I have been feeling a bit unsettled in my photography lately. Not unsettled in the way that I want to stop doing it, but unsettled in the fact that I want to do more, I want to do different things, I want to learn and get better.
I am also finding myself turning more inward - growing tired of social media, and in particular Instagram. The constant sharing and "liking", double tapping without taking the time to really see a photograph or read the words written has worn me out.
I am finding myself drawn to my Canon 70D, the quality and abilities of different lenses can not be matched by the iPhone. I have been reading the book Canon Lens From Snapshots to Great Shots. It has made me think about what I love to shoot, what I would love to learn to shoot, what is currently in my camera bag, what I would like to add to my camera bag and what I could purge out of my camera bag.
On that note, I recently rented the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens for a project that I was doing for a dear friend. I can see now why they say the "glass" makes the difference. LOVED the lens!
My husband and I happened to be away for a couple days at the beginning of the rental period, so I was able to wander by myself for a whole day with my camera while he was at a work conference. It is a heavier lens and not something I would take on an all day hike, but great for an all day wander around a lakeside town.
It is hard to put into words all that is churning inside me right now, as you can probably tell from this post, but I know when I feel like this something is usually looming on the horizon.
26 comments:
You always have nice photos to show and I enjoy everyone of them. I absolutely agree with your thoughts about about Facebook's LIKE button. A lot of people click it without thinking.
Deep calls unto deep. Looking forward to your next assignment.
Beautiful images Sarah very personal and thoughtful, my favourite type of photos. I still like IG but it's more of a record for me of everyday quotes I know what you mean about the double tap though.
I join you in that feeling of being unsettled, of being drawn to something almost undefinable. I have never really wanted to use my camera phone for more than the occasional picture when I needed to share something immediately (such as an item for purchase with my husband when I'm doing "research" for it). I use my Canon 7D almost exclusively. I am not drawn to Instagram, and Facebook is driving me crazy these days (I must have friends who are too political). Your post struck a chord with me, and now I will be turning inward to ponder.
Sarah, I could have written these exact same words about a year ago. It seems we travel along a similar path. I LOVE all of today's images. I am very respectful of all the types of art and creativity that flow through each of us, and while I do not believe that there is any right or wrong way to make art, I do believe that each of us has a calling or bent toward a certain way of seeing and making. Like you, I have pulled back from social media. I found that the "great photo" comments, while kind, did not help me to grow (you might like this article http://petapixel.com/2016/03/10/great-photo-comments-will-ruin-photography/). Also, I find that my Canon 7D is the camera that allows me to make the pictures that I need to make and my prime lenses, especially the 35mm (which with the crop factor translates to a 56mm) is perfect for my everyday use. I do have a 24-70mm, f2/8. I like it but it doesn't give the same look as my prime lenses and it is surely too heavy for my typical walkabout days. Always a pleasure to read about your journey. Write any time and we can talk! It is a joy to watch the unfolding of your life.
I think I've felt something on a similar frequency churning inside myself off and on over the past year or so. For me, it's almost complete Facebook burnout. I prefer the simplicity of instagram, less fodder, less "shares", less distraction (much smaller group for me.) I read every word. :)
I find myself pulling away from the distraction and finally (finally!) picking up my camera a little more after a long lull of unsettledness. And finding myself back here blogger feed this morning is a big step after months of hiatus. I'm so glad to read your post. I particularly love your boat image. Sometimes our vessel is tossed around in big water. Sometimes it comes ashore.
I think I've felt something on a similar frequency churning inside myself off and on over the past year or so. For me, it's almost complete Facebook burnout. I prefer the simplicity of instagram, less fodder, less "shares", less distraction (much smaller group for me.) I read every word. :)
I find myself pulling away from the distraction and finally (finally!) picking up my camera a little more after a long lull of unsettledness. And finding myself back here blogger feed this morning is a big step after months of hiatus. I'm so glad to read your post. I particularly love your boat image. Sometimes our vessel is tossed around in big water. Sometimes it comes ashore.
Social media is a ...I don't know what...but I've backed off a bit a go. I guess it's a beast devouring people's peace.
Social media is a ...I don't know what...but I've backed off a bit a go. I guess it's a beast devouring people's peace.
I know that feeling….and yet, I always feel that I have to remind myself that people are busy and that often, a "like" is all they have time for…especially during the summer, when kids are home from school and vacations and daily get-aways are always on the calendar. So keep doing what you're doing…people know who you are and where they can find you.
After shooting more and more with my iPhone over the past couple of years, I find myself wanting to go back to the simple basics...my Nikon dSLR and my 35mm f1.8, and manual controls. I suppose if I spent more time on Instagram I might find that sense of "community" that everyone talks about, but so far it hasn't drawn me in very deeply. I'm someone who would rather have a long, deep conversation one-on-one than make small talk at a party. (I hope that doesn't sound like a criticism of those who do love Instagram, because it's not meant to be!) I'm looking forward to hearing more from you about where these "unsettled" feelings might be taking you. I think it will be somewhere good!
Yup, I've been way to familiar with that feeling. And Instagram.... know what you mean. I only read certain photos and usually need something to stop me in my tracks to give it more than a 2 second glance. (I would like to purge out some of the people I follow to make my feed shorter.) Oh! that lens! I borrowed my friends last year and took photos of Hallie. OMG It's on my list for sure but you're right, it IS heavy. Would like to find one comparable, lighter and a bit cheaper. Cant wait to see what awaits you...
