You're the professional and you're asking a bunch of us ham & eggers here. Most of my professional photos don't look as good. What's a good starting point for researching this topic?
This. I'm not a pro. Took a couple of classes a few years back to try and improve my skills. More time is spent editing photos than taking photos. Which is probably why I'm not a pro. (that and the fact that it's difficult to make any money)Having been married to a professional photographer, I feel confident on the following:
1- there's plenty of people out there with a "good eye" for photography.
2- photoshop will clean up a lot of details in a hurry if you learn how to really use it.
3- the biggest difference between the amateurs with a good eye and the pros is the ability to use multiple lights
This is a terrific book.Someone beat me to the Bryan Peterson post, but, here is the link. This book should help you. https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Fourth-Photographs-Camera/dp/1607748509
are you shooting in RAW format? no reason you should only be limiting your PS work to postcard size.Lots of great replies here.
One thing I have a serious question about though: Photoshop.
I like to shop stuff for fun, especially mocking politics, but I try to avoid shopping anything that I plan to print larger than a post card
Lightroom is my preferred processing tool. However, I will use special software for some things such HDR & panoramic effects. I like to keep my prints as close to original as possible.
Perhaps that is why I throw out so much & rely so heavily on volume.
Not a true criticism, I'm just trying to learn.
Also, thanks for the links snogger.
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I don't have any of my serious work uploaded, just my fun shopped stuff, which is small...optimized for Web viewing:are you shooting in RAW format? no reason you should only be limiting your PS work to postcard size.
I'm not a photographer, but a professional graphic designer and manipulate a ton of work in PS that's bigger then that.
do you have a link to any of your work you care to share? Its easier to critique we can see it...we will be nice...not ...lol
I went with a method that may seem backwards, I first decided what lenses I preferred and then decided what camera would best use themTom Servo said:I take pictures with my iPOD and I enjoy it. I know what its limitations are and use it accordingly. However, I'd like to step up to a good camera. Any recommendations?
I don't understand any of what you said. :sad:I went with a method that may seem backwards, I first decided what lenses I preferred and then decided what camera would best use them
I am a Canon lens fan...especially (obviously) the L's and near L's.
Then I decided which format would best fit my preferred subject matter & price range.
For me, aps-c fit my budget & shooting style better than full frame. Of course, full frame still has many advantages over aps-c, and i am currently shopping for a good used Canon full frame.
My current primary camera is a Canon 7d. Imo, it was the best option for me as a serious amateur/low end semi pro.
Others may have better advice, but to begin with, I would focus most on quality lenses, and upgrade camera as needed.
Edit: Oh...very important, Canon makes some very high quality aps-c ONLY lenses. GREAT value imo, but totally unusable at present on a full frame. This is very important to know when planning out the long term goals.
Doh, sorry mate. Posting from phone at work. I will try to find something better tonight.I don't understand any of what you said. :sad:
You have one? Like it, if so?Just buy a Google pixel & download the Snapseed app.
I bought a mid range Nikon a couple of years ago. Used the excuse of taking my daughters senior pictures to get my wife to buy in. If I had to do over again, I would look at one of the mirror less cameras from Fuji or Nikon.Tom Servo said:I take pictures with my iPOD and I enjoy it. I know what its limitations are and use it accordingly. However, I'd like to step up to a good camera. Any recommendations?
Doesn't sound "backwards" to me at all. In fact even if it was backwards I'd say it isn't quite backwards enough.I went with a method that may seem backwards, I first decided what lenses I preferred and then decided what camera would best use them
I agree he's controversial but I'm not sure why he's such a lightning rod. Either in a positive or negative way, really.I'll start with a controversial recommendation: Ken Rockwell.
Do you typically carry a messenger bag/backpack with you or is the reason you taking pictures with your ipod because you have one with you in a jacket/pants pocket all the time?Tom Servo said:I take pictures with my iPOD and I enjoy it. I know what its limitations are and use it accordingly. However, I'd like to step up to a good camera. Any recommendations?
In the current horror of the huge political thread (prolly near the top somewhere), we discussed the need for a button that is stronger/better than a "like".Doesn't sound "backwards" to me at all. In fact even if it was backwards I'd say it isn't quite backwards enough.
