**Photography Talk**
- Thread starter rickashay
- Start date
I typically don’t edit my shots. I’ve always felt I wanted people to see exactly what I saw through the viewfinder.
That being said, I’ve also always hated going into Photoshop and editing my shots.
What editing software is everyone using? I have a MacBook Pro
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That being said, I’ve also always hated going into Photoshop and editing my shots.
What editing software is everyone using? I have a MacBook Pro
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I also don't like spending time editing, but sometimes I shoot raw or multiple exposures and editing is a must in this case. I use Lightroom.
Ray Dunakin
Senior Member
Fantastic! Really gorgeous pics!
USKTog
New member
Thanks!
MaddoxPics
New member
Some Fall color here in California down a dirtroad I found.
rickashay
New member
Thanks for sharing! If your ever down to explore a new area of BC, let me know. I'm a little farther east but still with a day's drive of Vancouver.
leftyguns21
New member
I was wandering around over the weekend exploring new places for star trails and came across this sunflower field full of dead / hunched over ones. I thought it would be cool in the spirit of Halloween to turn one in to a jack-o-lantern.
in Photoshop I used several layers and masks for some creative lighting and darkening. used a stock image of a jack-o-lantern on screen blend mode (it removed all of the black saving me from masking) then used soft light blend mode on the sunflower layer for it to shine through. I used lens flare on two different black layers in screen blend mode (this allows only the lens flare to show and gives me ability to mask and move around). some more levels, masking, transforming and I am pretty happy with how it turned out.
in Photoshop I used several layers and masks for some creative lighting and darkening. used a stock image of a jack-o-lantern on screen blend mode (it removed all of the black saving me from masking) then used soft light blend mode on the sunflower layer for it to shine through. I used lens flare on two different black layers in screen blend mode (this allows only the lens flare to show and gives me ability to mask and move around). some more levels, masking, transforming and I am pretty happy with how it turned out.
LordAbdullah
New member
x2 on lightroom, great software assuming they dont stop supporting the standalone version.
Once you figure out how to get around it you really do get efficient at editing and figuring out all the little things.
Sometimes I find its not about what I see through the viewfinder, but rather what I saw with my eyes - the camera just doesnt expose properly for either the sky or the foreground.
leftyguns21
New member
LR just released their updates. They will no longer sell stand alones, LR6 was the last one. Its only using their subscription service.
I was originally against the CC subscription and still kind of am, overall its about the same price if you plan on upgrading often. I will keep my older versions of photoshop and LR in case I stop my subscription
exactly!
LordAbdullah
New member
I find that it's mostly about the whole online use and all that. Sure, we're in 2017, but a lot of times I'm editing while flying or in areas without access. I'd be happy if they stuck with CS6 LR as the only release, and just giving us lens profiles and raw support for new cameras. Gimmicky AI features don't appeal to me anyway!~
Ray Dunakin
Senior Member
Nice work, it really looks great and is very unique and creative!
leftyguns21
New member
I was contacted by a media company about some possible work, this is the only info they will give me:
"we are looking for winter sports enthusiasts to help promote a big name beer brand for a campaign this winter. If you could send us your cost per post, that would be wonderful!"
Being a novice I am not sure how to answer the question of my cost. Wouldn't it all depend on travel and what they are actually requesting? It has to be worth my time, charging a per post fee for a local shoot is going to be less than cost of a shoot if I have to drive to the mountains. I don't have a blanket cost per post.
"we are looking for winter sports enthusiasts to help promote a big name beer brand for a campaign this winter. If you could send us your cost per post, that would be wonderful!"
Being a novice I am not sure how to answer the question of my cost. Wouldn't it all depend on travel and what they are actually requesting? It has to be worth my time, charging a per post fee for a local shoot is going to be less than cost of a shoot if I have to drive to the mountains. I don't have a blanket cost per post.
Hepar
New member
Definitely needs clarification. If they're asking for rights on photos you have already taken, that's one thing. If they're asking for you to take on-site photos, they need to pay for a day rate.
leftyguns21
New member
getting a little further with this company, they're not very good at being informative.
they stated, I would create the picture using the brand and post to my IG. they want a per post fee for this. I have no idea what to give them. I don't want to come in at $50 and they're willing to pay $1000. on flip side I don't want to come in at $1000 when only willing to pay $50.
the other deciding factor i need clarification on from them is what does the picture need to be. if I say ill do it for $50 and they are looking for their brand with a picture of Aspen in the background. now I am losing money cause it will cost me $50 in gas to Aspen.
**EDIT
I did some checking online, looks like the going rate is super minimal. $5-10 a post depending on how many followers you have. I have just under 4,000 with average views per post around 1,500. I don't think ill be getting a lot of money from sponsors. I will still work with the company if its easy / convenient. but if I have to go out of my way then no thank you.
they stated, I would create the picture using the brand and post to my IG. they want a per post fee for this. I have no idea what to give them. I don't want to come in at $50 and they're willing to pay $1000. on flip side I don't want to come in at $1000 when only willing to pay $50.
the other deciding factor i need clarification on from them is what does the picture need to be. if I say ill do it for $50 and they are looking for their brand with a picture of Aspen in the background. now I am losing money cause it will cost me $50 in gas to Aspen.
