Starting a general Photography hints thread

[Ross]

In another thread, a thought came up to create a new forum area for photography and I expressed the thought there probably isn't enough interest. In light of finding out if this is the case I am starting this thread. The purpose of my post is to give some pointers from the more experienced. I hope to see Nico join in here on this thread.

Pointer #1 - Black is getting boring. Just my opinion, but black backgrounds have become cliche, lately. And the lighting is usually underexposed. I suggest trying more natural backgrounds or colors complimentary to the subject color. (I'm betting you're going to ask for examples, and I have them, just not this second.)

Pointer #2 - Don't zoom in close unless you KNOW your camera can focus that close. I really like to see detail in images and some close-ups lately have been soft. Perhaps bracing the camera on something (like a tripod?) would help? Use the flash if it helps with hand shake.

Pointer #3 - On the subject of blur. Blur is mostly caused by movement (unless covered by pointer #2). So movement can come from subject movement, or camera movement. Subject movement can be covered quite quickly, get the air movement stopped! Camera movement movement is usually due to slow shutter speed, palsy (sorry) or shaking hands. Get a tripod.

Pointer #4 - Exposure. I see a lot of underexposed images lately. I think this may be due to the old days of slides where we tended to underexpose a 1/3 stop to saturate colors. Modern digital cameras don't need (or want) this tendency. Trust your meter and view the image on a good, color controlled monitor. This may also be due to the desire to use black backgrounds all the time. Black backgrounds tend to saturate the colors more, but understate the exposure. If the subject really wants or deserves black, then overexpose a bit (I'd opt for 1/2 to 2/3 EV)

Hope this has been some help. The reaction from this thread may determine if we need or want a seperate forum for photography. (I suspect not.)

[Djarum Black]

Hiya Ross,

I got a question for ya

I got a Nikon D200 recently and am struggling to find a decent lens that will let me get REALLY close. Any suggestions please please

Just one factor..I can't spend more then say...500 dollars. LOL
Will that be totally impossible?

[dennis]

i just point and shoot. i will try to leave my shirt on next time so i am not over exposed.. seriously i have no idea what you mean by any of it well most of it

[Ross]

My abosolutely best recommend for D200 is Nikon 60mm f/2.8D Macro Autofocus Lens

I use this combo a lot. I have a D200 and 2 d1Xs and never fail to use this lens sometime during day! If your images aren't sharp, it's not the lens or camera combination! You will have a great combo there dude! Lens will go 1:1 easily (given proper support of camera).

[cb977]

I do the 'Point & Shoot' thing too but I'm always willing to learn more. I am never happy with my pictures when I use the black badkground...I'm doing something wrong

HELP!!!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by dennis

i just point and shoot. i will try to leave my shirt on next time so i am not over exposed.. seriously i have no idea what you mean by any of it well most of it

Don't "put down" point and shoots. I use a couple, on occasion, myself. It depends on your knowing their capabilities. Some get obscenely close in focus. But remember, the slightest movement on your part (see my label by my name,) means blur in the image. Set the camera on something steady, (not a partner, but something inanimate!) Most blur I see, nowadays, is NOT due to quality of camera, but capability of photographer! Sorry! But technology is such today that it doesn't take a lot of money to get really high quality images given sticking with certain principles. Hopefully we'll expound on those principles in this thread?!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by cb977

I do the 'Point & Shoot' thing too but I'm always willing to learn more. I am never happy with my pictures when I use the black badkground...I'm doing something wrong

HELP!!!

Nope! You probably are trying to copy an image you saw before. Black backgrounds are easy to copy, but not easy to do correctly (I really need to get a few images together - maybe tomorrow?! ) Most pros actually use a different technique we could really over-use here if given a chance --- take a picture of some "nothing" greenish background, but WAY out of focus. Then print the picture in large size - large enough to cover the background of the orchid you want to photograph. Then turn on the proper lights (you have lights, don't you ) then shoot away. You MUST be sure to NOT cast a shadow of the orchid on the background print. Background guaranteed to be out of focus, because it is out of focus!

[dennis]

i have a canon eos rebel

[Ross]

Originally Posted by dennis

i just point and shoot. i will try to leave my shirt on next time so i am not over exposed.. seriously i have no idea what you mean by any of it well most of it

I can barely imagine

[Djarum Black]

Originally Posted by rsfrid

My abosolutely best recommend for D200 is Nikon 60mm f/2.8D Macro Autofocus Lens

I use this combo a lot. I have a D200 and 2 d1Xs and never fail to use this lens sometime during day! If your images aren't sharp, it's not the lens or camera combination! You will have a great combo there dude! Lens will go 1:1 easily (given proper support of camera).

Thanks Dude!
I'm going to look for it online right now!

Your the best! Btw, I think my California is rubbing off on you lol. Let's go to the beach...like totally!