First year into photography.

Rojin

Rojin

Rojin

Soldato
Joined
19 Oct 2002
Posts
6,992
Location
Gloucester UK
Well that's a bit of a white lie, I have had point and shoots and a bridge camera previously but it was around this time last year that I finally took the plunge and bought a DLSR.

I've learnt a few things along the way, the main one being that I really knew nothing at all about photography when I first bought the DLSR. I should've spent more time just learning the basics (exposure, focus handling) when I had the bridge camera, this would've saved me some grief in my expectations when I first moved to a DSLR.

My journey started with a Canon 500D, I wanted something shiny and new so didn't listen to any recommendations of second hand 40D's etc. I was very close to buying a D90 but it was out of stock when I placed the order. I did research the 500D thoroughly and set myself a bugdet as I wasn't sure that this wouldn't just be a brief hobby and the camera would just sit in a draw somewhere only being brought out for Christmas and Birthday parties... This is also where I made a big mistake, I bought a two lens kit...! My thinking was that it would still provide the focal length coverage I had with my bridge camera but neing a DSLR even the budget lenses would blow the bridge camera away... Oops! The kit 18-55 IS lens was OK, but the Tamron 70-300 wasn't very good at all. Results weren't spectactularly better than the bridge camera if at all in most cases. So i got a bit disheartened.

This is when I really started learning about the basics, exposure, shutter speeds, f-stop, ISO etc. Previously I had just nodded and smiled when "f2.8, 1/1250 had to use ISO1600" was being discussed, I now found out what it all really meant. To my surprise I also found that it wasn't a black science, it was all pretty straighforward really. Especially in my preferred field of sports\action photoghraphy (including mobile toddlers!). Focus and ISO performance of the 500D also raised its head, and after only a couple of months ownership the 500D was on its way. A shiny new 7D had taken my eye :D

So I sold the 500D and lenses, for a loss obviously, and started again with a 7D body only. This time I was a bit more clued up on things so had also bought the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 non VC and had already picked up the Sigma 70-200 f2.8. Results improved massively, focus performance was in a different league and the better lowlight ability of body and lens helped a lot with Rugby played under floodlights. I was a happy, a very happy bunny indeed. :)

Now as I said, I was happy with how everything was at this stage. However now I was in for some stick, as the opportunity to trade my 7D for a 1DmkIII was presented. I asked for advice in here and that helped me make my mind up. It was also pointed out though that I seemed to be on bit of a meteoric upgrade route and perhaps I should just learn with what I have rather than crave the next best thing. This is a valid point, but for my specific needs, the prospect of getting my hands on a Pro Body built for sports was pretty much irresistible! So I made the trade, I went with it thinking that I could just sell if I don't like it and go back to the 7D, but I needn't of worried. This thing is awesome! Best bit of technology I have ever owned, I love the way it handles (it is big, tis is true but I'm no Kate Moss that's for sure), the performance is spot on. Battery life just goes on and on (4k shots!). I was worried about it only being 10MP but this proved to not matter at all.

Now I was settled, I added a couple more lenses and started about improving my knowledge of photography. I like all aspects of photoghraphy, sports being my main interest, but I just like taking photos of everything from macro to landscape to wildlife almost over the horizon. So I have been trying new and different types of photography as much as I can, the competition here helps! I had also harboured thoughts about making my hobby pay for itself and I was keen to get into sports photography. Unfortunately there are no openings locally for local press\sports coverage so I turned to the world of event photography. This seemed ideal, but again it's difficult to get into and it soon became apparent that the sports events aren't the earners they once were. The popular areas (schools, student balls etc) didn't really interest me, and ultimately if I was to enter into this it would mean working weekends and hence a lot less time spent with my family. So being realistic this wasn't really an option for me at the moment.