**EDIT
I did some checking online, looks like the going rate is super minimal. $5-10 a post depending on how many followers you have. I have just under 4,000 with average views per post around 1,500. I don't think ill be getting a lot of money from sponsors. I will still work with the company if its easy / convenient. but if I have to go out of my way then no thank you.
Last edited:
WarEagle28
New member
Photography noob here, looking for a little advice. Please excuse my inexperience. Not sure if this has been brought up in this thread before, but being a large thread and on my phone it’s tough to search through.
What would you folks recommend as a good starting DSLR camera? Looking to get one to take better photos when I get chances to travel. Now that I’m in my T4R road trips are on the horizon so I feel like quality pictures are a must. Doesn’t have to be anything super fancy professional level expensive, but something of decent quality that’s beginner-friendly. I’ve looked around at electronics stores, mostly the cheaper end Canon Rebels and Nikon D-Series. How important would wi-fi connectivity be? Is it worth the jump in price? What features/specs are an absolute must have when comparing cameras? Budget is around the $500 mark, willing to go up some if it means being happy in the long run.
Any advice is greatly appreciated, I’m a total greenhorn with any photo work beyond an iPhone.
What would you folks recommend as a good starting DSLR camera? Looking to get one to take better photos when I get chances to travel. Now that I’m in my T4R road trips are on the horizon so I feel like quality pictures are a must. Doesn’t have to be anything super fancy professional level expensive, but something of decent quality that’s beginner-friendly. I’ve looked around at electronics stores, mostly the cheaper end Canon Rebels and Nikon D-Series. How important would wi-fi connectivity be? Is it worth the jump in price? What features/specs are an absolute must have when comparing cameras? Budget is around the $500 mark, willing to go up some if it means being happy in the long run.
Any advice is greatly appreciated, I’m a total greenhorn with any photo work beyond an iPhone.
LordAbdullah
New member
I was in a similar boat not very long ago, and the following tips I learned were very important when it came to my decision making -
1) The best camera is the one you have with you;
Get a camera you're willing to carry around. For me, this meant not getting a massive DSLR that I would have to carry a bag for or strain my neck with on long days of shooting. I opted for a mirrorless camera. They may cost a little bit more upfront, but I find the size alone makes up for that. It's so much easier to carry, I can carry lens in one pocket and the camera in the other, or just around my neck without issue. Not to mention, a lot of times, you get the same image quality as a similarly priced DSLR -
now this doesn't make mirrorless better, you do have some trade offs -
a) the battery life on smaller cameras is usually very low, and you get about 300 shots or so (not including standby/all the in between stuff)
b) mirrorless cameras don't always have the lens selection you need from the company - but this can be overlooked if you consider using adapters, which allows you to use almost any lens on your mirrorless.
Personal recommendations: Sony A6000. Gives you a decent balance of video quality and picture quality
2) The lens matter as much if not more than the body
When I first got my camera, the pictures were good - good.. but not great. Not 1000$ great. They were just good. I quickly realized I'd be needing a better lens to help compensate for low light, for better sharpness, etc.
And after purchasing my first lens, what a difference. Since then I've almost always opted to get a different lens before upgrading a body. In fact, I've only upgraded my camera body once in 4 years - but I'm on my 5th set of lens. (still have all the others too)
3) Invest in a system you're willing to keep
My dad shot Sony/Minolta and had a bunch of lens lying around. I got these for free, and was able to use them right away. If you're in a similar situation where you can source lens for your camera for free or cheap, or inherit them from a family member, it's a good path to take. And the initial cost may not be much - but over 3-4 years you'll accumulate lens, gear, and accessories for your system. And not to mention - you'll become accustomed to the buttons, the menus, etc - this is vital because very few people change camera systems entirely. Most people stick with Canon if they started Canon, or Nikon if they started Nikon. Pick a system well and that you would enjoy. I recommend going in store to test the bodies out to see what you enjoy the look and feel of. Nothing is more annoying than a camera you dont want to/know how to use.
Finally, camera + lens will give you great shots as mentioned - but to get truly amazing shots, learn the art of light. Learn the science of light. Learn the best times to shoot, and you can start now. You can practice with your phone. A 5000$ camera wont give you a much better shot than a phone if you don't learn composure and lighting.
Not to mention pick up a photo editor. GIMP, Photoshop, Lightroom - whatever. Get an idea of what each setting does, and what you find difficult in your current pictures. This will help you pick a camera. Last thing I want to mention is shooting in manual - this will help you so much as to what aperture is, what shutter speed is, and all that. Takes a while, but will help you in the future with your next camera and more so what lens you want.