I don't spend much time on IG - I flip through posts and only like them after I read the quote and look at the pic for it's meaning & what I "see" in the photo. I try to really read & "listen" to what is posted on FB as well before I hit "like".
You are so right that people just click & move on.
I have been feeling the same about wanting to learn, grow & expand. I have a page in my photography notebook where I list the things I want to research and learn more about, these ideas coming from magazines & blogs & photography websites.
I want to upgrade my camera & have been studying them, I'm a Nikon girl though & the Canon is all "greek" to me. I know it is personal preference when it comes to cameras as they change so quickly.
Maybe we need to bounce/feed off each other more?
I can't wait to see what comes from this! I am tired of social media too. And the lens...a good lens makes any camera sing! I love my Canon 70-200 f/2.8 - I have the one you have too but the 70-200 is amazing, and VERY heavy.
I think we're very fortunate to be confident enough and to be in a position to be able to choose the tools to fit the mood. I think it's all a part of living a creative life - the exploring and desire to learn more.
I do know what you mean...I started going through those same feelings not to long ago and I am now on a journey to do more street photography...what I need for that though, is more time. Soon. In between, I'll do it as often as I can...like you, I'm also tired of the social part, trying to stay caught up on everything, Instagram in particular...I went there because Kim Klassen said it was where we needed to be and my daughter went there because with her limited time she finds it easier...but to me, it has no meat. I think you just gave me the push to quit it. I find it difficult to keep up with my blog..which is sorely lacking these days, Facebook and an occassional visit to Flickr...my first love. I have the 24 to 70 lens that you speak of...I don't us it often, but sometimes it does come in handy and speaking of glass, I like a heavy lens when I'm out but not for everyday, walking...I'm actually loving my Fuji Mirrorless lately for neighborhood walks and some vacations..
This is a great post...I'll look forward to see where you go and what your up to...and oh, I'll be buying that book for sure...have a great day Sarah...
Sarah, a 24-70 is so versatile, and believe it or not, you kind of get used to the weight.
I am a Nikon gal and have the Nikon 24-70. It just seems to work excellent for almost everything.
Have fun with it!
You always intrigue me when you say "something's looming on the horizon." I can't wait to see where your photography may be taking you now. As far as social media. I don't do Instagram and I'm pretty tired of FB. It's gotten very political right now and I've about heard enough! Oh, and I love that pink boat!
WOW-These photos are GORGEOUS...That boat...Think canvas...wall!!! This lens was on my wish list until I read it was better paired with a full framed camera, my 60D is not. I really wanted a walking around lens, but like had mentioned, it is a heavy lens. So I've decided I love my Tamron 18-270. After much reading and deliberation, I've decided on a wide angle and as soon as the house sells I'm treating myself to the
Canon EF-S 10-18 zoom. It's going to give me a new way of looking at things. IG is the only social media I use but i'm finding myself backing off...ever so slowly tho! I think your words resinate with a lot of us.
Hi Sarah,, Its been a very long time since I was on FB and happen to see your update. Glad I did and came by to read it. I sure miss my blog and dont have time to blog right now. The glass is a big difference but as well the photographer behind it is what does the job I think. Light and shadows , your images are stunning , your own style. I love my 24-70 canon prime. Its amazing with light . Do what you love. You always hit the mark. Have a most wonderful day and week.
I am in a similar space as far as Instagram, FB . . . even with blogger, posting . . .
Cameras, lenses . . . I observe you . . . there was a time I would have been pulled to learning, trying, purchasing.
Now I appreciate your talents and others.
Not sure where my creative restlessness is leading me . . .
Hello my friend, I must admit Instagram fits nicely into my life right now. I love that I don't need to use my big camera, but I will carry it when going somewhere special. I love that I can see places all around the world and yes I was late starting with Instagram. It is good the change things up... keeps your creativity fresh. So enjoy what may be coming in your future.
I have been feeling for some time the lack of depth in social media and pursuing a new vision and goals in my photography. It is much less about "likes" for me these days since some people will like and others won't and that's perfectly OK with me. It's really about curiosity, exploration, perception, introspection and growth for me now but I support everyone's individual creative road. I stay with social media to keep in touch and stay inspired. I too long for some new glass but I have realized that I haven't fully maximized the potential of my current glass yet. I love these new images and I love that you are forever exploring and growing, Sarah.
I especially love that second shot and the beautiful boat.
Interesting to hear your views about Instagram, they are similar to mine.
That 24-70mm lens is doing a great job!
Your photos are wonderful. I find them to have a very "artistic" quality. I recently got a Canon 70D (mine has the side view screen, does yours?) and am still trying to figure it out. - I'll have to check out the lens you mentioned.
I've also become a lurker on facebook; it's become too impersonal a place to me. But I love IG for the landscape photographers I'm friends with... so many tips and ideas and examples of outstanding photography are inspiring. It's nice to read about your experience with this new lens, as recently I've thought of trying out some other lenses. I'd like to upgrade my walk-around lens to a good Nikon lens, and have looked at an equivalent lens to this 24-70mm. It seems like such a useful range for the kind of photography I love to do.
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