Whilst all this was going on, most of you would have noticed that recession thing going on! I've been made redundant 4 times and although I'm still employed at the moment my financial situation is quite different from when I started into photography. Photography is expensive and at the moment I cannot justify having so much money tied up in camera gear, so I am about to change my kit again! The 1D is going tonight, I'll be coming back with a 40D and a 50D (plus cash) in exchange, so I'll have two new cameras to play with :D I'll be selling one on, just haven't decided which yet. The lenses I don't use much are also going so I'll have a much more streamlined setup. Hopefully this will kick start where I am with photography at the moment, as of late it has been a "guilty pleasure" and I haven't been as active as I'd like.

Sorry for the ramble, I did think it would be interesting when I started the thread, I'm not so sure now! It may be helpful for others looking to start off so I'll summise some key points:
  • Be clear on what your intended use and interests in photography are before you look at buying a camera body.
  • Listen to advice. Buy a body and pick a lens that meets your needs.
  • Set your expectations clearly at the start. Else be prepared for disappointment.
  • Second hand equipment does not always mean old and out of date. The MP count is not the be all and end all either.
  • Making money from photography is getting harder and harder.
    [*[Make sure you can sustain your "habit"! :D

Just to add some visual content to the post, below are the oldest and latest DLSR pics I can find on my Flickr.

Nov 2nd '09:


Oct 10th '10:


Not quite the full year. I think I'm improving, I've certainly got a lot more of an appreciation for photography which goes a long way. Just need to apply the theory!
 
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Nice post JJ. (oh and give me a shout when you are free fella!)

Random stuff I thought i'd add. (these are my own personal opinions)

I have learned that a large amount of photographers ...

... seem to have massive ego's about how good their work is, even if its not that great.
... with expensive kit look down at those with lesser equipment.
... have websites suggesting they are a professional.
... have an opinion which they choose to share as a 'fact' rather than an 'opinion'
... fail to speak from personal experience but rather echo the opinions of others
... only use/understand a fraction of what they own, yet jump at the opportunity to buy better
... who own Full Frame don't actually need it, nor really understand it.
... own all this expensive equipment but hardly go out and use it

You should ALWAYS insist on some form of remuneration for your work. If money is being made and your photograph is included, it is your duty to ask for something in return.

There is a difference between taking a great photograph and being a photographer.

Its far more important to be passionate about photography than crave the best equipment. When I had my D40 so many people around me were obsessed about having better setups. Obviously if money is not an object then why not, but for me its more about taking the photos than what I am using.
 
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martinturner said:
*snip*
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Well, that's certainly the elephant in the room and something to aspire to...but it pervades most passtimes, don't make me use a car analogy! I'm definitely guilty of this one:

... own all this expensive equipment but hardly go out and use it

Currently snowed under finishing my thesis and struggling to leave the house to use my expensive equipment. I will add to all the above wisdom that gear lust is sustainable if you're savvy about buying secondhand lenses; a lot of gear has passed through my hands that I've tried on for size only to flip at minor profit or loss...I still haven't really found my style, but I'm enjoying getting there. I've learnt I'm not a fan of zoom lenses and heavy packs the hard way. As for this nugget:

* Be clear on what your intended use and interests in photography are before you look at buying a camera body.

I really should've gone straight to a semi-pro body. For my sins I'm technically-inclined and don't have the discipline to stick to a budget body.
 
I too have only really started photography this year, but I just find it hard putting in the time at the moment. I have 2 jobs with only one full day off a week, so my time is somewhat limited. Hopefully over the next year I'll be able to put more time into developing my skills and finding my own style.

As martin said, theres some massive ego's out there and that can be sometimes a little off putting to the rank amateur, especially when those ego's are very good.
 
Nicely put guys, I think I'm finally happy with all my kit but it's been expensive.

I actually turned down a job promotion of sorts because it would interfere with my photography due to changing hours (whether that comes across as a stupid thing to do I don't know, but I'd kill myself having to do 9-5 week in week out, shift work gives me much more time to get out).

I'm out nearly every day shooting, most of it rubbish although a word of advice is to be your own critic and look at your photography subjectively. For me photography is all about my own enjoyment and progressing my skills, I'm happy to think that in the last few years I have gotten better but it's only the last year that I've been really working on it with any real focus (pun not intended).

