I am: photo burnt-out
Posted by Jeku | Posted in charlotte , Gurerilla photo-ops , maryland , North Carolina , otakon 2009 , photography , vans warped tour 2009 | Posted on 7/25/2009 12:35:00 PM
Taking photos can be exhausting. I feel that I don't want to touch my camera for a while.
In the past week I've been around Maryland and went to Vans Warped Tour in Charlotte, NC. In Maryland I spent 2 days in Baltimore for Otakon, the east coast's largest anime convention, and stayed around in the DC area. VWT was a full day of loud music, crazy loud people, and opportunities to meet with artists.
Photography can be a full body sport. First you must be good physical shape to be able to walk all throughout the day, to be able to fight through the crowds, carry your equipment with you, and be flexible enough to take photos from different angles. At Otakon I had to go through the crowds to get my way to a group of cosplayers while they were still there. If I was late, I wouldn't have been able to get the shot I want. It's a bother to get people together after they've been asked so many times throughout the day. It can be annoying.
Photography can be a mentally demanding as well. Composition, lighting, aperture, shutter speed, angle, depth of field; these are some of the things that go on in my mind when I take a photo. After taking 1000+ throughout the day it takes a toll on the mind as well as on the body when you're running around.
The most frustrating part was post-processing all the photos I took. Thank goodness for Adobe Photoshop and Bridge for being useful tools. First was to sort the ones I wanted to take, edit that batch, then upload. I had the hardest time trying to batch process a watermark. It was frustrating so I decided not to batch process.
I am burnt out. This is a lot of work. Plus working at the hospital at night on 12 hours shifts adds to the tool on my body. I'll have to rethink about the next large event I want to go on a guerilla photo op. I can handle small events not lasting all day for now.
Tips I learned for guerilla photo-ops
- Pack light - Take only what you need. Carry a small bag if you need. Remember that the bag will add weight and you'll have to carry it throughout the day.
- Water - Bottles to refill or a camelbak for easy sippage of water.
- Good walking shoes - Take care of your feet. Without them you won't go anywhere.
- Skin protection - sunblock, hat, lip balm.
- Take breaks - Rest your body and mind.
- Loose fit clothing - cotton holds moisture and jeans are not flexible material. Polyester clothing does not hold moisture and is flexible material. Plus it's easier to pack when traveling.
- Point and shoot camera - Always carry a side arm with your dSLR.
- iPhone cell phone charger - When taking a break recharge when necessary.
- Snacks - Refuel the body and mind.
- iPhone - always. =) Really helped when looking for food around Inner Harbor in Baltimore.
i only have iphoto for my editing *sighs* im too intimidated by photoshop...also with the price haha. but i want a program that i can put watermark on my pics.
Interesting...
Nice tips dude! Will most likely help me out in an upcoming adventure, Im sure...
Too bad I dont gotta camera heh =/