 16-35 and this 24-105, very very good combo. Only have used those 2 lenses during the vacation, and my GR3. Most of the time I take the one or the another with me, except for Warschau, I took my bag pack and had both lenses with me and the GR3.

 

[Nevyn72]

Right now I'm on vacation and a vveerrryyy slow wifi connection. But I already wanted to share my picture of Malbork Castle, Poland.
Luckily I also took a 96mp hand held high-res version of this... I intend to make a large print of this one.
View attachment 6535
Largest castle of Europe in surface area... I'm extremely happy with my new 16-35 and this 24-105, very very good combo. Only have used those 2 lenses during the vacation, and my GR3. Most of the time I take the one or the another with me, except for Warschau, I took my bag pack and had both lenses with me and the GR3.

We just came back today from Germany and Poland.

Actually I have the same with my 16-28mm and 28-200mm. Lovely 2-lens combi.


Enjoy the rest of the vacation

 

[Pete_W]

Right now I'm on vacation and a vveerrryyy slow wifi connection. But I already wanted to share my picture of Malbork Castle, Poland.
Luckily I also took a 96mp hand held high-res version of this... I intend to make a large print of this one.

Largest castle of Europe in surface area... I'm extremely happy with my new 16-35 and this 24-105, very very good combo. Only have used those 2 lenses during the vacation, and my GR3. Most of the time I take the one or the another with me, except for Warschau, I took my bag pack and had both lenses with me and the GR3.

It looks great! Quite an impressive complex. Were you able to go inside the castle?

The 16-35 and 24-105 is a great combo.

 

[RuleOfThirds]

It looks great! Quite an impressive complex. Were you able to go inside the castle?

The 16-35 and 24-105 is a great combo.

Yes, we visited the castle for more then 3+hrs today.

Today at the castle I solely used the 16-35 and when we left (by car) we passed the castle and I saw this view, parked, then changed to 24-105 and took this one.

During (nature)hikes I mostly take just the 24-105, city trips/museum mostly the 16-35.

 

[Pete_W]

Yes, we visited the castle for more then 3+hrs today.

Today at the castle I solely used the 16-35 and when we left (by car) we passed the castle and I saw this view, parked, then changed to 24-105 and took this one.

During (nature)hikes I mostly take just the 24-105, city trips/museum mostly the 16-35.

Thanks for the link, very interesting history!

 

[CharlesH]

The Colosseum

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 20-60/F3.5-5.6
• ƒ/6.3
• 20mm
• 1/800s
• ISO 400

• Panasonic DC-S9
• LUMIX S 20-60/F3.5-5.6
• ƒ/5.6
• 20mm
• 1/640s
• ISO 100

 

[inspiredtimothy]

Another suggestion for when we don't feel like getting out and taking photographs: set limitations for yourself.

Try only shooting with one focal length, or only b&w, or square aspect ratio, or XPan. If you are daring , load up your favorite LUT and shoot JPEG only

I often find when I go out without a specific shot in mind that it can be more fun when I limit the possibilities for myself. This also has a nice benefit of putting me more in that creative head space and helps me to get better shots of that type.