Did You Get Any Good Pictures?

Is this a "good" photograph?

Why can't I seem to come up with a good answer to this seemingly simple question?

It seems that more than ever, when I'm out and about with friends or family with a camera, I'm always asked one simple question: "Did you get any good pictures?"

Unfortunately, this question bugs the heck out of me, because I don't quite really know how to answer it.  I think many of the people that ask me this know that I'm a pretty good photographer.  My work has been displayed across Ohio, and I've made a nice supplementary income licensing images via Istock.  Why the heck are people asking me if I got any good pictures?  Yes, it's true that sometimes I come back with images that just didn't work, BUT, when I'm out photographing, I don't click the shutter unless I think what I'm seeing will make a good picture..

I'm not looking to make good pictures- I'm looking to make great photographs.  I desire to create something that will capture one's glance for more than a second or so- I'm looking to produce the best photographs I've ever created. There is a deliberate process that I go through to make these image. I'm not just blindly pointing the camera "hoping" that I get a "good" photograph. And herein lies why this question just simply bugs the heck out of me.

How should I answer this question, I suppose, would be the more appropriate question.  I have come to understand that anyone asking me if I took any good photographs is opening up an opportunity for casual conversation.  I've not been able to recognize this, and instead, I'll give sort of smart ass quip like "always" or a response that will certainly end the conservation- something like: "I'm not really sure until I get back and view the images on the computer.

But as a photographer who is trying to capture the world and share my experiences through photography, I simply need to pounce upon the opportunity to explain what I'm seeing and why it is important.  Instead of scoffing at this question- I need to realize that those asking are generally interested in how I see the world and what I'm photographing.  I need to embrace the question and give answers like - "you know, this is just an incredible place to be, so much is going on here, beautiful light, beautiful people, beautiful photographic subjects, that I just feel compelled to explore and express my experiences with the camera".

It is only that when I begin to embrace the question "did you get any good pictures?" that I will ever become truly successful in sharing my vision with others.

-Tom

Would you like to explore my photography?  Please visit my featured galleries powered by Smugmug.

Jury Duty

This week I find myself in a far different place than my usual environs.  Typically surrounded by woods and fields during the work week, I now find glass, brick, stone, and steel.  Yes, if you haven't been following along at my facebook page, I've been spending the week as a prospective juror.  There's been quite a bit of downtime- an hour and half for lunch has allowed me to explore downtown Columbus like I have never before.

All of these images were taken with the Olympus E-P1 with the Pentax Asahi Super Takumar 35mm F 3.5 lens, attached to the camera via a fotodiox m42 adapter.  I picked up this little camera for a steal a few weeks ago and have been impressed by its versatility, small size, and excellent image quality.  I'm having a blast with it- and that's all that matters.  It sure beats lugging my 7D around.

-Tom

Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve

It has been so long since I have sat down at this computer to upload an image here or to type anything that I have second guessed which clicks I need to make.  Could someone put a few drops of oil in the right places so I can get up and running again?

I have recently been working on my high dynamic range photography technique. There's nothing like a formal course to do this- I'm using my education funds to take an online class through Columbus State.  Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve proved the perfect spot for taking HDR photos.  The deep shadows of the gorge underneath the ledges can be brought to the light using HDR.  This image has made the rounds on facebook, but I wanted to post it here as well.  This space was getting rather dusty.  Ahh.....thank you, whomever found the oil can.  I'm starting to move again.

-Tom

Spring in the Country

I've driven by this hayfield hundreds of times but hadn't stopped to photograph here until two weeks ago.  A perfect cumulus-filled sky hung above this grassy expanse, which is frequented by American Kestrels and Eastern Meadowlarks.  When I'm driving, I'm always thinking about what my next photo stop might be.  I knew this hayfield was interesting, but it wasn't until this day, when the clouds were perfect, that this field made an interesting subject.

Speaking of interesting subjects- would you like to learn more about photographing nature with myself and professional photographer Barb Schwartz?  We're leading a two-hour class at Inniswood Metropark near Columbus where we'll help you learn how to use your DSLR to get great photographs of flowers and foliage.

Go here for more information- I hope to meet you on Saturday May 25.

-Tom

Female American Goldfinch Molting

The goldfinches are molting right now, which results in a rather ragged look to them.  In a few weeks, the males will once again be bright yellow and black, and the females will gain more yellow feathers.  It's a fascinating change and another sign of spring.

-Tom

The Eyes of a Naturalist featuring photography by Tom Arbour and Mike Heisey

I've been extremely busy working on something, and now, I can finally make the announcement.  I was asked to participate in a two person photography exhibit entitled "Eyes of a Naturalist" at the Peggy McConnell Arts center here in Worthington beginning at the end of April.  I am SUPER PUMPED about this exciting opportunity.  I welcome you all to come take a look at my passion for the last few years- documenting Ohio's natural world.  And thank you to everyone who has inspired me as a naturalist, an artist, and a person- you are why I'm here doing what I'm doing.

Tom

Looking for Warmth

I found it in the corner of our family room.

Tom