Happy To Find A Good Forum

[Kal3ido]

Hello!
My name is Sojata and around June I decided that I wanted to do photography. Preferably high fashion shoots. I purchased a Canon Rebel XS Kit. I absolutely know nothing about photography or DSLR. I just point, shoot and I feel I take pretty decent photos. I feel my nature shots come out better then the people. The nature shots just be more crisp & in better focus. I'm teaching myself slowly as I'm also in college and work. I'm just looking for any advice that can help me move on to the next step. I'm looking forward to posting, responding and learning lots from everyone =]

 

[TenaciousTins]

Welcome to the forum! This is a great forum. I just joined myself but the people here have been incredibly helpful already.

Be warned-you will get very up front, no-sugar-coated responses BUT they are always the most helpful!

If you are going to do high fashion shoots, you have a long way to go. A common consensus around here (and they're right) is that a lot of people pick up a DSLR and suddenly think they can take great pictures but have yet to study and even begin to master lighting, exposure, aperture/bokeh, angles, settings, etc. But never let that discourage you. If you want to do this for real, your best bet is to get yourself into some classes, read the heck out of books (that everyone here will suggest to you), post for C&C over and over again...and shoot hundreds of thousands of pictures. Or millions. In order to truly do high fashion photography, you need far far more than just a Rebel XS. That's a good little DSLR, and if paired with the right equipment, can take some darn good shots. But the essence of high fashion photography from what I have observed has a lot to do with presenting the clothing as well as the model in the most flattering, most interesting, most alluring ways by use of light, angles, poses, setting, etc. Lighting is HUGE. As I am just finding out. Good lighting requires more than one flash (and that built in flash is pathetic), requires more than just a light or two in the background or a good back drop. The difficulty with photography is that if you really want to do well with it, you have to be willing to really go for it-which can become huge financially as it is a very expensive career to get into. So you have to really go for it, for real, if you're going for high fashion shoots. There are millions of people with a DSLR who can take "OK" shots and all their friends go "oooh" and "aaah" and "you should get paid for this!" but when it comes down to it, probably about 99% of those people really couldn't begin to have any real place in the business world of photography-myself included-because they don't have the equipment, the knowledge, and the drive to do what it takes.

I wish you all the best in your quest! I do not mean to discourage you...but I do want you to be aware of how difficult it is to really make something of it. I'm just a hobby photographer so you're welcome to take what I say with a grain of salt.

The people here will most definitely help you figure out what you're going to need in order to move forward!

Take care!

 

[robitussin217]

Welcome!..look forward to seeing your shots!

 

[Kerbouchard]

I will welcome you, also. And like Tenacious Tins, will offer a warning.

One, this isn't a nice forum. We routinely drive off new members. Not pleasant, but it is what it is.
Two, you fit the profile of somebody that will probably be driven off. Again, not pleasant, but it happens every day.
Three, high fashion photography usually includes a tens of thousands of dollars in lighting gear, make up artists, designers, wardrobes, set crews, stylists, advertising consultants, etc, etc.

It's not exactly an industry you walk into with a Canon Rebel and declare yourself open to business. If you can swing it, you'll probably make more money writing a book about how you accomplished it than you ever will in photography.

Again, welcome, and best of luck to you.

 

[e.rose]

Welcome Kal3ido!!!

This forum IS definitely a helpful place as Tins has stated! There are a lot of people here to help you if you're ready and willing to learn!!! :sillysmi:

We routinely drive off new members.

....

Two, you fit the profile of somebody that will probably be driven off.

Looks like you're doing a great job of starting that process yourself. :thumbdown:

It's not exactly an industry you walk into with a Canon Rebel and declare yourself open to business.

I don't see anywhere that the OP mentioned wanting to start a business. They said they were "teaching themselves slowly". Just because they have aspirations doesn't mean they're aiming to get a gig with a Ford model next week.

...and you call the rest of US abrasive... :er:
.
.
.
.
.
Anyway, Kal3ido, like I said... WELCOME! As long as you are able to take honest critique, you will do just fine here. Just know that when people are giving you critique, most of us won't sugar coat it, because no one gets better that way. We're completely honest in our opinions and not everyone likes that. But if you can handle that, this is a GREAT place to learn and grow and get feedback on your work!

