dan_mays1

<p>Thanks for all the info. I will definately look into the books to see which one may be best for what I want. Since I have kids (13 and 14) who have taken Photoshop in school and loved it, I may get elements anyway. However, Lightroom tutorials I have taken make that seem like it may be a good choice. Thanks for the advice.</p>

<p>I would have framed the shot before bringing them in and then just brought in the B&G and center them. Then bring the others in and place them. Then just move in or out to fit them in the frame. In this case, if possible, I would have steped a few feet back so you could still get the celing and get the more of the floor. </p>

<p>Mark. You seemed to notice a lot there. I agree with much of what you have to say. As someone who is interested in doing some of this work in the futre, what would you suggest to fix some of the issues. For example, to me it seems she should have gotten closer to the hands and let that fill most of the frame. (maybe that would be wrong). Would a fill flash help with the sleeping child (might they get upset if that would wake the child up). The little girl dancing (could that be cropped or would that distort the ability for certain sized future pics). <br>

I just noticed that some of these were answered by Vail. However, I am still interested in how it could have been better. Vail did a pretty good job with a number of these.</p>

<p>I currently have a Nikon D7000 with a 50 mm prime lens. I wanted to buy a couple of zoom lenses. I know I am getting the Tamron 17-50mm vc lens. However, i am having trouble with what to get for the up to 200 mm zoom. I know that a fixed apurture is best. However, those are very expensive. I am also having trouble finding that level of a zoom with VR. Maybe if doing portraits on a tripod, the vibration reduction may not be as important. However, if shooting a wedding, the VR seems important. These first two lenses will eventually be my backup lenses after I get enough $$ saved up to buy the more expensive lenses. And just in case the question comes up. No I am not going out to shoot weddings w/no experience. I am going to assist a wedding photographer or two (or five) and want to have some descent equipment. <br>

Thanks,<br>

Dan.</p>

<p>I am looking into getting some photo editing software. I was wondering what you guys think of Lightroom 3 and Photoshop elements. I was thinking of getting both of these. However, I am starting to think that Photoshop elements will not really give me anything extra over Lightroom 3. <br>

Thanks,<br>

Dan</p>

<p>I must not have been clear in my post. I have spend a good deal of time learning the craft and I have studied lighting a good deal. I know you can take pictures indoors and adjust the white balance, etc. I actually took photography in college for 2 yrs before moving to Business. However, that was 19 yrs ago. I had a camera and know all about aperture, shutter speed, ISO...etc. However, I have been out of the game for a while and have recently been getting back into photography after having 4 kids and getting laid off from my tech job. A job I never wanted in the first place, but it paid well and supported the family. Since getting ..back..into it, I have taken tons of pictures for free for strangers and family and just given them the images free in exchange for a model release. I am fine with using "available light" and do so regularly. I was just trying to get an opinion from people who have been doing more than I if maybe to get best quality might be to do some morning or late afternoon shots/shade shots outside as aposed to going into peoples homes without knowing the lighting before I get there. As I mentioned, I don't have lightroom or photoshop at the moment so I can't do major editing to the photos. I also mentioned that I would be do all sittings for free. I would not charge them to take photos. I also didn't mention, I am not talking about charging $100 a photo or anything like that. I was talking $10 or so for photos they like. Again...I have been taking photos for over a year now since ...getting back into photography. I have had people (strangers) love their photos. I know I am still learning and never plan to stop learning. However, I can only do it so long for free with what I have. It was a little learning curve on the digital DSLR vs Film...but the concepts haven't changed since when I was in college. However, I need to upgrade my equipment to get further into my development. I apologize if I have upset people with the question and a little sorry that I posted it now. I was just looking for constructive information to help me move further. I have taken courses in the last year and have purchased several books on lighting but feel I get my best shots outside witth what I have. I bought the lens I got because it was a good portrait lens to use on my kids and got an amazing deal on the D7000. </p>

<p>I have heard that you start with the lenses that you want and go light on the camera and go from there to start. For example, you can get a good starter lens and a Nikon D90. The D90 is a solid camera and any lenses you get can be used on a higher end camera such as the D7000 at a later time. This also allows you to eventually have a backup camera when you do upgrade. I have to be honest though...I went the other route and sprung for the D7000 and a 50mm lens. I have loved it and gotten great shots. Some even worthy of people paying for them...Although, as of now, I haven't actually charged anyone $$. I just have them sign a model release to build a portfolio. But it is normally "recomended" that you go the other route and build with lenses and then upgrade your camera as you go. Because your lenses can be used on any Nikon you get from here on out (without getting to far into the DX specific vs Full frame lenses, go with full frame lenses. DX specific lenses will not work properly with a future Full frame camera)</p>

<p>At the moment, I just don't have the cash to get more than I have. I have a Nikon D7000 and a 50mm lens. To get some $$ for more lenses and a flash I was thinking I might offer to do Senior Portraits and Family Christmas pics. I would offer a free sitting fee and only charge for photos they want. I was wanting to know if anyone has any tips that might help since I have limited equipment. Should I only work outside since indoor lighting can be inconsistant? Should a 50mm lens be good enought to get some good shots (50mm on a DX camera..so more like a 75mm)? I am choosing these kind of shoots because there isn't a chance of "missing the shot". I have been offered event shoots, but I don't want to be that photographer that missed the shot because I don't have the right lens or a flash. I also know some photographers get upset that an "amature" would charge at all. However, I will always be an "amature" if I can't get better equipment and editing software. This is why I would only charge for photos they would want.</p>

<p>Ok. I know this probably seems like a stupid question. I have a really large jpeg file that I wanted to be my background. If I say to center it, only a corner of it is on the screen because it is so large. I don't want to tile it or stretch it. It will let me stretch it to get it on, but then it looks odd. I know I have done this in the past, however, I just can't get it to just show properly. I tried to use edit with paint and just cut off the sides, but it is too big for me to select a whole side.<br>

Thanks,<br>

Dan</p>

<p>For me, a good starter lens (unless one comes with the camera) is a good 50 mm lens. Although not structured, youtube has lots of helpful information. Three things to learn first will be ISO, Aperture and shutter speed and their relation to eachother. Once you get that. You will be much less overwhelmed. You can read about it and still get pretty confused. I would suggest watching a few youtube videos on those. Another REALLY good book is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. </p>

<p>I have also heard that Proud Photography is a good place to start. It is a learn at your own pace program. They will review your work and give you feedback. It is also not that expensive. I think like $116. <a href="http://proudphotography.com/">http://proudphotography.com/</a></p>

 

<p>I havn't tried the HDR technique yet. This might be something good for me to test it out on. Although there will not be another "Supermoon" for 18 yrs, the moon comes up from that area every night. </p>

<p>I was taking a picture of the "supermoon" the other evening and it came out ok. I was taking it from under a tree. It was a very large tree (largest pecan tree I have ever seen). However, the tree came out much darker than I wanted. I am wondering what I could have done to make the tree show up a little more. Would a longer shutter have accomplished this? I have four pictures of it here. I am not really looking for a crituque as much as advice. So, I hope this is the right forum for that. If not, let me know. Thanks!<br>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/austindan/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/austindan/</a></p>