gabi_bass

<p>I'm on this site alot because of the wealth of information and experience shared and because of the ease of use. I like Ken Rockwell's site and lately SLR Photography because it is newbie friendly. <br>

The things I look for when I google to get information about photography & DSLR is an easy to use website. DPReview ...is ok, but I don't like the black background because it bothers my eyes !<br>

My interest is in portrait and wide-angle...So if you have any other suggestion for sites for me to visit, please post them !</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Wow. Really ?!<br>

G Dan Mitchell said it best. <br>

I'm new to owning my own DSLR and have read so many articles on photography and what's the best equipment. It's all a matter of preference. It's what you do with the equipment that really matters.<br>

Nonetheless, quality equipment is very important to me, and there is plenty to choose from. I choose Canon originally..but when I held the Nikon it just felt better in my hands. Can you imagine if we didn't have any choices ? I guess then'd we'd have nothing to write about...no vs. ?</p>

 

<p>I think I'm becoming a Prime & Bokeh hound. Today I was out on an engagement shoot with a friend/pro-photographer ......and the shots we were getting with her new 85mm f/1.4 were, as someone else described on here, "bokeh-licious" ! I also read on another post as it being a cream machine...(VERY FUNNY!)<br /> Of course I can't afford/justify buying that $1200 lens right now so I might settle for the f1.4 Is there really that much difference between f1.4 & f1.8?</p>

<p>I was all for the Canon T2i when I started looking for a dslr. It just took me going into Best Buy and comparing Nikon's and Canon's. I prefer the ergonomics of my Nikon dslr over Canon. That's all it took. </p>

<p> </p>

<p>I think I will have plenty to play with for awhile. Thanks for all the information ! ~g</p>

<p>Peter - I have decided on the 10-24 and the 16-85 Nikon lenses to start with. Who knows what I will bless myself with later !<br>

Ramon - I am Christian/Non-Denomination. We have a very laid back style to our services. Our photographer uses flash all the time for different kinds of events, so I won't have that to worry about. ;o)<br>

Lenses are like shoes, if you keep looking, you will find more glass to buy ! </p>

<p>Ramon - My awesome husband bought the D90 Kit for me, otherwise I would have purchased the body only. </p>

<p>The 24-70 is $1600 ! I think I will probably stick with the 16-85 for $630. It's out-of-stock at B&H, so I will have to look around for it. It has good reviews and the price is much more feasible for my budget. I only have $4000 to spend and I want to keep some cash on-hand for any additional accessories I might need like filters, etc..</p>

<p>Right now, I don't think I will need/want one of those super zooms that go up to 200 or 300. </p>

<p>Peter - I've searched what I'm sure was the end of the internet and actually gone out to a very popular camera store, Arlington Camera, and looked at some of the bags. I did like the Domke, but ....and see, there can be no but when I buy something. I'm an all or nothing, chic shutterbug kinda girl. Is it wrong to look good while you're shooting ? ;o)<br>

You wouldn't believe how long it took me to decide between Canon and Nikon. (MONTHS!) <br>

I hate when I have money to burn and can't make a decision..and I definitely don't want to involve the husband..lol. he would tell me to get the kit lens, try it out...etc. But I believe it's a waste of my benjamins that could go towards something of better quality. <br>

So as of now, it's down to 2 lenses....and the only reasons I chose the 10-24 is because it's Nikon and that extra mm. The Tokina and Nikon lenses in that range are so close. Hmm....</p>

<p>Ramon - I have a decided on an over-sized leather purse already that my seamstress is making slots for like the epiphanie line ;o)<br>

Camera bags/backpacks are not for me. I've looked at Thinktank, Domke, lowepro, etc...They are so touristy looking. The new camera purses that are out on the market now are made with pleather/synthetic leather which I can't stand.</p>

<p>I'm leaning towards the Nikons... 10-24 and/or 16-85, which if I get both is $1500 in lenses. But isn't that "overlapping" ? Only the 10-24 doesn't have VR.</p>

<p> So basically I'm still wondering what to get after the 10-24.</p>

 

<p>Thanks so much for all the opinions and responses ! I am overloaded with options now..which isn't a bad thing. I believe in researching extensively before making an expensive decision (thanks to the training of my debt-free husband!)</p>

<p>Peter - I consider myself an enthusiast because this is not my primary means of support and I'm new to DSLR's....but I'm confident behind the camera and want quality products. Plastic mount lenses would probably not be a good idea for me. I'm careful, but heavy-handed, so I will use this in helping me decide what lens to purchase.</p>

<p>I would love to go all the way Nikon to satisfy my OCD-ism...For example, I would never wear a pair of Puma socks with a pair of Nike shoes, but that's just me.</p>

<p>I want the wide-angle for fun and to experiment with. I live in DFW, TX and there's plenty of space here to capture in a wide-angle lens. </p>

<p>I need an excellent portrait lens, whether it's a prime or zoom that will be used some for church, but mostly for friends, family & inside the house/low light conditions.</p>

<p>As far as the zoom is concerned, I'm not sure how much I need. I won't be doing any weddings anytime soon with my equipment. </p>

<p>So after all the opinions and comments, I may rent some lenses to experiment with to see what works best for me. I will make a final decision and post what I end up purchasing ! </p>

<p>Peter - I was thinking the same thing about the plastic mount. I think I will send the 18-105mm back. What is your opinion about the 18-200 ?<br>

