Poll - too serious?

[mike_j]

Yes, I think it has. After a long lay off I got back into serious photography two years ago but I must admit enthusiasm is tailing off. I am getting seriously fed up with the inter marque wars and constant backbiting, both in this forum and in my camera club. Also, having spent far too much of my working life in the IT world, sitting in front of a PC manipulating photos is a chore, not a pleasure,

I suspect that my photographic needs would be amply met by a good compact with my beloved Leica M6 as a backup if I felt the need. All the rest of the digi stuff could go - no doubt at a huge financial loss, especially since it is the much derided Olympus system. I always seem to back the losers - I have an Apple Mac Power PC and Powerbook in the loft - cost a fortune in the day and never really delivered unlike the early Macs which we used to fight over in a world dominated by 286 Pc's - but at least the Oly stuff may buy a decent Leica lens.

[snowqueen]

For me it is still fun, as im new to this and learning every time i take a picture......I do get frustrated alot at my lack of inspiration and ignorance! I hope it will always be fun!

[parisian]

I do worry at times that we become over concerned about both kit and technique to the detriment of the picture.

[Seven]

Goes in cycles for me, enthusiasiasm, enjoyment, satisfaction, serious, precious,not so serious,laid back, bordom, can't be bothered and I'm jacking it all in

Most of all that is borne out of frustration of not getting what I set out to get or being satisfied with a batch of pictures, then along comes another idea or a walk about inspires me and bam I'm off again.

For me the best part is the first and last, the taking and the printing. All the in between I could take or leave, photoshop isn't what I consider to be my hobby but has to play a part in my photography. So I'm not so serious when I take the picture because this is pure enjoyment, frustration sets in on the PC and then I get to the print then all is well if I don't then that's when it gets far to serious!!

So in answer Yes I'm far to serious but thinking about it if I wasn't would I ever make any improvement, I wonder if you get to certain stage where you can just sit back and be satisfied it's all part of the fun

[noangel]

Yes, I love it

Then it all goes to hell

My cameras bounce

My printer now goes through window without breaking glass None left.

Lightroom CD hurled across room decapitating cat, make note, third new kitty this week

Cry myself to sleep over lost lenscap.

Wake up next morning in loony bin only to discover that it was a wish fulfilment dream, and start immediately persuading wife that I need £3000 worth of new equipment in order to take a decent picture. Wife starts to glow like atomic bomb, then lights go out.

On return from casualty I decide its not such a bad start to the day and I should go and try to take some photos.

No, it never gets seious.

Regards,

John

[Monobod]

Yes, I try to take it more seriously than I ever used to, but not to the detriment of enjoying it. One thing I have noticed is that I am now more observent generally of the world around me. I actually find myself looking at things, rather than just seeing them and moving on. I am fortunate to live in a village location, so the open countryside is just around the corner. I now notice the sunlight streaming through the trees and watch for the odd badger or deer in the woods, far more than I ever used to do.

I suppose I just enjoy life better becasue of photography.

[Linux_Lady]

I don't know enough about photography to be serious about it... so I tend to find things out through trial and error which is working very well indeed.

I don't take anything in my life seriously... it's a failing in my personality...

I like taking photos though.. it's groovy and I think I am getting better at it