Growth

That is to say, growth not as in the physical sense, but as in the development of skills. Specifically my photography skills. I have been practicing with the new camera for a few months now, and feel my skills have grown and progressed significantly in that time.

Yesterday I attended my third Exhibition Night with my photography club. In past meetings, it seemed people were all but afraid of sharing photos of people. Sure, landscapes are beautiful, old cars are interesting, but without people all of that would either cease to exist or at the very least go unappreciated. I was pleasantly surprised to see a couple of individuals brought photos of people. Some of my better photos are of people.

Some brought photos of wildflowers as well. A few showing said photos were pros. Pardon me while I brag, but I have the same shot as many of them, from different places of course, but same flowers, but in a different and perhaps better angle. I may be slightly biased, but we'll let the audience judge.

I sat quietly by for these three meetings observing what people brought and was admittedly a bit concerned about measuring up to the standards set. No more! After what I saw last night, I feel extremely confident in my skills as a photographer. If anything, what was presented last night has given me the challenge I need to step things up a notch and yes, even dive into editing with Photoshop or other software. I am ready for the challenge, and I have one month to prepare.

I will post the photos once I have selected them and perhaps even a before and after editing version. If I feel brave enough, and if there is enough time, I believe I will try my hand at my very first HDR photo as well. A number of those were shown last night, and while some are ok, others are a little too extreme for my tastes I think. Maybe my opinion will change when it is MY photo with the alterations and not someone elses. We shall soon find out!