Rant @ IA photogs

[osnap]

alright listen, i can empathize with you guys when all these little bastards are getting their first DSLR's and running around calling themselves bonafide photographers, but hold on a sec. Most of the "new camera" crew aren't going around claiming to be God's gift to picturetaking, but are rather just interested in picking up a new hobby and taking some pictures, and were most likely inspired to do so by looking at y'alls material.

I really don't understand why a lot of you guys (speedminded, AP, etc) are so up-in-arms about people wanting to buy a D40 and have at it. Its not a "bandwagon", and don't act like you started it - automotive photography is by no means a new entity, and you guys had to start somewhere too - AND you were inspired by someone else's work, I'm sure. You guys seem to feel so threatened and insulted by people just dicking around with their first SLRs... let your experience speak for itself in the picture quality.

I can see how the sheer volume of the "what camera should i get" type threads would get annoying, but why not collaborate and make an FAQ thread or something and link all these threads to it, and maybe even go into some basic technique and tips from you guys, the "pro"s. Help out a bit. With talent like Nemesis, Chang, SpeedMinded, DinanM3, A.P., etc etc, this section could be invaluable to new photographers to really learn the trade, but instead its just a big collective eyeroll from some of you guys and it honestly comes off as a bit pompous, though i doubt thats your intention.

[Maniacc]

This is pretty fucking weak... I could eat alphabet soup and shit a better rant.

[osnap]

This is pretty fucking weak... I could eat alphabet soup and shit a better rant.
and this isn't an attempt at some lameass flame war, its just a fucking observation. whoreslounge is that way ----->

[Maniacc]

If you're going to rant at least post up some names of the so called photographers.

This is just a pathetic attempt at 'trying too hard' to prove a point. Everyone is going to get new cameras and take pictures. Who really gives a shit if they're adding a watermark to them or they come up with their own photography name? Others have done this already so why even bother wasting time on something that no one could give a shit about and something that people aren't going to take into consideration and actually say 'hey, he has a point.'

I'm not starting some flamewar with you because that would be pointless. I would win and completely ruin your moment of 'glory' with this 'impressive' rant.

[osnap]

...ok. :rolleyes:

[A.P. Photography]

What it comes down to is this, it is a bandwagon trend. With the intro of entry level DSLR's people automatically think that a new camera will result in better photos. Fact is that a lot of high end point and shoots will deliver exactly what they need and will be more camera than they could ever want or be able to use.

It seems that every new "Help me choose a camera thread" that pops up is about which DSLR to get. Fact of the matter is that they rarely ever look at what "good" lenses cost or that you will need a lens for certain enviroments (i.e. wide angle, mid range zoom, tele photo). A point and shoot will handle 85% of the "camera upgrades" and they will spend less money in the long run and still be able to produce great photos. Speedminded is a perfect example of using a point and shoot to its full potential. The photos he took with the p&s still blow away most of what is posted now days on here from people with DSLR's.

If you want to get a DSLR then fine. RESEARCH the cameras in your price range on your own (www.dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com/), www.photography-on-the.net (http://www.photography-on-the.net/), www.nikonians.com (http://www.nikonians.com/)) and when you narrow it down to the few you think you want, then go hold them in a store and see which ones fit your hand the best, have the menu layouts you feel comfortable with, etc. Also research what lenses costs when you want to upgrade. Figure out what you are going to shoot. If you are going to be a "car photographer" and you shoot at night then a high FPS and high ISO is not going to be of a concern to you since you will be on a tripod.


I rarely shoot cars so I am not worried about the influx of "car photographers". :goodjob:

[GGPIS3]

the only issue i see is when people go take some pictures and then call it a photoshoot. back in the day, when people would say photoshoot, you would assume its for some type of print, magazine, website, tv, newspaper... nowadays, everyone and their mom takes pics and then calls it a photoshoot.

just because a group of friends gets together for a few pics doesn't equate to a photoshoot imo. just title the damn thread, some pics of our cars, but no, everyone wants to think they are cool and type, photoshoot... thats lame as shit!

its even worse when they post up pictures that a 10 yr old with a 10 yr old camera could do better...

[james]

.....the only issue i see is when people go take some pictures and then call it a photoshoot..... think they are cool and type.....photoshoot


terminology isn't a problem at all. besides this has already been tackled before.


also,


What it comes down to is this, it is a bandwagon trend. With the intro of entry level DSLR's people automatically think that a new camera will result in better photos. Fact is that a lot of high end point and shoots will deliver exactly what they need and will be more camera than they could ever want or be able to use.

It seems that every new "Help me choose a camera thread" that pops up is about which DSLR to get. Fact of the matter is that they rarely ever look at what "good" lenses cost or that you will need a lens for certain enviroments (i.e. wide angle, mid range zoom, tele photo). A point and shoot will handle 85% of the "camera upgrades" and they will spend less money in the long run and still be able to produce great photos. Speedminded is a perfect example of using a point and shoot to its full potential. The photos he took with the p&s still blow away most of what is posted now days on here from people with DSLR's.

If you want to get a DSLR then fine. RESEARCH the cameras in your price range on your own (www.dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com/), www.photography-on-the.net (http://www.photography-on-the.net/), www.nikonians.com (http://www.nikonians.com/)) and when you narrow it down to the few you think you want, then go hold them in a store and see which ones fit your hand the best, have the menu layouts you feel comfortable with, etc. Also research what lenses costs when you want to upgrade. Figure out what you are going to shoot. If you are going to be a "car photographer" and you shoot at night then a high FPS and high ISO is not going to be of a concern to you since you will be on a tripod.


I rarely shoot cars so I am not worried about the influx of "car photographers".


hits the nail on the head with this one.

[AirMax95]

I agree with the O.P., and A.P Photo. I ask DinanM3Atl all the time about what camera setup I should go with. I am not one of those guys who willk drop $800+ on a camera, then just "use" it to take random subpar pics. He linked me to a few websites that have more than enough information to start a hobby in photography.

I can see how DSLR cameras are a bandwagon trend, rather than "newer" technology. There are lots of people who will buy an expensive DSLR just to say they have one. Let them blow money on them! Personally, I want to buy one because I plan to make this a personal hobby. I want to spend for a good/decent setup once, perfect, and upgrade from there if I ever need to. My P&S that I got 3 years ago is cool, but I want more.

I borrowed my uncles Pentax SLR and went to the Santa run. Jamie was there with his baller ass camera, but took the time to give a noob a few pointers. I felt like a big ass kid, lol!

I think that some of you (or one) experienced photogs could make a sticky with the good links for information. All you can do from there is hope that people will have the brains to read it. Even better, make a sticky where you guys list what equipment you use and why. It's your call :D

[quickdodge®]

Fact is that a lot of high end point and shoots will deliver exactly what they need and will be more camera than they could ever want or be able to use.

This is me, right here. I use a Canon A540 (I know not high end), but it has most every feature a SLR has. Jaime has seen it and thought it was a badass PAS camera. It has a whole bunch of features that I don't mess with because it is too much for me. But it takes great pics and that's all I need. I'm not going to try to make money in photography so I don't see te need to spend $1,000+ on a camera just to have one. And that's why I think some of these folks are getting DSLRs. For bragging rights; to say they have one.

Below is a pic of my car taken by me (bottom pic) and by Puregroove (top pic). Although there is a big difference in pic quality, if I'm out just taking pics of my car (or even a group of friends' cars), then why do I need a $1,000 camera? The pic I took of my car shows everything just like Puregroove's pic. His is just a lot more precise and clear than mine. I'm just a picture taker, not a photographer. I spent $120 on my camera. That's all I need. Later, QD.

