What Have we Learned So Far?

[Colorscapesart]

What are we taking with us from this competion?

For me and Abbey, we have learned that you can have all the props and hairstyles planned out that you want, but at the end of the day, there is a certain unexplained magic that has to happen to take an ordinary shot to a piece of art.  Where the head angle, body language, and lighting are justttt right. It's very elusive in my case   I don't think it's something you can learn in a book either, it either happens or it doesn't.  Perhaps with practice I'll get better at the magics. 

[Gingerbread]

Exactly as you said! Everything can be absolutely spot on but unless that little spark is there, the picture is good but not amazing
So I guess I've learnt, take as many pictures as possible from different angles, slight pose differences, move props etc etc and keep taking them till your trigger finger is sore. Then settle down for a couple of hours in front of the laptop to review your pics but...be prepared to go and re-shoot again and again!

[kamakazee82]

... the first thing i learned in my photography class ... "Take a hundred shots and hope for one to turn out ... take a thousand and hope for one as well." and that was  with a FILM camera there where shoots i'd easily go through 7-8 rolls and develop the negs and NOTHING! NOT A SINGLE DECENT PICTURE! ... urg ...

but yeah ... Photo Finish's line FTW "Flootershy ... it's time to make DA MAGICS!" lol

sometimes it comes easy, sometimes it's just not there at all ... it's a rare and elusive beastie that's for sure ... but practice helps ... and learning from constructive criticism ... taking a picture is easy ... taking an amazing picture is equal parts insane luck and insane skill lol

[aellos]

Well, to find something to balance, work with colors more. Don't rely to heavily on filters.
Umm, I know I learned more, but more of what I learned is hard to explain and more of something I've done through my photos. Learned from watching other's photos.

[tuneful87]

I think you nailed it about the 'unexplained magic' part, CSA! A lot of imagination and risk taking will help to make that happen, though, and a good plan and taking 100 pics never hurts either! Often I take a risk thinking the shot will be crap, and it turns out to be the best damned one of the bunch!

[Cate_Dartfinger]

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, LIGHTING! And a steady hand. Nothing bothers me more with my own pictures than a blurry, under lit picture that would otherwise be beautiful. Thank GOD I don't use my 35mm for these shoots...

[tuneful87]

Composition is so incredibly important too. Here are some tips:

http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/10-top-photography-composition-rules/