Topic Wiki

Quick tips on random subjects that come up in between classes (will add as we go along):

Food photography tips
Newborn photography tips

Table of Contents (I'll change each line to a link as we go along.)

Introduction

1) Choosing a camera: Point and Shoot vs. Mirrorless vs. DSLR
2) Camera specs: What do they mean, and which ones matter to me?
3) Exposure Basics Part 1 - the shutter speed/aperture/ISO triangle
4) Exposure Basics Part 2 - getting to know your mode dial, and other exposure controls
5) All about memory cards
6) Using ultra-wide lenses





Lenses 101 - technology, terminology, and specs, zooms vs. primes, basic/advanced/unique lenses

Lighting 101 - focusing specifically on easy to afford and easy to use setups
Small flash - on camera, off camera, modifiers and accessories
Studio strobes
Continuous lighting - fluorescent, LED, and halogen
Basic light modifiers - umbrellas, softboxes, gels, reflectors
Basic supports - lightstands, umbrella brackets, backgrounds, etc.

All about accessories - memory cards, tripods, bags, filters, remotes, adapters, grips, geotaggers, and more)


So I bought all my stuff - now what?

What makes a compelling photograph?
Depth of field
Composition basics - rule of thirds, perspective, framing
Advanced composition - negative space, inclusion and exclusion, compression
Light - natural, golden hour, basic flash usage.

Let's start shooting...

Kids:
In the park
Playing sports
At home

Landscapes and wildlife:
"Grand" landscapes
"Intimate" landscapes
Seascapes
Waterfalls
Cityscapes
Wildlife
Birds in flight
Shooting in bad weather

Portraits:
Babies and newborns
Single person - indoors
Single person - outdoors
Families/siblings/groups
Natural light
Artificial light - simple
Artificial light - complex
Mixed light

Others:
Close up and macro
Product photography

How do I...? (Some specific scenarios/techniques - Basic)
Shoot out of a plane window?
Shoot underwater?
Shoot compelling black-and-white?

How do I...? (Some specific scenarios/techniques - Advanced)
HDR
Long exposures
Light painting
Twilight landscapes
Milky Way
Star trails

Basic editing concepts:
Exposure
Contrast
Clarity/sharpening
Color
Layers and masking

Poll

What type of camera do shoot with?

Point & Shoot - basic (Canon Elph style) or Smartphone
122 (36.9%)
Point & Shoot - advanced (Canon S100 or G Style)
52 (15.7%)
Mirrorless
26 (7.9%)
DSLR - consumer (Up to a Nikon D5200 or Canon Rebel)
74 (22.4%)
DSLR - prosumer or pro (Nikon D7000 or Canon 60D and up)
29 (8.8%)
P&S, but I plan on getting an SLR or Mirrorless in the near future
28 (8.5%)

Total Members Voted: 275

Author Topic: Learn Photography Master Thread  (Read 357982 times)

Offline Moshe123

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Sep 2012
  • Posts: 5935
  • Total likes: 911
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Spring Valley
  • Programs: Lost
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #40 on: May 03, 2013, 08:59:58 AM »
P.S. I enjoyed your writing style!

+100

Offline YankyDoodle

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 957
  • Total likes: 53
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #41 on: May 03, 2013, 09:01:52 AM »
Awesome write-up! I just committed to the Canon t4i and definitely could have used this run down 2 months ago! We are very happy with it so far and can't wait for your future tutorials to learn how to use it better.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67600
  • Total likes: 16912
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #42 on: May 03, 2013, 09:53:28 AM »
Very nice so far.
It sounds like you're a mirrorless fan for most average folk.
Any particular model that stands out?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline Ergel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 12818
  • Total likes: 905
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #43 on: May 03, 2013, 09:55:40 AM »
You're not a fan of the nx series. Would you recommend the nx20 if I could get it at a serious discount
« Last Edit: May 03, 2013, 10:03:48 AM by Ergel »
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8710
  • Total likes: 6077
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #44 on: May 03, 2013, 10:02:07 AM »
It sounds like you're a mirrorless fan for most average folk.
Any particular model that stands out?

Yes, I feel that it delivers the best value for most people, even with only the kit lens. SLR quality in a tiny body, that's quite hard to beat.

My personal favorite is the Sony NEX-5r (I have the 5n, which is last year's version). The NEX- F3 is also a good choice (it's about $400 these days).
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8710
  • Total likes: 6077
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #45 on: May 03, 2013, 10:04:10 AM »
You're not a fan of the nx series. Would you recommend it if I could get it at a serious discount

Not exactly true. The NX is a great system. It itsn't as popular as the others due to the very small lens selection (mostly). For the right price it may absolutely be worth it.

Which model is it and how much?
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline Ergel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 12818
  • Total likes: 905
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #46 on: May 03, 2013, 10:07:59 AM »
NX20 kit. Possibly in the mid to high 3's
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67600
  • Total likes: 16912
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #47 on: May 03, 2013, 10:08:34 AM »
What's the difference between the Nex-5R and the NEX-6/B?

Is this promo worth anything?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_375879882_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1001196111&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER/?tag=cl03f-20
« Last Edit: May 03, 2013, 12:13:58 PM by Dan »
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline Achas Veachas

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4399
  • Total likes: 114
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
    • Torah && Tech
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #48 on: May 03, 2013, 10:17:14 AM »
Wow! Thanks! Awesome!

Offline SavingsBigtime

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2013
  • Posts: 564
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
  • Location: Jerusalem/NY
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #49 on: May 03, 2013, 10:55:59 AM »
maybe a seminar on this right after dans? 

