Doorways and Windows

[meccahi]

Got an offer to do a semi-paid, to an actually honest to goodness paid, photography gig. I, personally, do not think that I am qualified for people to hand over green papery things in exchange for my work.. but I think if it's an offer of trade I could do it without too much guilt. The falconer here is a complete nut ( in a good way), but he loved the shots I took of the birds earlier this week...and the ones I did a couple of days ago. He wants to make and sell prints, and have me receive a portion of the profits.

He also apparently showed the photos to another falconer/show organizer, who also apparently digs the photos, and wants to use them.

All of this equals.... iiiiiinnnnnteresting. I'm not certain what to make of any of it.

When exactly can I tell them that I'm a hack?


These are the two shots from a couple of days ago...I am mostly "meh" about them. I think that I can do better.

Also.. photographing dive bombing birds? Fucking hard. All I'm using is my Canon.. with no special lens.. and some rather bad evening/mixed lighting because of the surrounding trees and buildings.

The results..






We're going to try again when he flies the birds on Monday.. hopefully in an area with less distracting background.. and earlier in the day with better light.. because I AM interested in trying to get some truly kick ass shots of these gorgeous creatures. 

Also.. watching a raptor tear the head off of a quail ( already dead).. and then feast on its innards? Quite icky. They eat everything down to the beak if hungry enough.

Comments

[meccahi.livejournal.com]

I love, love, LOVE the look of HDR photography.. it blows my mind how beautiful and complex the tones and colours can get.

Heh.. and thank you.

[captain-snarky.livejournal.com]

I've always told you you had a good eye.
And the fact that you got several clear shots of an animal that in motion can exceed 30mph is pretty kick ass considering you didn't have the equipment to do that with.

I think rather than calling yourself a hack or second guessing your abilities, you should take this as an opportunity to improve your action photography and make a little cash.
The falconer, as the consumer, chooses what he wishes to consume. Like in any other business. Are you going to tell your customers that they should go to Randolph for their chain mail because he's been doing it longer?

I've seen plenty of "professional" photographers who exhibit less talent than what your natural eye grants you and they have no qualms about taking people's money for their services.

[meccahi.livejournal.com]

And let me tell you the oodles that I appreciate your encouragement hon.. seriously.
One of my biggest obstacles in life is trying to defeat my inferiority complex/self worth issues. It pervades everything.. both personally and professionally. At least with chainmail I KNOW that I am one of the best in the country, because I've been all over the country and seen all of the other major chainmailer's works. And even then, I hesitate saying that because I detest bragging and boastfulness.

With photography, I am far less confident because there is still so much that I DON'T know about it. I know what looks good to me.. and that's where it starts and stops. And to my mind, that's not good enough.

I'm workin' on it. One itty bitty step at a time.

[captain-snarky.livejournal.com]

Girl, I get it. I think everyone has problems with self esteem.
I think if an artist of any sort is going to continue to evolve, they need to always be aware of what they don't know rather than what they do, and always seek to improve their knowledge and abilities.

Photography is a complicated art. If you just count on a fancy camera you'll never reach your full potential in my opinion. I've seen what fancy cameras can do, and it's really impressive. But I'm more impressed by a photographer who can do the same thing using film. Because that's someone who has acquired an understanding of light and timing, and all the other complicated shit that goes into freezing time beautifully.

Long winded way to say there isn't any reason you can't continue to evolve AND take advantage of your current abilities to supplement your income.

Keep your eye on the birdie!

[eli-the-insane.livejournal.com]

Well you rule, actually. So there. Take the money! That is all.

Re: Keep your eye on the birdie!

[meccahi.livejournal.com]

Hahaha.. thanks sweetie.. We'll see what happens!

[crimsonsamurai.livejournal.com]

great photos