[Julio]

JM photography. don't hate..

[speedminded]

alright listen, i can empathize with you guys when all these little bastards are getting their first DSLR's and running around calling themselves bonafide photographers, but hold on a sec. Most of the "new camera" crew aren't going around claiming to be God's gift to picturetaking, but are rather just interested in picking up a new hobby and taking some pictures, and were most likely inspired to do so by looking at y'alls material.

I really don't understand why a lot of you guys (speedminded, AP, etc) are so up-in-arms about people wanting to buy a D40 and have at it. Its not a "bandwagon", and don't act like you started it - automotive photography is by no means a new entity, and you guys had to start somewhere too - AND you were inspired by someone else's work, I'm sure. You guys seem to feel so threatened and insulted by people just dicking around with their first SLRs... let your experience speak for itself in the picture quality.

I can see how the sheer volume of the "what camera should i get" type threads would get annoying, but why not collaborate and make an FAQ thread or something and link all these threads to it, and maybe even go into some basic technique and tips from you guys, the "pro"s. Help out a bit. With talent like Nemesis, Chang, SpeedMinded, DinanM3, A.P., etc etc, this section could be invaluable to new photographers to really learn the trade, but instead its just a big collective eyeroll from some of you guys and it honestly comes off as a bit pompous, though i doubt thats your intention.It sounds like you just discovered owning a DSLR isn't what it's made out to be.

Feel free to remove my name since I've never once talked down to anyone owning an entry level DSLR, quote me if you have found otherwise. In case you forgot it wasn't that long ago I was still using point & shoot.

Nobody inspired me, individual photos I saw in magazines and online is what inspired me. I was still shooting with a point & shoot when Nemesis, AP, Jaime, etc. had DSLR's, 3 to 4+ years ago there were only a small handful of people producing quality car photos on here. As far a IA goes, THEY WERE the pioneers of automotive photography here and I am sure were an inspiration to many other members. I can't speak for them on who they were inspired by.

I don't recall ever using the term "bandwagon" for new DSLR owners but I will be glad to now. Yes owning a DSLR is jumping on the bandwagon for 90% of the people getting them. Only because someone else had one is why they got one, thinking there photos will be miraculously better, which leads to my only rants...


I've had 4 "rants" on this forum.

1) If you're buying a DSLR to shoot on auto then what is the point? Photos with a low to mid range point & shoot can look just as good as any consumer DSLR with a kit/generic lens, especially with cars. Every day I read it, "sorry the pictures are blurry, I need a better camera like a DSLR". No, they're blurry because someone was shooting 1/8" shutter speed hand held. People think they'll automatically have a better photo because they spent $400-1,000+ on a camera. A camera is just a tool, a disposable one at that, you just have to learn how to use it. A tripod and/or the time delay shutter is your friend, use it if you want crisp shots...whether it be with a P&S or DSLR. If you don't intend on investing in quality lenses then a point & shoot is the way to go.

2) Composition is something you have or you learn. No camera can make someones composition better. Rules are meant to be broken but the rule of 1/3rd's isn't always one of them. Be aware of your surroundings, background, foreground, etc. Power poles sticking out of the roof of a car is a distraction. Shooting through a fence with the car blurry in the background is not artistic, it's a picture of a fence.

3) HDR is not adjusting the levels or lighting & shadows. HDR does not look like a vector image that's been painted with Illustrator. HDR is a way to combine multiple shots to create a photo you couldn't normally take otherwise. It looks realistic like any normal photograph. I bet most people see HDR images everyday and don't even realize it only because the white areas don't look like toasted marshmallows.

4) A photo shoot only pertains to commercial advertising and fashion photography. Pictures of cars are snap shots, doesn't matter if it's a $200 or a $15,000 camera setup they are still snap shots. If you shoot a car for a newspaper or newsletter it's an editorial shoot. If you shoot a car for print advertisement advertising a product then it's a photo shoot. Shooting your gf isn't a photoshoot any more than a 4 year old blowing out their birthday candles, shooting your gf for a comp card is.

[WickedIXMR]

What it comes down to is this, it is a bandwagon trend. With the intro of entry level DSLR's people automatically think that a new camera will result in better photos. Fact is that a lot of high end point and shoots will deliver exactly what they need and will be more camera than they could ever want or be able to use.

It seems that every new "Help me choose a camera thread" that pops up is about which DSLR to get. Fact of the matter is that they rarely ever look at what "good" lenses cost or that you will need a lens for certain enviroments (i.e. wide angle, mid range zoom, tele photo). A point and shoot will handle 85% of the "camera upgrades" and they will spend less money in the long run and still be able to produce great photos. Speedminded is a perfect example of using a point and shoot to its full potential. The photos he took with the p&s still blow away most of what is posted now days on here from people with DSLR's.

If you want to get a DSLR then fine. RESEARCH the cameras in your price range on your own (www.dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com/), www.photography-on-the.net (http://www.photography-on-the.net/), www.nikonians.com (http://www.nikonians.com/)) and when you narrow it down to the few you think you want, then go hold them in a store and see which ones fit your hand the best, have the menu layouts you feel comfortable with, etc. Also research what lenses costs when you want to upgrade. Figure out what you are going to shoot. If you are going to be a "car photographer" and you shoot at night then a high FPS and high ISO is not going to be of a concern to you since you will be on a tripod.


I rarely shoot cars so I am not worried about the influx of "car photographers". :goodjob:
I hope I'm not one of the guys jumping on the bandwagon :(

[james]

1) If you're buying a DSLR to shoot on auto then what is the point? Photos with a low to mid range point & shoot can look just as good as any consumer DSLR with a kit/generic lens, especially with cars. Every day I read it, "sorry the pictures are blurry, I need a better camera like a DSLR". No, they're blurry because someone was shooting 1/8" shutter speed hand held. People think they'll automatically have a better photo because they spent $400-1,000+ on a camera. A camera is just a tool, a disposable one at that, you just have to learn how to use it. A tripod and/or the time delay shutter is your friend, use it if you want crisp shots...whether it be with a P&S or DSLR. If you don't intend on investing in quality lenses then a point & shoot is the way to go.

yeah seriously....auto = :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Maniacc]

...ok.
Okay is fucking right. You ain't got shit to say...

Also, I'm fucking gonna buy a DSLR and start my own watermark and website just so all of you can call me a bandwagon jumper. All the kewl kids are doing it, might as well go out in style.

Fuckin weak ass rant.

[Dirty Octopus™]

P&S done deal :D

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa17/DirtyOctopus/Glides/1PICT6225.jpg

[james]

this thread is obviously going nowhere.

it is not even worthing stickying some kind of FAQ if you ask me.

noobs are noobs. and the noobs around here don't want to learn anything. they shoot on auto or program and learn nothing from it. then they ask for comments and critique and get all pissed off when the comments and critiques aren't positive remarks.

go get a book. read stuff. check out websites (IA is hardly a photography site.) join a fuckign photography forum.

it amazes me that people would rather spend 150 dollars on a fucking seminar than get a 20 dollar book and experiment on their own.

thats all i want to say. everything else i think has been said.

[quickdodge®]

P&S done deal :D

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa17/DirtyOctopus/Glides/1PICT6225.jpg

You need to show me how to do that, man. Seriously. Later, QD.

