Whats next?

[Dslrman]

Just wondering what goes beyond (the level) after shooting the fleeting moment of life, which RF is especially good for, ?

Not sure about you, but for me, photography with RF is really fun, but deep inside I feel there are other things that can be elevated (ie. documenting life, etc.). But as an amatuer enthusiat I feel its just a make-believe dream that still remains at the "fun" level.

Just a muse which may not have the answer. Hope any being enlightened enough to provide an intelligent answer (I know I don't at this moment)

 

[artspraken]

Its a deep question you have which i believe falls into 2 schools.

First school is the 'arthouse' school that focuses on capturing the 'decisive moment'. This means a picture with composition symmetry and form to tell a story and give meaning beyond the picture. Its like painting with light but planning ahead to capture the fleeting moment as you have described.

Second school is the reportage school which says the 'closer the better'. This school thrives on taking pictures in places where few dare to go, and show things that few people often get to see. In singapore i dream of going to the dirtiest seediest places to take these pictures.

Rf photographers usually fall into either one of the 2 schools or are a hybrid of some sort. If you are bored of one type, you can always move to the other.

Each of the 2 schools describe an approach. In photography if you are bored with your usual shoots, you can choose different subjects. If you find yourself bored with street shooting, i suppose you can shoot animals in the zoo (gary winogrand) or shoot buildings (sorry forgot name) or maybe shoot xmms (seems quite popular pasttime in clubsnap).

Personally when i get bored with RF, i usually lapse into a period of GAS where i buy more gear that revives my interest in shooting with newly acquired gear.

In recent days, if you are looking for a subject, look no further than election rallies. The imagery, the raw emotion and range of diverse subjects is truly a feast for RF photographers. Be advised to arrive early to rallies to take advantage of the ambient evening light, and position near the stage or floodlights after sun sets. I have seen many examples of really great shots taken at this momentous event. Dont miss out. Great examples you can already see on IPA website and wongsan pics.

I guess in short that RF at the end of the day is just a tool. Do not let it dictate your photography. You should traverse new boundaries and explore new horizons as part of life. The RF is just a journal or notebook to record what you witness - in a fun and cool way.

Hope my thoughts above help u find more fun with RF.

 

[bayusuputra]

for me, RF is not just a photography tool.. but a medium to get closer to what life is, and what it gives me.. closer to my subject.. closer to my brain and feelings.. closer to my emotion and also others.. teaches me more about being respectful to others, being more sensitive and tolerant to others.. it shows me that photography is not only about capturing that instant moment.. but observing it comes and goes from before it enters the VF to the moment it leaves the VF.. i know it sounds cliched but honestly, i feel that way..

on the lighter side, it gives me the thrill when the rolls are ready.. or when i shot with the cap on and try to rewind back that 1 extra frame (yes, i'm that frugal..:lovegrin and it gives me the satisfaction when i see my terrible photos more than what digital gives me..

after this? well, i wanna learn how to be able to "see" more, get connected with my subjects and surroundings more..

i think everyone should share what they thought about RF.. sharing what RF means to you, what it gives/has given you, and what is next for you..

 

[Dslrman]

Thanks guys for the insights and muse...

 

[Cactus jACK]

Just as with any journey, it can get "lonely" alone. and more often than not, you can only go so far by yourself.

While you can share, discuss, and learn via the forum, there is nothing like gatherings of light- and like-minded individuals to share, discuss, and learn from each other. The guys and gals here have set up monthly outings, themed monthly competitions, RF photo sharing, etc. These are all for you to take advantage of in enhancing your RF journey... some like to talk about gear, others about composition, other about techniques... but it's all good, and best done over some nice cold beers!!

Further to that, taking a page from some of the guys here, you can stretch yourself through self-initiated / shared projects related to RF photography. This can help you be more objective and deliberate in your outings and perspective. as an amatuer enthusiat, this does mean moving away from the "fun" level (as you coined)... but it'll still be fun!!

move out of your comfort zone, and take a deep dive somewhere... your senses will tingle!!

 

[sf_kang]

I share the journey n feelings of RF shooting, having been thru early folding Agfa's, Yashica Electro 35's, film SLRs, DSLRs, 6x6 Hassy's, Leica M's. RF shooting does give that sense of 'connectedness' with the scene n with the subject. Now experimenting w RF shooting using the Hassy XPan. Another range of possibilities - it can shoot in standard 35mm format (36x24mm), and when appropriate, in mid roll, switch over to panaromic (65x24mm). You get the superwide effect without the ultrawide distortion. I'd be happy to meet up and share about this experience if anyone is keen. Maybe meet up over coffee. Let you guys play with this 'toy'. Cheers. Freddie

 

[raytoei]

i used to bring my camera to work everyday to take pics of the cha bo.,..until recently when i discovered i was behaving like a stalker...

now i only bring it out during lunchtime...maybe a lunchtime stalker....

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Just wondering what goes beyond (the level) after shooting the fleeting moment of life, which RF is especially good for, ?

Not sure about you, but for me, photography with RF is really fun, but deep inside I feel there are other things that can be elevated (ie. documenting life, etc.). But as an amatuer enthusiat I feel its just a make-believe dream that still remains at the "fun" level.

Just a muse which may not have the answer. Hope any being enlightened enough to provide an intelligent answer (I know I don't at this moment)

Start shooting collective series over a time period of a couple of months rather than normal random street life?

 

[baboonish]

I agree with Gary. Giving yourself a short project to shoot for maybe a week, a month or even longer makes you stay focused on the process and with an aim in mind or a theme, you would not be wandering out finding things to shoot.. instead, your subjects will find you.

 

[nordleadx]

i used to bring my camera to work everyday to take pics of the cha bo.,..until recently when i discovered i was behaving like a stalker...

now i only bring it out during lunchtime...maybe a lunchtime stalker....

same here.. feels like hunter sometimes..

to me its just a tool.. infact my fav camera is the iphone

 

[nordleadx]

I agree with Gary. Giving yourself a short project to shoot for maybe a week, a month or even longer makes you stay focused on the process and with an aim in mind or a theme, you would not be wandering out finding things to shoot.. instead, your subjects will find you.

Master class !!!