Photography, Just Shoot

One of the many questions I am asked is how do I take such great pictures? What tricks or settings do I use? What programs do I use to enhance my photos? The answers of course lie in the subject or topic you are shooting in my opinion.

It is hard not to find great motivational subjects to shoot in Lakewood, Ohio. Everywhere you turn you see interesting people, flora and fauna. You have the Lake, the parks, animals (wild or tame), historic buildings, heck, I would say that Lakewood encompasses every diverse and interesting thing you can find.

The first thing you have to do as a photographer is just get off your lazy butts and grab a camera and shoot. Maybe not all your pictures will be Pullitzer winners but I would bet you that with just a little imagination, the right angle, and maybe sometimes just a quick finger on the shutter you would surprise yourself. Oh sure, you can get all technical with camera settings and with photo programs but why? Unless you have plans on turning pro and trying to sell your stuff just relax and take those shots in your yard, the park, the beach, from a rooftop, from a ladder, bent over, kneeling on the ground, lying on the ground or whatever position you think is interesting. Have fun. It is not like the old days where you had to buy the film and either develop it yourself or take it to the local photo store and hope they came out right, is it? Taking pictures in no where as expensive as it used to be. Just take those pictures and download them. If you have editing programs and want to use them then go ahead. That is up to you.  Do you really have to buy that really expensive camera to take great shots? Heck no!!!

I, in no way, am a spokesman for the Lakewood Observer, they have great people working there way more informed, educated and knowledgeable than I, and they seem truly committed to allowing Lakewoodians to express themselves through its papers and online services. Send them your pictures or articles, but please, only the ones you think are interesting and let them decide which, if any, to show.

Of course when I shoot weddings, galas, ceremonies and the such I take my really good equipment and then spend hours doing what corrections or editing are mandated, but when I just feel like strolling the park, around my house, whereever, I just take a cheap point and shoot camera and have fun. It should not be surprising how many of you out there have talent or talents. But, in the case of photography at least, if you don't take those pictures you will never know. Sometimes showing off your work is a big ego boost and helps develop your confidence in yourself. And boy, if or when they are published what a kick. Talent is like playing the Lotto, if you don't try, you don't win.