[osnap]

AP - well said and I understand your perspective.
It sounds like you just discovered owning a DSLR isn't what it's made out to be.er... wha? No, not at all. I happen to have just gotten a D40 for Christmas, yes, but nobody has ever aimed any comments like these at me, and I've actually been quite pleased with my pictures so far, most of which have been taken in modes other than AUTO.


Feel free to remove my name since I've never once talked down to anyone owning an entry level DSLR, quote me if you have found otherwise. In case you forgot it wasn't that long ago I was still using point & shoot. im not accusing anyone of talking down to anyone, relax. And im not even talking about low-end SLRs specifically, just people getting SLRs in general.

...And fair enough, I haven't seen you directly saying these things, I just thought I'd seen you associated with some of the threads im talking about. to be fair i havent paid THAT much attention to it, and this wasn't meant to be like a callout at you or anyone in particular, dont get all up in arms about it.


Nobody inspired me, individual photos I saw in magazines and online is what inspired me. I was still shooting with a point & shoot when Nemesis, AP, Jaime, etc. had DSLR's, 3 to 4+ years ago there were only a small handful of people producing quality car photos on here. As far a IA goes, THEY WERE the pioneers of automotive photography here and I am sure were an inspiration to many other members. I can't speak for them on who they were inspired by.uh... i said you were inspired by other peoples work. and those individual photos in magazines and online? those were taken by other people... so i dont think my comment was inaccurate or unfair.


I don't recall ever using the term "bandwagon" for new DSLR owners but I will be glad to now. Yes owning a DSLR is jumping on the bandwagon for 90% of the people getting them. Only because someone else had one is why they got one, thinking there photos will be miraculously betteryeah, if thats someone's initiative, then sure, bandwagon is a valid term. but 90%, really? cmon, a good few of these people have got to be legitimately interested. My father owned a studio for 10 years and has been shooting for decades... I've always had the itch, and now I finally have a means of trying my hand.
I've had 4 "rants" on this forum.

Honestly I agree with all of these.
it is not even worthing stickying some kind of FAQ if you ask me.

noobs are noobs. and the noobs around here don't want to learn anything. they shoot on auto or program and learn nothing from it. then they ask for comments and critique and get all pissed off when the comments and critiques aren't positive remarks.

go get a book. read stuff. check out websites (IA is hardly a photography site.) join a fuckign photography forum.

it amazes me that people would rather spend 150 dollars on a fucking seminar than get a 20 dollar book and experiment on their own.
i mean frankly i agree, im just saying that rather than griping about threads like that, an FAQ would be a nice way of countering it and I'm sure could be a rich resource for some on here. I've done a fair amount of reading and photography forum browsing, but some may not know where to start, and im sure there are some on here who would appreciate the help from the locals whose photos they already know and appreciate. honestly i personally dont really care, i was just kinda throwing an idea out there.
Okay is fucking right. You ain't got shit to say...

Also, I'm fucking gonna buy a DSLR and start my own watermark and website just so all of you can call me a bandwagon jumper. All the kewl kids are doing it, might as well go out in style.

Fuckin weak ass rant....alright, congrats, your e-penis is clearly substantially larger than mine. what exactly is it that youd like me to say?

[IMPORTchic]

I lol'ed at this whole thread. No one in particular. I know nothing really about the whole photography end of things so not going to try and act like I do....
All I do know is it does seem that everyone is trying to go out and buy "decent" DSLR and get in with what everyone else is doing as far as photography. Gotta start somewhere though I guess. The question is who is actually going to show their true talent and take it to the next level, or who is just going to stick to the basics and not try.......and just whine about it when they get shot down on IA.

[boostedb16]

It sounds like you just discovered owning a DSLR isn't what it's made out to be.

Feel free to remove my name since I've never once talked down to anyone owning an entry level DSLR, quote me if you have found otherwise. In case you forgot it wasn't that long ago I was still using point & shoot.

Nobody inspired me, individual photos I saw in magazines and online is what inspired me. I was still shooting with a point & shoot when Nemesis, AP, Jaime, etc. had DSLR's, 3 to 4+ years ago there were only a small handful of people producing quality car photos on here. As far a IA goes, THEY WERE the pioneers of automotive photography here and I am sure were an inspiration to many other members. I can't speak for them on who they were inspired by.

I don't recall ever using the term "bandwagon" for new DSLR owners but I will be glad to now. Yes owning a DSLR is jumping on the bandwagon for 90% of the people getting them. Only because someone else had one is why they got one, thinking there photos will be miraculously better, which leads to my only rants...


I've had 4 "rants" on this forum.

1) If you're buying a DSLR to shoot on auto then what is the point? Photos with a low to mid range point & shoot can look just as good as any consumer DSLR with a kit/generic lens, especially with cars. Every day I read it, "sorry the pictures are blurry, I need a better camera like a DSLR". No, they're blurry because someone was shooting 1/8" shutter speed hand held. People think they'll automatically have a better photo because they spent $400-1,000+ on a camera. A camera is just a tool, a disposable one at that, you just have to learn how to use it. A tripod and/or the time delay shutter is your friend, use it if you want crisp shots...whether it be with a P&S or DSLR. If you don't intend on investing in quality lenses then a point & shoot is the way to go.

2) Composition is something you have or you learn. No camera can make someones composition better. Rules are meant to be broken but the rule of 1/3rd's isn't always one of them. Be aware of your surroundings, background, foreground, etc. Power poles sticking out of the roof of a car is a distraction. Shooting through a fence with the car blurry in the background is not artistic, it's a picture of a fence.

3) HDR is not adjusting the levels or lighting & shadows. HDR does not look like a vector image that's been painted with Illustrator. HDR is a way to combine multiple shots to create a photo you couldn't normally take otherwise. It looks realistic like any normal photograph. I bet most people see HDR images everyday and don't even realize it only because the white areas don't look like toasted marshmallows.

4) A photo shoot only pertains to commercial advertising and fashion photography. Pictures of cars are snap shots, doesn't matter if it's a $200 or a $15,000 camera setup they are still snap shots. If you shoot a car for a newspaper or newsletter it's an editorial shoot. If you shoot a car for print advertisement advertising a product then it's a photo shoot. Shooting your gf isn't a photoshoot any more than a 4 year old blowing out their birthday candles, shooting your gf for a comp card is.i agree with the auto setting. my wife wanted a d40 and i bought her one. all she used was the auto setting. i tried to explain that her camera could do so much more. i ended up using it more than she did. if all your going to use is auto then your wasting your money.

[speedminded]

im not accusing anyone of talking down to anyone, relax. And im not even talking about low-end SLRs specifically, just people getting SLRs in general.

...And fair enough, I haven't seen you directly saying these things, I just thought I'd seen you associated with some of the threads im talking about. to be fair i havent paid THAT much attention to it, and this wasn't meant to be like a callout at you or anyone in particular, dont get all up in arms about it.

I really don't understand why a lot of you guys (speedminded, AP, etc) are so up-in-arms about people wanting to buy a D40 and have at it. Its not a "bandwagon", and don't act like you started it - automotive photography is by no means a new entity, and you guys had to start somewhere too - AND you were inspired by someone else's work, I'm sure. You guys seem to feel so threatened and insulted by people just dicking around with their first SLRs... let your experience speak for itself in the picture quality.Where have I acted like or said I feel threatened? It's not my money so I could care less.