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8710
  • Total likes: 6077
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #50 on: May 03, 2013, 12:05:02 PM »
What's the difference between the Nex-5R and the NEX-6/B?

Is this promo worth anything?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_375879882_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1001196111&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER/?tag=cl03f-20

The 6 is a more ‘pro’ version of the 5 – it gives you a stunning viewfinder, a hotshoe, a mode-selection dial, and better ergonomics. The 5 has a better screen (it tilts all the way 180° up as opposed to 90° on the 6), and more importantly, it’s a touchscreen, whereas the 6 is not. The touchscreen is awesome for taking videos – I could just touch my daughter’s face on the screen while recording a video, and the camera will track her perfectly no matter how fast she runs around. Image quality will be identical between the two.
 
If I were you I’d go for the 5 – the advantages the 6 gives you is not worth $250 to the average person, plus you get the touchscreen which is awesome.
 
The Amazon deal is actually pretty good. For about $50 more than the regular kit you get a wider lens (16-50 vs. 18-55; the 2mm difference at the wide end makes a much bigger difference than the 5mm difference at the long end), and even better, the lens is tiny, bringing it almost into pocket camera size.
 
« Last Edit: May 03, 2013, 12:13:44 PM by Dan »
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8710
  • Total likes: 6077
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #51 on: May 03, 2013, 12:09:15 PM »
NX20 kit. Possibly in the mid to high 3's

Absolutely sick deal. If you're ok with the size (it's not as small as other mirrorless cameras) then absolutely go for it. It's a lovely camera.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline Centurion

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2012
  • Posts: 1306
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: New York / Jerusalem
  • Programs: spg plat,avis pres ,hertz plat ,AAexcutime, delta plat,hilton gold, united
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #52 on: May 03, 2013, 12:25:05 PM »
looking to take pictures of very small jewelry pieces. any help would be appriciated.
willing to buy if needed light box-macro lens- mint tri pod etc.
looking to spend less than $500
TIA
you can only make a first impression ONCE

Offline yehuda S

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 764
  • Total likes: 11
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #53 on: May 03, 2013, 01:37:50 PM »
Awesome  :) Thanks

This is my favorite part:
Yes, I feel that it delivers the best value for most people, even with only the kit lens. SLR quality in a tiny body, that's quite hard to beat.

My personal favorite is the Sony NEX-5r (I have the 5n, which is last year's version). The NEX- F3 is also a good choice (it's about $400 these days).
Work is what you do between vacations.

Offline yehuda S

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 764
  • Total likes: 11
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #54 on: May 03, 2013, 01:46:34 PM »
The 6 is a more ‘pro’ version of the 5 – it gives you a stunning viewfinder, a hotshoe, a mode-selection dial, and better ergonomics. The 5 has a better screen (it tilts all the way 180° up as opposed to 90° on the 6), and more importantly, it’s a touchscreen, whereas the 6 is not. The touchscreen is awesome for taking videos – I could just touch my daughter’s face on the screen while recording a video, and the camera will track her perfectly no matter how fast she runs around. Image quality will be identical between the two.
 
If I were you I’d go for the 5 – the advantages the 6 gives you is not worth $250 to the average person, plus you get the touchscreen which is awesome.
 
The Amazon deal is actually pretty good. For about $50 more than the regular kit you get a wider lens (16-50 vs. 18-55; the 2mm difference at the wide end makes a much bigger difference than the 5mm difference at the long end), and even better, the lens is tiny, bringing it almost into pocket camera size.

$650 still seems like a lot for a mirrorless camera. There has to be cheaper options out there. Like these which start at $370:

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchCatalog?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&N=4294961698&searchType=outlet
Work is what you do between vacations.

Offline whYME

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 3213
  • Total likes: 1241
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #55 on: May 03, 2013, 04:47:41 PM »
I suggest having the "What camera should I get / Is this a good deal" discussion in a separate thread.

Or perhaps each of these lessons (and the ensuing discussion) should be a thread of it's own?

Offline Achas Veachas

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 4399
  • Total likes: 114
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
    • Torah && Tech
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #56 on: May 03, 2013, 04:53:00 PM »
I suggest having the "What camera should I get / Is this a good deal" discussion in a separate thread.

Or perhaps each of these lessons (and the ensuing discussion) should be a thread of it's own?
+1
Especially considering the fact that there seem to be a few of those threads that popped up recently 8)

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8710
  • Total likes: 6077
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #57 on: May 03, 2013, 06:40:06 PM »
$650 still seems like a lot for a mirrorless camera. There has to be cheaper options out there. Like these which start at $370:

http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchCatalog?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&N=4294961698&searchType=outlet

Correct. The cameras in your link are last year's models, and I highly recommend them (Iuse 'em myself). This doesn't take away from the fact that the Amazon deal is a good one; for a latest gen camera and new tiny lens $650 is a good deal.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8710
  • Total likes: 6077
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #58 on: May 03, 2013, 06:44:37 PM »
I suggest having the "What camera should I get / Is this a good deal" discussion in a separate thread.

Or perhaps each of these lessons (and the ensuing discussion) should be a thread of it's own?

+1 on the first idea. Maybe post a link here when you start a new "what camera should I get" if you want me (and anyone else following this thread) to have a look.

-1 on the second idea - my personal preference is that everything should be in one thread, with the wiki used as a table of contents to jump from lesson to lesson. But that's just me, if the oilam wants it as a separate thread for every lesson, let me know and I'll do it that way.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8710
  • Total likes: 6077
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Learn Photography Master Thread
« Reply #59 on: May 03, 2013, 06:52:17 PM »
I've added a poll to better understand what type of cameras everyone here uses. Please take a minute to vote - you could choose up to 3 options if you use more than one camera.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons