The Evolving Photographer

There are all manner of famous quotes from all kinds of clever people going back to the dawn of time about luck not really being luck but a matter of timing, motivation and preparation. Developing a 'luck radar' to find photographs is fun and brings results.

Luck radar can be developed with or without a camera. In fact, finding photos without a camera can develop your radar faster. Try to see as many shots as possible while crossing the street or waiting for the microwave popcorn to finish popping. If you don't mind looking goofy, use your hands to frame a shot.

Now get a camera and try again. Combining the seeing and the capturing into one unconcious action makes the photography itself a lot more spontaneous and fun.

Luck radar is in part why travel photography works. Travelers are in unfamiliar territory, pay attention, look for photos and carry a camera. Henri Cartier-Bresson is famous for his ability to capture that flash of serendipity. Check out some of his work over at Wikipedia.

To see how fleeting the moment of photographic opportunity can be, here is the complete set of six Spot the Dog shots. Taking a photo of more or less the exact same subject in the same spot (pun intended!) created very different images in the span of a few of minutes.

You may remember Spot the Dog as Surf Dog. My friend James Duncan came up with Spot the Dog. Much funnier and a better fit with the carefree nature of dogs.

I spent several hours wandering the beach looking for photos the day before I shot spot and was disappointed with the results. That left my luck radar on high alert. I might have otherwise not seen this moment of photographic opportunity even though I was looking right at it.

On a related note, Spot is now world famous (ok, maybe just among a handful of photo nerds here in Nashville). I'm starting to put my work out there more and have managed one or two successful attempts. A thick skin is required but the criticism helps to hone a sense of what succeeds and why. One shot, Yard Art, was a few votes away from making it to the final round of the Photo of the Year contest at Photographycorner.com. Spot the Dog, was featured as part of the President's Showcase at the Brentwood Camera Club.

I recently entered a contest to display my work at Phat Bites. This is a "pick of the litter" contest. Photographers submit three photographs and the judges pick one. There will be three hangings of 20 photos. The first opens with a small reception Monday, January 19 from 6-8PM. My work will be in the second hanging on display through March and April.

The exhibition was arranged by the Brentwood Camera Club. If you live around Nashville, TN stop in to a meeting and you will be hooked. It's a fantastic group.

This is the winning shot. I was at Laguna Beach for a conference and caught this from the hotel balcony. I spent about two hours wandering the beach shooting without a whole lot to show for it except feeling frustrated. After I got dressed for dinner I spotted this dog down on the beach, grabbed the camera and started shooting. I ended up with about a half dozen keepers and I think this is the best of the lot. On that day luck beat effort.

The two rejects are included below. The flamingo is from the Columbus Zoo and the subway station from Chicago.

This is the perfect contest because you can't lose. Just like in the three year old soccer league, everyone gets a trophy.

What's your pick? Why? And don't say none of the above! ;)