If someone wants to get into photography i've always suggested they start shooting with a point & shoot with manual modes. A point and shoot half the price of a entry DSLR will shoots cars and landscape just as well or better than a entry level to higher end consumer DSLR. If you want to shoot people you can get a point & shoot with a hot shoe for a flash and still be at half the price of an entry level DSLR and a flash. Using a onboard pop-up flash on a DSLR produces no better photos than any mid level point & shoot on portrait mode.


Reasons for getting a point and shoot and learning the basics first:

1) Composition is composition, doesn't matter what camera is used. Work on that then work on quality or being capable of larger prints. Most point & shoots have such high megapixels you can still do large prints. I've done 18x22 prints with a 5.0mp point & shoot before and turned out fine.

2) Getting a point & shoots still allows you to learn how to shoot manually.

3) If you want to pursue photography beyond that you have a backup camera. I see cars and random stuff driving down the road all the time, there is no possible way for me to simply pull my DSLR out of my camera bag and take a shot within seconds like I could with my Sony's, especially if I want to zoom.

4) Big camera's get you attention & harassment, whether positive or negative. If you don't have the experience to talk your way out of something then you can easily get knee deep in something you don't want to be involved with. Nobody thinks twice about people using a point & shoot, they aren't threatened by being around them.

[uproot]

^i agree with you jason, learning on a P&S is a must. and I mean pushing it to its limits...

[EJ_Allmota]

If someone wants to get into photography i've always suggested they start shooting with a point & shoot with manual modes. A point and shoot half the price of a entry DSLR will shoots cars and landscape just as well or better than a entry level to higher end consumer DSLR. If you want to shoot people you can get a point & shoot with a hot shoe for a flash and still be at half the price of an entry level DSLR and a flash. Using a onboard pop-up flash on a DSLR produces no better photos than any mid level point & shoot on portrait mode.


Reasons for getting a point and shoot and learning the basics first:

1) Composition is composition, doesn't matter what camera is used. Work on that then work on quality or being capable of larger prints. Most point & shoots have such high megapixels you can still do large prints. I've done 18x22 prints with a 5.0mp point & shoot before and turned out fine.

2) Getting a point & shoots still allows you to learn how to shoot manually.

3) If you want to pursue photography beyond that you have a backup camera. I see cars and random stuff driving down the road all the time, there is no possible way for me to simply pull my DSLR out of my camera bag and take a shot within seconds like I could with my Sony's, especially if I want to zoom.

4) Big camera's get you attention & harassment, whether positive or negative. If you don't have the experience to talk your way out of something then you can easily get knee deep in something you don't want to be involved with. Nobody thinks twice about people using a point & shoot, they aren't threatened by being around them.
QFT :goodjob:

[Maniacc]

what exactly is it that youd like me to say?
Post up the usernames of the people who are going around actin' like photographers.

:ninja:

Call 'em out.

[Jaimecbr900]

I think that some of you (or one) experienced photogs could make a sticky with the good links for information. All you can do from there is hope that people will have the brains to read it. Even better, make a sticky where you guys list what equipment you use and why. It's your call :D

That's actually not a bad idea actually. ;):goodjob:

[OG-Skinny]

"The equipment is only as good as the user."

[Alan®]

Where have I acted like or said I feel threatened? It's not my money so I could care less.

If someone wants to get into photography i've always suggested they start shooting with a point & shoot with manual modes. A point and shoot half the price of a entry DSLR will shoots cars and landscape just as well or better than a entry level to higher end consumer DSLR. If you want to shoot people you can get a point & shoot with a hot shoe for a flash and still be at half the price of an entry level DSLR and a flash. Using a onboard pop-up flash on a DSLR produces no better photos than any mid level point & shoot on portrait mode.


Reasons for getting a point and shoot and learning the basics first:

1) Composition is composition, doesn't matter what camera is used. Work on that then work on quality or being capable of larger prints. Most point & shoots have such high megapixels you can still do large prints. I've done 18x22 prints with a 5.0mp point & shoot before and turned out fine.

2) Getting a point & shoots still allows you to learn how to shoot manually.

3) If you want to pursue photography beyond that you have a backup camera. I see cars and random stuff driving down the road all the time, there is no possible way for me to simply pull my DSLR out of my camera bag and take a shot within seconds like I could with my Sony's, especially if I want to zoom.

4) Big camera's get you attention & harassment, whether positive or negative. If you don't have the experience to talk your way out of something then you can easily get knee deep in something you don't want to be involved with. Nobody thinks twice about people using a point & shoot, they aren't threatened by being around them.
I agree with pretty much everything that has been said in this thread in one way or another. I got into photography because I got tired of not going to meets because of my car. I'm shooting with a Panasonic DMC-FZ30 and its nothing a but a P&S with a SLR style body.

Everything that speedminded has said in this post. and to prove it here are a few examples.

These are from the first time I started shooting
http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/TBKRAMBO/Eclipse%20Shots/P1010522.jpg
http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd339/TBKRAMBO/Random%20PTC%20Shots%2012-17-08/P1010695.jpg

Among the million things wrong with these shots, there is also the fact that composition is largely lacking, subject isnt very interesting, :blah: :blah: :blah: :blah: . So I decided to educate myself by using that photography forum that chad posts up all the time. And I have to say it's incredibly informative.I still havent read everything but there are 40+ pages of information in a word document on my computer and the only thing I have actually sat down and read was the article on composition. With that said, here are some shots from Hawaii that I took.
http://i42.tinypic.com/28hcuc6.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/2podt1k.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/6858ab.jpg

With just the new information that I had on composition and a few other things that I had realized about the way I was shooting, I feel I was able to make significant improvements. The shots are damn near crystal clear, they are interesting, the composition is MUCH better.

The problem I feel with most people jumping into this is that they don't take the time to go out and actually educate themselves. They figure its just like anything else technology related. They feel they can go out plunk some money on a SLR and be able to take AMAZING shots. But the truth of the matter is that it isn't. While like anything else having good gear always helps you still need to be able to know how to handle it. Let me put it this way. Having a 8 second supra is great. But if you don't know how to launch it and get it down the track the way it should be done will mean you will consistently run 9's or 10's or crash and burn.

[DinanM3atl]

Geesh.

My opinion on the matter :)

On the side of the 'new photographers' I welcome them. It is entertaining for me to attempt to provide help and guidance to them. Hopefully they will catch on and improve. With that being said most get frustrated and fall to the wayside and end up selling the camera when they want a set of wheels. The true photogs will be born our of those newbs. So why worry about it?

Let them get their new cameras and sell them. Canon and Nikon still made their money and it let them know people still want to buy them so keep making them! There have been more times than I remember that producing high quality photos for a client or someone here or there has netted me some extra 'income'. You will shine above the 'competition' and I would hope that no one is just worried that someone is going to pass them. Having more and more subpar photogs just makes me wait and lust for photos from you that much more :)

[changaroo]

I think what needed to be said has been already said. I dont know where you are getting the whole some photographers are coming off as elitist, but I dont think it is anyones intention to be like that.

Honestly, 99% of the ones I've talked to are really down to earth and are more than likely willing to help you out. But please understand that when the same question arises over and over, whether it is one of the "what camera should i get" threads or something along those lines, it really does get old.

Please dont confuse getting help with getting spoon fed. I've had PM's of people asking me exactly what settings / gear / PP techniques I used, and expected me to give them step by step instructions on how to replicate my photos. I gave them as much info was in the exif and let it be. That would be like me asking your grandma for her secret chocolate chip cookie recipe, or your signature sex move in bed... both big no no's.