My own thoughts, if you shoot landscapes, patience, timing and luck is everything :)

Oh, lastly, I don't know how many of you do this but I use Google Earth and Maps extensively for researching locations, this saves me a lot of time and wasted effort driving around. The Panoramio plugin for Earth will show geotagged images too and street view is invaluable at times.
 
When i had my d70 (still have it actually) i wished i had a laptop with me just so i could check, on location, that my shots were in focus. I can do this on the d300s just by hitting the zoom button. This is invaluable.

But then i dont use 51 point af, or 3d tracking, so thats a bit pointless.

I think its more photographer than equipment, i keep meaning to go shoot with martinturner (of offers still open?) and i think to myself "if i let him use the d300s how much better will his photos actually be?" then i realise...probably no different.

But if he was taking a picture of a eurofighter flying over above, then probably much better due to the 51+3D.
 
That's actually a really nice post. If it had a belting photo to accompany it, I'd be voting for it!

But it is very relevant, at least for me. I've taken a different route to some of those here, but the end result has been the same - sitting with several thousand pounds of camera and lenses. Yet I've actually uploaded 4 photos to Flickr in the last 3 months, and believe me, I'm not exactly holding back. 2 of those photos were purely down the to the monthly competition here. Despite this, my infrequent hobby continues to pay for itself, through a few decent shots I print to canvas and also a calendar.

I'm very aware that I have a massive amount to learn, and also that I won't do all of it as I can't devote the time necessary as well as not wanting / enjoying some types of photography.

I do however have one huge regret: ditching the 5D for the 5D mk 2. I did so mainly on bigger pixels and video. Yet I've come to realise that unless you invest a serious amount of time, effort and accessories video on an SLR is not easy. And also that I didn't need double the resolution for a good shot.
 
My journey is totally skewed compared to you lot. Rather than the first year (Which was boring, I didn't take that many photos because I shot film), so this is more like first decade (I Am NOT THAT OLD! (it started in 2002 there abouts)

I might have a lot of gear now, but it is only lately, and only because my work demands it. Trust me if I didn't need it, I wouldn't have bought it all. I would be perfectly happy shooting with a nice compact.

I liked photography for a while, even BEFORE I had a camera, any camera. I am never one go out with the sole intention to take pictures for fun. Not like landscape, where some people go out before dawn and the idea is to come back with lots of nice pictures.

My first year in photography was ages ago, Canon EOS 30 (2002?), film camera. I used that for a year or so, developed some, not others. Some came out okay, most came out rubbish. But film is expensive, and being in a low paying job at the time, and then i went back to uni, I never was one to "throw" money away into film. Unless I have a reason...last day of uni, trip to Paris. That kind of thing.

Last day before break up for Easter I believe.

Canon 30D, I forgot what lens, probably shot on Fuji Reala 100 or NPH 400



Talk about grain!!!



Yes, Selective colouring...
Yes, boarders...

I don't do either anymore!



Then I went "backwards" and got a compact, 2mp Nikon then Canon A60. I think my skill of capturing people were mostly honed during this period where I took the camera with me everytime I went out to a club, house party or glastonbury.

I shot in AV 99% of the time even back then. I didn't care about gear (since i only shot on a compact), I never actually used the zoom on it, so almost every shot from it was shot on 28mm on a APS-C compact camera, which now I realise why I like to shoot candids up close and personal. Where most people like to pick it off from 200mm, I am 2 ft away from my "subjects" with my 35mm.

Then I only got a Canon S70 because my A60 broke. By that time the Canon 20D was out, and the 300D or 350D was out too. I didn't care much for those either, I was still in uni and funds were shot. I took what I liked.


S70


One of the FEW landscape photos I took, and I took that because I had the camera with me as we went sledging, my friends were behind me in sliding down a slope laughing like idiots.

Even now I don't mind shooting with my S70, I still experiment with it.



