Posted on by Britta

Musings and Such (Sunset Included)

So, remember the other day when I said I took some sunset photos, but they didn’t turn out?

WELL, I LIED!

Okay, the actual story is that I had edited them a bit and was really not confident with those edits. I didn’t think they were good enough. I mean, who am I? A PHOTOGRAPHER? I’ve heard about the rule of thirds before, but that’s basically my limited knowledge of this photography business.

I’m just a girl taking photos of the prairie on her phone and I also have really high standards for what a good photo should look like. So, naturally, I put an ungodly amount of pressure on myself when it comes to these pictures I’ve been taking recently. The majority of pictures I take don’t turn out well enough for even editing, and when I do edit I’m often unsure of if it’s even worthwhile.

So, that’s where I found myself the other night upon editing one of the sunset images. It wasn’t until I came back to it a few days later that I thought, gosh, that’s actually pretty good! I mean, for my super amateur photo taking skills, that is.

With that in mind, I decided to post it on Instagram (*ahem* this is my shameless plug for my Instagram account!!). I initially wasn’t going to blog this photo, but decided what the hay…so here you go, this sunset I had the pleasure of seeing on my run a couple nights ago:

Edit sunset

I darkened this photo considerably to really bring out the beauty of the sky, but other than that, I didn’t do much besides straightening it slightly (though I’m looking at it now, and it still looks a little crooked…welp, I’ll just say it adds character).

So, there’s the sunset picture that actually isn’t that crappy after all.

Honestly, I’m not sure how long I’m going to keep up taking photos. I have been enjoying it a lot–it’s a new and interesting challenge–but I’m a writer, not a photographer (I guess there’s not harm in being both, though). I’ve been drawing a lot of inspiration from the landscape around me…and the very clear knowledge that I will be leaving it soon. I take some pictures each time I go out for a run a few times a week and have been accumulating quite a collection of photos of the prairie.

These pictures will be nice to look back on when I’m missing Morris, even the crappy ones. 🙂

30 Replies to “Musings and Such (Sunset Included)”

  2. I think you are being too tough on yourself as this photo is excellent and beautiful. And why can’t you be a writer and photographer? My two cents: forget the label and do what you like. No need to box yourself. There is a difference between who you are and what you do. You will soon find out that in the world of work, people assume you are what you do, so, spare yourself from their limiting judgment.
    You are amazing on both counts.

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    1. Thank you so much for your encouragement, Lucile. Even though I’ve enjoyed taking photos, I guess I almost feel like I’m trying to impersonate this idea of what a photographer is supposed to me. I know people–including those of you I’ve met on WordPress–who are absolutely fantastic at taking photos and I almost feel like I’m just another person with a camera who is jumping on this photography bandwagon. I certainly am being too hard on myself since writing that all out felt a little silly. I just think too much about these things and come to ridiculous conclusions. 🙂

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  3. I totally agree with what she ^^ has to say… don’t be too hard on yourself Britta. You are young and full of potential. Explore whatever possibilities that may come your way. If you find that you really do enjoy photography, then keep on taking photos. Never mind if they suck (to you), just keep on practicing. You will eventually learn more. If it makes you happy, why not? And btw, that sunset photo is gorgeous!

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement and I’m glad you like the photo! I’m just hard on myself by nature, but I should really just be using this photography hobby I’ve developed as a fun way to learn about something new instead of worrying so much about how the photos are turning out. 🙂

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  5. Sunsets in Morris are so gorgeous. One of the things I’ve always hated about living on campus is that the town blocks the view. Also, I’ve loved seeing your photos! Don’t be deterred because you don’t see yourself as a photographer. The beauty of technology these days is that we all can capture the beauty around us, whether we have an eye for it or not. Photos, and your edits, don’t have to be perfect. We can’t all be as amazingly talented as Nina. I think that a “subpar” photo is still totally worthwhile and valuable if it gives insight into how YOU see the world!

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    1. Thank you so much, Amelia. I’m glad to hear that. I guess I got it in my head that I’m just trying to impersonate being a photographer when there are truly amazing photographers out there like Nina, who actually know what they’re doing. I think too much, I know. It has been fun experimenting with taking these photos and I have enjoyed it, even if they’re not the best quality and even if I’m not the best photographer. 🙂

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    1. Yes, I just think too much and get these things into my head that are ridiculous and don’t even make sense. All this encouragement from everyone on WordPress has made me feel much more confident, though. Thank you so much!

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  9. Hey Britta, I see you have some wonderful comments above here and they are all absolutely correct. This photo is gorgeous! I feel the same but opposite. I consider myself an amateur photographer who is pretending to be a writer LOL. I agree with Lucile but let me simplify – if it feels good, do it 😜

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    1. Thanks so much, DesleyJane! It’s a bit scary wandering into new territory–I never in a million years thought I’d have so much fun with photography–but it’s also been rewarding. I don’t have to be the best photographer ever to enjoy this, and I think that’s what I need to remind myself. 🙂

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    1. Oh, thank you, Lisa. It’s so meaningful to hear that. I’m not going to stop writing anytime soon, and I have been enjoying taking photos, so I’ll be sticking to that for the time being, too. I’m even finding myself starting to think like a photographer…today, while watching a rugby tournament with friends, I found myself eyeing a landscape in the distance and thinking, “man, that would be a great shot!” 🙂

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  12. Keep on writing and keep on clicking away at your camera because you’ve got talent for both and we love seeing both results!!!!
    Cheers and kudos to you:)

    Liked by 1 person

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      1. Good, good !
        I find that a random photo I take can sometimes bring about the birth of a story…it is a double gift from the creative “gods” when that happens!
        Enjoy your journey:)

        Liked by 1 person

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