Some Thoughts on Photography

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Regular followers of this blog know that I have an interest in photography.

That said, Ghost Ranch has been quite an experience. As a photographer, I am completely self taught. I do read online "lessons" and do my best to absorb as much as I can, but the truth is I just cannot seem to wrap my head around things like F-stops, focal lengths and white balance.

I sort of understand the concepts, but when it comes to actually applying them while I'm shooting, it all seems to go out the window and I just put my camera to my eye and shoot what I like.

Ghost Ranch is a learning facility and this has been my first chance to interact with "real" photographers. It's been an interesting experience. Over all, my photography has been well received. Folks, regular and professional seem to like it, and I've even sold a few prints. I also donated some prints to the Ghost Ranch auction and am proud to say that they brought over eight times the amount I sell them for (which isn't a whole lot, but it makes me feel good about my photography).

But what I really want to talk about is the feedback I've received from several critics.

I hear about the rule of thirds, of which I'm aware. I know that it is a "rule" that if you break an image into thirds, horizontally and/or vertically, it is supposed to be more pleasing to the eye. I also understand perspective and I know it is bad form to place your subject smack dab in the center of a picture.

But sometimes I like it when my pictures aren't in thirds.

And I often like my subject to be right in the middle of the shot.

Not always, but sometimes.

I guess it's sort of like F-stops and depth of field.

I understand the concepts, but sometimes the rules seem to get in my way. . .

So should I pay attention and follow the rules, or just continue to do as I please.

Hmmm.

What to do?

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Now that that's off my chest, I guess I'll post a couple of pictures.

This Evenings Sunset

I never seem to tire of the Burros.
This fellow in particular is a born clown.

And that's it for tonight!