The Official Photography Thread - Vol. 3

[airphilippines]

Originally Posted by Bhupy

Originally Posted by Bhupy

Since a new thread has started I guess I should come out and say I would like to learn a thing or two about photography. Obviously I would have to buy a camera but what else would I need? Where would I start? At the photography forums? I had an urge to post in the older thread but resisted because it was too big and figured I was dealing with pros.

I looked at the first page and the first newb link is how to take a pic not actually where to start.

What do you mean to start? I

 

[Fong$tarr]

Originally Posted by Bhupy

Bhupy wrote:

---

Since a new thread has started I guess I should come out and say I would like to learn a thing or two about photography. Obviously I would have to buy a
camera but what else would I need? Where would I start? At the photography forums? I had an urge to post in the older thread but resisted because it was too
big and figured I was dealing with pros.

I looked at the first page and the first newb link is how to take a pic not actually where to start.

Well....for me, I think the best things to learn about a camera is just to do it "crappy stubborn man" style and just shoot pics out the box withoutreading instructions. I think you get bombarded really quick with things and I got a real feel of my camera just experiencing things through trial and error(and then after, reading the manual or a book). Also the way I kind of learned things better is through voice/sound and visuals. Try just searching on youtubeon how to take basic photos or even how to use your camera. Reading all the things about iso, white balance, etc. can kind of be a pain in the butt in wordsbut if someone gave it to you in layman terms, it could be a lot easier. That is how I figured out how to adjust a white balance on a camera. For life of me, Icould not figure it out but I saw something on youtube and found out it was really easy.

And dude....ask away on questions. I would think NT is the best place to ask any stupid question cause after you weave all the BS comments (late pass, smh,yns....etc), someone is bound to give you a straight answer. We've all been there with starting the photography thing. I don't think no one is too goodto answer anything and if any, it is more of just being lazy (well for me anyways).

 

[qkslvrtypes]

thx k2.
fong - 1st one is dope.

old buddy from OR "Phat Pat"

wifeys bday gift from me

bday dinner @ thien hong in portland,OR

my dog milo

oldies

 

[rap sizzle]

Originally Posted by Bhupy

Originally Posted by Bhupy

Since a new thread has started I guess I should come out and say I would like to learn a thing or two about photography. Obviously I would have to buy a camera but what else would I need? Where would I start? At the photography forums? I had an urge to post in the older thread but resisted because it was too big and figured I was dealing with pros.

I looked at the first page and the first newb link is how to take a pic not actually where to start.

Well for digital photography you have 2 options, a point & shoot or a DSLR. Point and shoots are well...point and shoots. Most have littlemanual control and the user allows the camera to do most of the decision making. Their advantage is ease of use and portability. The downside to them is thatyou minimal control on how you want a photo to come out. Because of their small sensor size as well as compact lens, they generally do not get perform wellunder low-light (exceptions are advanced point and shoots like the Canon G-Series and the Lumix LX3). DSLR or digital single lens reflex are what most of thephotographer here use. For DSLRs, you need a camera body, a lens, a memory card (either SD or CF) and of course a battery. Most entry-level DSLRs are sold withan a kit lens. The advantage of using them is that you have manual control of your photographs and depending on the lens, you can hand-hold shots in reallydark settings. They are able to shoot RAW files which allow for maximum flexibility in terms of control of the final outcome of your image. Should you chooseto do so, they also have full-automatic capabilities just like point and shoots and where the camera make the decisions for you but if you're serious aboutlearning photography, manual control is suggested. The downside obviously is that they are far less portable than point and shoots...and that they cost quite abit more.

If you really want to get into photography, picking up an entry-level DSLR kit such as the Canon T1i or Nikon D5000 (there are other options besides Nikon andCanon but a majority of the posters here will be able to help you out more since they typically use one of the 2) will be a good start. If you're on atight budget, you can find older camera models such as the Canon XS/XSi and Nikon D40 for lower prices. Check the stores I mentioned in the first page. Just besure to get an card for your kit and you should be good to go. Avoid other unnecessary packages that include tripods, cleaners, filters and extra batteries fornow. Again all you need is the camera body, lens and a card to hold the images. I had no clue how to use my DSLR when I first picked up one and never botheredreading the instruction booklet. Instead I shot shot shot, read up the basics online and learned from my mistakes.

Oh and don't worry, like I stated in the first page, this thread is mean for beginners, hobbyists or even professionals so don't be afraid to ask orshare. Good luck and I hope this helps.

 

[i just got lucky]

Originally Posted by cameltrophy24

I like this shot.

 

[bluelamborghini]

Picture I took last night. Can I put good use to this flash on my Canon EOS?

 

[dj bana]

So nice to have a fresh start, just in time for the new year.

Its cool that a lot of NTers are now contributing to this post.. it seems like its moving pretty fast compared to the past.

I definitely encourage all NTers interested in photography to post here more frequently, keep this on page 1

 

[SVNTI]

Some of my favorite shots taken with the G10 when I had it.

 

[rap sizzle]

To all beginners and those looking to get into digital photography, I've updated the original post with a NEWBIE FAQ to avoid repeated questions in thethread.

