New photographer looking forward to learning

Albert D · Jul 2, 2024

Hello everyone,

I'm a brand new photographer. Photography is something I've always wanted to get into but work and other things kept me from it. I have now retired and invested in some gear. I haven't decided on a specific type of photography I will settle on but I love looking at insect macro and nature photographs. I purchased a Canon R7, and RS 100mm Macro lens and and RS 100-500mm zoom. I also got a speedlight, a couple of spare batteries a diffuser and a couple of other thing the shop recommended. I know I will want a wide angle zoom, but that will have to wait for now.

I will share my photos and gladly accept criticism. I have a pretty thick skin and know I have everything to learn.

Al

otherprof · Jul 2, 2024

Albert D said:
Hello everyone,

I'm a brand new photographer. Photography is something I've always wanted to get into but work and other things kept me from it. I have now retired and invested in some gear. I haven't decided on a specific type of photography I will settle on but I love looking at insect macro and nature photographs. I purchased a Canon R7, and RS 100mm Macro lens and and RS 100-500mm zoom. I also got a speedlight, a couple of spare batteries a diffuser and a couple of other thing the shop recommended. I know I will want a wide angle zoom, but that will have to wait for now.

I will share my photos and gladly accept criticism. I have a pretty thick skin and know I have everything to learn.

Al

Welcome to the Forum!

denum · Jul 2, 2024

Welcome aboard.

Woolsocks · Jul 2, 2024

welcome. maybe the `100 to 500 gonna be a disappointment.

wobe · Jul 2, 2024

Welcome - look forward to seeing your shots !

terri · Jul 2, 2024

Welcome to TPF, Al! We're happy to have you on board. Please check out our Photo Galleries, so you can share your work with us. It's a great way to get to know everyone and get feedback on your work, too.

Keep posting and have fun!

SunriseAvenue · Jul 3, 2024

Hi and welcome! Hope you'll like it here!

JoeW · Jul 3, 2024

Welcome.

The great French photographer Cartier-Bresson once said: "your first 10,000 photos are your worst." So get shooting. And then critique your own work. And share it (not to seek praise, but to get tips).

And it's fine if you have an idea of what you want to shoot. But I suspect as you learn your camera and start looking at other photos, you'll discover other subjects you like to focus on. Dorothea Lange said of photography: "A camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera." Quite simply, as you get in to photography, you'll start to see everything different.

jeffashman · Jul 3, 2024

Howdy and welcome! When you say RS, I'm guessing you have the Canon RF 100-500mm L ISM, which has decent reviews, and should be good for wildlife photography. Looking forward to seeing some of your photos. Bremerton, home of CVN-68.

DigiFilm · Jul 3, 2024

Albert D said:
I haven't decided on a specific type of photography I will settle on

There is absolutely no reason to ever decide on a specific type of photography. Shoot it all, have fun. Don't pigeonhole yourself. If you have leanings, they'll come naturally.

Welcome to the site.

Albert D · Jul 3, 2024

Woolsocks said:
welcome. maybe the `100 to 500 gonna be a disappointment.

I hope not, it wasn't cheap. I have seen good reviews and the results from experienced photographers looks pretty nice.

Albert D · Jul 3, 2024

jeffashman said:
Howdy and welcome! When you say RS, I'm guessing you have the Canon RF 100-500mm L ISM, which has decent reviews, and should be good for wildlife photography. Looking forward to seeing some of your photos. Bremerton, home of CVN-68.

Right you are, it's an RF 100-500 L.

I worked as a civilian for the Navy doing explosive safety at Bangor.

snowbear · Jul 3, 2024

Welcome aboard. From one side of the country to the other.

jeffashman · Jul 3, 2024

Albert D said:
Right you are, it's an RF 100-500 L.

I worked as a civilian for the Navy doing explosive safety at Bangor.

My youngest was a Master at Arms on the Nimitz for all four years of his enlistment. The RF 100-500 should serve you well.

DigiFilm · Jul 4, 2024

Albert D said:
I hope not, it wasn't cheap. I have seen good reviews and the results from experienced photographers looks pretty nice.

Don't listen to naysayers, follow your eyes. After I read a review or two, and maybe watch a video from a content creator, I like to look at photos from everyman around the web. That's the best barometer in my view, it shows what the lens can do out in the real world, and comparisons make it easy to see the difference between photographer ability and actual lens performance.

I've been told hundreds of times not to buy one lens or another because it isn't any good. I ignore them. It's only proven true once, and even at that I've thought about repurchasing the lens because I'm not convinced I gave it a fair shake at the time. Still, there are other fish to fry...