Semi Amateur Photographer Answers needed :)

[xxWesxx]

Okay in this post ill probably have alot of questions D: if you cant answer all of them please choose the ones you do know

1. I have a Cannon Rebel T3i with a 18-55mm lens. Whats the next lens I would possibly like to have?
2. Are there any sites that have photo competitions. Photobucket, Flickr and here are the only ones i know so far but i need some that are strictly for Competition.
3. Are there any sites out there that have very good photographers that can criticize and critique my work? I know here but i need another so i can get to sides
4. Im looking into Art colleges (BTW im going to be a junior this year) Does anyone know if Nossi college of art and design is good? Or another school that i might be interested in?
5. What kinda jobs out there will hire a teenager to do photography work for them. Even if the money isn't. or Freelancing.
6. How do i come up with really good photo ideas. Sometimes I feel as if I want to take pictures. But I cant find a really good shot?
7. I ordered a Lens Hood for my DSLR. What are the pros and cons of having a hood? its a tulip 55mm hood
8. National Portfolio is coming up soon and im wanting to make a really really nice presentation with a photo alblumn. Any suggestions to make it stand out against the others?

Thank you guys! I appreciate all the help!

-Wes

 

[KmH]

If the front of your lens turns when focused or zoomed, a petal type hood will cause occasional vignetting.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

6. How do i come up with really good photo ideas. Sometimes I feel as if I want to take pictures. But I cant find a really good shot?

If you have to ask that question, you might want to reconsider a career in the arts.

How does any artist come up with their ideas?

 

[Overread]

1) There is no "next lens". The next lens is the one that fills a need within your setup to allow you to be able to take or to more easily take the photos that you want to within the environments that you choose to shoot in.
That means you've got to work out what your current setup's limitations are and what your aims and objectives with your camera are. From there, with your criteria on the table, you can start to whittle down the masses of lenses into those that will full-fill the need you need.

Note - many will oft suggest the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens as a second lens; mostly because its a very cheap and yet good quality lens on the market and it lets you get a taste of a higher quality optical result than the kit zoom lens. That said if you're main interest were (for example) wildlife it would not be a much used lens.

2) I can't suggest any; but I WILL say that you should always read and understand any terms and conditions for a competition that you choose to enter. Be fully aware at all times, of what you are agreeing to. There are a lot of competitions which run mostly to just line the organisers pockets with a lot of royalty free commercial grade photos.

3) You're there already - right here !
After that I'd say its best to find your own; hunt down some more generalist sites, remember there are dedicated critique groups on flickr as well. From there I'd also advise searching for special interest groups; if you like (for example) sports or journalist photos hunt down (google) photo forums that cater to those niche interests
.

4) can't comment

5) You'd probably be looking at an apprenticing or internship setup; though that would likely run far longer than a few weeks (ergo if you are off to college its unlikely something you can keep going). Otherwise best thing is to produce a portfolio of your best work and then head out and find out what is locally available to yourself.

6) Inspiration is not something that can be taught - encouraged yes, but you've got to find the motivation and the interest yourself I'm afraid.

7) Hoods are always good! With a hood you cut down on light entering the lens from outside light sources, which can reduce haze and increase contrast in the final photo. Furthermore you also gain a level of physical protection from light bumps or scrapes for your front element.

8) Practice lots - then go practice again - then practice again!

 

[JAC526]

6. How do i come up with really good photo ideas. Sometimes I feel as if I want to take pictures. But I cant find a really good shot?

If you have to ask that question, you might want to reconsider a career in the arts.

How does any artist come up with their ideas?

By accident.....or at least that's how it usually works for me.

 

[OrionsByte]

Okay in this post ill probably have alot of questions D: if you cant answer all of them please choose the ones you do know

2. Are there any sites that have photo competitions. Photobucket, Flickr and here are the only ones i know so far but i need some that are strictly for Competition.
3. How do i come up with really good photo ideas. Sometimes I feel as if I want to take pictures. But I cant find a really good shot?

Check out the Fight Club section here on TPF. It's not something you're going to win prizes or prestige for or anything, but it's a fun way to practice your skills and learn to think creatively. Basically every week there are 5 topics posted, and once you've seen them you have one hour to shoot, edit, and upload photos for all 5 topics, then at the end of the week everyone votes for their favorites. It's not all that competitive per se, but it's a lot of fun to see what other people came up with. You should give it a try.

 

[wsetser]

1. I have a Cannon Rebel T3i with a 18-55mm lens. Whats the next lens I would possibly like to have?

First, shoot a lot with what you have. Get to know what it's capable of as well as it's limitations. Then, take a long hard look at your photos and ask yourself what lens would make them better or what lens would let me get the shots I'm missing. Only you can decide what lens you should get next, not someone you don't know and has never seen your work.

 

[xxWesxx]

Thank You guys For alll your answers. I really appreciate it. And well i mean im pretty good at getting ideas for my photos but sometimes i feel like i got like a block and i cant get past it. But im guessing that's normal?