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I was gone most of the day, but the lighting was pretty good for flower photography when I got back. I snapped a few crocuses again (I know, original). In an attempt to make the pictures stand out a little more, I applied the Orton Effect... and was reminded of how either rusty I am, or how I was never very good at it in the first place. I may have just gotten lucky with this photo. Either way, I pretty much ruined this photo.
click to enlarge, or see it on Flickr
Aperture: f/4.5
Shutter Speed: 1/50
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 37 mm
Handheld
It looks fake, and too contrasty, and frankly, like a prime example of this. So. I put this up here to show you that sometimes my photography sucks pretty bad. I'll try again though. When applied correctly, the Orton Effect is really pretty beautiful.
I may not be a professional photographer, but at least I try. Too many people (primarily teenage girls with a Nikon CoolPix) love to say that they're "really into" photography, without knowing anything about it. So I have compiled a quick list of things that make someone a real photographer.1. Knowing how to use manual - Even if you aren't fortunate enough to have a camera that can revert to full manual, you should know how to use it.2. Knowing how to edit photos - Not all of us can afford Photoshop. But there are freeware programs out there that can do the job just about as well (like GIMP). It's knowing the theory that counts.3. Knowing the basic rules of composition - There is no excuse for telling people you're a photographer if you don't at least know what the rule of thirds is.Along with this list, I have compiled a list of things that automatically disqualify anyone from rightfully bearing the title of "Photographer."1. Relying on filters that are built-in to their camera - These were put on your CoolPix so that it would appeal to the teenage girls that buy the CoolPix. Not for real photography. If you want to change how your photo looks, edit it after you take it.2. Taking MySpace pictures - When you hold the camera at an odd angle away from your body, tilt it 45 degrees, and take a picture of yourself pouting, you no longer qualify to be a real photographer.3. Taking corny pictures - Specifically ones that feature the word "love" spelled out in human hands.4. Using Piknik - Just don't. Ever.With the rant section of this post concluded, I have taken a photo that accurately expresses my feelings about such awful photography.
