sallydouglas

<p>William comes to my rescue again!!!... Thank you kind sir for your advice... I will do EXACTLY as you suggest... And yes, I bit the bullet and purchased the D300s last week... I got a 16GB memory card too, which is a complete relief after using 2 x 256MB cards for 5 years!!!... The funny thing is, when I got the new camera out of the box and took some photo's, the miraculous improvement in my photography I was expecting did not appear!!!.... Ha Ha... So it really is true William, my skills and technique are lacking considerably, and it is not my camera after all!!!... Who would have guessed?...</p>

<p>Thanks Steve for your advice too...</p>

<p>Dan, the games will be outdoor, not indoor, and I would very much appreciate it if you could let me know how this affects your suggestions...</p>

<p>Hi DB... I mispoke earlier, I wasnt really ASKED to be the official photographer, I was kind of "volunteered" without any choice if you get my drift... I have read the camera manual about 5 times already, but was just looking for suggestions outside of this manual to ensure I am going about it the right way... Thanks for your advice and your post...</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi Everyone...<br>

I just purchased a Nikon D300s, an 16-85 AFS VR lens and a 70-300 AFS VR lens... I have been asked to be my daughters netball club "official photographer" for the season, and desperately need some advice, as I really have absolutely no idea what I am doing!!!... Everyone assumes that because I have a nice looking camera, I actually know how to use it!!!... I need to take action shots of the kids playing netball... I will be standing on the side line of the courts...<br>

What camera setting should I use to get the sharpest images I can, and freeze the motion really well?... What settings should I use for focus tracking?... What settings for exposure?... Most of the time it is a clear sunny day where I live, and the netball courts are either black bitumen, or a green tennis court like surface...<br>

I dont have time to experiment as the season starts this weekend and I really don't wont to look like a dill!!!!... Any help would be greatly appreciated... Thanks in advance... Sally...</p>

<p>Hi Philip...<br>

That quote is absolutely correct... As Melinda said, more photographs need to be taken, and less fuss about gear!...<br>

Oh no, I dont want to debate about cars!... That's not nearly explosive enough for my liking!...<br>

Lets do "Woman are far more intelligent than men!"... That should stir the pot a bit!...<br>

Also, I think we should all go for the Guinness Book Of Records title "the worlds longest photography forum thread, that's not about photography"...<br>

Ha Ha William... Why don't you bugger off, and get nicked at the same time!... (Oh, I do love being immature!)...</p>

<p>Hi Melinda...<br>

Thanks for your advice, it is good to hear from a beginner like myself...<br>

Any you are absolutely right, I have been doing the exact same thing, spending too much time worrying about gear, and not enough time actually taking photos!...<br>

But thats all about to change, now that I have come to the conclusion that my Nikon D70 is just fine for now, I just need to learn to USE IT PROPERLY!...<br>

Thanks for your post and best wishes...<br>

Sally...</p>

 

<p>Hi Philip...<br>

I just got one yesterday!...<br>

And yes, lets!... Maybe I can come up with another controversial word to have some fun with!...<br>

I dont think this has been a silly thread!... I have gained an awful lot from it... It has helped me considerably in making a decision, and is that not the purpose?... I am extremely happy about it and very grateful to those who have given advice and contributed!... This information is very valuable to a beginner who knows nothing about anything...<br>

Sally...</p>

<p>Thanks John...</p>

<p>Mikael, you are most welcome!...<br>

I would really be interested to find out how things went... Let me know...<br>

Sally...</p>

<p>Hi Mikael...<br>

I am a beginner, and this is what I suggest...<br>

The first thing anyone taught me that got me really interested in photography was composition... The photographer explained to me how composition can make any subject interesting... He put an orange on a tree stump and said "photograph it"... Of course, I just framed it at eye level and took a shot... Then he took his camera, and took the most amazing photo from overhead, on a slight angle, capturing both the orange the wood grain beautifully... In that instant, I was captivated, and spent the next hour looking at the orange and the tree stump in a completely new way... The photographer and I got into this competition on who could take the most interesting photo, and much fun was had by both... It did not matter one bit at that stage about lighting, exposure, DOF etc, it was all about creativity and fun...<br>

The second thing I would suggest is the search for a subject... The photographer and I went walking in the bush, and he asked me to find something interesting to shoot... I was perplexed, as it was all so similar, and I ended up taking a photo of a tree straight on... He then got his camera, and proceeded to take the most amazing photos of trees at all angles, leaves, bugs, spider webs, twigs, branches, flowers tunnels in the foliage etc... The lesson I learnt from this is that there is ALWAYS something interesting to shoot, you just have to LOOK for it... This led to another hour of competition between us on who could find the most INTERESTING OBJECT to photograph... It was on again, it was exciting, challenging, and a great deal of fun...<br>

