Photography

[Yuiichi]

Hey guys,

I have several things to talk about today. First of all, I found out that my dad has a tripod that I can use. It's a Slik 35D - it's a really great, light weight tripod and I'm loving using it so far. Secondly, I mentioned that my dad had an old analog SLR camera. Well, I found out it's a Ricoh KR-5 with a 1:2.2 55mm lens AND a 1:2.8 135mm lens.

I've been listening to the Digital Story podcast and have been learning a little bit more technique, but he talks about some tools that I'm not familiar with. I was listening to the podcast on High Dynamic Range, and Derek was talking about a tool he uses to judge exposure. Other things that I'm not familiar with are just what is different about these lenses. If anyone has any good online resources that walks me through some of this stuff, I'd be grateful!

I also have a few shots that I'd like critiqued (or just commented on). One, Two, Three, Four.The first 2 were taken around 3 days ago and the second 2 were taken today. The fourth is the first time I used the tripod!

Thanks a lot!

[baseballboy828]

If you want to do a Skype chat with me sometime, I can explain lenses and some other stuff. The shot you put up are much improved, especially the 1st three. Sorry I can recommend a site for the lens question.

[divigation]

Yeah, same as BBB, if you want to chat some time or exchange email, I can help you out with a short course in the technical aspects, but only because its you.

[baseballboy828]

Divigation, what kind of equipment/software do you use? You haven't replied to this thread before (maybe a missed a post or two), so just curious.

[Yuiichi]

@BBB - Divigation posted his equipment back on page two. Here's the post: click here.

And thanks to both of you - I'll take you both up on the offers. It's great to have a place to learn something new!

[louisl]

I thought I jump in here since I just bought a NikonD40 DSLR... Needless to say my wife is not to thrilled with my purchase of big-boy toys.

I was wondering if anyone had any tips for a n00b? I'm going to stop by B&H after work next week and would like to pick up some basic stuff. Right now I just have the kit, nothing else. I do plan on getting a zoom lens in a couple of months but for now what would you recommend as far as filters, general accessories, etc. Lets say if wanted to spend $50-$75 for some stuff.

[baseballboy828]

Buy a tripod! Also, put filters on your lenses. That way if something hits the front of the lens, your $25 filter breaks, not your expensive lens. I assume you have good memory cards, but if not, pick up a high speed 1GB if you shoot JPEG, and at least 1 2GB if you shoot RAW. What are you interested in shooting? If sports, Nikon has a great 70-300 f/4-5.6 for about $140 at B&H. If you want to step up, there is a higher quality VR (Vibration Reduction) lens for about $500. There is also a middle one, but just go with the top or the bottom.

Also, I am finally getting an SLR in a few weeks! My dad is giving me his D50 that he's had for a little over 8 months and an 18-55 and 55-200 lens. I also plan to buy a prime 50mm, f/1.4. Very excited.

[Coda]

I would say that the glass that you put in front of the lens is REALLY important, and the most overlooked. Forget buying any consumer quality glass (the $2-300 stuff). Start saving up because you will soon find that serious photography can be a really expensive hobby. Your wife should talk to my wife if she needs some emotional support ;-)

$50 will get you a cheap basic tripod, and it will do for a while, but when you're serious you will want to spend at least $300 on a tripod and separate ball head.

Filters, are not really necessary/useful at this stage.

[louisl]

I really can’t get too crazy buying accessories right now. I just spent around $560 bucks for the D40 and a 4gig memory card. I have a crappy tripod right now, and know I will need a better one, along with a (VR) lens. I was looking at the 55-200 from Nikon for my d40.

I figure I should be ok with the kit as I read the glass is not as bad as most would think on the D40. I’m not too familiar with photography stuff, yet, but I have to admit it’s a really nice pkg. I was going to go for a lung and get the Canon xti, but decided the d40 was perfect for me. I’m just starting out and look forward to gaining more knowledge and experience in the months to come.

I really don’t know what I like to shoot, but so far I like to shoot landscapes, anything outdoors and family members. I’ll share some of my first shots… please be gentle I just started to snap away. Flickr: Photos from louisl_00

[baseballboy828]

Your photos look good. A couple are just missing a background, such as the one of a wave rolling in. It's missing any type of background, such as even some rocks or something.