Well, it is most definitely true that I blamed on my equipment when I got bad results. But this was only for a short period when I saw others photos. I think one of the contributing factor to me starting to lose interest is when people start relying on the "DSLR-guy". Then it started to feel like an obligation to shoot instead of plain interest.

But I do believe that equipments does influence the outcome, in a placebo effect. Often it is the imperfection in optics that make the photos interesting (Zeiss optics have distortion to create the cinematic feels, some camera sensors can't record colours accurately but result in interesting black/white photography). It is in my opinion only, of course.

I had put off photography since the 35mm film days for past 20+ years and picked it up again in 2009 and I got myself an E-p1. The huge gap between 35mm film camera and a digital camera was so huge to me that I had to struggle hard to get a keeper. This go on for the next 2 years and I almost give up and wanted to go back to film while in between those 2 years or so I had E-p2 then E-pl2. All these times I was only using primes; the 14mm and the famed 20mm, just restricting myself to make things easier. I don't like zooms anyway, too slow for me.

I sold them all off and in 2011 got myself the E-p3 and I kept the 14mm and the 20mm, sold the kit zoom that came along. Then just few weeks after I got it it was Chinese New Year and I shot some of the most satisfying and professional looking photos I ever did, compared to all those years combined, 35mm years included.

From then on, I knew I could do it. I started paying attention to details, to settings, to the surroundings etc etc and I got more keepers now then I did before.

I suppose everybody will go through a phase sometimes, like a metamorphosing phase, to become better at the thing they do, its so true with photography. I think sometimes we need to stop shooting and rethink what we do. Just my experiences.

Photography is my main past time now, whether just reading articles, reviews or just browsing for anything related to photography.

FYI, I sold off my E-p3 and the 20mm and 6 months ago got back to E-p1. I just wanted to see how will I fare with E-p1 NOW as compared to when I first got my E-p1 in 2009. And I must say, I really did much much better now, comparing the results.

I just wanted to challenge myself to get more keepers with a really basic camera than a real high tech camera that do all the things for us, which to me, is a killjoy sometimes. Of course there are times I just couldn't have time to do setup and I would prefer just switch the dial to AUTO and let it do everything for me.

Oops! Too long-winded already, sorry

This post has been edited by bobds78: Nov 14 2013, 07:43 AM

Nice sharing there! :thumb:

Nice insight. All I can hope now is that I will survive the transition. I have managed to get a hold on a gf3, not sure how will I fare in it, though.

Food photography also needs assistant ah... e.g. pick up noodle from the bowl using chopsticks. Sometimes I use my right hand to hold the camera, and left hand to hold a spoon, but that's a bit awkward


If shooting in event, I have little or no control over lighting, poses, fashion, location etc. It's not the same.

A good photographer should be able to take good pictures even if no control of the environment.

I have also re-started my passion in 35mm film photography and with the technology now, results I gotten now when compared to first when I took up photography some 20odd years ago are SOooooo..much ahead! And I love it.

Here's what I found out for myself personally....
Shooting regular events is pretty boring.
It's basically the same thing over and over again with little variation.
So if that's all you shoot, you might be bored quickly.

The photos are only as interesting as the photographer themselves. If you start doing more amazing and creative things, you might find more inspiration in your photos too.

So what do I do(or plan to do) to expose myself to more creative things ?
1. Travel.
2. Capture things that you will never see/do in your regular life.
3. Watch/join other interesting activity/hobbies. Doesn't have to be photography. Eg: take up scuba diving or perhaps extreme sports, then try to introduce photography to that.
4. Dabble into various types of photography genre/skill/media. From Videos to medium format film to IR.
5. Organise a large photo project once you're inspired!
6. Join a photography class !

This post has been edited by LegendLee: Nov 15 2013, 01:21 AM

To all what legendlee said +1

your could also challenge yourself.

I challenged myself to stock photography, qualifications and competitions.

By setting those objectives, my mindset changed. I'm no longer casually shooting, I'm actually taking the steps to make sure I have something that is good.

Nice insight, guys. Thumbs up for Goldfries and Legendlee. I think I will just go on a backpacking trip and take pictures of what I like first, appealing to the public second.

yes, shoot what you like. that's the way to go with, better satisfaction.

Go to KLIMS shoot some nice girls or nice cars!

"stop taking photos, start creating images" ?