The next lesson I was taught was to take this fun and creativity into my own life, and photograph my world as I see it... I began to take photos of EVERYTHING!!... My house, animals, family, friends, belongings, my environment and day to day activities... This taught me that I could express myself through images, and it became an outlet for my imagination... My photographer friend requested that I put together for him a series of 20 photographs that were a reflection of my life... This was a fantastic experience for me, as it prompted me to view my world from another plane, and it was remarkable what I discovered...<br>

He then spent a lot of time LOOKING through at my shots, and from them he voiced his UNDERSTANDING of my world... He made me feel really good about my efforts, and I loved him for it...<br>

From then on, I could not wait to begin on the projects that were given to me, and attacked them with all the enthusiasm I could muster!!...<br>

Of course, once all this had been established, we began to go into the more technical aspects such as exposure, DOF, lighting etc...<br>

I truly believe if my photographer friend had not created this INTEREST in photography through fun and games to begin with, I would not be pursuing it now...<br>

If you only have 8 sessions, my advice would be to not focus too much on the technical side of things, but promote the fun and creativity side of things... To kids DOF, exposure etc will soon become boring and they will lose interest... <br>

Also, I would not be too worried about having a curriculum set in stone... Let yourself be led by the kids, what interests them, what projects they would like to undertake etc...<br>

All of us, especially teens, crave recognition and to be heard... So recognise each and every one of them individually, make them feel important, give them plenty of your time, and listen to every word they say... If you do this, you will have their ATTENTION!!... Unless you have this, you cannot teach them anything...<br>

Be a part of their group, be on their level, have your camera in your hand at all times, and take shots WITH them... There is nothing more boring that someone on a podium spewing out fancy words about a subject...<br>

Anyway, I hope this has helped a little... This is a very exciting project, and I wish I could participate in it with you...<br>

I would wish you good luck, but something tells me being the generous soul you are, you will not need it... You will smash it out of the park...<br>

Sally...</p>

 

<p>Hi Everyone...<br>

As part of my study course, I have been asked to describe my thought process prior to taking a photo...<br>

My method at present is I see something interesting and shoot it, and basically hope for the best!... (I am fairly certain great photographers dont use this method!!...)<br>

I would really appreciate some advice as to what other photographers <strong>think </strong> about before they take a shot... What mental checklists do you all go through, both technically and creativity wise, and how do you think about the final image prior to shooting it?...<br>

At this point in time, my creativity is under developed and more or less caged up somewhere inside of me... I am working hard to bring it out, but am having trouble...I have spent so many years being an accountant!!!...<br>

Thanks in advance...<br>

Sally...</p>

<p>Hi Dick... Thanks for your moral support, it was really nice of you... There is one "gentleman" left in the world afterall... I was beginning to lose hope!... I like being a hoot, who wants to be BORING!... Take care...<br>

Hi Riley... Love the cartoon... It made me laugh...<br>

I have been speaking to many pro photographers from Australia over the last week or so (around 20 or so), and 17 stated in no uncertain terms, that they use Canon gear because it gives them better results... This is not my opinion, so dont fire away at me!... It was what I was told by the pro's collectively...<br>

Funny thing is after all of this, I was speaking to a tech at Nikon in the USA today, and he actually stated to me that the results of in depth testing over the past months, did in fact indicate that both Nikon and Canon bodies were more or less on par, but Canon lenses were superior to Nikon... He said the Nikon lenses are much "softer" than Canon, and if it was "sharpness" I was after, I should go with Canon... Fancy that...<br>

I also visited a retail outlet that specialises in pro gear, and had a good look at everything available... I am still going to stick with Nikon, as the camera feels better in my hands than the Canon...<br>

Thanks again to everyone who offered terrific advice throughout this forum post... I have really learnt a lot...<br>

Sally...</p>

<p>Oh William... You are funny!... "Get Nicked" is a good one too... What about "Get Stuffed?"...</p>

<p>Hi Mark...<br>

Thanks for the tip, I will go and have a look... I will run my next question by the "forum police" to determine if its suitable or not...lol... Dont want any of those scary pitchforks at my door!... I'm from Downunder too... Maybe we folk just see things a little differently...<br>