That's my new photographer advice to you
Camera recommendations:
Sony A6000.
You can get a Minolta AF -> E mount adapter on ebay, and buy a cheap 50MM 1.7 lens as well. This is a GREAT learning lens for anyone, and goes for any system - the 'nifty fifty' really is a great learning point.
Fuji EX1/2
Sony RX100 (1,2,3 or 4 depending on budget) - This one is great if you dont want to worry about lenses and what not. Probably one of the best pocket cameras money can buy (that isn't a kidneys worth).
Check out DXO Mark for sensor / camera reviews. Their charts will help you figure out what camera does what best, and what its' weaknesses are. Numbers speak louder than words and opinions, a lot of times.
Last edited:
WarEagle28
New member
I was in a similar boat not very long ago, and the following tips I learned were very important when it came to my decision making -
1) The best camera is the one you have with you;
Get a camera you're willing to carry around. For me, this meant not getting a massive DSLR that I would have to carry a bag for or strain my neck with on long days of shooting. I opted for a mirrorless camera. They may cost a little bit more upfront, but I find the size alone makes up for that. It's so much easier to carry, I can carry lens in one pocket and the camera in the other, or just around my neck without issue. Not to mention, a lot of times, you get the same image quality as a similarly priced DSLR -
now this doesn't make mirrorless better, you do have some trade offs -
a) the battery life on smaller cameras is usually very low, and you get about 300 shots or so (not including standby/all the in between stuff)
b) mirrorless cameras don't always have the lens selection you need from the company - but this can be overlooked if you consider using adapters, which allows you to use almost any lens on your mirrorless.
Personal recommendations: Sony A6000. Gives you a decent balance of video quality and picture quality
2) The lens matter as much if not more than the body
When I first got my camera, the pictures were good - good.. but not great. Not 1000$ great. They were just good. I quickly realized I'd be needing a better lens to help compensate for low light, for better sharpness, etc.
And after purchasing my first lens, what a difference. Since then I've almost always opted to get a different lens before upgrading a body. In fact, I've only upgraded my camera body once in 4 years - but I'm on my 5th set of lens. (still have all the others too)
3) Invest in a system you're willing to keep
My dad shot Sony/Minolta and had a bunch of lens lying around. I got these for free, and was able to use them right away. If you're in a similar situation where you can source lens for your camera for free or cheap, or inherit them from a family member, it's a good path to take. And the initial cost may not be much - but over 3-4 years you'll accumulate lens, gear, and accessories for your system. And not to mention - you'll become accustomed to the buttons, the menus, etc - this is vital because very few people change camera systems entirely. Most people stick with Canon if they started Canon, or Nikon if they started Nikon. Pick a system well and that you would enjoy. I recommend going in store to test the bodies out to see what you enjoy the look and feel of. Nothing is more annoying than a camera you dont want to/know how to use.
Finally, camera + lens will give you great shots as mentioned - but to get truly amazing shots, learn the art of light. Learn the science of light. Learn the best times to shoot, and you can start now. You can practice with your phone. A 5000$ camera wont give you a much better shot than a phone if you don't learn composure and lighting.
Not to mention pick up a photo editor. GIMP, Photoshop, Lightroom - whatever. Get an idea of what each setting does, and what you find difficult in your current pictures. This will help you pick a camera. Last thing I want to mention is shooting in manual - this will help you so much as to what aperture is, what shutter speed is, and all that. Takes a while, but will help you in the future with your next camera and more so what lens you want.
That's my new photographer advice to you
Camera recommendations:
Sony A6000.
You can get a Minolta AF -> E mount adapter on ebay, and buy a cheap 50MM 1.7 lens as well. This is a GREAT learning lens for anyone, and goes for any system - the 'nifty fifty' really is a great learning point.
Fuji EX1/2
Sony RX100 (1,2,3 or 4 depending on budget) - This one is great if you dont want to worry about lenses and what not. Probably one of the best pocket cameras money can buy (that isn't a kidneys worth).
Check out DXO Mark for sensor / camera reviews. Their charts will help you figure out what camera does what best, and what its' weaknesses are. Numbers speak louder than words and opinions, a lot of times.
Thanks for the info! I honestly never even thought of mirrorless, I really hadn’t heard of it before this. Been looking at these you mentioned online and they seem like a solid choice. I like the idea of having something more carry-friendly and less bulky. From what I’ve seen on them, the major difference is no manual viewfinder like on a DSLR, does that really make much of a difference?
This really was some great info, thank you for taking the time to share!
LordAbdullah
New member
When I got my first mirrorless, the difference was noticeable ant night where the digital viewfinder lagged. with my new camera body (and most of the newer cameras) the difference is almost difficult to notice - I prefer the digital over the optical a lot of times, that's how good its gotten. It'll never be 100%, but the EVF on some bodies (including mine) is 120FPS!
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