I love the feel of the pictures.

Have you tried getting Getty Images to use/purchase any of your photos?

I haven't yet made any move at all yet vis-à-vis trying to monetize my shots. Selling to stock photo companies or getting hired to shot for them is an option I'm aware of. Other ways to get your foot in the door are to try to get local galleries, coffee shops and or restaurants to hang your work for free. Try to do some freelance work. Try to shop yourself around etc. If you can establish some kind of audience/fans things get slightly easier.

The type of work I like to do though, nature, landscape, abstract, architectural etc. is very very difficult to break into and even harder to make a living off of. Given the issues I've had with emotional problems photography would be a perfect / dream job to make a living off of but that doesn't make the reality of the situation easier. I've been thinking of trying to email some pros who have already established themselves to ask for advise.

Wow!

Off to check out your others!

Glad to hear from you, too!

OMG spider!!!!

Nope, nope, nope, nope....

If there was a running away from the computer smiley I'd be using it...

Actually I love all insects and arachnids. Wondrously efficiently evolved little "machines". Beautiful to look at too. The only things I have that kind of reaction to are large grouping of insects that move in unison. Large groupings of spiders, tent caterpillars etc, no thanks.

Once the body crosses over the inch mark I have an adverse reaction. I could never live in the SW with scorpions and all, heck I can barely handle a Wolf Spider!

I'll be in Hawaii in May. Can't wait!

Got any spots you recommend for good shots ? I have no chance of composing anything like yours, but you've inspired me.

Some good spots IMHO:

Haleakala crater - It's a long winding drive to the 10,000+ ft summit but the view is worth it.

Molokini - you will have to book a tour here but the snorkelling is worth it!

Black Rock - Another snorkel spot. Right next to a luxury hotel so it's sadly over touristy but the snorkeling is wonderful. Managed to swim with 5 or 6 large sea turtles here.

The Road to Hana - A VERY winding VERY narrow road that hugs the northern side of the island. It's about 3-4 hour drive each way but the scenery is more than worth it! I'd also recommend going past Hana to to the Pipiwi trail at the end, amazing bamboo forests to hike through and a fantastic waterfall at the end.

Upcountry - This is what the locals call the western flanks of Haleakala. Because of the altitude it's cooler here than the rest of the island. This is ranch country, and feels like it (well lush and green rach country that is). Very beautiful and laid back, in a different sense than the rest of the island, much more country like.

Lahaina - much too touristy to stay for long but it's worth a visit just for a quick walk along the waterfront to see all the stores. Maybe stop for lunch, good place to pick up some trinkets or local art work.

Kauai is still our favourite island though.

I'll be there a week, so should be able to do at least a few of those. Thanks!

I'm staying a week on Maui. I have yet to visit the Big Island. But I've been to Maui, Oahu and Kauai. I fantasize about retiring in Hawaii and spending my days island hopping. Sigh.

Enjoy!

What island were you on?

Had a good time, wonderful sites.

Though to be completely honest of the 3 islands we've been to our fav is still Kauai.

Hope to live there one day and now that some friends of ours live there, it might become a reality.

I love the north shore, Haena area especially. I'll be there in Sept. for a week. I'd like to live there too, someday....

It was breathtakingly beautiful.

don't let anybody tell you otherwise... and that photo of the spider is particularly superb. Doing good macro work is not easy.

Once I get my camera fixed the next piece of hardware I really need is a good tripod. I've had lots and lots of shots come out poorly for want of a little bit of stability

we use a 50 dollar at most aluminum tripods. I know that a lot of people think the carbon fiber absorb vibration better. They do, but they are far more fragile (and expensive)

My setup is a tripod and I trigger the camera using a remote.



Yeah, yeah, my brother can afford it, so he bought the carbon fiber one, and the only advantage is how light the damn thing is.

Are just for night shots or really low light shots. It's only once you really get more serious about photography that you realize just how much light most lenses need. This is compounded even more when you want to get really deep depth of field, achieved my setting you camera to f22 or higher for example. Then you have even less light to work with. You start to realize a tripod is almost essential everywhere. I've been shooting for years without one and just getting lucky.

during a fire, was without a tripod... i used the truck to brace myself, and I know what you are telling me. It was a combo of stubbornness, (I think I took eight versions of the same shot), and luck. But we got a hell of a shot.