Sally...</p>

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Hi William...<br>

You have quoted a statement from my profile, and it is true... I welcome and appreciate all criticism, both good and bad, about my PHOTOGRAPHY!... If I posted a photo and another photographer said it was terrible, I wouldn't be offended in the least, I would ask him why it was terrible, and what I could improve upon... What I do not welcome and appreciate is ridicule of my naivety and lack of knowledge... Any comment that is mean spirited and plain out demeaning is not welcomed or appreciated by anybody...<br>

And William, none of my silly comments were directed at you!... You were the one who made me realise the reason I cannot get the images I want are not because of my gear, but because my technique is lacking... I am now resolved to work harder in this area and stop thinking it is my gear thats the problem... This was a fantastic piece of advice, and I really appreciate it...<br>

I do harvest comment constantly... I constantly ask for photo critiques, when I see a photo I like, I post a note asking how it was done... I am hungry for criticism, and seek it out all the time... I just don't tolerate idiots well who like to belittled others... It irks me...<br>

I absolutely don't see anything wrong with telling an idiot to bugger off if they so deserve it...What can I say, I am an Australian woman, I am blunt and outspoken, and a bit silly sometimes too, aren’t we all?...<br>

You are right, the purpose of the thread is to seek knowledge, and from now on I will adjudicate comments privately as per your advice, and promptly throw rubbish into the bin where it belongs without a second thought…<br>

<!-- [if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!-- [endif]--><br>

Hi Wouter…<br>

I would NEVER tell anyone who tried to help me to bugger off, but these people did not try to help me, they just wanted to make a smart alec comment at the expense of another…<br>

I truly and honestly do not see how the question I posed “deserved” responses like these… I really don’t…<br>

However, I do appreciate your comments and say thank you…</p>

<p ><!-- [if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!-- [endif]--></p>

 

<p>Hi William...<br>

Thanks for taking the time to comment... Your advice is very sound indeed... I really appreciate your offer of help, it is extremely generous and kind, and I would absolutely love to take you up on it...<br>

I am totally aware that the silly backwards and forwards chatter is a complete waste of time, but honestly, those irrelevant and unhelpful comments give me the stirks, and I just couldnt help myself... Its very immature of me I know, but I enjoyed it nonetheless...<br>

On the serious side of things, this is what I have learned from this forum thread to date :<br>

- the debate regarding the Nikon v Canon issue is a hot and voliatile topic, and not to be entered into by beginners!!!...<br>

- it would probably be better for me to do some initial research in the PhotoNet forum histories prior to listing a question, as many of them have already been answered... Then I can be more specific in my requests for information...<br>

- I am absolutely nowhere near ready to purchase new equipment at this stage, I will know when the time is right, and I will know what gear I will need... This knowledge will come with more experience and research...<br>

- Nikon products are just a good as Canon, and each brand has its pro's and con's depending on the required application and relevant field of photography...<br>

- I need to work harder on my technique, as it is my inexperience that is responsible for my not being able to get the shot it want with my D70...<br>

- purchasing pro gear will not help me achieve better photo's... Practise, perserverence and the gaining of a deeper knowledge and understanding of photography will... It is not about the gear, its about the person holding the camera...<br>

- a GREAT photographer can take a GREAT photograph with the lowliest of equipment...<br>

and finally...<br>

- there will ALWAYS be idiots who insist on putting their useless two bob opinions into the mix, offering nothing helpful or constructive... <strong>These are to be ignored</strong> ...<br>

All in all, this has been a very informative forum thread, and I am very grateful to all those who contributed...<br>

Best wishes to all...<br>

Sally...</p>

<p> </p>

<p><em><strong>When you can really put pro caliber gear to use, you wont have to ask what you should get. You'll know already. </strong> </em><br>

Thank you John... This is really the answer I was looking for... You are 100% correct, and I can see your point clearly...<br>

Lex, thanks for your advice, it is very informative and gave me clarity as to what to do... I am now sure that it is best to keep going with my Nikon D70, until I decide what field of photography I want to pursue, and THEN see what gear will suit the best... I realise now that I need to improve my skills considerably prior to making any purchases, and the D70 is absolutely good enough to help me do that... It is really nice of you to take the time to help me, and it is very much appreciated... You are a gentleman indeed...<br>

Wouter, I am only a BEGINNER... How am I to know this is a controversial and fire filled topic amongst photographers?... I have only been taking photos for A FEW MONTHS... I know NOTHING about gear, that is WHY I AM ASKING PEOPLE WHO DO KNOW here in the <strong>BEGINNERS FORUM</strong> !!!...Yes, after reading all the posts made it appears that my question was a little naive, I probably should be shot for it!!!...<br>

