In the process of learning, it is crucial to look at failures! Do not be afraid to show imperfect photographs, and we know the Internet is full of "digital junks" instead of real photographs, but it is a process we NEED to go through, in order to get better. Just dig my blog 5 years ago (2 years ago, even), on a random blog post and you will see all my digital junks and failures. I am one of the many photographers who contributed to the photography garbage for YEARS, and it took me that long to move just that few inches further in this neverending journey of photography. Am I ashamed of the previous "failed" shots? It does not really matter, does it? The fact that I did not take them down was because those unsuccessful shots, as lousy and as little artistic value they have held, they were all little stepping stones, bit by bit that helped me to get better and better. They were there to remind me that it took a long time, a lot of effort and going through a hell lot of not so successful shots to LEARN!
Hand-held fireworks. Bad idea. Always bring a tripod for this kind of shooting, and yes lesson learned, the hard way. I was reviewing the Olympus PEN E-P5 and one full session of shooting was wasted because I left the tripod at home.
Shooting against the light, and how destructive it can be to your photograph!
That is also the reason why instead of just showing my absolute best, I always, always show a series of photographs from each shutter therapy session. Showing a set of photographs can tell a lot more of what is going on than just say, one or two shots. I set myself a target, for a short session, maybe I will show 10-12 photographs, for longer sessions, 20-30 photographs, and yes, among those shown on this blog, many do not really qualify the edits/quality checks. I say, who cares? Those were my photographs, photographs taken by myself, with my own vision, and hands. Those were REAL photographs, and I am damned proud of them. No one can tell me otherwise.
Photography is a form of expression, one of the more interesting forms actually. Photographs are meant to be shared. Let your photography work be seen, and do not be discouraged to share your passion and art.