CharlieJ's Blog/o/Foto: Photography Games and Challenges

Monday, January 17, 2011

Photography Games and Challenges

I admit it... I spend a lot of time on Digital Photography School forums. My favorite forum is Games & Challenges. Why? Well, G&C is the place people post photographs with common themes. In my experience, the threads in Games and Challenges has lead me to view other photographers' photos differently. I pay attention to detail, background and color more than I used. In doing so, I am learning to critique my work better.

An added benefit, the best one of all, is new friends. Although I read posts from several forums on DPS, Games & Challenges is the place I've made the most new friends. I guess the commonality of the themed threads brings people together in melting pot that bubbles up into new friendships.

If you are using any online resources for making your photography better... or just sharing your photos, leave a comment and let me know where you spend your online time in the area of photography. Hopefully, I'll see you over on DPS!

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About Me

Hi there! My name is CharlieJ. I have been an amateur photographer since the age of eight. It's been a lifelong hobby that I have enjoyed like no other. Although I'm not a great photographer, the art of the photo is my passion.

The majority of my work has been nature and macro photography. Two years ago, I started dabbling in portrait, sports and model photography.

My photos have been published in TopGun Magazine (regional sports mag), an UK wildlife education pamphlet, a Huntington, West Virginia restaurant menu and (in the near future) Schmap Guides.

I hope you enjoy my photography. Feel free to comment and offer constructive criticism, too. God bless!
CharlieJ

More... About My Style & Status

As of January, 2011, I am turning professional... or at least semi-professional.
I am a member of Model Mayhem (MM#1833123) and Net-Model.com -- conducting TFCD/TFP photo shoots with local & regional models in order to build my portfolio (and theirs).

Currently, I am learning the "art of light" -- and focusing on senior portraits, model shoots, event/sports photography, lifestyle photos.

You won't see oversaturated, heavily tone mapped photos in my collection of work. I just don't believe in producing images like that. I'm a photographer, not a PhotoShop expert. There is a difference. Pretty much anyone who can master PhotoShop can create beautiful files they might call an image or photograph. But, it takes a photographer's eye to see the image, the light, the composition BEFORE the shutter is clicked. I'd rather create my images & photographs with the camera... and not the computer.

Therefore, I do not "photoshop" my images heavily. Normal edits are to change size, along with overall contrast, sharpness -- and sometimes color saturation. Most of those edits have been accomplished through Picnik, Picasa 3 or PaintShop Pro. As my level of shooting has developed, so is my workflow. I am learning LightRoom3 & will soon start my education on PhotoShop CS4.