Is my camera holding me back?

[mwcfarms]

Shooting portraits outside without a flash or reflector is going to make your shots look like every other beginner, not very interesting, if flash is used well outside you can hardly tell

I respectfully disagree gary. Sometimes the light is just right (diffused sun form behind you and blue sky behind the subject) and I rather shoot without flash.

But for arguments sake Robin would flash give that extra pop to make the image go from great to stellar? I know it take extra time to move stands and umbrellas around but a flash and reflector puts the extra sparkle in peoples eyes that 99 times out of 100 make an image that much better.

 

[SabrinaO]

Well that's the thing. I have a problem in using flash outdoors.

Cuz learning to use flash is hard.

.

feel better now pointing that out???

 

[SabrinaO]

Wait.. so some of you said the D5100 and the D7000 have the same sensor?? I was thinking of getting the d7000 but if the d5100 is the equivalent ill just get that!

No no no, the D5100 will not autofocus with some lenses like the nifty fifty. Food for thought there. Honestly I don't think the body is holding you back. Most of the time you would be shooting in day time correct? Full sun daylight outside your body should be sufficient. If I were you I would get some better lenses. Forget buying the 85 1.4 honestly the 1.8 is a great lens as well for a fraction of the cost. Its got a solid body and can take a bit of a beating and its great for portraits. I use flash outdoors on just about everyshoot these days even for just a fill. If I have someone to hold the reflector then I get them to do that instead. Invest in a lighting course if you have one near you. Take some of the frustration out of the mystery of flash.

ugh i wish i could get the 85mm 1.8 but its not compatible with my camera body

 

[SabrinaO]

Shooting portraits outside without a flash or reflector is going to make your shots look like every other beginner, not very interesting, if flash is used well outside you can hardly tell

I respectfully disagree gary. Sometimes the light is just right (diffused sun form behind you and blue sky behind the subject) and I rather shoot without flash.

But for arguments sake Robin would flash give that extra pop to make the image go from great to stellar? I know it take extra time to move stands and umbrellas around but a flash and reflector puts the extra sparkle in peoples eyes that 99 times out of 100 make an image that much better.

I agree, but I know this amazing local photographer that uses nothing but natural light, no flash and her images are just beautiful. » My Four Hens Photography and Photoshop Actions

 

[mwcfarms]

I respectfully disagree gary. Sometimes the light is just right (diffused sun form behind you and blue sky behind the subject) and I rather shoot without flash.

But for arguments sake Robin would flash give that extra pop to make the image go from great to stellar? I know it take extra time to move stands and umbrellas around but a flash and reflector puts the extra sparkle in peoples eyes that 99 times out of 100 make an image that much better.

I agree, but I know this amazing local photographer that uses nothing but natural light, no flash and her images are just beautiful. » My Four Hens Photography and Photoshop Actions

But does she use a reflector? Sometimes thats all you need. but if you don't have a stand holder or its bloody windy flash can mimic that reflector. Besides you want to stand out not be just like her. I haven't seen her stuff but need to check it out. Your images are consistently getting better. What ever you been doing has been working thus far. Keep at it and I highly recommend a lighting course.

Ok I did check her out and while I think she is good. I don't think she is amazing. She has a gimmicky website with lots of colors, fun songs, and interesting compostions which make her stand out a bit I guess. I guess if you really like her style you could try her online mentorship. Shrug I dunno, I prefer more fine art images and that type of portfolio. And I looked and saw catch lights in a bunch of her images especially the backlit ones so I bet she uses a reflector.

 

[SabrinaO]

But for arguments sake Robin would flash give that extra pop to make the image go from great to stellar? I know it take extra time to move stands and umbrellas around but a flash and reflector puts the extra sparkle in peoples eyes that 99 times out of 100 make an image that much better.

I agree, but I know this amazing local photographer that uses nothing but natural light, no flash and her images are just beautiful. » My Four Hens Photography and Photoshop Actions

But does she use a reflector? Sometimes thats all you need. but if you don't have a stand holder or its bloody windy flash can mimic that reflector. Besides you want to stand out not be just like her. I haven't seen her stuff but need to check it out. Your images are consistently getting better. What ever you been doing has been working thus far. Keep at it and I highly recommend a lighting course.

Ok I did check her out and while I think she is good. I don't think she is amazing. She has a gimmicky website with lots of colors, fun songs, and interesting compostions which make her stand out a bit I guess. I guess if you really like her style you could try her online mentorship. Shrug I dunno, I prefer more fine art images and that type of portfolio. And I looked and saw catch lights in a bunch of her images especially the backlit ones so I bet she uses a reflector.