Sometimes, like in the real world, people will say things you disagree with or won't like. As long as you can handle yourself in a regal manor by either using the report button to report them to a moderator, simply ignoring them, or writing a *tactful* response yourself, you won't have any issues here.

If Kerbouchard made you nervous with his response, just take some time to read through the threads on the "Active Topics" page and you'll get an idea of the kind of people and behaviors that garnish good responses from the community and those that just have drama surrounding them.

I look forward to seeing you post! :sillysmi:

 

[Kerbouchard]

Welcome Kal3ido!!!

This forum IS definitely a helpful place as Tins has stated! There are a lot of people here to help you if you're ready and willing to learn!!! :sillysmi:

We routinely drive off new members.

....

Two, you fit the profile of somebody that will probably be driven off.

Looks like you're doing a great job of starting that process yourself. :thumbdown:

It's not exactly an industry you walk into with a Canon Rebel and declare yourself open to business.

I don't see anywhere that the OP mentioned wanting to start a business. They said they were "teaching themselves slowly". Just because they have aspirations doesn't mean they're aiming to get a gig with a Ford model next week.

...and you call the rest of US abrasive... :er:
.
.
.
.
.
Anyway, Kal3ido, like I said... WELCOME! As long as you are able to take honest critique, you will do just fine here. Just know that when people are giving you critique, most of us won't sugar coat it, because no one gets better that way. We're completely honest in our opinions and not everyone likes that. But if you can handle that, this is a GREAT place to learn and grow and get feedback on your work!

Sometimes, like in the real world, people will say things you disagree with or won't like. As long as you can handle yourself in a regal manor by either using the report button to report them to a moderator, simply ignoring them, or writing a *tactful* response yourself, you won't have any issues here.

If Kerbouchard made you nervous with his response, just take some time to read through the threads on the "Active Topics" page and you'll get an idea of the kind of people and behaviors that garnish good responses from the community and those that just have drama surrounding them.

I look forward to seeing you post! :sillysmi:

Whatever. Yes, I call you abrasive. You and your entire clique and mob mentality. I merely spoke the truth. A new member should be given a heads up on what is in store, especially when entering with somewhat rose colored glasses.

For myself, yes, I am one of the more vocal and, at times, controversial members of this forum. I usually reserve my 'controversial' statements for the 'established clique' and provide the best advice I can for the beginners.

 

[Kal3ido]

Thanks for all the replies and I know my camera is not the best one for fashion shoots of such high caliber as Vogue or etc. I'm just looking to take great photos with what I have at the moment, I checked the photo forums and seen some great pics. I just want to get to a point where I'm comfortable with what I have so far. Like I read some where on the forum. Learn first with what you got, then move on & up. I guess you could say high fashion shots are my dream. Right now I'm looking to do glamour shots, senior pictures & infants, model and events.
Once my schedule allows I plan to take these courses offered at my local university and I also been looking to work a little in a studio for extra experience. Right now I just set up themes with my friends and take ok photos.

P.S. I'm a greenhorn but CC is always welcome. Good or bad. I don't think they'll run me way, lOl I already done found some useful information I plan to use.

 

[Kerbouchard]

Thanks for all the replies and I know my camera is not the best one for fashion shoots of such high caliber as Vogue or etc. I'm just looking to take great photos with what I have at the moment, I checked the photo forums and seen some great pics. I just want to get to a point where I'm comfortable with what I have so far. Like I read some where on the forum. Learn first with what you got, then move on & up. I guess you could say high fashion shots are my dream. Right now I'm looking to do glamour shots, senior pictures & infants, model and events.
Once my schedule allows I plan to take these courses offered at my local university and I also been looking to work a little in a studio for extra experience. Right now I just set up themes with my friends and take ok photos.

P.S. I'm a greenhorn but CC is always welcome. Good or bad. I don't think they'll run me way, lOl I already done found some useful information I plan to use.

