Noob for the time being...help me get outta this ditch please...=)

AtuspidsGoddess · Mar 6, 2011

...so I've taken photography a lot more serious in this past year and I meed some recommendations on gear. I have looked over a lot of threads on this forum and it seems the members here are quite knowledgeable so I'm thinking joining a photography forum was a GOOD IDEA!

I recently let go of my Rebel XTi, which I have had for the past 3 1/2 years and picked up a D200...55-200VR, 50mm, and 18-55mm lens along with 2 shoot through umbrellas and a reflector/strobe.

Lately though it seems I have been just a bit discouraged with the kind of photo results I have been getting and feel like I need to make a change in camera body. Unfortunately I'm pretty broke as it is and probably just need to make the best of what I have. I'm thinking I have OK gear, I just need to get good enough lighting to support what I have in gear right? I need some major recommendations on what kind of lighting and additional lens I should get to really kick up my gear....please HELP!

I'm looking to be able to take lots of airy fun outdoor photos, portraiture, and eventually weddings someday...any thoughts on gear that can help me with the transition would be greatly appreciated!

tirediron · Mar 6, 2011

What you need to do is learn how to use what you have. Photography is all about lighting. Lighting is all about control. Learn how to control light and you'll have winning shots. The Strobist Blog is a good place to start. There are also a ton of YouTube tutorials. Google "Studio Lighting" or similar.

Jace · Mar 6, 2011

Before the more knowledgeable people come along, I'll go ahead and say that those that can best critique your work issues, lighting, etc., will ask to see some example photos so they can maybe tell you if it's your lighting, technique, or even your gear. So, throw up some pics!

dxqcanada · Mar 6, 2011

Ummm, what exactly is disappointing you about the images you are currently taking ?

AtuspidsGoddess · Mar 6, 2011

Sounds like a good idea! Here's one I did for a friend's family...this is post processing...I'm just not entirely happy with the lighting in this one.

AtuspidsGoddess · Mar 6, 2011

...and this was also the first time I shot people wearing white...I learned a lesson about that too from this shoot. =(

AtuspidsGoddess · Mar 6, 2011

Here's another from the same shoot...showing what I mean about the white.

The hardest thing for me seems to be learning and keeping all the terminology straight...f-stop, ISO, Aperture, Depth of field...etc...

AtuspidsGoddess · Mar 6, 2011

I just feel like I could be getting much better results than this.

This is a photo I took just today with the d200 and 50mm with one strobe and one regular light bulb on shoot through umbrellas along with a sunpak 383 on the d200

tirediron · Mar 6, 2011

Can you diagram your lighting set-up?

AtuspidsGoddess · Mar 6, 2011

OK don't laugh...I did this quick with my mouse...this is diagram for the last photo...shot today.

Jeatley · Mar 6, 2011

Looks like a lot of light was falling on the top of the pellow on that last pic and over exposed a little , What is your aperture?

o hey tyler · Mar 6, 2011

Well, for one, you're using strobed light and shooting in auto mode. That's usually a no-no.

What you're looking for in a new camera body can likely be fixed with more knowledge of the camera in your hands. As I determined from your diagram, you have one continuous light, and a strobe correct? The issue that the continuous light presents is #1 that you appear to be exposing for it (1/20 - 1/30s from your EXIF) and #2 since you are exposing for that, there can be motion blur from your subjects that comes into play. When you are dragging your shutter for that long, it gives people the opportunity to sway or fidget, and that will show up on your final product. I would suggest getting another cheap flash (a strictly manual speedlite can be had for <$100). Or reposition the flash you have to be a more effective key light, and use a faster shutter speed.

People can pull outstanding images out of a Rebel XT, lights and some good glass. Don't get under the impression that your camera body is your limiting factor. It isn't. However, your knowledge about photography may be a limiting factor. But that's relatively cheap to fix, as knowledge is free and quite plentiful on these forums. So keep shooting and good luck! :thumbup:

tirediron · Mar 6, 2011

Good suggestions from Tyler. You could also just lose the hotlight and replace it with a reflector 90 deg. camera left. What you have there is more or less a receipe for flat light. I think they're set too high as well, judging by the spill in your last image.

o hey tyler · Mar 6, 2011

tirediron said:
Good suggestions from Tyler. You could also just lose the hotlight and replace it with a reflector 90 deg. camera left. What you have there is more or less a receipe for flat light. I think they're set too high as well, judging by the spill in your last image.

Good call, and thanks for bringing it up, John.

OP- A cheap piece of white foam board should do you in the reflector department (for the time being). They can be had for 99 cents or so at Staples, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.

AtuspidsGoddess · Mar 6, 2011

Thanks for the suggestions guys! One quick note, I had a lot of problems with getting enough light...I did try a couple shots without the sunpak and it was very dark...even some of the shots with the sunpak came out dark. I did have the strobe on continuous light as well with strobe synced to the camera.

I do need a reflector in a bad way. I think I've come to the conclusion that I need to trash these lights and invest in some good alien bees, sb600, and softbox...need to save for those though...=(...but as far as alien bees go...what's a pretty good set that can be used for everything I need it to do?