(...AWESOME STUFF HERE...snipped for thread sanity)
This is very true, but I just wanted to point out to people that there is a flood of amazing photo editing software out there that isn't as costly and potentially intimidating as Photoshop. Personally, I use Lightroom more often than Photoshop but in general I am trying to move away from Adobe products overall. Often times I feel like using Photoshop is like hanging a poster using 4 thumb tacks and sledge hammer.2- photoshop will clean up a lot of details in a hurry if you learn how to really use it.
I came from a Note 4, and absolutely love the pixel. The camera is phenomenal, the fingerprint scanner on the rear is a great feature as well. I miss the S-pen sometimes, but that's the only thing.You have one? Like it, if so?
I'm still using a Galaxy Note 4. Was gonna upgrade to the 7, but decided I didn't want to burn my house down...and retain the option to board airplanes.
The pixel intrigues me.
Awesome mate!I came from a Note 4, and absolutely love the pixel. The camera is phenomenal, the fingerprint scanner on the rear is a great feature as well. I miss the S-pen sometimes, but that's the only thing.
Typically, I take pictures either when I'm out and about at work or on selected locations on weekends. My usual targets are stationary objects like bridges, tunnels, wildlife and the like. The fact that I have it in my pocket makes it convenient.Do you typically carry a messenger bag/backpack with you or is the reason you taking pictures with your ipod because you have one with you in a jacket/pants pocket all the time?
What pictures would you like to take right now that an ipod doesn't do well? Are you looking for a zoom lens for instance? Or better low light photos?
If I were you I would look at the Canon G7X and the Sony RX100 III, but that's partially due to the fact they have been out for awhile and you can probably find a better deal on them. The sensor and lenses on those will really be a big step up despite their small size of the camera. The canon has the bigger zoom range, but the sony has substantially better stated battery life and an view finder which I personally have a tough time going without.Typically, I take pictures either when I'm out and about at work or on selected locations on weekends. My usual targets are stationary objects like bridges, tunnels, wildlife and the like. The fact that I have it in my pocket makes it convenient.
The only photos I would like to take that I can't now are long range vista photos. I bought a cheap clamp-on lens, but it doesn't work with my Otterbox case and it doesn't stay on when I take the Otterbox off. Plus, taking off the Otterbox gives it a feel that I'm not comfortable with.
What does it mean to shoot in RAW? What are pancake lenses?If I were you I would look at the Canon G7X and the Sony RX100 III, but that's partially due to the fact they have been out for awhile and you can probably find a better deal on them. The sensor and lenses on those will really be a big step up despite their small size of the camera. The canon has the bigger zoom range, but the sony has substantially better stated battery life and an view finder which I personally have a tough time going without.
Additionally, because the cameras are so small you can use a pocket tripod that you can use on the top of your car or something and that could potentially make a huge difference in your final photos. They both shoot in RAW and you can layer images so you can pull details out of the shadows of bridge/tunnel shots like you never could before.
Of course if you were interested in buying lenses and the like you could also go for an even bigger sensor with the Sony mirrorless cameras, even the older ones off ebay or something. For instance the Sony NEX-C3 is very small and light and has some pancake lenses that would still make it very pocketable. Sometimes those can be had for a very low price in nearly new condition.
RAW files are just processed less than the normal JPEG files, but because they are unprocessed you can manipulate them more. They are larger files however because they haven't been compressed yet.What does it mean to shoot in RAW? What are pancake lenses?
It's pretty tough to find a camera that fits in your pocket and can shoot sports.Ill take a camera recommendation if someone is willing. Looking to step up from a point and shoot that I have that isn't cutting it, but am still looking for simple but with potential. Something smaller I can fit in a jacket pocket. Will be mostly using this for kids sports/activities, vacations, family stuff, etc. also needs to have good video.
He is a classic affiliate marketer. He floods his site with useful, relevant content, and then uses affiliate links. This wouldn't be so bad, but there's almost no way he can review all the stuff he does without a massive expense, or without places giving him gear (which he states he doesn't get). He has a small disclaimer buried on his about page that says the site is mostly fiction. I believe that.I agree he's controversial but I'm not sure why he's such a lightning rod. Either in a positive or negative way, really.
What makes him a favorite source of information?
Hmmmmmm, I didn't realize the bold part. I suppose I had always assumed companies gave him loaner gear to review that he later returned but if he has a bias based on a relationship with a manufacturer I haven't noticed it. Doesn't he shoot Canon full-frame, and Nikon crop-frame, Olympus waterproof, Sony pocketable, Leica for film, and he was on the Fuji mirrorless bandwagon far before anyone else.He is a classic affiliate marketer. He floods his site with useful, relevant content, and then uses affiliate links. This wouldn't be so bad, but there's almost no way he can review all the stuff he does without a massive expense, or without places giving him gear (which he states he doesn't get). He has a small disclaimer buried on his about page that says the site is mostly fiction. I believe that.