With that being said... google is a great resource. You can find almost anything you need / want to know on there. Thats where I learned most of my stuff. Just sit there and play around. Theres no magic formula to photography.

[CHADbee]

im one of the n00bs but i still have an asshole, er, i mean opinion on this, everybody was a n00b once and 2 things happen, they get better or quit. the ones that quit or lose interest really didnt have a passion for it anyways. the ones that get better do nothing but push people to better their skills or be left behind.

while everybody is ranting let me get something out, taking a photo that has bad composition and lighting and running it through a program to make it look fake and HDR-ish does not fawking make it a good picture, your not going to save it. yes, IA might go "oooh ahhhh" but it still sucks. also if your a photographer i hope your on some real photography forums cause i have seen some people only post their photos here to get the "nice photos dude" comments, which dont do jack shit for you. most of the photographers on this forum, me included suck and if we dont have people critiquing our pictures they will stay sucking. if you hear nothing but "nice pictures man" you have no reason to progress and then whats the point? it could just be me but i dont see the point in doing something unless i can progress and get better at it.

i suck, you suck, lets get better instead of doing the same fucking thing.

[DeutscheBAG!]

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j256/maxinquaye19/wtd06160mv8.gif

[CHADbee]

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j256/maxinquaye19/wtd06160mv8.gif
notice the white duck is shooting canon :lmfao:

[A.P. Photography]

Ok, let me say that there are some noobs on here that actually have an interest and want to get into photography. I have no problem with any of you doing this and I will give feedback and help when warranted. I am very blunt when it comes to feedback but that is what helps you get better. When I started shooting, I posted my photos on the big photog forums and got ripped apart. A shot I thought was great and well executed, they tore apart like a fat woman at an all you can eat buffet. So it was either get better or sell the gear. I didn't get upset but took what they told me and pushed myself to get better.

It takes time to devlop your skill and style. Remeber this, "You can't just jump in the ring with Ali cause you think you can box?" Same thing with photography, you can't just jump in with a camera and expect perfect images, it takes time and training. ;)


Hey Chad, that white duck must have been a Pron photographer. :lmfao:

[DinanM3atl]

I post on a photo forum for C&C if I think I got a really exceptional photo :) Then I hear that it is not so exceptional...

roflmao



As Mr.A.P. just said... getting torn apart is part of the game. You either man up and learn and become better or sell the gear and quit.


On top of that it is asked OVER AND OVER about how did you edit it. What settings did you use. That is a rant all in its own.

No one is going to simply spoon feed you a DIY On how to get this 'feel' or that 'feel. It is a STYLE. As I have said before you can look at a photo and say "Jason took that" or "Chang took that" or "Halston took that...damn it sucks hard". That is what I think you want to go for. Your style means it is your niche.

Learn to read the exif data and what it means. You can answer your own question before you even ask.

[A.P. Photography]

I have heard that a ton before. lol

[DinanM3atl]

notice the white duck is shooting canon :lmfao:


And notice the awesome shot he must have just gotten while busting someone for cheating.

[Jaimecbr900]

Based on the idea that Airmax posted on here, I'm going to start a reference thread where we can all share ideas and tips on how to shoot better pictures. Notice I said PICTURES, and NOT "photoshoot" or advocating DSLR vs P&S.

I'm going to dig up some of the books I've read and liked. I've got literally a mini-library of books and magazines that helped me realize the nuts and bolts of things. It does NOT tell you how to reproduce someone's work, as Changaroo stated. It does teach you techniques and more importantly theories/reasoning behind some shots. The Ansel Adams quote is exactly right, but HOW do YOU know WHERE to stand????? By reading and practicing. No other way around it. Just like weight loss, there is no real magic pill. People always telling everyone "great pics" to get some pos reps is a false sense of security. Much like actually PLAYING Golf, which for some reason people think is "easy", posting your work on an actual photography site is a humbling experience. You'll either pack up your equipment and sell it or get better. No real in-between. You have to have thick skin because they will tear down even pics you thought were great. I personally don't totally agree with that approach myself, but it does work for some.

I'll leave everyone with this:

You don't just walk into a Hospital or Police station and start using lingo or phrases you HEARD on some TV show and think YOU are somehow at their same level simply because you TALK like them. Right?

This is why some people take offense to trendy people who have no idea what comes out of their mouth any more than the guy that walks into the Hospital thinking he's a Surgeon because he watches Grey's Anatomy on TV. ;)

[A.P. Photography]

Great idea Jaime. Also include some of the bigger websites like www.photography-on-the.net and the Nikon one www.nikonians.org as they have some very valuable info on them.

[DinanM3atl]

Wait I thought Nikon's site was www.noinks.com :)

[puregroove]

I'm a n00b. :D

[Jaimecbr900]

Great idea Jaime. Also include some of the bigger websites like www.photography-on-the.net (http://www.photography-on-the.net) and the Nikon one www.nikonians.org (http://www.nikonians.org) as they have some very valuable info on them.

Ok, thread started. Go in there and share. I'm not going to take credit for your links......although it is a good one, so I should....:D:lmfao:

[A.P. Photography]

LOL, just posted.

[speedminded]

I wanna see these people post up on www.automotivephoto.net just to see how many have a shotgun in their mouth within 24 hours. :tongue:

[changaroo]

lol x2, im afraid to post there.

[DeutscheBAG!]

I wanna see these people post up on www.automotivephoto.net just to see how many have a shotgun in their mouth within 24 hours. :tongue:


I'll bite ;)

[A.P. Photography]

LOL yeah but you are one of the OG's. Jason was talking about the noobs.

[Julio]

Now, seriously, I am laughing at this thread...

Why because a few years ago, I told paul, fuck this picture taking shit.. Is getting to mainstream..

Why did I tell this to Paul ? Here you go..

I love photography.. actually me and my 23 year old brother do.. I have always enjoy taking pictures.. One of my biggest interest.. But I never chased it because I hate being mainstream... I knew there were going to be photoghrapers popping up every where.. I dont know, just that gut feeling..

But maybe one day, when Im not a part of IA anymore I will invest in a decent camera and just shoot shit for fun and because I like to do it.. I know if I do now and start posting pictures on IA, people will say Im jumping the bandwagon also.. But guess what , I'm not.. is just one of those things that I never pursue.. I mean, I took close to 10,000 Pictures for importatlanta when we 1st started until like 2005, I dont call my self a photograper.... Of course, shitty pictures. but we were also using shitty cameras.. The only people I knew back then taking pictures locally that were sick shit to me and I always wanted to take pictures like them, Jaime, Tom and Joey redmond, John Mulazzi....and old man Joe, who shot my car for hondatunning a few years ago.

I do laugh that alot of people like to use water mark shit everywhere online.. Lame..

I honestly respect all the OG's that been doing it for awhile.. I know Ive been watching Speedminded/AP and a few others for the last few years also..

But now it seems like everyone is a photographer.. But I think a camera is as good as the person using it....

Me and paul were going to invest some big money on cameras, because Paul likes taking pictures also.. Paul bought a nice one at one point but sold it because he saw what I was seing as well....


I actually chill with my brother sometimes and he's been teaching me a few things here and there when time permits..
He shoots for a couple of big companies here and GA and uses photograhpy for side $$$.. He's been doing it for a few years now..

Here is a picture of him if any of you real photographers run into him at some kind of photoshooting event or something... He was going to shoot for IA at one time.. But we decided to drop that deal with him. Just because honestly, He wasnt going to be needed.. The future was clear once we analyzed everything.