Oh of course...she has to use a reflector. Maybe thats all it takes? I don't want to be like her, I just love her skills lol. Anyways I would love to sign up with Neil Van Nierkerk who is great at flash but he might not have another course until 2012. So ill find somewhere local and soon.

 

[Robin Usagani]

I agree with you. I always have them. My last family session for example, I didnt use flash at all.
USAGANI PHOTOGRAPHY: Soesilo Family - Boulder, CO
I dont think you were disagreeing with me because you said there are times when you dont need it .

I respectfully disagree gary.

I respectfully disagree with your disagreement.

It's always better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it. If you carry your lighting with you, you can always try shots both ways.

 

[SabrinaO]

I agree with you. I always have them. My last family session for example, I didnt use flash at all.
USAGANI PHOTOGRAPHY: Soesilo Family - Boulder, CO
I dont think you were disagreeing with me because you said there are times when you dont need it .

I respectfully disagree gary.

I respectfully disagree with your disagreement.

It's always better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it. If you carry your lighting with you, you can always try shots both ways.

Gorgeous photos! I see you have the Tamron 90... hmmmmm. How do you like it?

 

[gsgary]

I respectfully disagree gary. Sometimes the light is just right (diffused sun form behind you and blue sky behind the subject) and I rather shoot without flash.

But for arguments sake Robin would flash give that extra pop to make the image go from great to stellar? I know it take extra time to move stands and umbrellas around but a flash and reflector puts the extra sparkle in peoples eyes that 99 times out of 100 make an image that much better.

I agree, but I know this amazing local photographer that uses nothing but natural light, no flash and her images are just beautiful. » My Four Hens Photography and Photoshop Actions

I wouldn't say they are amazing

 

[jake337]

Wait.. so some of you said the D5100 and the D7000 have the same sensor?? I was thinking of getting the d7000 but if the d5100 is the equivalent ill just get that!

No no no, the D5100 will not autofocus with some lenses like the nifty fifty. Food for thought there. Honestly I don't think the body is holding you back. Most of the time you would be shooting in day time correct? Full sun daylight outside your body should be sufficient. If I were you I would get some better lenses. Forget buying the 85 1.4 honestly the 1.8 is a great lens as well for a fraction of the cost. Its got a solid body and can take a bit of a beating and its great for portraits. I use flash outdoors on just about everyshoot these days even for just a fill. If I have someone to hold the reflector then I get them to do that instead. Invest in a lighting course if you have one near you. Take some of the frustration out of the mystery of flash.

ugh i wish i could get the 85mm 1.8 but its not compatible with my camera body

It will work just fine except it will not autofocus.

 

[gsgary]

I would say it is your lenses that are holding you back, for outside portraits a 70-200F2.8 would be good

 

[SabrinaO]

No no no, the D5100 will not autofocus with some lenses like the nifty fifty. Food for thought there. Honestly I don't think the body is holding you back. Most of the time you would be shooting in day time correct? Full sun daylight outside your body should be sufficient. If I were you I would get some better lenses. Forget buying the 85 1.4 honestly the 1.8 is a great lens as well for a fraction of the cost. Its got a solid body and can take a bit of a beating and its great for portraits. I use flash outdoors on just about everyshoot these days even for just a fill. If I have someone to hold the reflector then I get them to do that instead. Invest in a lighting course if you have one near you. Take some of the frustration out of the mystery of flash.

ugh i wish i could get the 85mm 1.8 but its not compatible with my camera body

It will work just fine except it will not autofocus.

haha.. not possible with kids

 

[SabrinaO]

I would say it is your lenses that are holding you back, for outside portraits a 70-200F2.8 would be good

Im looking at the 90mm 2.8 Tamron...

But I really dont need it too much if i already have the tamron 28-75mm 2.8, and lock it around 75mm? Is it a prime that makes the difference?

 

[SabrinaO]

But for arguments sake Robin would flash give that extra pop to make the image go from great to stellar? I know it take extra time to move stands and umbrellas around but a flash and reflector puts the extra sparkle in peoples eyes that 99 times out of 100 make an image that much better.

I agree, but I know this amazing local photographer that uses nothing but natural light, no flash and her images are just beautiful. » My Four Hens Photography and Photoshop Actions

I wouldn't say they are amazing

To each their own!

 

[Robin Usagani]

tamron 90 f 2.8 is a macro lens. While It takes good portrait photos as well, you just cant compare it with 85 f/1.8 or f/1.4. Using macro lens for portrait is quite common though.