DH is trying to convince me to go into photography as a profession. While it is something I love to do, I have a lot of doubts. I fear the self-employment risks & I'm not sure if my work is up to par. I told DH I'd stick my little toe out to test the water, but that right now I was way too afraid of drowning to do much else. I need to show people my shots & see if there's anything worth pursuing.
So, starting at the very beginning....here are some recent things I've done. What do you think? Honestly?
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couple of questions first...and it may be a day or more before i can return to the thread so no worries if you reply to my queries and i don't come back with more right away
what kind of camera? if an SLR, lenses used?
what settings...specifically are you shooting auto, program, "mode" or manual?
flash? (there are many in those examples that look like flash was used, and most likely the on-camera flash...)
what software do you use for post processing?
not knowing the answers to those questions i can only say so much but i will say that you have some nice images in that collection. i see that you could work on composition...most images are centered which makes them more "snapshotish" than not. also, the reason i asked about the software is the b/w conversions are very soft...not much contrast, but that is a function of the software used to make the conversion, not a function of the camera.
once i know the other info i can probably make more suggestions
Are you using Picasa for editing? Using just the straight b/w conversion does produce soft images, as Tracey said. But I've been satisfied enough with then manually changing the contrast. However, if I were ever going to do it professionally (and I'm NOT), then I would definitely get a different program.
Otherwise, I feel not at all qualified to offer any CC. I agree with what Tracey said about the composition. Your images are good, way better than a lot of people, and if you practice and experiment with your composition, they may really shine.
what kind of camera? if an SLR, lenses used?
-- It's a digital FujiFilm S700 with 7.1 megapixels
what settings...specifically are you shooting auto, program, "mode" or manual?
--it varies...I used several different ones for those. Any ideas on what I should shoot to make them better?
flash? (there are many in those examples that look like flash was used, and most likely the on-camera flash...)
-- ugh, flash. I HATE flash. For the indoor shots, it was the on-camera flash. The outdoor shots used no flash. I don't know what to do to make them better regarding flash...if I use solely natural lighting, the picture sometimes blurs.
what software do you use for post processing?
-- the software that came with the camera...I don't like it though. Like you mentioned, I think it ruins the b/w images. All I did for post processing was change those to b/w; the others are completely untouched. I'm thinking of getting PhotoShop...would you suggest that?
I'm also getting some photography books to help me learn about lighting. I think that (along with the composition you mentioned) are my weaknesses. I've never had any classes or instruction, so I know I'm flying by the seat of my pants. I guess in the grand scheme of things, I'm really not that good. I "want" to be good, you know what I mean...but I don't think I have the knack for it.
Last edited by Cloth4Colin : 07-31-2007 at 06:27 PM.
Lighting issues are hard--my camera's need to use a flash inside even with lots of natural lighting is what led me to get a digital SLR camera. The camera with the right lens and settings means that I now very very seldom use my flash on my camera. My boys have glasses, and the flash meant I was always getting glasses glare, which annoys me to no end. And you're right--the pictures will blur without enough light and no flash.
I'm not an expert, nor do I do it for a living, nor have I ever tried to explain it. But the higher you can set the aperture (right? higher is how you describe the smaller numbers? I get it confused.) the darker it can be. So, my 50mm lens can be set at 1.8--so I can take pictures in my house with no flash. Also, the ISO number--the higher the ISO, the darker it can be with no flash. However, you can easily end up with grainy pictures with the ISO set too high. Well, maybe those who know what they're doing don't. I do, though!
On my new dSLR, I'm mostly taking on Av mode (aperture priority), and letting the camera pick the shutter speed to match my aperture (1.8 when I'm using my now-broken 50 mm lens) and the lighting conditions. As I get to know my camera better, I'll go back to taking on full manual, as I was doing with my Canon PowerShot A85.
Anyway, your pictures are good. If it's something you love, practice at it and see what happens. You could find friends and family to practice on first--set them up for some "sessions". Have you spent much time at that photography website/forums? I can't remember the name and I'm not at home. But looking at other people's pictures, reading what settings they used, and reading the CC they get really helps me.
I have no desire to have a business, I'm just not a business kind of gal. But I love photography, and so I keep learning more for my own benefit. And it's so much fun for me to take pictures, get creative, and see what happens.
Oh, software--I think I"m going to get Adobe, the program that costs around $80. It would give me more options than Picasa, but I don't think I have a need for a more pricey program.
I just read a review about your camera, since I didn't know anything about it. It says
[img]This lens isn't terribly "fast", with a maximum aperture range of F3.5 - F3.7. What this means in layman's terms is that the lens does not let in as much light as other ultra zooms in this class. [/img]
That's what my last digi cam had for settings. It's going to be really hard to get a good picture without it getting grainy or blurry inside without a flash. One time I taped a piece of kleenex over the flash, and that helped decrease the intensity of the flash while still providing some light. I had an option to choose flash output, but even on the lowest setting I was still getting a lot of flash. I had some success using Tv mode (shutter priority) and setting it to as low of a shutter speed as I could get without blurring the image. I don't remember what my Canon's settings were, but the reviewer of your camera said
[img]My only beef about the manual controls is that the slowest shutter speed available is 4 seconds. [/img] He also mentions that you start seeing "noise" (the distortion and fuzziness in low light) at ISO 400, so to keep it at 200 or below in low light settings. That limits you, too.
Thanks for your input, mama! I'm just in such a funk right now. DH and I need a second income, but I need to do something from home because our son has special needs...no daycare center here will agree to do his therapies, and when it comes right down to it, I don't trust anyone else with him. He's had two scary episodes of apnea and all I can see is another care taker forgetting to hook him up to his monitors.