JDM, thank you so much for the time and effort you put in to help me with my dilemma... The link you provided me with really gave me an insight into which camera equipment to purchase!!!... In fact, your comments encompassed so much wisdom and insight, I was astounded!!!... What would the BEGINNERS FORUM do without you?... (Hey, I hope you are not offended by my sarcasm!!)... I have added a little footnote to assist you with your LIABILITY...<br>

<em>Q. Why is it that some people feel an overwhelming and uncontrolled need to demean and belittle others?... <br /> </em><br>

<em>A. The act of belittling another has the purpose of lowering that persons self esteem, whilst temporarily heightening that of the offender. In reality people who belittle others tend to already have a rather low self esteem which is why they attempt to fix it by putting others down.</em><br>

<em>The effect is rather like that of a see saw. As the importance of the victim falls, the importance of the perpetrator seems to rise. This rise is short lived and has no real value, which is why the act is repeated continuously as the perpetrator seeks to try and solve their own problem.</em></p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi Everyone...<br>

To the many who have offered me solid, constructive advice, I am most grateful and thank you deeply for taking the time to answer...(Especially you Thomas Sullivan)...<br>

To those few who offered nothing but smart alec, sarcastic comments, which lack both knowledge and decorum, you can bugger off!!!... I am only new to photography, and am trying to learn and develop the best I can... I don't have much knowledge or experience, and I am highly offended that you would belittle my attempts at learning and seeking advice...If you have nothing decent to bring to the table, dont come to dinner!!!...<br>

After some research and the gathered opinions from some great photographers on PhotoNet, I have decided to stay with Nikon, as I really love the feel of my D70...<br>

Thanks again... Best wishes... Sally...</p>

<p>Hi Everyone... I have been asking questions about Nikon gear for a while now, as it was my assumption that Nikon make the best cameras and lenses... But today, I have had a conversation with a pro, who suggested to me that Canon equipment has overtaken Nikon in price, quality and popularity... He said that MOST professional photographers these days prefer Canon over Nikon for image quality... He also suggested that the Nikon name has fallen from grace considerably over the last few years, and more and more rapidly Canon is becoming the number one choice for professional photographers... This poses a predicament for me, as I am at the stage in my photography where I am nearly ready to update all my gear to professional standards... I currently have a Nikon D70, but want to get a more advanced body, new zoom lenses, and a couple of really good prime lenses... I am now in a total quandry about all this, so thought it best to ask as many photographers as I can the questions 1) what is their choice of camera 2) why have they made this choice 3) is the image quality from a Canon superior to a Nikon... The problem I have with the D70 is it is extremely difficult to get good crisp shots off the tripod in low light... It constantly frustrates me, as I miss shots that I could achieve with more advanced gear... I dont want to go out and buy all new Nikon equipment only to find out that Canon is superior... Please help me in clarifying this situation... Many thanks... Sally...</p>

<p>Hi everyone... I have a Nikon D70, an 18-70mm and a 70-300mm lens... My photography is progressing to the stage where I would like to invest in my first prime lens... I can only afford one at the moment, so which one is best to get first... I mainly want to use it for taking portraits of people and animals... I like Nikon and want to stick with this brand... Also, some time in the future I want to purchase a new camera body with a bigger sensor and more megapixels, but this can wait until I am more experienced, so the prime lens I buy must be able to work with a more professional Nikon camera... What does everyone suggest?... Thanks for your help in advance... Sally...</p>

<p>Thanks guys... I get it now... Sally...</p>

<p>Hi... Can anyone tell me what bokeh is?... I see it quite often in comments, and have no idea what is meant by this... Thanks... Sally...</p>

<p>Hi everyone...<br>

You all have convinced me... I am going to keep the D70 body for now... It works perfectly, although it is 5 years old and has never been serviced, so I am going to put it in with Nikon for a good check, clean etc...<br>

I am going to invest in the Nikon AFS 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6GVR Zoom lens, which I should be able to pick up for about $650 AUD duty free... I really do not know enough about prime lenses to make any decisions or purchases yet, and will let my learning guide me on this one...I will purchase a really good tripod, a really good camera bag to keep my gear in top condition, and some new memory card with more capacity (I only have 256's and am forever changing card)... <br>

