Most Difficult Subjects to Shoot

[steve_rasmussen]

I shoot many different subjects, from hot air balloons to Gila

Monsters, but one subject in particular is my most difficult. This

being tropical landscapes and seascapes. Due to the motion of nearly

everything in the scenes because of the trade winds, a tripod cannot

be used in most shots. Weather conditions seem to be a problem with

the light changing constantly. Metering is therefore a challenge. The

high percentage of rainy days can be a problem and so can gloomy

weather. High humidity and bugs don't help matters either. Since I

don't like the current 200 and 400 speed slide films, I have to push

Provia 100 to 200. My lab, on occasion has a bit of a consistancy

problem with push processing, so that is a variable. Hot air balloons

can be difficult because of the motion and DOF issues but I will have

75% that are keepers. For the tropics, it is a very frustrating 65%

success rate. I'm sure I'm not the only one with a frustrating photo

subject.

[stephen hazelton]

My biggest challenge: Uncooperative family members who are convinced their picture won't look good and therefore feel compelled to grimace whenever a camera is pointed in their direction.

[alan_woolnough]

Steve, a 65% success rate sounds like heaven to me.

 

As mainly a bird photographer, with the added challenge of attempting to get a reasonable sized image on 645 format, my efforts are often ruined by distracting twigs etc in the background or foreground.

 

Ive decided to give in to this curse, and become a twig photographer in the hope that my success rate will improve from about 25% keepers.

 

In all seriousness, If i knew i was going to get a 100% success with every frame i shoot, i think i would lose the adrenalin rush and excitement i get out of the challenge. However, this is only a hobby for me, so a low success rate is not a major problem for me.

 

all the best

[steve_rasmussen]

I would have to agree with you on this one, that MF bird shooting is tough. There's a huge difference in success rate when using 35mm vs 6x7 with the 600mm lens. Using 35 format is pretty easy; the 6x7 is a pain. Birds rank as one of my difficult subjects also.

[gary_clark]

Steve,

 

I find moving trains shot with my 400mm Takumar the most difficult to get right. With a 35mm motor driven SLR you always seem to get one keeper. However, with the 67 if I don't squeeze off the shutter precisely when the train hits the spot I pre-focused at, the image may be a bit soft. When all this does work properly though, the resulting chromes are wonderful. Worth taking my chances with the 67.