I have no doubt he's a good photographer that knows what he is doing - it allows him to look at specs and write a pretty convincing "review", but I wouldn't take it as gospel. That said, I still enjoy his site (he does have some good tips on shooting), and have bought gear through his links.
Love my Pixel, but ultimately it's just a phone.You have one? Like it, if so?
I'm still using a Galaxy Note 4. Was gonna upgrade to the 7, but decided I didn't want to burn my house down...and retain the option to board airplanes.
The pixel intrigues me.
Thanks Chaka. I appreciate the feed back.Love my Pixel, but ultimately it's just a phone.
It does support Camera2 API (or whatever) so you can take DNG (RAW) pics, which is nice.
The main reason I wanted the Pixel was the 128 GB of internal memory (or RAM or ROM or whatever it is that stores apps), which I think is ultimately the most important factor if you experiment with a lot of apps. Pretty much every smart phone has similar specs for processor speeds and what not so those are very minor drivers, but app storage space is critical. My previous phone had 16 GB so I was constantly managing my apps, with 128 it's going to be a long while before I worry about whether or not I can add an app or not.Man of Constant Sorrow said:Thanks Chaka. I appreciate the feed back.
I hope to have one by summer.
Are you asking because you would like to know what size you can print the image?I have a question and I'm not even sure if it's going to make sense.
If a Canon EOS 5D took a picture which is 18mb in size, what does that roughly translate to in terms of resolution?
I use Flickr, as it seems to put the photos a bit more front and center with less clutter, and image quality is pretty good. I think they cut down on free space recently, but I think it is still around 1,000 pictures (which is fine as long as not looking for a cloud photo backup site -- I use Google photos for that). I'm not sure if it is the best, but what I use.Hey all photogs here ... what site do you prefer for hosting your serious photographs? I have been using https://imgur.com/ for snapshots from my phone, but I have never desired to upload my dslr shots until now. In the past, I focused primarily on wall prints and felt that online viewing was sub-optimal for these because of monitor differences and hi-res viewing issues. I have decided that I will no longer let "perfect" be the enemy of the "good" ... thus, I am looking for the best way to share these photos online.
I am concerned about unauthorized use of my photos, but I would like to share the best possible version here without making it a hassle for viewers. How do you all deal with this this?
Further, not only am I searching for the best hosting site, I am also looking to learn more about the subtleties of developing for online viewing versus print. With prints, I knew my printer well enough to get the results that I wanted, and once completed, I knew that everyone was seeing the same thing. Online results are potentially variable, as everyone has a different monitor. What approach do you take to address this relativity?
At present, I have uploaded a few shots to imgur as a test. I started from my original RAW files & have only developed them with Lightroom for now. I will do further work once I figure out the best way to present them. Linking to them presents my first challenge ...
1) Actor's Theater in Louisville : Share link - Direct link
The share link and direct link allow different viewing options. I prefer the direct link view, but imgur "albums" make it tough for the viewer to get there unless they right click and open in a new tab - which is not obvious. And, when posting a series, I would prefer to have one link to it rather than multiple links. Here is an example:
2) Fire Painting: Album link
This includes a set of photos, but limits how they can be viewed easily. They auto-size it for display, and a click will make it fit the screen (not 1:1 res) - and allows no zooming or other resolutions. A direct link will allow a full 1:1 ... but it is not easy to find unless I provide it or the viewer knows enough to right click. And, zoom is still not available - just a best fit to screen and 1:1.
So - what are the way you handle this?
Should I adjust my own picture resolution to fit online needs? I like the abilty to zoom in and out to notice different things in one photo, but is that trying to do too much for online? In my wall prints, it is just a matter of viewing distance - so - I have never really had to think about this.
Anyways, all thoughts are welcome and appreciated.
Thanks Don.I use Flickr, as it seems to put the photos a bit more front and center with less clutter, and image quality is pretty good. I think they cut down on free space recently, but I think it is still around 1,000 pictures (which is fine as long as not looking for a cloud photo backup site -- I use Google photos for that). I'm not sure if it is the best, but what I use.