Life is full of interesting surprises, really.To be honest I'm actually pretty tired now. Have been awake since 2 a.m. and it's a true pain the ass - sleeping at 8pm didn't really help. However now that I have recently developed a roll of film taken with my awesome plastic camera, I thought it'd be great to share it with my dear readers. Yes, you there. I have lost track of who actually visits Ralverd.com anymore, but to those silent fans out there - thank you for reading my blog. I did delete the blog 3 times (or 'reset' it) over the years but Starting Ralverd.com has been fun and looking back on the previous posts I realised that I changed, albeit little by little. This blog records (some of my) my slumps, progress and even random rantings. Blogging has already become a habit or perhaps a chore at times, but Ralverd is always prepared to share his shit with the world.
Before I continue, I'll leave you to appreciate the artistry of photography by yours truly:
Ah, film photography. What a love affair it has been. If only all those DSLR fellas would discard their digital gear and revert to old school shooting. Anyway, I actually wrote an article on a forum which I'd like to post here as well. Obviously it is related to photography but let me assure you - this is definitely good stuff.How to take better photographs:
1) Know your camera. My Nikon D700 came with a 400-page manual and I read every page of it (it's time consuming but definitely worth it). Knowing all the slightest settings and menu functions allows me to utilise the camera in the best way possible. Flash sync speed settings? Easy. 3D track focusing in AF-C mode? Piece of cake. Some amateurs make the grave mistake of not reading the manuals/guides, know nothing about their camera and stick to the Auto mode for the rest of the camera's life. Don't be like them, be better.
2) Learn about light. It's a wonder what the matrix metering systems of DSLRs can do nowadays. Most of the time we can simply stick to auto metering functions and get by - but it is great to know more about lights in general: e.g. exposure, dynamic range etc. Learn to read histograms and understand what highlights, midtones and shadows are. Know how to deal with difficult lighting conditions. Don't be the sad fellow who asks, "What does this button (*Exposure compensation) do? "
3) Engage your subject. You see something you like? Then think before you shoot (unless it's something that'll be gone in an instant). Look around the subject - would it look better from another angle? Is the background too messy? What depth-of-field will fit the image? Is the lighting adequate? Is there eye contact? Explore your subject and the surroundings before you actually click on the shutter button. It makes a huge difference to your composition.
4) Shoot film. Shooting old-school is great because you learn a lot. Why? Film costs money and every time you click the shutter a few cents go down the drain. You can't take it back and no, there isn't a LCD for you to view what you've taken. This generally changes your approach towards photography because most of us do not really want to waste a roll of RM20 film on rubbish. Besides, nothing beats the excitement of having your film developed.
5) Be critical. I'm relatively harsh towards my photographs. I always point the camera around and end up not taking anything, even with digital. I delete what I think is subpar. I always think, "This isn't good enough, how can I improve it?" I'm not exactly a brilliant photographer but I'd like to make my photographs as good as possible (and within my own standards). Most people just shoot with their DSLRs, post them up on facebook, receive half-a**ed compliments and become content. These people never improve.
6) Learn to take advice. At times we might think that we are an authourity on a certain subject but do remember that there's always someone who knows more. Learn from mentors or experts and take mental notes of what they have to say. We should never stop learning. However, never take advice blindly from those who take rubbish photos.
7) Read. Photography isn't just about learning to use your camera. Sometimes reading up can give you insights which you'll never receive otherwise. Borrow/buy some books on photography, be it magazines, material on technqiues or photobooks. Be inspired - there's tons of superb material out there and I'm confident that there will be some that will take your breath away.
8) Go out and shoot. In general the more you shoot, the better you get. Provided if you actually learn from your mistakes/feedback and apply your new-found knowledge everytime you shoot. Go to new, refreshing locations and shoot different subjects. Explore macro or food photography. Do some studio or portrait shoots. Never ever stop shooting and maintain your passion. In fact, bring a camera everywhere you go (I do even when I go to class). As you gradually learn to see the world through a lens, your photography might just be taken up a notch.
I hope you kids learn to take better photographs and hopefully at a point, be as good as me. Be a wild fox, my friends. Or be the fucking walrus. Just don't become the common weed.
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