Yeah, yeah, it helps to be stubborn.

I used the kit lens that came with my Nikon 5100, and many folks poo poo that lens. It does not have F-stops, but it also barely has glass elements. I think it has three. So I always tell people, DO NOT underestimate those kit lenses.

Photography like most art is about... well... the art, lol. If you want to get into the analysis of photography, most successful images can be decomposed and analysed much the same way painting and sculpture can be. Many of the same artistic concepts such as the use of negative space, weighting, composition, colour theory etc etc are all at play. And none of this relies on having the latest and greatest camera gear. A seasoned photographer can take shots that would blow your mind with the simplest, cheapest, crappiest gear. While your vacation "snap-shot" taker, isn't going to get any better with $10,000 worth of gear.

Indeed you can get great work out of kit lenses. Of course there is a point where better gear does pay off, but that's usually not until you are already a pretty good photographer. Again this is similar to almost any other field of art.

one reason we love that gear is that it allows us to get good shots, and if it gets damaged...(what could go wrong behind fire lines during a wild fire), it is actually replaceable. I also have another issue: SMALL HANDS. So I do not touch the full format that is my husband's (and that one needed a 300+ repair recently, bent pin), but mostly I really cannot reach the controls. That 5100 fits my small hand like a glove. Many people underestimate this point. Though there have been a couple situations where the full format sensor would have been welcomed.

Next time I go on a family trip though I think I will take the even less expensive point and shoot. It is a matter of having to baby seat my gear.

Oh and speaking of getting fixated on specs, that be my brother. He really gets all amazed that we can take the shots we do with "substandard" equipment. And yes, he has spent insane amounts of cash on equipment.

Last edited Sat Apr 12, 2014, 05:52 PM - Edit history (1)

Just curious as you sound fairly experienced

For a local paper

That ran in the paper

Got any tips on how one might break into professional photography? I'm kind of at a loss.

truly, and hubby has been doing it for 30+ years. These days the best paying field is actually the one neither him or I want to ever do, wedding (and other social event) photography. That my niece does that, and literally works for a photographer in Cleveland (I personally do not like their work, like too much photoshop).

What I would do is get a portfolio together and see if a local nature magazine wants to take your work as a freelancer and start building a professional portfolio. Do not discount ether architectural work, some of the top property sellers will hire a photographer to make a property look best.

Now going back to what we do, truly photo journalism is no longer paying since we have been replaced by Iphones and at least American stations are very cheap and take whatever locals send them. They encourage that. It will not stop until a few people get hurt\killed and lawsuits fly

Oh and I forgot, you could write a travel article from that trip to Hawaii, and use the photos. There are several travel magazines that might jump, but it is a very competitive field.

I've read more than one discouraging article about trying to make it professionally. It's become really really dog eat dog and as you mentioned so many places now just rely on iphones or people sending in snap shots. Even stock photography has gone this way. It's a sad statement on the world we live in now. Thanks for the advice I'll try to keep these ideas in mind!

And yes I share your disinterest for wedding photography. I know a LOT of people go that route, I just couldn't do that.

You captured Hawaii

going on - if things/life were working out for you.

You do have beautiful photography work here.
I know you must have enjoyed the stay in Hawaii- and in the best season to be away from winter on the mainland.

There are gorgeous sights in Western Canada just calling out to be photographed.

Go for it, Locut0s!

I've just started getting back into my workouts and long walks too so I can get back to combining that with my photo work, once I get my camera fixed.

I'm going to need some form of supplemental income though as it's very very unlikely that I'd be able to manage to make the photo thing work as a job for quite some time, if ever.

Thanks for the encouragement!

We went to Maui. Very lovely.

Rec

The one of the spider is awesome but they are all wonderful. Wish I could take pictures like that.

Rec!

It's actually a rather small spider, perhaps 1-2in body length. Luckily I had good lighting.

How lucky for me

Ever since my first trip to Hawaii about 4 years ago now I've had this little dream in the back of my mind of trying to craft a life that would alow me to move there. It's not easy though, especially as a non US citizen (I'm Canadian). Jobs are hard to find, a lot of people take anything they can find (which in my case would be totally fine lol). I also know that as friendly and wonderful as the people are there is something of an anti-"off islander" sentiment at times. And I don't blame them at all, given the small resources of the islands and the intense demand, they don't want to see things ruined, and it would be so easy to do.