 

[scott frost]

I dont know how to take pictures and not much a photo person to begin with. With that being said I enjoyed the last thread and I commend all of you who havetaken the steps to hone your craft. Just figured I'd share some shots I took from my trip to the south of France last summer, Cassis to be exact:

 

[ksteezy]

Originally Posted by Mr Fongstarr

Originally Posted by Bhupy

Bhupy wrote:

---

Since a new thread has started I guess I should come out and say I would like to learn a thing or two about photography. Obviously I would have to buy a
camera but what else would I need? Where would I start? At the photography forums? I had an urge to post in the older thread but resisted because it was too
big and figured I was dealing with pros.

I looked at the first page and the first newb link is how to take a pic not actually where to start.

Well....for me, I think the best things to learn about a camera is just to do it "crappy stubborn man" style and just shoot pics out the box without reading instructions. I think you get bombarded really quick with things and I got a real feel of my camera just experiencing things through trial and error (and then after, reading the manual or a book). Also the way I kind of learned things better is through voice/sound and visuals. Try just searching on youtube on how to take basic photos or even how to use your camera. Reading all the things about iso, white balance, etc. can kind of be a pain in the butt in words but if someone gave it to you in layman terms, it could be a lot easier. That is how I figured out how to adjust a white balance on a camera. For life of me, I could not figure it out but I saw something on youtube and found out it was really easy.

And dude....ask away on questions. I would think NT is the best place to ask any stupid question cause after you weave all the BS comments (late pass, smh, yns....etc), someone is bound to give you a straight answer. We've all been there with starting the photography thing. I don't think no one is too good to answer anything and if any, it is more of just being lazy (well for me anyways).


I have to co-sign to that, this is simply the best way to learn, when you first get your hands on a camera, the instruction packet is about 70- pages or so, itried to be a good boy and read thru it, but it was just confusing the crap out of me> so i just simply put my camera on Manual and never used any othersetting, at first i didnt know what i was doing but then i got the handle of how to control light better, after that you grab the manual and everything beginsto make more sense. Forums are a great learning tool, get a flickr account if you dont already have one they have plenty of helpful groups you can join andthis may sound stupid, but if you see someones style that you like, try to mimic it. Always remember the key to photography is LIGHT. Learn to control theavailable light and you will be just fine.
Good luck and enjoy.

 

[rap sizzle]

^ Glad to see you're sticking with this thread. Your work is dope so it would be nice if you continue to share it. Let's please just avoidconfrontation that ended the previous thread (doesn't matter who started it) and let's all just enjoy photography.

 

[ksteezy]

Originally Posted by Rap Sizzle

^ Glad to see you're sticking with this thread. Your work is dope so it would be nice if you continue to share it. Let's please just avoid confrontation that ended the previous thread (doesn't matter who started it) and let's all just enjoy photography.

i dunno how long ill be here, im sure i earned myself a ban, but thanx for your words, ill be sure to not derail the thread.

*****BTW i added you as a contact on flickr, good stuff man...I need to get my hands on the 70-200 again, I made the stupid mistake of trading it for a 40d....

 

[Fong$tarr]

I figure to just post this here instead of making a new post. It's the year of 2009 in photos:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/12/2009_in_photos_part_1_of_3.html

Some good stuff in there (as well as some bad) like this:

 

[ksteezy]

yup peep that earlier, definately some interesting captures, this one cracks me up.

hey let me share this guys website with you guys, some of you might know him, he is a wedding photographer based in NYC...IMO he is one of the best ive seen,his journalistic style is incredible.


http://em34.com/Blog/

 

[west2east]

Originally Posted by DJ bana

Its cool that a lot of NTers are now contributing to this post.. it seems like its moving pretty fast compared to the past.

I definitely encourage all NTers interested in photography to post here more frequently, keep this on page 1

I think part of it is that large threads can be intimidating for some users and make them feel lost more than anything when there isn't an"introduction" or FAQ attached. I think that Rap Sizzle being the OP andbeing helpful/informative also really helps set a new tone for the thread.

This is still one of my favorite threads on NT. I don't post much in it but I sure do lurk a lot.

 

[kickmatic23]

Great link Fong... some really great pics... this one really touched me tho..

Godless all of our soldiers and their families

 

[Fong$tarr]

This is more of a WOW factor photo but I thought this was crazy as hell:

 

[djaward]

I NEED LENSE HELP..
My wife has the camera below. I want to pick her up a nice lense.. Shes going to use it when our kids are playing sports (soccer, basketball baseball. ) Sowhat lense should I get her? I want it to have a pretty good zoom. Since we're on the sidelines we cant get a good shot.. PLEASE HELP ME OUT.. Thanks.MONEY IS NOT AN ISSUE BUT I DONT WANT IT TO BE TOO EXPENSIVE..

 

[ksteezy]

woow....did nyone read the description to this one....

Vlad Putin > any other world leader in a fight.

"Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin rides a horse in southern Siberia's Tuva region August 3, 2009. Putin, a judo black belt who has flown ina fighter aircraft and shot a Siberian tiger in the wild, plunged into the depths of Lake Baikal aboard a mini-submersible on Saturday in a mission that addeda new dimension to his macho image. (REUTERS/RIA Novosti/Pool/Alexei Druzhinin) #"

 

[justhotkicks]

Originally Posted by djaward

I NEED LENSE HELP..
My wife has the camera below. I want to pick her up a nice lense.. Shes going to use it when our kids are playing sports (soccer, basketball baseball. ) So what lense should I get her? I want it to have a pretty good zoom. Since we're on the sidelines we cant get a good shot.. PLEASE HELP ME OUT.. Thanks. MONEY IS NOT AN ISSUE BUT I DONT WANT IT TO BE TOO EXPENSIVE..

70-200 f/4 non-IS. Get one used around $500. Awesome for outdoor games.

 

[rap sizzle]

Originally Posted by djaward

I NEED LENSE HELP..
My wife has the camera below. I want to pick her up a nice lense.. Shes going to use it when our kids are playing sports (soccer, basketball baseball. ) So what lense should I get her? I want it to have a pretty good zoom. Since we're on the sidelines we cant get a good shot.. PLEASE HELP ME OUT.. Thanks. MONEY IS NOT AN ISSUE BUT I DONT WANT IT TO BE TOO EXPENSIVE..

Check out the Canon 70-200 f/4L like the one I just sold. It's the most inexpensive "L" lens and is excellent both optically and interms of build quality. It is however a "slow" lens so it might not be the best for indoor sports like basketball. If you want a faster lens to forlow-light condition you will simply have fork over more money. The advantage of this f/4L versus the other versions is that it's extremely light thusmaking it fairly portable.

Edit: Damn, I keep getting beat in responses thanks to my lengthy posts

 

[maxi320]

Im not a photographer by any means, nor do I have a nice camera. IDK if that means I shouldn't be in here, but these are some of my favorites from overthe years. I'll get a nice cam and take a class 1 day.

Boston


The 'rents in Bermuda


Some beach in Bermuda

 

[ksteezy]

Originally Posted by djaward

I NEED LENSE HELP..
My wife has the camera below. I want to pick her up a nice lense.. Shes going to use it when our kids are playing sports (soccer, basketball baseball. ) So what lense should I get her? I want it to have a pretty good zoom. Since we're on the sidelines we cant get a good shot.. PLEASE HELP ME OUT.. Thanks. MONEY IS NOT AN ISSUE BUT I DONT WANT IT TO BE TOO EXPENSIVE..

if money is really not an issue id suggest you go with the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/234444-USA/Canon_7042A002_70_200mm_f_2_8L_IS_USM.html

if that doesnt work because of the pricetag, you can downgrade to the non-IS version (image stability)...which is about 400$ less, the only thing is you mighteither need a monopod or really steady hands at the long end of your zoom.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/91680-USA/Canon_2569A004_70_200mm_f_2_8L_USM_Autofocus.html

if thats still a little too steep you can sacrifice the extra f/2.8 for the f4.0 If you do this you'll just have to be a little more conscious of yourlight, I owned this lense and loved it.
IS version http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/457678-USA/Canon_1258B002AA_EF_70_200mm_f_4L_IS.html
Non IS version http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/183198-USA/Canon_2578A002_EF_70_200mm_f_4L_USM.html

now if you really wanna save some bucks then ive heard good things about the 55-255mm...you might not get that fixed aperture and the quality of an"L" glass, but you'll save a ton of money and i think the 55-250 is much smallers.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543923-USA/Canon_2044B002AA_EF_S_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_IS.html

KEEP IN MIND YOU ARE SHOOTING WITH A CAMERA THAT HAS A 1.6X CROP FACTOR I BELIEVE WHICH MEANS YOUR LENSES REACH WILL BE HIGHER....SO IT WORKS TO YOUR ADVANTAGESINCE YOU SAID YOU NEEDED A GOOD REACH.

 

[justhotkicks]

Originally Posted by Rap Sizzle

Originally Posted by djaward

I NEED LENSE HELP..

My wife has the camera below. I want to pick her up a nice lense.. Shes going to use it when our kids are playing sports (soccer, basketball baseball. ) So
what lense should I get her? I want it to have a pretty good zoom. Since we're on the sidelines we cant get a good shot.. PLEASE HELP ME OUT.. Thanks.
MONEY IS NOT AN ISSUE BUT I DONT WANT IT TO BE TOO EXPENSIVE..

Check out the Canon 70-200 f/4L like the one I just sold. It's the most inexpensive "L" lens and is excellent both optically and in terms of build quality. It is however a "slow" lens so it might not be the best for indoor sports like basketball. If you want a faster lens to for low-light condition you will simply have fork over more money. The advantage of this f/4L versus the other versions is that it's extremely light thus making it fairly portable.

Edit: Damn, I keep getting beat in responses thanks to my lengthy posts

LOL.

But yeah, it's great for outdoor sports and also the cheapest L lens. That plus a monopod and you should be set. Only thing about the XT is the fps.You'll still take great shots but in sports, faster fps the better!