[JITB]

As a person that just looks at pictures...and doesnt have an expensive camera. There are only a good 10 photographers on IA that i know personally that can call themselves photgraphers. but i cant hate on someone wanting to get a nice camera and take their own. I considered getting a decent camera from hanging around george and watching him work his magic. But as an observer we all know whos real and whos faking it.. And there are also people who have great cameras and take super duper over processed pictures...and it just kills everything.

[DinanM3atl]

I wanna see these people post up on www.automotivephoto.net (http://www.automotivephoto.net) just to see how many have a shotgun in their mouth within 24 hours. :tongue:

I will go post up there tonight.

I am sure I will get ripped.

[CHADbee]

I wanna see these people post up on www.automotivephoto.net just to see how many have a shotgun in their mouth within 24 hours. :tongue:
my favorite forum! :cheers:

they keep it real!

[A.P. Photography]

I agree Julio. When I first got into it heavy my greatest mentor was Tom (Quckbrick). He gave me so much advice and guided me through the gear and set ups to use.

[bandydesign]

Ok time for some words from a noob.

I stole my daddy's camera and started taking pictures. I liked what I saw. I got recognition for it. So, I kept shooting. I get better every time I take a picture. I enjoy this as a hobby and I am excited that I have been able to make some money doing what I enjoy.

Yes, I watermark my pictures. Guess what, a real photographer, a true artist and many others can critique my photos and tell me what is wrong with them. I encourage that! BUT a business would be satisfied in using my photos, people are in some cases willing to pay for them. If I leave them unwatermarked, they get stolen! Think of it this way. I had a 1993 Ford Ranger as my only truck. Now its no expensive, classy or decent vehicle in some people's eyes, but I still have the right to protect it from being stolen!!!!

I do not see anything wrong with calling what I do a photoshoot and charging money. People are happy with my quality of work, however I do not expect to see anything of mine in the high museum. What is sold and is in the market is on a different scale. My interest in photography is on the market side. Unfortunately, I do not feel like I am an artist to the extent that I am truly expressing myself yet. I still feel that I am just getting 'good' at certain techniques. I hope that that will one day change. For now, I am content with what I am doing and I do not regret my actions.

That being said, I have noticed, with the help of these threads that I have let my photography go static. I have not been in an environment where I get critique that helps me improve.

True Story,
Kevin BandyDesign (shameless plug)

[DinanM3atl]

Those laughing at the watermarks must not really be 'into' photography. Jason puts his name, chang has his logo and I have mine.

LOTS of times on MANY forums people have noticed their photo on someones website advertising a wheel. Or on some other forum claiming it to be their shot. Or uploaded to a stock photo site.

So it matters and some people care. Sure most of the watermarks here could easily be edited out but hey, just like you protect your stuff I at least put a little effort into protecting my images. They are mine. I have made money off them and I will keep it that way.

Those that are REALLY anal and are paying the bills and feeding their family with photography normally don't really upload that much to the web anyways. Fear of theft is a big issue.

[A.P. Photography]

Those that are REALLY anal and are paying the bills and feeding their family with photography normally don't really upload that much to the web anyways. Fear of theft is a big issue.

Correctamundo :goodjob:

[Nemesis]

Those laughing at the watermarks must not really be 'into' photography. Jason puts his name, chang has his logo and I have mine.



Really? I must not be into it then heh. Give me a photo from any one of those guys and I bet I can remove the water mark in no time. If people are that concerned about photo theft, then they need to seriously do some more research on marking.

90 percent of the people that label their photos with their "Company" name have no real idea other than they want their name on the photo to look more professional.

Edit: I probably read into your comment wrong in the aspect that watermarking is essential to promote yourself however a lot of people do it as a fad.

[Tarzanman]

The thread was a bit old, methinks.

The web is where its at. It is what copyrighters NOT looking for stock images go to first when hunting down photos.

If you're a "real" photographer (whatever real means), then you aren't concerned about a 15 year old stealing your 72 dpi, 600x400 pixel photo and uploading it somewhere.

Photographers who make money off of images make it by selling 300+ dpi 3000 or 4000 pixel images which you won't find on any web sites.

The web is for low res thumbnails

[XanRules]

I take pretty alright photos of shit with a $250 Fuji Point-and-Shoot.
Music is the same way: when it's "go time," all the fancy gear in the world can't compensate for talent.

[james]

I take pretty alright photos of shit

http://www.practical-jokes-and-pranks.com/images/gags_fun/dog_poo_250.jpg ?

[speedminded]

Really? I must not be into it then heh. Give me a photo from any one of those guys and I bet I can remove the water mark in no time. If people are that concerned about photo theft, then they need to seriously do some more research on marking.

90 percent of the people that label their photos with their "Company" name have no real idea other than they want their name on the photo to look more professional.

Edit: I probably read into your comment wrong in the aspect that watermarking is essential to promote yourself however a lot of people do it as a fad.Embedding with EXIF is pointless since everyone and their brother has programs to edit it now lol.

The wisest thing to do is register any photos that are released in high resolution form. If they are then used without the photographers consent then the value of the photo PLUS punitive damages can be received. If the photo is not registered then only the value of the photo can be received. I know of many professional photographers that spend a large amount of their time and much of their income comes from copyright infringement issues.

[Tarzanman]

I take pretty alright photos of shit with a $250 Fuji Point-and-Shoot.
Music is the same way: when it's "go time," all the fancy gear in the world can't compensate for talent.

I disagree. With the advent of the auto-focusing DSLR camera, even Joe-the-Plumber's grandma can flip the dial all the way to full automatic and take high quality, high resolution photos. Composition is subjective, and very much a matter of taste... but a 'consumer' DSLR camera will do well in automatic mode for 90% of the situations people will take photos in.

Its not like years ago when you had to buy a high quality body, high quality film, a high quality lens *and* learn how to adjust the aperture for the ISO of the film and gauge the shutter speed for the exposure..... and after all that was done, you still had to rewind the film then take it to a good developer. All that stuff took time, effort, money, and know-how.

Nowadays, $500 will get you an entry level camera that takes better photos than top-of-the-line slr cameras from 15 years ago... and all you need is a computer to look at them. Its easy to become a decent photographer today. Just take a butt-ton of photos until you figure out what works and what doesn't. Todays cameras do 95% of the work for you. Just aim it and press the button.

I could teach a chimpanzee to shoot for a magazine (if I had enough bananas).

High quality photography has come to the masses. The same thing happened to the internet. When I started school, only the geekiest people had even ever heard of email, and only the UBER-NERDS were on the internet before AOL (try BBSs, Prodigy, and CompuServe).... and only the KINGS of the UBER-NERDS knew how to create web pages with HTML/PERL

Nowadays everyone and their freakin cat has a facebook with a gazillion pictures and multiple email/IM accounts. People will laugh in your face if you try to get a web design position without knowing HTML, Flash, PERL, Javascript, PHP, SQL and VBasic.

[Nemesis]

I could teach a chimpanzee to shoot for a magazine (if I had enough bananas).



Step back everyone, we got a fuckin hero right here. :lmfao:


btw...who are you? lol

[Tarzanman]

I'm Tarzanman. A junior member and not a member of any public groups. (Can't you read my profile?)

[Tarzanman]

EVIDENCE/PROOF

http://pro.corbis.com/images/LP002729.jpg?size=67&uid={6D160C0B-7A1C-4332-8731-515831984507}

[bandydesign]

^Do you take pictures?

Just looking for the ethos in your argument...