I dont' have any GOOD talents for WAHM-ing, and my only real interest is photography. Perhaps I'm grasping for straws and lacking patience since we need the additional income ASAP.
We are going to try and give it a year and see what happens.
You're right about the camera...I'm disappointed in its lighting capabilities... I'm going to see what I can fix with PhotoShop and then just focus on outdoor stuff. Of course something I really like has to be really expensive...argh! LOL!
Location: Is she smart, so well-read are there books, are there novels by her bed? And is she the sort that you've always said could satisfy your head?
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ok...good information to have, camera and software.
i agree with what has been said...there are limitations to your equipment.
personally i think that your photos are better than the average person picking up a camera and shooting their family...they do lack some technical know-how which comes with study and practice...as well as higher-end equipment.
believe me when i say that i understand needing a second income. my saga has been all over amitys, dh losing his job and being unemployed for almost 7m last year. we lived off savings (of which we have none now) & nearly lost everything. i get it. but...and please know this comes from a place of trying to be honest (what you requested) and trying to assist you in your goal of becoming a photographer...i would *not* consider taking paying clients until a few things were done (and i know you didn't say you were considering taking paid clients right now but i am speaking to that "need money now" aspect...)
1...i would learn as much as i could about how a camera (in general) operates. that would teach you volumes about the limitations inherant in your equipment, why you really need different equipment if you are going to take paid clients and what to look for in said equipment. by equipment i am speaking of the camera. this is my opinion and some may disagree, but i don't know of any photographers who make a living at it who would disagree with me...an SLR is a NEED if you are to do this to generate income. people pay and expect a level of quality that a point/shoot camera *cannot* provide.
books such as Bryan Peterson's UNDERSTANDING EXPOSURE are going to be vital for you understanding and learning about cameras and exposure.
2...i would learn how to operate in full manual mode. your camera as well as an SLR. auto modes (any) are the camera thinking for you...not your skill as a photographer. sure, you (general you) control composition and subject, but IMO photography is more than just shooting the camera...it's controlling the equipment and knowing what you're going to get when you choose your settings...choosing them with intention and knowing before you shoot your photo what the outcome will be. i hope that makes sense?
3...photoshop is the industry standard...and is for a reason. the bare minimum i would suggest for *personal* use is photoshop elements, which is about $100. photoshop cs2 or cs3 would be what i'd suggest. you can get a cheaper copy by googling "education discount adobe photoshop." then, learn it...it's not an easy program to just sit and use like the software that accompanies our cameras. it's not intuitive (at least it wasn't for me.) i am self-taught on PS and have spent countless hours on it and have only scratched the surface. it's a vital part of any photographer's toolbox these days.
the availability of awesome cameras is swamping the market with a lot of people right now. there is a general misunderstanding in the public as a result that it is the camera that does the work...when in fact it is the photographer and their skill at knowing how to do all that needs to be done, fully manual, to get their intended outcome.
i've only been doing this for fee for just over a year but i've been a photographer since i was 16 and used film SLR's exclusively until about a year and a half ago. i'm happy to answer any questions i don't have a lot of "professional" experience but in my area i have had a good bit of success at getting and staying busy and have found that i am able to generously supplement my families needs most months. i feel strongly that already knowing how to operate a camera and having a strong sense of design basics (i studied art in HS/college) help me.
hth? i wish you all the best and am more than happy to help and answer questions!!
Tracey, thanks bunches for all of your help and suggestions. I guess I should have been more specific in my initial post...so I didn't look quite so much like a goon.
I know I have a lot to learn and need better equipment. Our plan would be long term - I wouldn't be asking for paid customers for several years. I wanted to know if I had enough talent to invenst more into it. If I had the potential, I suppose. $ for an SLR is like 2 months income for us and then the college courses are another financial consideration. We wouldn't want to put that kind of money into something I was a laughing joke about. kwim?
So, lots to think about here. *sigh* I'm terrible at getting these grandios ideas and them turning out to be silly. We just have to be careful.
But thank you again!! Totally appreciate everything. You've given us some good basis for discussion. (DH and me)
personally i think that your photos are better than the average person picking up a camera and shooting their family...they do lack some technical know-how which comes with study and practice...as well as higher-end equipment.
I was going to say this, too. Your photos are really much better than most of what I see people taking.
Location: Is she smart, so well-read are there books, are there novels by her bed? And is she the sort that you've always said could satisfy your head?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by heythereheather
I was going to say this, too. Your photos are really much better than most of what I see people taking.
Thank you again to both mamas! You guys are great and have been a big help. I hope I haven't come across as being cranky/hormonally charged...DH says I am very cranky lately. I'm really sorry if I have...really, really. This post partum bit is kicking my tushie!
Is there a particular SLR to look at? Here's a website I've been directed to by someone I know who is a photojournalist.
Anything there? Particularly in the "used" section as prices are a liiiiitle better...but if it's not worth it, I'd rather save for the best I can get so as to not have to buy another one for a while.
I have a Canon Rebel XT. There's also the Canon Rebel XTi. Then there are the expensive Canons (LOL! comparitively, over $1000). Then there are Nikons. I chose a canon because I'd had a digital canon since 2003, I felt like I *knew* it more.
The basic recommendation is to first go to a store and hold them, see how they feel in your hand. You might like the feel of the Canon better than the Nikon, or the other way around. I did not do that but it's good advice. I ordered mine on a good deal from Best Buy, and didn't have a chance to actually hold it first. I love it, though.
i wish you all the best and am more than happy to help and answer questions!! 
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