Advice for photographers...

[anteros_lmc]

The other day nodbear asked me if I'd thought about entering the National Historic Ships Photography Competition. I've posted some of the winners of the competition for the last couple of years but it had never occurred to me to consider entering. My initial response was "Nah, my pics aren't any whwere near that standard", however a few days later curiosity got the better of me and I decided to have a look at the entry criteria. There's all kinds of helpful information and advice on the competition website about subject matter, camera choice, and photography at sea, culminating with advice on "Boat Photography Tips from the late, great Keith Beken". Mr Beken's useful tips include:

Photographers should learn how to sail boats and how to set sails correctly.

They should go racing so that they know where to place themselves to get the best shots of the action.

Very useful advice, though a little beyond my capabilities. But most importantly, according to Mr Beken:

Buy your own photography boat and make it an extenson of the camera and of oneself, and always maintain it properly.

Excuse me? Buy your own photography boat??! I haven't even got my own camera!! I take pics on my mobile phone! XD Think on reflection I'll leave that competition to the pros :} And the kids. The entries for the Young Photographer Categories are always amazing, such as this wonderful picture of HMS Warrior's wheels. Wonder how many of the kids have their own photography boats?!

Comments

[eveiya.livejournal.com]

ROFL

Well, I've got the digital SLR, I know how to rig and sail boats, I've even got the boat - but if I decide to make my Laser dinghy into 'my own photography boat' I'll first need to get a full waterproof housing and buoyancy aid for the camera and then learn to sail with no hands... Much as I like taking pics of boats and sailing, somehow I think I'll be giving that option a miss. :-D

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Awwww! You've got all the kit! You should go for it! :D

If I really put my mind to it I might manage a picture of the Glenlee taken from the cafe at the Riverside Museum XD

[donnaimmaculata.livejournal.com]

Now really. I think you should buy your own photography boat. And always refer it to it like that, thus implying that you have another, proper boating boat as well.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Good plan. And then I could put a sticker on my proper boat saying "My other boat's a photography boat."

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

You could paper it with that scene where the young man holds the candelabra! (Wallpaper on boats quite practical really, if you are willing to redo it when it gets damp!)

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

ROFL! Pimp your photography boat XD And just exactly what kind of photography do you have in mind missy?!

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

It would be very popular. You could make your own best-selling wallpaper. (Like Ratty, messing about in boats...)

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Brilliant idea! I will start my own nautical soft furnishings business and bring Mr Bush onboard as design consultant (cushions and coverlets).

[aletheiafelinea.livejournal.com]

Own boat? Man, but one is supposed to photograph other's boats. ;D

And I'm somewhat doubtful also for this: it is a waste of time and film shooting the same boat over and over again.
I don't know, when I checked the last time, my camera was digital, and the memory card hasn't complained so far. Quite the contrary, so far I've learned that there's no such thing like too many shoots. And best photos are most often surprises, discoveried later, at home. And often I think then 'Grrr, why I didn't try from that other angle or whatever'.

As for the competition itself, there's quite a few of wonderful photos this year, I couldn't pick the winner!

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Man, but one is supposed to photograph other's boats. ;D
Yes! That's what I thought too! But it seems we are mistaken ;)

And best photos are most often surprises, discoveried later, at home.
Now that I definitely agree with!