When has photography become too much?

[Vich]

I just got this quasi-spam from DPREVIEW:

24-Hour Member Challenge: Vanish
Rules: Expert Editing (Trial)
Submission: Apr. 1st - Apr. 1st
Details: Show us your disappearing act with a composition that includes the following items: Lollipop Ice Sock Wine Glass The image should be sized at 640x480 or 480x640.
Extra Rules: Failure to meet the challenge criteria will result in disqualification and possible suspension of site privileges.

I just can't help but thinking:
"OK, right. Like people are going to drop what they have going on for today (a beautiful Spring Sunday) and go digging up all these things for such an obviously contrived shot."

Well, I sort of imagine if I had a 23 year old beauty of a model that a lollipop + ice + stockings + wine glass .... well, that could have a path of it's own. But don't people have plans already? If I had an open-ended model shoot scheduled for today then maybe this could even be inspiring.

I mean; photography's fun and all. I can't help but think that, unless I'm just in an unusual mood-funk, I'd better start reassessing my life if this is what it's come to.

To each his own, more power to ya if this floats your boat, and all that. For some odd reason; this just got me to thinking that either I'm loosing interest or this really is just too much.

[RichNY]

I think it only occupies the place in our lives that we allow it to. There are those that always have a camera on hand to capture an image- that's not me. I'm very content with just knowing that I can take my gear along when I want to shoot whether it be a special occasion or just when I'm feeling in the mood.

(That said I've spent an unhealthy amount of time learning about photography, equipment, and lighting for the past 6 months)

[D Thompson]

and it could have something to do with the date today - April Fool's day :D

[fionndruinne]

(heheh... it could indeed)

As for contrived shots - bah, say I. To me, the thrill, challenge and satisfaction of photography is to capture what's there, often fleetingly. Not some complex, closed-circuited, set-up process. To each his own, but I think God is just a bit better at setting up a shot than I am.

Personally, photography has become too much when I can't enjoy an outing without my mind on double-duty picking out all the possible shots. I take in less of the reality that way, and sometimes have to catch myself.

Photography's not everything.

[Chrisku13]

Reality and god in the same post.. :D

[fionndruinne]

Yep - that's what I do best.

[Geoff Chandler]

Going back to the main subject - it's as much or as little as you want it to be - you do have control over your life.
Many years back when I was into Film SLR - I only really got the camera out on hoidays and occasions - couldn't keep up with buying and developing all that film. Now I am sliding back that way a bit, despite not having to buy and develop, for sanity of life reasons. We went out for the day to Brighton, basically we had a couple of items to purchse for my Son & Wife. WE LEFT THE CAMERA AT HOME!!
If I had been diddling around taking pictures we would have missed the oportunity for a new ring for my wife - we'd gone down in the afternoon and time did slip by quickly, shops were closing - if I had been playing - then even more time would have slipped through our fingers.
Also - often - it is an annoyance for others if I am always stopping to take photos, holidays and occasions are a more acceptable times - otherwise it's better if I go out alone or with someone else interested in taking photos.
I love photography but have to curb my enthusiasm and consider others.

[LR Max]

Such challenges are good and bad. I think for something like that, there should be A LOT more time allowed to compose the shot.

This challenge is just rediculous. A challenge is supposed to be broad and should allow the photographer to easily use his/her own style to make the photo happen. The challenges sharpen and allow the photographer to explore new areas of creativity they once did not have. This challenge is asking for way too much and in a very limited amount of time. Forget that.

However, these challenges should be used sparsely. I just got done with a 30 day self portrait challenge and it dominated a lot of time. However, at the same time it was a nice break from my normal grind.

These creative shots take up a lot of time. Lately I've been doing these for the paper I work for and with a time constraint they are a giant pain in the rear. I agree with the "let the moment come to me" mindset but when you gotta produce results such waiting is not acceptable. A studio is freakin' awesome because you can create that moment in a static environment with controlled lighting. So much easier.

Too much of this crap has made me put my camera down for the last two weeks. Only do the challenges that look good to you. Everything else, let it pass.