Now and again I do use my DSLR for fun though. 30D+50/1.4





On holiday





I supposed I do take photos for fun, but the fun was also being with friends, with people, I like to remember those memories, that's why I take pictures. I don't take pictures purely to make nice pictures, I take pictures to preserve those memories. It just happens I have learnt to take nice pictures that also preserve those memories. :)

It's why I took soooo many pictures at uni, and why now I love shooting people and will continue to do so.
 
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The_Abyss said:
That's actually a really nice post. If it had a belting photo to accompany it, I'd be voting for it!
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If I had one I'd add it!

Well the 1D3 went to a new owner tonight, seems a nice chap so it's gone to a good home. I've been playing with the 40D\50D tonight and... well it's not their fault they're not a 1D! I'll probably be keeping the 50D as it has a better screen and the micro adjustment etc, I haven't seen a lot of difference in general performance so far. I'll be giving both bodies a go at the Rugby first though before I make a final decision.
 
OK, so life post 1D is going to be a lot more painful than I was hoping for. Tested out the 50D at the Rugby today... Well I've still got the 40D to test so fingers crossed!
 
This picture creates quite a lot of imagination hehe, especially as shes pretty much perfect looking. Ofcourse, apologies if shes anyones loved one!
3987959242_224eafe08d_o.jpg


John (ocuk perv haha)
 
Rojin said:
OK, so life post 1D is going to be a lot more painful than I was hoping for. Tested out the 50D at the Rugby today... Well I've still got the 40D to test so fingers crossed!
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TBH, if you photograph sport a lot then I am not sure if downgrading a 1D to a 40/50D is really the best option.

I fully agree that people are always buying bodies that they simply don't need. The spate of 5DMKII purchases here by people who don't really know what the are advantages and many disadvantages of full frame cameras, especially camera like the 5DMKII tat have a heavy price to pay in terms of prehistoric focusing etc., is case in point.

My upgrade plan started at a D700, then I considered a 2nd hand D300 and then I realized that a D90 will actually do everything I need for the time being and work with the glass I have- the savings in body have purchased some nice lenses. I realised I don't ever shoot sports and need the AF of the D300 anytime soon. The D90 has image quality close enough to a D3 for most of the things I shoot. I think people often don't really appreciate just how good even the lower end cameras are image wise. As pointed out by Thom Hogan recently, every new camera now form the lowest entry level model up takes better photos than 35mm colour film!

The plan was to get a full frame camera at some point. But actually, I can never justify it yet. Too many downsides which means I will have to keep a competent DX camera anyway.Wondering if I will skip full frame and actually just get a medium format film setup for my landscapes.
 
Well I'm just a hobbyist and at the moment I can't justify keeping hold of the 1DmkIII, although I am now thinking along the lines of a 1DmkII. I just need to look into the pros and cons.
 
Yeah, really depends what you want your camera for.

I shoot landscapes, architecture, plants, and still life/abstract. D90 copes with all that fine.
 
D.P. said:
Yeah, really depends what you want your camera for.

I shoot landscapes, architecture, plants, and still life/abstract. D90 copes with all that fine.
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I like all aspects of photography too, liking sports as well throws a bit of a spanner into the works. At least I'm not really into wildlife as well! As I'm currently downgrading and selling gear, it is tempting to go the whole hog and sell it all and move to Nikon with a D90 or D300... I've been playing with the 40D and 50D a bit more today though and I'm reasonably happy. I might even keep the 24-70L as it's not too bad in use with a 1.6x crop, certainly more useful than I thought it would be. At ISO800 I'm leaning towards the 40D although the AI Servo feels a bit quicker on the 50D... Aaaargh! :D
 
Make sure to optimize all the settings for your needs (i.e. sports). and find out whats fastest. You may find that reducing the number of focus points speeds things up.
 
Yeah already done that. Such a lack of detail on these cameras at ISO800, I wouldn't use them above that. Oh well, will just have to make do :)
 
Rojin said:
Yeah already done that. Such a lack of detail on these cameras at ISO800, I wouldn't use them above that. Oh well, will just have to make do :)
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Just a quick question why did you opt for 40 / 50D (whichever one you opt for) rather than say stepping back down to the 7D which you had previously?
 
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