You are all absolutely right in your advice, I need to practice and learn a lot more before making any decisions about new gear... It is no point purchasing something just to have it now when my knowledge is so limited... Better off getting some more experience and then buying something when I know is it really what I need...<br>

<br /> I want to say a big THANK YOU for all your fantastic advice and comments... I really appreciate the time and thought that was put into helping me with this... You guys are just terrific!!!...<br>

Best wishes to all... Sally...</p>

<p><br /> </p>

<p>Hi JC... Thank for taking the time to post an answer... I understand what you are saying, and really appreciate your tenderness... You are a gentleman indeed... But this is my way of doing things... I am just a very stubborn, driven and passionate female... I don't want to be patient... I don't want to carry bags for years and sort out other peoples cables etc... I WANT TO BE ABLE TO TAKE REALLY GREAT PHOTOGRAPHS!!!... I want to be highly proficient in Photoshop... I want to make people happy by taking great photos of the things in life that MEAN something to them... I want to take photos of things that people can hang on their walls and reflect upon with joy through out their lifetimes!!!... I know I am over zealous and extremely blunt, but most people go about their lives just waiting in hope for something to come their way... I am simply not one of these people... You have to trust me on this JC, I will get to where I want to go... If this does not work, then I will try something else and I WILL make it happen... I have finally found my passion, and that's very exciting... Sally...</p>

<p>Oh... I want to learn EVERYTHING!!!!... I want to learn anything that anyone is willing to teach me... If I am going to be a pro, then I want to be a damn good one... Yes, I expect to be taught free of charge, that's what mentors do... They do it because they have a love of a similar interest, and take great joy in sharing their knowledge and helping to develop another persons creative mind... I am not looking for anything or anyone specific, just anyone with knowledge to share because they have a passion for photography as I do... I have been a mentor to many in another field, and have considered it a priviledge...</p>

<p>Hi... I am an amateur photographer, and have just started some studies as I want to become a pro... I live in a semi-rural area, and do not know anyone else who is as passionate about photography as I am... I want to start working as a pro as soon as possible, so my mission in life at the moment is LEARN, LEARN and LEARN more... The problem I am having is that when I post a photo and request a critique, the responses are always a bit vague and light... Even with my studies, the feedback from the teachers is not structured and analytical enough for me... They have many other students who need their attention also... What I need is someone experienced with loads of talent who is willing to help me by giving in depth critiques, and teach me how to improve my photography shot by shot... I am smart, hard working, and willing to do whatever it takes to saturate my mind with knowledge... I will not muck around and waste anybodys time, so if you think you can help me, I would be literally jumping up and down with joy... I need a mentor!!!... Sally...</p>

<p>This is amazing!!!... Thanks to all for your fantastic advice... I really appreciate it... I did not realise I would get such great advice... Maybe if I clarify my situation a bit, you guys could narrow it down even further for me...<br>

I have about $5K AUD to spend... A friend of mine is an air hostess, and can get stuff 20% cheaper than the Duty Free price for me... So this is my budget...<br>

My initial goal is to start a small business in my local area (semi-rural) as a portrait/general photographer... I want to take photo's of people and the things they love... Their kids, families, pets, homes, special occasions etc... I want to take photo's that people will hang on their walls because they love the content of the images, and those images MEAN something to them... I have no desire to run around the world taking landscape shots, or sit around photographing birds and bugs etc...<br>

I want to take shots late in the afternoon for soft lighting, so will need a camera that has high performance in this area... This is the scope of work I need gear for...<br>

I would rather get really good gear now while I have the money, and use the camera to help teach me... I will need something that gives really high quality images, that may be printed quite large...<br>

I have a tripod, but its really crappy and the camera will not sit level on it... What are the best brands to buy, and what features should I look for?...<br>

I had a really good computer built for me to specialise in graphics with plenty of RAM, I have ACDsee Photo Manager 2009, and Adobe Photoshop 6...<br>

You guys are terrific!!... Please keep the advice coming... The guys in the camera shops around here are totally useless...<br>

Thanks again... Sally...</p>

<p>Hi... I am just starting out in photography and am new to PhotoNet... I am spending a lot of time learning PS, and am unsure about my techniques... I think they are sort of OK, but would like to compare what I do with an image, to what an expert would do to this same image... I know its a big ask, but could anyone who is really proficient in PS play with this image I have attached, and put it back up with their interpretation?... I am mainly interested in B&W conversion and lighting techniques... I need to know what is possible to bring to an image, so I know in which direction to head... To anyone who takes the time to help me out with this, thank you so much... Sally...</p><div></div>