Christian Photographers Community

Not sure where to post this.  The challenges I am talking about are not the competition type challenges that this forum is about, but general challenges... The things that hold back your photography.

So here's my question: What are the biggest challenges facing YOU today as a photographer?   I have been giving that question a lot of thought recently. I *think* I know what the answers will be for the majority of people.  As you may know my busness as a photographer is all about helping photographers (hobbiest and professionals) improve their image making skills.  In a few weeks I have a *big* announcement about how my business, Ian's Studio (www.ians-studio.co.uk) can help you overcome these challenges.  Until then post what you believe YOUR challenges are here, and we will see if they match up with what I think they will be.  (PS this applies whether you shoot with a point-and-shoot, a DSLR, or even a phone!)

I've been a member here since 2005, but I rarely have time to visit. I got an email alert with this question. This is something I've been thinking a lot about lately so I thought I'd answer. I have been working as a full time photojournalist for a USA Today network newspaper for 16 years. My biggest challenge is confidence. It doesn't seem to matter if I get a front page, full page photo or a magazine cover, I struggle with a confidence issue. At 52, I feel like I'm winding down my full-time career and this is by far my biggest regret. I'm not sure this can be taught but it sure would be a piece of advice I'd give! Be confident and if this is something you struggle with, never go to work for a publishing company as a staff photographer. 

My biggest is private property. Much of the time the best shots are not achievable from the road, or the property line. My challenge is getting permission from the owners (many of whom you can't find). I will always live and die so to speak on my own merits or skills. Just getting the correct POV (point of view) is critical at times.

Quote from: Cindy on September 04, 2016, 01:40:57 AM
I've been a member here since 2005, but I rarely have time to visit. I got an email alert with this question. This is something I've been thinking a lot about lately so I thought I'd answer. I have been working as a full time photojournalist for a USA Today network newspaper for 16 years. My biggest challenge is confidence. It doesn't seem to matter if I get a front page, full page photo or a magazine cover, I struggle with a confidence issue. At 52, I feel like I'm winding down my full-time career and this is by far my biggest regret. I'm not sure this can be taught but it sure would be a piece of advice I'd give! Be confident and if this is something you struggle with, never go to work for a publishing company as a staff photographer. 

I see the "confidence" thing a lot in the photographers, I tutor and mentor.  When I am training photographers the first thing I teach are "rules" (guidelines) of composition, and critiquing (particularly of their own work).  It helps them to become objective about their photography.  I find very few objective photographers - I see a lot who lack confidence and think whatever they produce is not good enough, and I see a lot of photographers who are just the opposite... they can't see the things that could be improved and so it is difficult for them to actually improve.  The real challenge is to find that balance - see and appreciate what works in an image and the ability to look for things that can be improved.

  One of my biggest challenges is around creativity.    In particular, I strive to capture familiar scenes and subjects in fresh and unique ways. 

Quote from: jimmyjimmy on September 04, 2016, 09:02:33 AM
My biggest is private property. Much of the time the best shots are not achievable from the road, or the property line. My challenge is getting permission from the owners (many of whom you can't find). I will always live and die so to speak on my own merits or skills. Just getting the correct POV (point of view) is critical at times.

Point of View and Perspective is so important in making an image work.  Someone once said that we should always strive to put the camera where the eye doesn't go.

Regarding the private property issue - it's a big subject that I can't really go into here... especially as UK laws and practices will be different to those you experience in the states.  As a professional photographer I used to get so frustrated at the number of places I COULDN'T take photos (because I am a pro and need special permission for commercial photography) but not any more... I've come to realise that there are so many places that I CAN take photos without permission problems... I am no where near exhausting the possibilities they offer, so there is no point in getting all hung up about the places I can't photograph.

Right now my biggest challenge is just getting out there and taking photos. I work afternoons so I have to leave for work at 1:00pm. That gives me some time in the mornings, but I hardly ever go anywhere during the week. Weekends are filled with work around the house and all that kind of thing that has to be done.

Quote from: BigSkyKen on September 04, 2016, 06:15:11 PM
  One of my biggest challenges is around creativity.    In particular, I strive to capture familiar scenes and subjects in fresh and unique ways.

I have been asking the what is your greatest challenge quesion in lots of photography related places recently and you have hit on one of the themes that comes up time and again.

This is what Photography is all about. Push yourself to make that extra effort to get something different and exciting. I think you're on the right track!

Steve
Fotobirder

This is quite an interesting question. The biggest challenge I have and the only thing I can think of is the lack of funds to go to beautiful remote places that I often see in National Geographic Magazine.

Quote from: LaughingPeppers on October 31, 2016, 10:34:02 PM
This is quite an interesting question. The biggest challenge I have and the only thing I can think of is the lack of funds to go to beautiful remote places that I often see in National Geographic Magazine.

One of the first lessons I learned when I became a professional photographer, is that Manchester, UK (where I live) is a remote (in the sense of far away) and beautiful place to someone living in say the USA or Canada.

According to the pin in Google Maps on your profile, you are in Saskatchewan province of Canada - to me that is a wonderfully remote location that I can only dream of photographing.  I think the challenge is not about having the funds to go somewhere else, but to learn to see the beauty and capture the beauty that is on our own doorstep.    And of course to thank God that we have the chance to do so.