Tips for the budding digital photographer
July 10, 2009 by admin
I havent written anything here in awhile and would like to start my first post, titled “tips for the budding photographer”
Everyday more and more people are entering the realm of digital photography because of the relatively cheap entry prices for SLRs(low end SLRs are cheaper than some point and shoot models) and availability of 0% plans for certain models, lenses and accessories.
Why write some tips? in the eagerness of some newbies to learn photography, they have forgotten basic stuff that photographers should always follow.
here are a few tips to guide the new photographers.
Buy Quality - Dont settle for cameras or lenses just because they are cheap, you will end up spending more if you realize that the cheap lens you bought cant be used for low light situations or worse isnt as sharp or as fast as you wanted it to be. Or the cheap flash you bought burns out and you need to buy another one to replace it.
Brand Loyalty – Its not about the brand, remember that the camera is just a tool to capture the image, the photographer’s eye is what makes the photo stand out. Whichever brand you choose wont matter. if you ask me what should you choose, i would ask you to hold the camera model of that best fits your budget and tell me which one feels right in your hands.
Memory Cards and Storage- This is often overlooked and you realize that having a camera=computer, that really depends on your workflow, but having a computer is best for storage, archiving, editing and backing them up to either an external HD or burning them to DVDs. Please do not leave precious photos on the memory card.. it is best practice to format the memory card before every use.
Power – There are cheap alternatives to batteries but would you risk leaks or even a possible small explosion if you buy unbranded generic batteries and lose more than just a camera?
Bags – Photography is a hobby that will grow with you, it is wise to buy good camera bags that keep your camera protected from the elements and keep your camera safe from prying eyes. Buy the best your money can afford and before you buy, canvass around, there are a lot of alternatives available in the market.
Filters – There are dozens of filters available for your lenses.. make sure you have one to protect the front element of your lens. Also Study the other filters available and always remember that is it better to capture the image correctly than editing and correcting it in photoshop. DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME! Here is a wiki for Photographic Filters – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_filter
Tripods & Monopods – Get good support for your cameras, there are many choices out there but always choose one that is sturdy and can take a beating since this is the type of equipment that you will be using for awhile. (NOT DISPOSABLE unless you have the money to burn)
Gearhead – Please remember that an expensive camera does not equal good photos and please do not get intimidated by people that flash their cameras and brag about how expensive they are.. chances are thats the only thing they will show you… the pictures are secondary to the price of the camera.
Choosing lenses- the first lens i would recommend would be a 50mm f1.8.. its cheap, fast and the quality is superb. Choosing a lens will depend on what type of shooter you are. You will also have to consider that “crop factors” for certain digital cameras or full frame lenses.. which may cost a wee bit more than the stock lens. THERE IS NO ALL AROUND LENS – AND NO ONE LENS FOR ALL TYPES OF SHOOT (unless quality is not an issue!)
Serial Numbers- each camera and lens is unique … and they all have their own serial number on them.. take a minute to jot them down and store in a safe place. Camera theft is rampant now and knowing your camera serials can come in handy especially when reporting a crime or tracing ownership of a camera or lens.
Wear the right clothes -Some shooting situations call for the proper attire.. and this isnt a fashion show.. wear the right stuff and keep yourself protected from the sun. keep cool and relax and minimize the external stress by using the right clothing.
Show off your photos-The beauty that you capture is meant to be shared.. find a good host for your photos online and stick to reliable ones to make sure no one steals your photos!
Copyright & Watermark – It is not necessary to have a copyright mark or watermark on your photo.. to prove your ownership BUT it saves you the headache of seeing your photo claimed by others online. It is also a deterrent but not 100% fool proof protection to anyone that plans to infringe on your rights.
Treat Everyone with respect- Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, please be cautious when shooting and make sure you dont offend anyone when taking photos. Dont stick cameras in people’s faces and dont use it as a tool to show off your perversions.
There is always someone better than you – There is always someone out there better than you, better equipped than you, and maybe has more money to burn.. but that doesnt matter.. be proud of your work and show them off but please dont brag that you have the best photos.. remember beauty is subjective and not everyone will like your style.. the trick is to be confdent enough to like and show of your work and make people believe that your passion leaves your mark on the photo.
Thats all i cant think of for now.. happy shooting!
Here are some good read for the budding digital photographers.
Want to read up on photographic Equipment makers?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_photographic_equipment_makers
Forums you may join to Further your study on Photography
Digital Photographer – Pinoy Photographer
Show off your Philippine Photos
Photo.net.ph
Buying Camera in the Philippines- http://www.photo.net.ph/buyingcameras/
Virtual Tour of Hidalgo – http://www.photo.net.ph/thumbnails-3321.html
Photos Supplier Websites – http://www.photo.net.ph/blogalicious/main/the-best-photography-suppliers-and-photo-websites-online/
Buying your Camera in Hongkong – http://www.photo.net.ph/blogalicious/main/buying-your-cameras-in-hong-kong-the-5-best-shops-to-check-for-your-favorite-photo-gear/
Buying your Cameras in Singapore – http://www.photo.net.ph/blogalicious/international-photography/singapore-camera-shops-the-best-places-to-buy-your-photo-gear/
Buying your Cameras in Shanghai – http://www.photo.net.ph/blogalicious/main/where-to-buy-your-cameras-gear-and-photographic-equiptment-in-shanghai-china/
Great article, Anton!
I’d quibble a bit on your advice about filters, though…….while it’s true that putting a filter (typically a UV or skylight 1A) in front of the lens will afford you some protection, it also adds TWO air/glass interfaces, either (or both) of which will inevitably create flare, which can drive a newbie to distraction, lowering contrast, and creating those glare artifacts that some so dearly love (you can tell I’M not terribly fond of them!).
What you gotta ask yourself is how much protection you REALLY get from those filters – if you drop that lens or camera, that filter ain’t gonna do you a whole lot of good! Where it CAN help is buffering an object that comes straight at the lens – but I ask you, how many times has THAT happened to you? And if that object is robust enough, that filter is NOT going to be much protection at all.
What I WOULD advise anyone and everyone is to keep that lens cap on when you are NOT shooting. NEVER store the camera or lens without that lens cap, and NEVER put the camera inthe bag without putting the lens cap on first. Virtually ALL lens damage I hav seen has come from careless handling of the lens WHEN NOT SHOOTING.
Bottom line – I take care to store my camera/lens properly and keep them clean, but I DON’T use filters unless I need them for some photographic reason.
Good article- I used to think getting your kit was all about the camera. I now agree with your post- its just a link in the chain.
I particularly agree with the camera bag… Make sure it can carry everything- & buy it last! It needs to give all your gear a home.
Wish I had read your article before I bought all my gear!
Albert,
Thank you for your comment.
i use filters for protection agains the elements.. there are some instances that shooting in the rain is required especially if you out on the field for long periods and it is easier to clean the filter than to clean a front element in not so ideal situations.
The other reason i say it works for me is that …. the lens cap monsters seem to be fond of eating up my lens covers..
but they seem to surface every now and then..
I should have added a section on handling & care.. thanks for pointing that out!
Hello Sir,
I appreciate what you have written… Thank you for the information!
thanks for the great article here…doing one’s passion is a satisfaction and others may not understand y…now i realized how photographers do it and how it should be.
I am a master of Marie Curie high school, I’d like your blog.
I will tell my student about your post for them to get more exp
Marie Curie high school