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[Steve Boykin]

Sunday AM. On #1, apparently someone mistook the accelerator for the brake. Seriously.

I would like to thank everyone here who has offered me encouragement. I think I'm going to throw the towel in on photography though. I can't seem to take the pictures I want to take. It doesn't seem to matter what camera I use. Anyway, I'm going to keep the X20 for random shots of the dogs. Wish me luck, I had a buyer respond to my Craigslist listing for my other Fuji's while I was out walking the dogs this AM.

Everyone on this site are really good photographers. I think I learned something; I can't take photographs.

THANKS!!!!!

 

[Pete Askew]

Actually Steve, I think you are wrong. You have a natural eye for composition, especially of the urban landscape (as illustrated in many of the above). You images of your dogs are superb. You are clearly also attracted to the plants you come across during your walks and produce some very delicate images of them. As I have said before, my particular favourite images of yours are your urban shots and you have produced a super body of work. Put them all together and you'll see. It doesn't matter about the camera you use, that just records the scene. It is what you see that matters and what you see is often very special. See what you come up with on your upcoming trip to the delta before you throw the towel in.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Dead wrong, man. Dead wrong. At first I didn't know about your dog photos. I just didn't connect, and I put that down to not having ever had a dog myself. But, over time I found myself looking forward to your uploads. Really. I mean it.

Your plant shots are beautiful. Actually, dogs or plants, it has dawned on me that you have your own voice. As a musician, I know how hard that is. What you need is self belief and confidence, and one day you might turn around, see your shadow, and realise you've done something unique, something worthwhile.

I looked through the images above and four of them really jump out, to me, as being excellent shots. I'm not even going to tell you which ones, as it doesn't matter. What matters is that this site would REALLY miss your individual voice.

 

[Hamish Gill]

Well... Don't know what to say to that really ...
I really like your urban landscapes!! I've been really busy lately and haven't managed to get on here as much as I should, but when I do I look out for your shots ... Some of them I have thought are superb. To the point in fact that they have reminded me to "pin" them ... Something that I hardly do ...

Its just confidence Steve, it sounds like you don't have any... But it's not warranted... Separate the lack of confidence from the photo taking and keep posting pictures here! You know it's te right thing to do

 

[Stephen McCullough]

Steve,
I agree with Pete and Rob. And you know that one of the great things about this community is that you are hearing what they really think. This is a place that helps us grow.

There are several in the series above that I like a lot, and by like, I mean that they spark emotions and curiosity. I'll also admit that I'm envious of your eye for these urban shots. They are intriguing.

You would be able to do the same with any camera. BUT - I know the Fuji's resonate with your approach. Just pause. If you still feel the same in a while, go ahead and sell. In the the meantime, don't pressure yourself. Whatever others think, if you are not getting exactly what you aimed for, think about why. It's not you eye for sure. Practice, see where you could do 'better', but also enjoy what you have made.

 

[Paul Lange]

Steve, All I can say is I read what you posted and all I can say is "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT MAN"

I am not one for giving unasked for advice but you need to go out, buy a large wet fish, come home and sit down, smack the fish round your face really, really hard, get up, pick up your camera, go out, take some more photos, post them on RPF.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Brilliant, Paul!

 

[Stephen McCullough]

Brilliant, Paul!

Yep.
Likely some advice we could all use from time to time.

 

[Nihat Iyriboz]

Steve,

I think you have beautiful close-ups, like the snail above this. I must admit, I was not a good responder to dog photos for a personal reason of having lost an amazing dog in my early years. Yet, I notice a great sense of humor attached in your photographs. The urban ones have stories to tell.

Your last sentence reminded me a friend who came to my gallery showing where I also had a guitar recital. He said that he used to play guitar until he saw some guy in Ohio, and after that he stop playing because he could never be as good as him. I asked him who he was. He said "Pat Metheny"..!

I believe in life we do things not to compare but enjoy at whatever level we are. If you enjoy photography, nothing should change that.

I lost my hearing significantly about a couple of year ago on a photo trip (Bodie). Yet, I insist on playing the guitar until it really hurts (mostly I play with a 35db reducer head gear on my head). And now, I also record and put it on YouTube to share how I feel with my music. I am no David Russell or Paco de Lucia or Rob McKillop. Yet it's a path, a journey we take. And the process, not the results is the primary focus.

I hope you stay with what you enjoy doing, and we get to enjoy you as a person and also witness your journey.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

And I'm no Nihat Iyriboz!

 

[Hamish Gill]

Steve, All I can say is I read what you posted and all I can say is "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT MAN"

I am not one for giving unasked for advice but you need to go out, buy a large wet fish, come home and sit down, smack the fish round your face really, really hard, get up, pick up your camera, go out, take some more photos, post them on RPF.

Brilliant

 

[Pete Askew]

Oh, and make sure you get some shots of the fish too!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Could be a whole new series...

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

I fully go along with all the responses Steve. I would like to say this is a good set of photo's. The Fourth for me is outstanding among a good set. I do know how you feel as I often and certainly recently have wondered what the heck am I doing most days.

The wet fish treatment would be home from home , no different to the dogs licking your face.

 

[Glenn Clabo]

Say what? Brothah...I'm goin ta come up theah in my cah and kick me some arse. You do some cool stuff and you can't be stoppin now dude.

 

[Lesley Jones]

Steve... NO!!! We all enjoy what you post. I for one feel guilty because I'm so busy with the zoo and work and generally letting life stress me out that I don't get in here as I should and sometimes I only look without commenting. I always enjoy your photographs though. The ones of the dogs and Betty are always beautifully done with that lovely low angle you use and I also like to see the plants and other things you discover on your walks. However - I have been most impressed with your urban shots. How you find something to photograph out of seemingly nothing amazes me. I remember the barber shop chair - you wouldn't know, but I described that to my husband one morning while we were cleaning the ferret room together. It struck me THAT much. I for one would be very lost without you in here

 

[Brian Moore]

If you quit, I'm going to come down to Texas and Slap Hugo you!


Oh,...almost forgot: I agree with Pete 100% about your eye for composition. Indeed, apart from your superb shots of the mutts, you have a special ability to see superb imagery in the otherwise mundane. I have been of the opinion for many years that wherever the eye falls, therein lies a picture. The challenge is bringing it out. You're doing that Steve, and the set that started off this post proves it.

 

[Beth Carter]

steve, i take off for the weekend and you come up with this?!?! wtf?

you should keep the fujis and work on getting the photos you want. it's not an overnight success for anyone, it could be years of practice. and maybe you'll come to your senses in the process of learning and realize that you are making some great photographs. in the mean time, i, and apparently the rest of the forum, would love to continue enjoying the photos that you don't think are very good. you have a very unique perspective on your surroundings.

love the laundromat shot. some really nice light and tones. and the shot of the shopping carts in the empty parking lot. and the pennzoil can. and the beer garden.. and the snail...