Learning Photoggrahy by trying to replicate pictures

[RiRi85]

Hi,

Just curious, does anyone know a thread that gives u easy photos to try and replicate?

Photos that you can use a kit lens or slightly higher to replicate.

I'm just wondering if this would work as it lets u learn more because you have to explore so many options as you shoot.

Sorry if this is a repost because I tried searching and couldn't find.

 

[catchlights]

I don't recall that I ever come across such thread here.
however, check out these groups in flickr, this is what a kit lens can do, your creativity and imagination is the limit.

https://www.flickr.com/groups/nikon18-55/

https://www.flickr.com/groups/993931@N25/

 

[Octarine]

Just curious, does anyone know a thread that gives u easy photos to try and replicate?
Photos that you can use a kit lens or slightly higher to replicate.

We have lots of galleries and special threads here. Most people state the lens / focal length used. If this falls within the range of your kit lens then go ahead and try to replicate.

 

[RiRi85]

We have lots of galleries and special threads here. Most people state the lens / focal length used. If this falls within the range of your kit lens then go ahead and try to replicate.

Yeap that's exactly what I mean, but there isn't a dedicated thread to do this.

Which will really help noobs like me to learn
1. Composition
2. Variation

Which will help me learn that equipment isn't always key

 

[catchlights]

You can check out countless photography tutorials on various topics in Youtube, just type in the keyword in the search box, eg, "photography composition tutorial"

 

[Octarine]

Yeap that's exactly what I mean, but there isn't a dedicated thread to do this.

Just create your own one in Newbies Section.
1) Select a picture you want to use as example and link into your post for reference.
2) Post your attempts with sufficient details (cam settings, your thoughts, why you did what you did etc).
3) Discuss the feedback.

 

[Mythmaker]

I just look at 500px everyday. Still life genre is a good place to start.

Otherwise, just watch movies. Your inert composition comes from your interpretation of the movies that you watch. I won't say all movie goers are good photographers, but all good photographers watches alot of movies.

 

[Edwin Francis]

You don't need a thread if you're trying to replicate a photo. Just find a photo you like and get to work.
As Octarine said, start a thread (in the Critique section) if you want feedback. If you do that, pls read the guide on asking for critique first.

http://1x.com/ has a lot of outstanding work


Your kit lens is good enough, unless you trying to replicate a photo taken with a ultra wide or tele (and even then, you can crop to get a tele effect, within limits).

You'll likely be learning the technical aspects this way, through trial and error. But there's a lot more to a good photo then just the technical bits. When you find a photo that speaks to you, think about why it works. The content, composition, lighting and emotion that go into it. Then you can go beyond replicating.

 

[Nikonzen]

This will help...composition can also be learned by studying the great masters.

http://www.adammarelliphoto.com/category/great-compositions/

 

[ElCarnicero]

Hi you will not learn by copying a photo

Copying will not teach you creativity

It will just teach you to be a fake

 

[ElCarnicero]

Also i see you are here since 2008

Have you not learned anything in 7 years?

 

[Mythmaker]

Hi you will not learn by copying a photo

Copying will not teach you creativity

It will just teach you to be a fake

There are 3 ways which we can attain wisdom.

The first is by experience, which is bitterest.
The second is by imitation, which is easiest.
The third is by reflection, which is noblest.

If you cannot even imitate, you cannot produce good works.

 

[xjosephtbr]

You can check out countless photography tutorials on various topics in Youtube, just type in the keyword in the search box, eg, "photography composition tutorial"

my fav vid on composition xD

[video=youtube;O8i7OKbWmRM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8i7OKbWmRM[/video]

 

[ElCarnicero]

There are 3 ways which we can attain wisdom.

The first is by experience, which is bitterest.
The second is by imitation, which is easiest.
The third is by reflection, which is noblest.

If you cannot even imitate, you cannot produce good works.

The best works do not come from imitators

The best work come from innovators

 

[catchlights]

There are 3 ways which we can attain wisdom.

The first is by experience, which is bitterest.
The second is by imitation, which is easiest.
The third is by reflection, which is noblest.

If you cannot even imitate, you cannot produce good works.

The best works do not come from imitators

The best work come from innovators

Both of you are correct, and there is no way to tell which is the best way to learn, since each of us take a different journey.

since we have already provided TS our opinions and suggestions, it is up to him to interpreter what is best for him.

 

[Nikonzen]

The best works do not come from imitators

The best work come from innovators

"We have invented nothing new." Picasso upon viewing the famous cave paintings in France.

 

[daredevil123]

Replication and imitation is good to build up your foundation. When looking at any photo that interests you and stop to think how that photo is achieved. Then go out and try to replicate. Then come back and compare your result with the original. Take note of what you did right and did wrong. Try and try again.

That is how you build up your foundation on technical basics.

The next step will be learn composition and add your own interpretation and execute using the skills you picked up when building your foundation. Practise practise practise till it becomes 2nd nature.

 

[keithwee]

What's most important is the willingness to learn , imitating helps in getting u started - from portraits (poses etc) to landscapes. Visit the Photo Galleries section for some ideas.

 

[swifty]

A bit off topic but one area of inspiration that's often overlooked are paintings from the great masters.
Years ago I had taken a course and the weekly challenge was the subject of still life.
Lacking inspiration I turned to google and one of the first results that came up was a Cezanne still life painting that I then tried to recreate. For me, that was probably the best learning exercise that I experienced to date.
As an example, Rembrandt would be a great study in portraiture and general directional lighting.
A visit to any of the many galleries around should prove fruitful if you're looking for images to recreate.

 

[daredevil123]

A bit off topic but one area of inspiration that's often overlooked are paintings from the great masters.
Years ago I had taken a course and the weekly challenge was the subject of still life.
Lacking inspiration I turned to google and one of the first results that came up was a Cezanne still life painting that I then tried to recreate. For me, that was probably the best learning exercise that I experienced to date.
As an example, Rembrandt would be a great study in portraiture and general directional lighting.
A visit to any of the many galleries around should prove fruitful if you're looking for images to recreate.

This is great advice.

The best piece on landscape composition I ever read was on landscape painting.

And rembrandt lighting is already one of the most mainstream and basic lighting techniques.