On Listening
The other day, my good bud, +Chris Lazzery, and I shot up and down the various waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge. The weather was agreeable and it made for a very relaxing day overall. Plus, it was great to have Chris visiting, albeit for a short stint.
On our way back home, we decided to park along the promenade to catch the sunset. It certainly didn’t disappoint as we were greeted with gorgeous, subtle colors and nice cloud formations over the PDX skyline.
Towards the end of the shoot, I slapped on my Canon 15mm fisheye to have some ultra-wide fun. Initially, I had my tripod and camera perched over the rail that you see here. I intended to disregard it altogether, focusing only on the Willamette River and skyline.
Chris came over to me and suggested that I take a few steps back, incorporating the rail and pathway. My first reaction was not surprising – I disregarded it altogether and continued shooting. But then I stopped for a minute and thought that I should at least consider Chris’ suggestion. Who knows, right?
I repositioned my tripod, composed, and came up with this shot. I instantly knew that it would be my favorite from this area. And it is a really good lesson. I know that I’m very quick to dismiss suggestions and criticism by others, especially in the field, regardless of how accomplished they are. But that can’t be a very healthy way of going about things – especially when you’re part of a community of photographers.
So, listening is something that I will be working on more. Listening doesn’t mean that you’re going to act on every suggestion posed. Rather, listening is the first step to actively honing your own skills. It helps you refine your vision by learning how to embrace criticism and feedback while also weeding out anything that doesn’t fit within your own voice.
All in good time, though. :)
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16 Comments
30 January 12 at 10:46am
1
Beautiful night shot and colors...Love it!
30 January 12 at 10:47am
2
fantastic night shot!
30 January 12 at 10:48am
3
Wow! Beautiful!
30 January 12 at 10:49am
4
Now who would have thought you could take a decent photograph? :D
30 January 12 at 10:53am
5
Yes! I knew this one would be a winner. So awesome.
30 January 12 at 7:02pm
6
Great recommendation! I love this image!
30 January 12 at 11:31am
7
very nice capture!
30 January 12 at 12:12pm
8
Beautiful night shot, nice work.
30 January 12 at 12:21pm
9
I'm glad you listened...it is indeed a beautiful night shot!
30 January 12 at 12:21pm
10
I'm glad you listened...it is indeed a beautiful night shot!
30 January 12 at 1:20pm
11
Oh wow. This right here is my kind of shot. Well done, Mr. Matiash.
30 January 12 at 1:36pm
12
Listening is something we can all try to get better at, in general. Great post and love the fishy skyline, even with the railing!
30 January 12 at 7:03pm
13
I never would have thought of it!
31 January 12 at 1:59am
14
Great shot Brian and great advice.
31 January 12 at 2:00am
15
+Brian Matiash great shot Brian and great advice
31 January 12 at 12:34pm
16
Good advice. There have been several instances where I've been out with one friend in particular and the shots he suggested I take turned out to be the best ones of the day. I contemplated hiring him to be my location scout so I can just rock up, shoot what he tells me and then go home :)