I don't know a lot about professional photography. I can tell you that I appreciate the skill of an "old-school" photography who can capture magical shots naturally and not have to "doctor" their work for hours afterwards through Photoshop.
That feels like cheating to me and somehow takes away from the art.
I also know that this often means that outstanding photographers are getting up before the light of dawn or are waiting (all set up with the correct equipment) in place to take a shot when they intuitively know that the level of light is just perfect. Patience, a good eye and the ability to take their time, seem to be paramount.
The end goal seems to be to capture that million dollar "money-shot".
I am working on my own skills, but by far, do not consider my photography to be anything but basic. I have learned to show perspective and have come to rely heavily on using "landscape" formatting in an attempt to re-produce an image that is more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
These are a couple of shots, taken off the end of my dock just before 7 am.
The first shot was taken looking towards the west and the second shot was taken looking towards the east. You can see the mist is still heavy in the westward direction. I particularly like the sense of serenity that can be felt coming from both photographs.
Alas, my skills are, but a work in progress...thank you for letting me share a snapshot of my life and naturally surroundings with you.
I welcome your comments and I invite you to follow me on my journey...a camera is never far from reach these day. ;)
~ Rebecca Ryan