Sounds like a good game plan and a great attitude. Welcome aboard.

For some quick advice, check with your local beauty schools...see if you can find some make up and hair stylists that are willing to work for free for either classroom work or portfolio material. You should be able to work out an arrangement so you can all learn together.

Also, for the types of shots you want to do, honestly, lighting is more important than either the camera body or the lens. I would look to expand my lighting options first...Either through reflectors and diffusers and/or external flashes.

 

[e.rose]

Whatever. Yes, I call you abrasive. You and your entire clique and mob mentality. I merely spoke the truth. A new member should be given a heads up on what is in store, especially when entering with somewhat rose colored glasses.

For myself, yes, I am one of the more vocal and, at times, controversial members of this forum. I usually reserve my 'controversial' statements for the 'established clique' and provide the best advice I can for the beginners.

OhhhOKAY!

:roll:

Thanks for all the replies and I know my camera is not the best one for fashion shoots of such high caliber as Vogue or etc. I'm just looking to take great photos with what I have at the moment, I checked the photo forums and seen some great pics. I just want to get to a point where I'm comfortable with what I have so far. Like I read some where on the forum. Learn first with what you got, then move on & up. I guess you could say high fashion shots are my dream. Right now I'm looking to do glamour shots, senior pictures & infants, model and events.
Once my schedule allows I plan to take these courses offered at my local university and I also been looking to work a little in a studio for extra experience. Right now I just set up themes with my friends and take ok photos.

P.S. I'm a greenhorn but CC is always welcome. Good or bad. I don't think they'll run me way, lOl I already done found some useful information I plan to use.

Sounds like you're headed in the right direction and have your head on your shoulders! I look forward to seeing you post! :sillysmi:

 

[Derrel]

Hello!
My name is Sojata and around June I decided that I wanted to do photography. Preferably high fashion shoots. I purchased a Canon Rebel XS Kit. I absolutely know nothing about photography or DSLR. I just point, shoot and I feel I take pretty decent photos. I feel my nature shots come out better then the people. The nature shots just be more crisp & in better focus. I'm teaching myself slowly as I'm also in college and work. I'm just looking for any advice that can help me move on to the next step. I'm looking forward to posting, responding and learning lots from everyone =]

Welcome to TPF Sojata. We have ONE pretty big-time fashion photographer here, Benjamin Kanarek. He shoots in Europe for high-level fashion magazines, and does lovely work. He's been a fashion pro for over 20 years. He has a blog, and does some posts here when he has a moment now and then. Look him up. Study photos. Look. Learn. Study people. Dream. Plan. Make it happen. Have faith in yourself.

 

[camz]

Yeah you're getting good advice here from the established members...I say you take it to heart OP. Keep challenging your photography and absorb. Good luck!

 

[MTVision]

You should check out the book Understanding Exposure (sorry kerbouchard).Its a great and easy to understand book for beginners. Scott Kelby has some good books on photography and editing.

Www.cambridgeincolour.com
Great tutorials!

Welcome to the forum!!

 

[Kal3ido]

Sounds like a good game plan and a great attitude. Welcome aboard.

For some quick advice, check with your local beauty schools...see if you can find some make up and hair stylists that are willing to work for free for either classroom work or portfolio material. You should be able to work out an arrangement so you can all learn together.

Also, for the types of shots you want to do, honestly, lighting is more important than either the camera body or the lens. I would look to expand my lighting options first...Either through reflectors and diffusers and/or external flashes.

Yes, a good external flash and 50mm F/1.8 lens is next on my list of goodies to buy. Also YouTube is my best-friend for make-up. I'll check out the beauty schools. We do have 2 around where I live.

 

[Kal3ido]

Welcome to TPF Sojata. We have ONE pretty big-time fashion photographer here, Benjamin Kanarek. He shoots in Europe for high-level fashion magazines, and does lovely work. He's been a fashion pro for over 20 years. He has a blog, and does some posts here when he has a moment now and then. Look him up. Study photos. Look. Learn. Study people. Dream. Plan. Make it happen. Have faith in yourself.

Will do, bout to google and search for him right now =]