Just Point And Shoot

[Rob MacKillop]

Today I decided not to try... I often get annoyed when I try hard for something and it doesn't work out. So I decided not to try. I'd just see something, and quickly point and shoot. I'm not disappointed DP3M, no editing, maybe a little darkening in SPP. In-camera b&w.

Warning: 13 shots....

wall8 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


wall7 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


wall6 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


wall2 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


wall1 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


stop by RobMacKillop, on Flickr

This next one looks carefully done. It wasn't. But I did crop it.


starflower by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


life by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


katie by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


gate by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


cuddy by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


cobbles by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


closes2 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr​

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

Your method has produced a fine set of images Rob. attempting to capture images each and everyday can at times be challenging. Ways of working to keep that interest and excitement alive is vital. After all we do it for our enjoyment.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Exactly, Julian. Thanks. I did enjoy my walk today. Often I only have an hour spare, so I find myself looking at the same streets, shops, park, and just sometimes inspiration is lacking. And when that happens, I realise I'm trying too hard to "find something". But stuff is there, whether we look for it or not.

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

Exactly, Julian. Thanks. I did enjoy my walk today. Often I only have an hour spare, so I find myself looking at the same streets, shops, park, and just sometimes inspiration is lacking. And when that happens, I realise I'm trying too hard to "find something". But stuff is there, whether we look for it or not.

Yes so true it is thee to be found, of course the light is always different. I was up very early this morning which of course gives superb light.

 

[Ivar Dahl-Larsen]

I think you did very well for point and shoot and as Julian says trying hard to make good images every day in familiar grounds, is rather strainious at times. Someone told me once, let the images come to you, stop searching for them.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I agree, Ivar, but it is easy to say "stop searching...let the images come", but sometimes difficult to do. There is always the option to just enjoy your walk, if possible, without thinking photography. But that way madness lies

 

[Hamish Gill]

This is what it is all about For me Rob! Trying puts too much weight on the outcome, leads to far to much expectation that is far to often resultant in an underwhelming outcome in my experience ...
Freeing your mind, enjoying the moment and once in a while experiencing that zen feeling where everything seems to come together just for your benefit is what it's all about for me. "Trying" is counterproductive, just simply "doing" is the way forward ...
If you will pardon my hippy ramble

More photos that are just my cuppa, good work I say!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Hamish The Hippy! Cheers, Hamish. I have enjoyed shooting what my mind imagines beyond what I see, and trying (yes, trying) to find that through setting up the shot, and the digital darkroom work afterwards. And sometimes I've got close to what I was sensing. Other times, as here, I don't think - just shoot. And I'm happy with the results. I guess I'll continue to do both ways.

 

[Hamish Gill]

Indeed ... One is my job, the other a hobby ... At least that's how I like to see it

 

[Pete Askew]

I think that taking the intuitive route has worked a treat here. The thing is, you probably don't need to try. You know how to use a camera. And, you know how to see. And what you saw is visually interesting; the lines in Wall 7, the shadows in Wall 2, the pipes in Wall 1, Katie, the box and the bars and the shadows and gleam from the paving. Super stuff Rob.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, Pete. Truth is, I'm feeling bored with my own photography. I know what it's going to look like before I shoot. I know what editing I'll do. Being out and about, taking the shots, is great. But it sometimes I just can't be bothered to edit them, because I've already seen them in my mind's eye. The experience of being there in the moment, is more meaningful than time in the editing suite.

But today I noticed myself not taking quite a few shots, as I just knew exactly how they would look. And I found I was happy enough just to be aware of my surroundings, my engagement with it, and just let it flow past. I suppose that's a zen-like thing. It does mean, though, that you come home with just a handful of shots. I suppose that's a good thing?

 

[Pete Askew]

I know exactly what you mean Rob. I take very few shots but I do look a lot. And I see lots of interesting things. But as you say, you know what the picture will look like.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

You too? I guess it's common, otherwise we'd have millions of shots each...instead of merely thousands

 

[Pete Askew]

Apart from some random stuff out of a train and bus window, I think I only took about 20 - 30 shots on my recent trip to the Cote d'Azure. And I was there 4 days!

 

[Brian Moore]

Rob, I find that my photo expeditions are much more liberating when I am accompanied by Miss Sarah. That is to say,...Miss Sarah Dippity. (@Pete Askew knows the lady to whom I refer.) She often whispers softly (and yet with urgency) into my ear "Oooh look,...shoot quick." Sometimes I am quick enough but often I am not. Perhaps she was with you on the day in question?

 

[Keith Hollister]

Thanks, Pete. Truth is, I'm feeling bored with my own photography. I know what it's going to look like before I shoot. I know what editing I'll do.

That's actually a good thing for most photographers - you are able to pre visualize the image.

That aside, the flower image is quite nice, Rob. It has a great delicateness and the tonality is perfect. I also like the slipper on the fence/gate a lot. Well executed but quirky - the name on the sole gives it personality.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Cheers, Keith. Don't tell me I'm becoming a photographer. Noooooooooo!!!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Brian, I think I got her drunk sister...

 

[Brian Moore]

Brian, I think I got her drunk sister...

Can you introduce me?

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Tut tut.