Another noob looking to become a sorta-kinda-semi-pro

onehundredoctane · Mar 29, 2012

I'm looking to make this more of a hobby, not a full time job, and the beauty of it as[FONT=Tahoma, Calibri, Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif] [/FONT] Stradawhovious has already said, worst case I re-shoot it. NOT a big deal, seriously.

That said, I snapped a few pics in the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens after my class these over the weekend. I realize these pics (and any in general) would have been better quality if I had a prime lens at the time these were taken. I would like to think that I have decent composition, but I realize I have much to learn. Positive and negative comments welcome, but if I'm honest, the negative or discouraging comments just make me want to work harder.

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^I probably could've done more with this photo opportunity here, suggestions? I shot it in both landscape and portrait. But I personally like the one above, the focal b&w makes you stare thru the arc and kind of wonder where that path goes. . .

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Mrgiggls · Mar 29, 2012

I like what you did with that second image...very Zen. Getting some cool HDR effects on the b&w areas would really make that baby pop!

gsgary · Mar 30, 2012

Probably better becoming semi-pro machanic

Aetherbound · Mar 30, 2012

Do you have a full color version of #2 and would allow me to use if for my wallpaper background? It pleases me hehehe

ISO · Mar 30, 2012

I know a pro with a T3i as his second body, his main is a Canon 1DX, and he knows what he's doing, the T3i is a great camera with the right glass in front of it(he just has L glass, none of that 18-55mm stuff).

onehundredoctane · Mar 31, 2012

gsgary said:
Probably better becoming semi-pro machanic

When it comes to being a mechanic, I'd like to think I'm a bit better than a semi-pro. Since you brought it up, here's my pride and job

been slaving away at it for a few years now. Should have 450-500 whp when it's done. (yeah I'm posting a cell phone pic, bring the hate everyone)

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Eh, that got me off topic, love that car though.

Aetherbound said:
Do you have a full color version of #2 and would allow me to use if for my wallpaper background? It pleases me hehehe

Sure do. I'll get the original and post it up for ya next time I login!

12sndsgood · Apr 1, 2012

I would enjoy seeing more pics of the car.

I would suggest if your going to be taking photos of people find some friends to practice on. Worlds of difference shooting people versus shootin still life.

onehundredoctane · Apr 1, 2012

Full color version.

12sndsgood said:
I would enjoy seeing more pics of the car.

I would suggest if your going to be taking photos of people find some friends to practice on. Worlds of difference shooting people versus shootin still life.

I'll have to go take some, I have yet to take one picture of the car with anything other than my phone. The only note worthy aspect of the project is the engine, the body of the car needs a lot of love before I'll be happy with it. I don't have any decent pics of the car, here's what I do have.

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350z track rotors with Wilwood Superlite 4 piston calipers. 16" Hanbai wheels imported from Japan, discontinued, super hard to find. I've only seen one set since I got these a couple years ago.

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^This is from when I first got the car. It was a stripped out shell that I got from a buddy, no engine, transmission, interior. . .etc. It'll be getting painted white when it's all said and done.

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Full Race twinscroll turbo manifold, a work of art! It pairs together cylinders that have opposite firing sequences to keep exhaust pressure equal on each side of the divided turbo flange there. That isn't chrome, the silver looking coating is actually a thermal barrier coating that helps reduce the amount of heat the part radiates to the rest of the engine bay. It's thermal coated internally as well, this helps prevent the part from absorbing as much heat that will over time fatigue the metal and the welds.

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The valve train consists of Crower 272 degree cams, Crower intake and exhaust valves (oversized exhaust valves to help get as much out as quickly as possible to help spin that turbo), Crower titanium spring retainers, and Crower valve springs. A 3 angle valve job and a port match and port polish allow better air flow than the factory castings.

Here you see the tubes coming from the dual wastegates, these regulate exhaust pressure between the engine and the turbo, at higher rpm's the exhaust pressure exceeds the pressure of the springs inside the wastegates opening the valve and venting the excess exhaust pressure to atmosphere. When these things open up it will sound awesome.

Sorry to ramble on about my car, it's my passion, pride and joy.

I made these tips to finish off the tubes, just so they wouldn't look like I didn't put any time into them.

12sndsgood · Apr 1, 2012

motor is looking nice. though id have to route the dump tubes back into the exhause lol. going to sound like a beast when they open up. love the wilwoods as well. i have them on my toy and love them.

onehundredoctane · Apr 1, 2012

PSSHHHHHH! They call em' screamer pipes for a reason

InnatelyKait · Apr 1, 2012

Welcome!

I've said this a lot lately...

RULE OF THIRDS!

Remember it and use it wisely. (Also, get a better camera body when you can afford it...seriously!)

C4talyst · Apr 1, 2012

Hi Matt, you may appreciate some of the info in this article:

How to shoot a wedding - Lesson 1

Also, some of these "experienced" photographers seem a little insecure in their responses...don't they?

onehundredoctane · Apr 5, 2012

C4talyst said:
Hi Matt, you may appreciate some of the info in this article:

How to shoot a wedding - Lesson 1

Also, some of these "experienced" photographers seem a little insecure in their responses...don't they?

Hi, and thank you for your input. But if you (and everyone else) would go back and actually read a single one of my posts I have mentioned SEVERAL times that I am NOT shooting a wedding.

chuasam · Apr 5, 2012

InnatelyKait said:
Welcome!

I've said this a lot lately...

RULE OF THIRDS!

Remember it and use it wisely. (Also, get a better camera body when you can afford it...seriously!)

I disagree. A T3i is perfectly adequate for a beginner. As for the rule of thirds...learn when to use it and when to just ignore it.

fotomumma09 · Apr 5, 2012

Okay, so I'm pretty new to photography too but can I suggest you practice on another couple in your life? Just recently I did a mini photo-shoot in my backyard with a friend. I forwarded them to a friend who is a pro for critiquing. It was so helpful as I find photography a extremely complex art. I feel pretty confidant with the basics but the more I learn the more I realize I don't know!

Keep reading and reading your manual, read articles and practice!

Lastly, ignore the arrogant pro's because even they had to start somewhere.

Good luck!