[JITB]

i think photo peeps have made taking pictures of cars too much.. Its simple to get a good picture..

Good location/Subject....and a half decent camera, and you got to have an eye for a good shot. Its like making music some people have that touch, some dont. You have ipod DJ's and you have turntable Dj's, you have photographers and post processors!

just an non photographer outsiders opinion..

[bandydesign]

EVIDENCE/PROOF

http://pro.corbis.com/images/LP002729.jpg?size=67&uid=%7B6D160C0B-7A1C-4332-8731-515831984507%7D

Are you corbis... or are you infringing on a copyright? :lmfao:
lmao... too asshole?

[CHADbee]

PHOTOSHOOT!!!!!!!

[bandydesign]

i think photo peeps have made taking pictures of cars too much.. Its simple to get a good picture..

Good location/Subject....and a half decent camera, and you got to have an eye for a good shot. Its like making music some people have that touch, some dont. You have ipod DJ's and you have turntable Dj's, you have photographers and post processors!

just an non photographer outsiders opinion..

I would consider myself a post processor! No shame in that! I'd love to be a DJ too ;)

[JITB]

I would consider myself a post processor! No shame in that! I'd love to be a DJ too ;)

nothin wrong with that.. :goodjob:

post processor's are neccesary! sometimes its too much....but its always nice to see it..

[bandydesign]

I struggle calling myself an artist when it comes to photography. I can produce good composition, but its only because I recognize it from seeing other people's photos.

[Tarzanman]

^Do you take pictures?
Just looking for the ethos in your argument...

Thats a fair question. I do take pictures. I'm not aspiring to be a pro, but then again I have sold a photo before.... I snap photos for fun, and believe that most of the commercial stuff you see around isn't exactly rocket science.

There are people out there who have a habit of taking more interesting images than others... but on this forum and others.... I see a lot of ragging on joe-blow who just bought his D40 with his kit lens.

Joe Blow might not know how to bracket his exposure for a high contrast shot, but he is only usually about 1-month's worth of practice away from having the same technical skill as some of these "pro" togs.

[DeutscheBAG!]

I disagree. With the advent of the auto-focusing DSLR camera, even Joe-the-Plumber's grandma can flip the dial all the way to full automatic and take high quality, high resolution photos. Composition is subjective, and very much a matter of taste... but a 'consumer' DSLR camera will do well in automatic mode for 90% of the situations people will take photos in.

Its not like years ago when you had to buy a high quality body, high quality film, a high quality lens *and* learn how to adjust the aperture for the ISO of the film and gauge the shutter speed for the exposure..... and after all that was done, you still had to rewind the film then take it to a good developer. All that stuff took time, effort, money, and know-how.

Nowadays, $500 will get you an entry level camera that takes better photos than top-of-the-line slr cameras from 15 years ago... and all you need is a computer to look at them. Its easy to become a decent photographer today. Just take a butt-ton of photos until you figure out what works and what doesn't. Todays cameras do 95% of the work for you. Just aim it and press the button.

I could teach a chimpanzee to shoot for a magazine (if I had enough bananas).

High quality photography has come to the masses. The same thing happened to the internet. When I started school, only the geekiest people had even ever heard of email, and only the UBER-NERDS were on the internet before AOL (try BBSs, Prodigy, and CompuServe).... and only the KINGS of the UBER-NERDS knew how to create web pages with HTML/PERL

Nowadays everyone and their freakin cat has a facebook with a gazillion pictures and multiple email/IM accounts. People will laugh in your face if you try to get a web design position without knowing HTML, Flash, PERL, Javascript, PHP, SQL and VBasic.



I disagree. With the advent of the auto-focusing DSLR camera, even Joe-the-Plumber's grandma can flip the dial all the way to full automatic and take high quality, high resolution photos. Composition is subjective, and very much a matter of taste... but a 'consumer' DSLR camera will do well in automatic mode for 90% of the situations people will take photos in.

True.

not like years ago when you had to buy a high quality body, high quality film, a high quality lens *and* learn how to adjust the aperture for the ISO of the film and gauge the shutter speed for the exposure..... and after all that was done, you still had to rewind the film then take it to a good developer. All that stuff took time, effort, money, and know-how
I'll give you that one too.I still rock a medium/format camera that takes Polaroids /Fuji 4x5 sheet film which has to be uploaded in total darkness. and to use the camera, gotta have know your stuff..Film is very very VERY unforgiving. And its only getting more expensive..i met up with a dude months back and was boasting how he was this professional. I tossed him my Canon A1-E and he looked at it like a closed waffle house. every shot he took came out FUCKED up.


easy to become a decent photographer today. Just take a butt-ton of photos until you figure out what works and what doesn't. Todays cameras do 95% of the work for you. Just aim it and press the button. True and true to an extent
everyone IA member and their grandma like u say is a photographer.(well, honestly, just fuckers that take pictures) Don't get me wrong, its great you want to learn and dig deep into it, but how dare you take that name when a good number of people don't even know how their camera truly fucking works.And whats funny to me most is, that these people dont understand that in the real world, your work can get YOU and your art director fired if its not up to their liking netherless if you don't know what the hell your doing..Unless your client doesn't have a eye to judge shit( like many members yelling sweet pic bro on here)

it's an insult to those really doing this grind on the daily.

Camera's do the work. true..all ya gotta do is push the button..FOr those that actually take photos, not pictures, its a lot more..Setting everything..differents in stops for your subjects, speed..correct exposure..and thats just the camera..and if your messing with lighthing, which will make or break your pic, its whole another world.. I've spent countless hours on getting my lighting and equipment set up, just to push that button like u say.. :rolleyes:


i could teach a chimpanzee to shoot for a magazine (if I had enough bananas)
Really? If you can teach a chimp to do a fashion shot like these, i'll give you all my cameras. And this more than just pushing a button
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/cine7th/1235170941419.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/cine7th/1237563430507.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/cine7th/1238190810713.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/cine7th/1235241736707.jpg

[bandydesign]

Thats a fair question. I do take pictures. I'm not aspiring to be a pro, but then again I have sold a photo before.... I snap photos for fun, and believe that most of the commercial stuff you see around isn't exactly rocket science.

There are people out there who have a habit of taking more interesting images than others... but on this forum and others.... I see a lot of ragging on joe-blow who just bought his D40 with his kit lens.

Joe Blow might not know how to bracket his exposure for a high contrast shot, but he is only usually about 1-month's worth of practice away from having the same technical skill as some of these "pro" togs.

Yeah, I have to be real careful with what I say... you can pull up my old threads and I'm doing all the things that I hate to see in photos now! I am happy with my photography now and I know that I can improve. My work simply gets outdated to me. One month my shots are of a whole different caliber as the next. I keep picking up techniques and gear. Basically, I can't say anything... I've gone through the JDM tilt angle phase, the outrageous HDR phase and I can't remember the half a dozen others.

[DeutscheBAG!]

Yeah, I have to be real careful with what I say... you can pull up my old threads and I'm doing all the things that I hate to see in photos now! I am happy with my photography now and I know that I can improve. My work simply gets outdated to me. One month my shots are of a whole different caliber as the next. I keep picking up techniques and gear. Basically, I can't say anything... I've gone through the JDM tilt angle phase, the outrageous HDR phase and I can't remember the half a dozen others.


we all been there bro

[puregroove]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/cine7th/1235241736707.jpg

Angeline Jolie? :eek:

[bandydesign]

we all been there bro

Its particularly refreshing to here that from you :bow:

[puregroove]

I began taking pictures/photos because of how creative you could be and to capture stuff. I'm not the best but I've learned a bit along the way. I don't do it for a living but have found that it's great to be able to take your own pictures when you're trying to promo something [marketing]. I've wanted to mess with lighting for the longest time, but the funds deplete, eventually.