[Vich]

Going back to the main subject - it's as much or as little as you want it to be - you do have control over your life.
Many years back when I was into Film SLR - I only really got the camera out on hoidays and occasions - couldn't keep up with buying and developing all that film. Now I am sliding back that way a bit, despite not having to buy and develop, for sanity of life reasons. We went out for the day to Brighton, basically we had a couple of items to purchse for my Son & Wife. WE LEFT THE CAMERA AT HOME!!
If I had been diddling around taking pictures we would have missed the oportunity for a new ring for my wife - we'd gone down in the afternoon and time did slip by quickly, shops were closing - if I had been playing - then even more time would have slipped through our fingers.
Also - often - it is an annoyance for others if I am always stopping to take photos, holidays and occasions are a more acceptable times - otherwise it's better if I go out alone or with someone else interested in taking photos.
I love photography but have to curb my enthusiasm and consider others.
I'm with you. Nice for recording photo-ops and a practice session can be fun too.

I went kayaking all day instead of photography. Still; there are days when such a challenge would be a step up from "nothing plans" and I'd welcome it. I'd also find it a worthwhile creative exercise, but the "1 day" thing was definitely a turn-off. It made me subconsciously feel like, if I accepted it, I should "go get a life", lol.

I also agree on the point where cameras (for me) are for recording life. This exercise is more aimed at making it a creative tool.

[Geoff Chandler]

LR Max - we don't HAVE to comply and go for all the challenges, we have a thing called freedom of choice. Some of these competitions have left me cold and I usually don't bother with them. This one was in DPreview - another great site - I also enjoy Photography Cafe for similar reasons, but seldom get involved with the competitions unless something fires up my imagination.
Vich - I am like you also - I like to record a lot of life with the camera - occasions and events - even progress in the house/garden etc. I enjoy looking back at stuff too

[aparmley]

Unplug man - I did. It helps. :D

[Vich]

Unplug man - I did. It helps. :D
Yeah, mostly did. Finding that happy medium. Thanks Bro.

[aparmley]

Yeah, mostly did. Finding that happy medium. Thanks Bro.

Just lookin out thats all. I was spending too much time on the forums and too much time focused on gear and forgot about the art and why I was drawn to photography in the first place. Now that spring has returned, I plan on shooting a ton this spring - First spring with a DSLR + working day shift, I can't wait.

[DonSchap]

Contrived shots have their own merit, to be sure. In fact, I contend that most studio images are exactly that. Lighting, posing, positioning and timed events ... I ask you, what is more contrived than what we do at least 50% of the time.

"Hey you ... SMILE!" -SNAP!- :D

Now, if you really want to have a blast, this summer, may I suggest a DCRP photographic scavenger hunt. Instead of actually collecting items, you take images of them, such as:
Whales hopping out of the ocean; a pair of Jackalopes hitchhiking along Route 66; a hang glider soaring from a California Cliff; a grassy plain with a some kind of strange object in it; a picture of Anna Nicole's baby!

Hey, it could actually get kind of weird. :eek:

Take all summer to do it ... that'll make it more interesting and, of course, less rushed ... that is, until the last two weeks. :eek:

A way to start it is for about a week or two, people can make suggestions of what they would like to see in "The Hunt." Then we can post a couple polls to vote on those items and select the top ten items people should be hunting down and snapping. Nothing too impossible, but actually doable shots that anyone can get ... with some effort. I mean far-eastern Tibet is out of the question, unless you already have tickets ... and no more MOON shots, unless it starts to fall apart or something.

The person or persons who have all of the required elements ... can then post the collection in a separate forum, as each thread can contain up to 10 shots. Again, a poll will be done to determine the voting groups concensus as to most appealing effort.

The winner possibly receives some kind of bizarre accolade from DCRP. Perhaps a "DCRP" belt buckle, camera strap or beer stein.

It's just a germ of an idea ... and I invite any fun suggestions to improve the thoughtline, if there are any. It's just something we could dive into .. and it doesn't require immediate action. You folks are obviously interested in your chosen craft ... so why not use this glass for something other than Grandma and GrandPa shots? Is it a challenge? I suppose ... it beats going to Iraq for an armed-vacation, huh?

A three-month window from June 1st, 2007 to September 1st, 2007 (EXIF DATA REQUIRED for each shot). Worldwide invitational! It could produce some of the most sensational digital art we have ever seen ... then again, it could be some real ... well, whatever. Photographer's Eye!

Sorry, I spent too much time in Art Class, tonight.

[DonSchap]

LOL ... I had a feeling this would flop around and die like many ideas do. :D

Oh well... back to the salt mines.

[fionndruinne]

No, it's a great idea... even one that deserves its own website/group. I can see it now - monthly hunts, a big annual hunt with a prize... it could be a lot of fun.