How Many Photos Do You Take to Get a Good One?

[~Mrs. A2J~]

What percentage of the photos you take are you happy with? I only really get about 2 or 3 out of 100 that I'm happy with though as I'm trying to learn about my camera I do a lot of experimenting. How about you?

 

[Kehaar]

I'm probably about much the same to be honest - lots of trial and error!

 

[Tiberius]

Even pros are lucky to get 10% of their photos come out usable.

 

[GrinningDwarf]

Lots and lots.

Seriously...I was encouraged by an article I read in a photo magazine (either Outdoor Photographer or Popular Photography). This photographer said that when he began photography, he only kept about 5% of his shots. Now that he's an established professional...he still only keeps about 5% of his shots!! It's just that his standard for a 'keeper' shot has changed.

I'm kind of the 'unofficial' photographer for our church. I take my camera to baptisms. potlucks, youth outings, Easter sunrise service, etc. When my pictures from this year's Easter sunrise service were posted on the bulletin board, the pastor's wife commented that my photography has greatly improved over in the five years I've been serious about it. Well...one of the reasons I can post better pictures is that I'm simply shooting lots more of 'em!! For the 20 that got posted, she didn't see the 200 that got saved to CD but never printed. I used to post 15 or 20 out of the 80 or so I'd shot. Love that digital!! Don't have to be so stingy with taking a shot!!

 

[Boss_BlueAngels]

Even pros are lucky to get 10% of their photos come out usable.

Very true.

You know, this is a good question as it's something that always worried me in the beginning. For me it depends on the situation. I'd say I usually keep about 10% sometimes 15%. And that's due to several reasons aside from technical errors such as focus/exposure problems. I delete most of mine just because the picture didn't "work" for me.

 

[Alaskamomma]

I would say 1%. But I am still learning.

 

[Patrina]

I keep probably 1 out of 10 shots but it depends on theday, and what I'm taking pictures of.

 

[sfs]

So far, many thousands and I'm still looking for one I'm really happy with.

 

[archetype]

well this just shows me i suck and i dont know what to look for. cause i keep like 50-60% of everything i shoot. i suck i suck i suck

 

[~Mrs. A2J~]

well this just shows me i suck and i dont know what to look for. cause i keep like 50-60% of everything i shoot. i suck i suck i suck

I keep everything but I'm only happy with 2 or 3%.

 

[archetype]

when i say keep...i mean have prints made. lol...i dont know what i'm doing. they look good to me...but then when i see other people pics...i'm blown away by some

 

[cristianna]

I'm also at the about 10% too. And I've also heard for every one great shot a pro takes, they've taken 10-15 at different angles and perspectives to get it.

 

[Sign Of The Fish Burger]

I keep everything, but typically it seems as though every time I go out I only get like one good shot that I would show to anyone who knows the slightest bit about photography (hence why I don't post pics here that often )

I'm really want to get out more this summer. I'd really like to learn more about shooting people. Typically right now all I do is scenery but I'm really interested in photographing people. I need to borrow my niece for a day

 

[Picture.Of.Obedience]

I keep everything, but typically it seems as though every time I go out I only get like one good shot that I would show to anyone who knows the slightest bit about photography (hence why I don't post pics here that often )

I'm really want to get out more this summer. I'd really like to learn more about shooting people. Typically right now all I do is scenery but I'm really interested in photographing people. I need to borrow my niece for a day

im interested in photographing people too but i cant find a willing subject to put up with me

 

[abacoian]

well i'm very picky so only choose the best but it depends on what I'm photographing. If I'm photographing a flower and the light is hitting it just great I will snap alot because the more you take the better.

 

[pyrolizzard]

well before photoshopping 20-30% after photoshopping 70-90%

 

[abacoian]

I never edit my photos, that's one reason I take what I can at the time because I know that is the picture forever

 

[MarkEvan]

Generally I keep about 50% of what I take, of that 15-20% I am happy to show others, i like to keep a record of my shots to see how I have changed.

Thats a beautiful photo in your sig Ian.

Mark

 

[abacoian]

TY, that show sure was a blessing, it's one of my best

 

[mathfreak]

i keep everything, but only publish around 5-10% of it.