I was looking at Capture NX2...playing with the tutorials. I've never had any PP software, so I will be new to this part of photography. I want to shoot in raw then convert to jpeg. I am concentrating on good composition and good exposure. Unfortunately, I can't nail everything in-camera, so I will want to update other factors later.</p>

 

 

<p>I have recently purchased the D90 18-105mm kit. I want to purchase a wide angle lens for sure and possibly a fixed portrait lens. I will be using my equipment to assist the photographer at church and for personal use.</p>

<p>The Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 AT-X is my first choice. I probably can't be talked out of this one. ($599.90!)</p>

<p>My question is, do I need to buy the Nikon 50mm f/1.8d AF($124.95) to get better low light images if I already have that range in the 18-105mm? I'm also questioning my flash. Should I get the SB400 or 600 ? These are the basics I have purchased so far from B&H:</p>

<p>D90 kit with 18-105mm VR $1099.95<br>

SanDisk 8GB SDHC memory card $39.95<br>

Spare Battery $39.24<br>

Capture NX2 $ 123.95<br>

Op-Tech USA neoprene pouch $19.95<br>

RS-W1 Camera Strap $19.95<br>

(camera bag/purse is still up for debate)<br>

I also will be using ProPhoto Blog $279/BlueHost $85<br>

Feel free to suggest other items I will need...</p>

<p>Money is not really the issue because My Love (husband) gave me a budget of $4000 total for everything. I want to get quality equipment, not really into third party lenses, other than that Tokina listed up there ! <br>

Thanks for your suggestion and opinions in advance !</p>

 

 

<p>funny...</p>

<p>I was reading another thread and decided to investigate the R Strap by Black Rapid Inc. Apparently they will have a women's version out this summer. I'm sure that only means some prettiness added to an already functionable strap....but I'm loving it ! </p>

<p>"The RS-W1 is BlackRapid's introduction to designing a camera strap specifically for women. Part of the award winning R-Strap line, the RS-W1 is the world's first camera strap that focuses on the perfect fit for the female. While maintaining the traditional "Built for Speed" design, our designers added a sleek curve highlighted with an elegant but slight pattern accent. This RS-W1 provides comfort, speed, and durability along with graceful styling." - Black Rapid Inc.<br>

Available in Summer 2010</p>

<p>I heart the Souldier straps !!!<br>

I'm sold! I just have to figure out which strap I want ! or I could just get all three !?<br>

Hendrix BLK/RED or WINE - for the love of Jimi Hendrix and the vintage diva I am <br>

Lotus RED - self regeneration; Every cause -- be it action, word or thought -- will imprint an effect that can be seen in this lifetime or in future lives. <br>

or Lovebirds - for the lover in me <br>

Can anyone tell me what's the best length to get ?</p>

<p>~gabi<br>

peace.love.photography.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I just got married 2 months ago. I didn't look for my photographer based on gender. I just happened to find a guy on facebook and I liked his photography style so he is who I went with.<br>

The gender issue happens in other professions as well. I am a massage therapist, and most men and women prefer and request a female therapist. Massage therapy is a female dominated profession.<br>

My own preference is male when receiving a massage as well as my preference with my OB/GYN. </p>

<p> </p>

<p>That's right Cally. You just have to get out there and do it. My Husband laughed at me when we were downtown Fort Worth and and woman wanted us to take some survey..I told him to tell her no because we didn't have time for that...pulling his arm as he listened to her go on and on about some political/voting stuff. But then, a woman came up to us and asked us to take her and husband's picture with her dslr....and I was BEEMING to do that ! <br>

So, I made a list of all my cute cousins and their babies, friend's kids, etc that would love some free photo time...and it gives me some practice !</p>

<p>wow. I would just chalk this up to experience and watermark/copyright all your work from this point on and make sure you have something on your website explaining how to get copies of photos, etc.</p>

 

<p>It's a busy photo..but I like it !</p>

<p>I'm working my way through it Peter. Good information! Thanks for the post !</p>

<p>I saw that the other day ! I don't plan on going underwater with a camera like ever, so I won't miss out ...</p>

<p>Like Jess H, I went with the Epiphanie Lola as well. It runs for $167 ...<br>

I love it and we will see how it works as a first bag for me. I would prefer leather and sent the creator of this bag an email asking is she had any more options for material other than pleather.<br>

Anyway, camera bags are ugly and shout "HEY THERE'S A CAMERA IN HERE !!" Being that I will be carrying $$$ costly equipment, I wanted a disguise for my gear.<br>

My other options were, buying a leather purse or bag that I loved, ripping the insides out and getting my seamstress to work me up something like the Ciesta, since you can't get that domestically :0(<br>

I spent a lot of time looking for bags...and ended up getting what I call a camera purse. lol</p>

<p>As a beginner myself, I have used Google, PN and other forums to educate myself on what equipment to buy, reviews of equipment, best prices, lenses, photography jargon etc..</p>

<p>Daniel, thanks for commenting. I will look/research tripods since I don't have one. What are you using or recommend ?</p>

<p>My biggest weakness ? Hmm..I don't know yet since I haven't purchased my dslr and equipment yet. I love taking pictures. I will just find a subject and concentrate on it until it looks good to me. Who cares what someone else might think ?<br>

Tierra, I commented on your newbie post regarding no subjects to shoot other than your son.<br>

I am a professional massage therapist...and when I first started massaging, I found that in order to get my name out in the community, I had to give ALOT of free massages, but in turn I got alot of experience, met alot of people and some of those people now pay me $60-$150 for 1 hour of my time when I come to their house to provide them my service.</p>