To those daily grinding, much respect.

[Tarzanman]

Really? If you can teach a chimp to do a fashion shot like these, i'll give you all my cameras. And this more than just pushing a button


I could do it. Give me a hotshoe adapter with PC port, some alien bees, 3 crates of bananas, and one hungry chimp equipped with a Sony A200.

Not to poke fun, but glamour photography is a lot more than just you as the photographer. You could have perfect lighting, perfect settings, a kick ass backdrop, but then the laziest most un-interesting model in the world (or her clothes suck or the make-up/hair is all wrong, etc).

I do understand the point you are making....that there is another side to photography than cranking out perfectly focused, high resolution images. My observation/comment is that the people who understand this aren't usually threatened by the prospect of Peggy-Sue who just bought her 1DMark3 at best buy and wants to get into the business.

The haters (who might not have as much in the way that sets them apart) are quaking in their boots, though.

[DeutscheBAG!]

I could do it. Give me a hotshoe adapter with PC port, some alien bees, 3 crates of bananas, and one hungry chimp equipped with a Sony A200.

Not to poke fun, but glamour photography is a lot more than just you as the photographer. You could have perfect lighting, perfect settings, a kick ass backdrop, but then the laziest most un-interesting model in the world (or her clothes suck or the make-up/hair is all wrong, etc).

I do understand the point you are making....that there is another side to photography than cranking out perfectly focused, high resolution images. My observation/comment is that the people who understand this aren't usually threatened by the prospect of Peggy-Sue who just bought her 1DMark3 at best buy and wants to get into the business.

The haters (who might not have as much in the way that sets them apart) are quaking in their boots, though.

Agreed..and your absolutely right.. but your gonna need more than alien bee's for those shots..and chimp are evil fuckers..I had a teacher that was attacked by them a few years ago on a shoot. they might be small but they will fuck you up

[speedminded]

I could do it. Give me a hotshoe adapter with PC port, some alien bees, 3 crates of bananas, and one hungry chimp equipped with a Sony A200.

Not to poke fun, but glamour photography is a lot more than just you as the photographer. You could have perfect lighting, perfect settings, a kick ass backdrop, but then the laziest most un-interesting model in the world (or her clothes suck or the make-up/hair is all wrong, etc).

I do understand the point you are making....that there is another side to photography than cranking out perfectly focused, high resolution images. My observation/comment is that the people who understand this aren't usually threatened by the prospect of Peggy-Sue who just bought her 1DMark3 at best buy and wants to get into the business.

The haters (who might not have as much in the way that sets them apart) are quaking in their boots, though.A good photographer can make something out of any situation or subject though. The question is can they do it to the expectations of the client.

The only problem with every Joe Blow getting a higher-end camera is they sometimes are willing to do things for nothing. With the current economy causing continuous advertising budget cuts, magazines dropping like flies, etc. Magazines, ad firms, promoters, etc. are taking advantage of the Joe Blow's. The work ethic and composition may not be there 100% but they are willing to work with what they get to save the almighty buck putting the pro's out on the curb...

[Tracy]

I am on the bandwagon as soon as I get a new camera :) SUCK IT! I'll take pics of cars in the grass, use HDR to death and I will even use flash when it's not necessary and I will call it all a photoshoot :tongue1: Now what?

www.flickr.com/photos/tracyshayhorn add me

[AndyStacy]

A good photographer can make something out of any situation or subject though. The question is can they do it to the expectations of the client.

The only problem with every Joe Blow getting a higher-end camera is they sometimes are willing to do things for nothing. With the current economy causing continuous advertising budget cuts, magazines dropping like flies, etc. Magazines, ad firms, promoters, etc. are taking advantage of the Joe Blow's. The work ethic and composition may not be there 100% but they are willing to work with what they get to save the almighty buck putting the pro's out on the curb...


x2.



Back when i started photography as a hobby, i didn't think it would take me anywhere, its just something i did when i got bored. Took a couple courses in high school and some in college learning film development, composition, proper exposure techniques, etc.

Now i actually work at a studio, and it pays my bills, i shoot cars on the side, as well as portraits n stuff. The key thing is, that i still have fun doing it.

The only difference between a photographer and a "picture-taker" is determination.

My whole thing is, i started somewhere, entry level slr and whatnot, some people inspired me, i worked hard at it, and its gotten me a long way, i still have a LOOOOONG way to go before i would EVER call myself a professional. I am just a serious amateur.


So if you like taking pictures, want to learn more about the art of photography, then by all means, if your budget supports it, buy what you want. But if you think its going to be a hobby, (like i started) buy something sensible then upgrade when need be. I started off with a sony P&S, i still use it sometimes actually. haha but i have upgraded my gear because what i was shooting demanded something a little more versitile.


:cheers: Happy Shooting Everyone!

[james]

<3 Canon




:yes:

[CHADbee]

x2.



Back when i started photography as a hobby, i didn't think it would take me anywhere, its just something i did when i got bored. Took a couple courses in high school and some in college learning film development, composition, proper exposure techniques, etc.

Now i actually work at a studio, and it pays my bills, i shoot cars on the side, as well as portraits n stuff. The key thing is, that i still have fun doing it.

The only difference between a photographer and a "picture-taker" is determination.

My whole thing is, i started somewhere, entry level slr and whatnot, some people inspired me, i worked hard at it, and its gotten me a long way, i still have a LOOOOONG way to go before i would EVER call myself a professional. I am just a serious amateur.


So if you like taking pictures, want to learn more about the art of photography, then by all means, if your budget supports it, buy what you want. But if you think its going to be a hobby, (like i started) buy something sensible then upgrade when need be. I started off with a sony P&S, i still use it sometimes actually. haha but i have upgraded my gear because what i was shooting demanded something a little more versitile.


:cheers: Happy Shooting Everyone!
if you work at a studio and 90% of your income comes from photography then you are a full blown Pro like it or not LOL

[AndyStacy]

if you work at a studio and 90% of your income comes from photography then you are a full blown Pro like it or not LOL




eh, the word "pro" was so 2007.



hahaha

[rbf]

I began taking pictures/photos because of how creative you could be

:yes: That is exactly why I "take pictures" it is for pure enjoyment.I'd love to do it for a living.Is my work good enough? do I even have the correct equipment? HECK NO! but atleast I have fun doing something I love $100 camera or not.

[Nemesis]

I am on the bandwagon as soon as I get a new camera :) SUCK IT! I'll take pics of cars in the grass, use HDR to death and I will even use flash when it's not necessary and I will call it all a photoshoot :tongue1: Now what?

www.flickr.com/photos/tracyshayhorn add me


Tracy can join meh bandwagon any time. :boobies:

[DJ Maestro]

Tracy can join meh bandwagon any time. :boobies:

You are such a hoe Whore-Hay. :lmfao:

[Nemesis]

You are such a hoe Whore-Hay. :lmfao:

hey just tryin to help a future photographer :hot:

[Brian*]

This is why I'm going to take a class at NGTC on photography... I just want to be able to do it for my own sake lol

[Nemesis]

This is why I'm going to take a class at NGTC on photography... I just want to be able to do it for my own sake lol


Some of the best photographers Ive ever met are self taught...