My dream would be to move to Hanalei or thereabouts in the north of the island!

Hawaiian's don't care where you are from....so long as you respect their culture. Read "Unfamiliar Fishes" to see what the missionaries did to their culture and language.

I moved here w/o a job and bought a house sight unseen (except for a video and photos.) My mother goaded me into putting my house on the market to "see what happens". It's sold. I've been here 13 years.

You'd be surprised at what you DON"T need here. I don't own any shoes with closed toes (you wear flip flops "slippahs&quot or go barefoot (no shoes in the house); you don't need winter clothes; no one has a heater in their house. The only shock you will get is the costs of food - especially perishables (dairy products). Your diet, however, changes becomes more healthy; less meat (although we have Kauai grown beef); more fish, more rice, more veggies, lots of fruit (mango season is coming up YUM!). There is a farmers market every single day somewhere on island.

Hanalei and Kilauea are doable (I prefer southshore / westside - too rainy on the north shore). In Hanalei you can ride your bike. Keep in mind that the bridge closes in Hanalei if the river rises from too much rain. I just met a Canadian RN at the Y who was working at the military base! It depends on what you are willing do to do for work. Start looking at websites like Indeed.com for work. If you can wait tables or tend bar (bartenders ear $280/night in tips!). Nannies always work b/c visitors advertise constantly for nannies. Work for yourself.

Act on your dream.

.

People say "Maui no ka oi," but I say "Kauai no ka oi." Love that place.

they're all great, but that one is my favorite.

hope you're refreshed after your trip and are doing well. it's good to see you

I'm not sure if it's so much about being refreshed so much as perhaps it's helped to give me something of a motivational boost.

of the creepiest spiders I've ever seen!

I'm on Kaua'i.

Thank you!

My dream would be to live there some day! The North of the Island is particularly mesmerising, but then so is just about everywhere else

a car and it's close to everything I do.. it's near the Ocean and the Bike Trail where I run.

The North Shore is incredibly gorgeously lush!



Hanalei Bay

You're a great photographer, L!

In fact this shot was taken sitting on the porch at Buba's Burgurs in Kapa'a looking across the way to the open field next to the Public Library:



We also took a kayak trip up the river near Kapa'a and did a short hike to a well known water fall, I'm sure you know of it.

I'd love some day to live there. Have you found local people to be welcoming? I know there is something of an anti-off-islander's sentiment, not that I blame them.

on my way to the library and the bike trail.. nice shot. Gonna have to borrow it for my fb page.

Mahalo, Locut0s

My introduction to Kaua'i was in 1992 two months before Iniki went down.. and after that the whole Island bonded. Took us 5 years to rebuild.. it was a very interesting time. I left in 1998 to live in New York for 12 years and came back here in 2010.. also my son has lived here since 1985(surfer dude) so I've never seen any problems with not being welcomed. It's a big melting pot of very diverse people.. and I love it.

I'm going to give you a shot of surfer dude .. not in Kaua'i though.. Indonesia!

I know when I drive through on my vacations there, the traffic really slows down. What is it like living there, with all the tourists?
Thanks

have a car and I go for the "crosswalk" where by the law the cars have to stop for pedestrians. If I did have that drive everyday where the traffic gets bottle necked in Kapa'a I'd make sure I had some great music/audio books.

I like seeing all the "visitors" enjoying their vacation time.. meeting people from all over the world. I have a cozy studio plopped right in the middle of it.. but, it's on the 3rd floor with an Ocean view and golden quiet.. and a natural food's store is on the first floor.

I've been here two years and two months and it's my home and community now and I do not want to leave!

I am always seeking quiet, that's why I love it there!

quiet..

and you're a great photographer. Thanks for the trip

Great pics..

But obviously, it hasn't affected your beautiful art! Love the lines and textures. With so many people posting every shot they take, what makes your pix special is your eye and compostion. Never mind money being speech: images will always speak to us, loud and clear!

I wish I could visit Hawaii.

Great job.