What do I need to appear like i know what I'm doing?

[Parker219]

im not here to justify myself to anyone. If you have nothing useful to add then go answer another question.

Aparently you feel that you need to justify yourself as a professional to the models that you want to photograph by "appearing to look like you know what you are doing".

 

[TheLibrarian]

I'm finding that's not much of a concern they don't seem to mind. I'm not here to argue.

I never said I don't want to learn anything. I just happened to ask what is a quality level camera. I don't want to buy twice.

If you have any specific information about lighting or anything at all you can put forward your suggestions or even some subject you'd like to recommend I study.

This would be my first Dsl but hardly the first time I took a photo.

The question at hand still Unanswered is are there any quality one piece lens and body cameras comparable to the d5300 and that would that be easier to use? People say they get noticable difference using a dslr from their standard cameras without great difficulty.

I understand some people may be confused or offended by what I'm doing and it's purely for my enjoyment. I don't think I need to go to school for years to take pictures of girls if they'll let me. I make no false claims and it's up to them what to include in their portfolio. I've an idea some shots they get paid for will be better than some they paid for at one of your models actors extras wanted studios. Considering the environment I'm pretty respectful of them and I think the majority are no more models than I am a photographer.

I've learned a lot in a few days. And I'm willing to learn as I go. Instead of practicing on foam heads with wigs I've no qualms practicing on them. and anywhere else. 10 of 300 might go on Facebook, she can have some and most will likely just be deleted.

 

[waday]

@TheLibrarian, stick with the d5300 and the kit lenses for now. Once you learn more, you'll probably end up wanting to get better lenses, lighting equipment, and eventually, a better body, among other things. But, until that point, stick with the d5300 and go from there. Or, you could even start with the d3300 to save a few bucks.

 

[gckless]

Post up some of your photos. We can then suggest things based on what needs the most attention.

If you just want a nice camera body, then go get one. From everything you've written, you have no idea what you're doing other than "I want to take photos of girls" and aren't willing to learn even the basics, so you're just going to be using fully auto mode anyway, which may not produce the results you want. You say you don't want lenses that zoom from the lens. You going to be only using your right hand? You've consistently exceeded your original budget with random ideas, have ignored sound advice in this thread, and have said you are fine with an iPhone if it looked like a pro camera. How about this: http://gizmodo.com/5872227/this-is-one-ridiculously-over-the-top-iphone-camera-case

Also, I don't think you've uploaded your DNA scan yet.

 

[Designer]

The question at hand still Unanswered is are there any quality one piece lens and body cameras comparable to the d5300 and that would that be easier to use? People say they get noticable difference using a dslr from their standard cameras without great difficulty.

If you can afford an entry-level DSLR (Nikon D5300), you will achieve acceptable results by simply allowing the camera to make the exposure settings. Just put it on "auto" and fire away. The photos will still look better (generally) than what you might produce with a compact camera. So I will say (without doing my research on the internet) that no, there is not a simple compact camera with the capability of a DSLR and its APS-C sensor and a decent entry-level lens.

 

[Derrel]

The question at hand still Unanswered is are there any quality one piece lens and body cameras comparable to the d5300 and that would that be easier to use? People say they get noticable difference using a dslr from their standard cameras without great difficulty.

I understand some people may be confused or offended by what I'm doing and it's purely for my enjoyment. I don't think I need to go to school for years to take pictures of girls if they'll let me. I make no false claims and it's up to them what to include in their portfolio. I've an idea some shots they get paid for will be better than some they paid for at one of your models actors extras wanted studios. Considering the environment I'm pretty respectful of them and I think the majority are no more models than I am a photographer.

I see you're still here! Whether it is nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of an angry TPF mob or to... and all that

The one-piece, do-it-all or "bridge" type cameras like the moderate sized Nikons or the Fuji S-series can deliver decent image quality, but in general the entry-level NIkons like the D5300 or D5500 are quite easy to use. The advantage the Nikons offer is the Nikon lens system--AND the ultra-fast response on the shutter, and a very capable focusing system.

If you have not already, join Model Mayhem; it's free, and a good place to meet potential models, some payed and well-respected and who have been models for years, and at the other end, girls-bnext-door model wanna-be types, and loads of people in-between. Develop some portfolio shots. As a free member you can upload up to 15 shots. Make some contacts via e-mail. Develop some shoot ideas; most MM models want shoot ideas and details before they get very interested.

Again...lighting gear is helpful. The best bang-for-dollar is still the Adorama Flashpoint 320M, the AC-powered studio type monolight flash for $99. It is the right price and the right power for a d-slr camera: 150 Watt-seconds of power, and priced FAIRLY, not overly-inflated. Add a light stand and an umbrella, and you have the basis for indoor lighting. OFF-CAMERA flash with a good modifier (umbrella, softbox) helps so,so much indoors.

I still think the way to go is a d-slr, not a bridge type digicam. I stand by the idea I put forth six pages ago-- that off-camera lighting gear, and light modifiers like umbrellas, make a more positive impression AND they help to create BETTER IMAGES, than the camera itself, or the lens! Good LIGHT makes it easier to shoot good photos.

A large-ish reflector, white/silver, is also a very needed, basic piece of kit to own.

 

[dannylightning]

you cant get much easier to use than a D5300 or most dslr's to be hones.... i think they all have auto mode these days , and most of them are going to have several auto/manual modes which will let you adjust one of the settings and the camera adjust the rest to try to give you a proper exposure. i personally shoot in full manual mode but i chat a little bit. i turn on auto ISO so i set my shutter speed and my aperture where i want it and the camera gives me what it thinks is the best exposure by adjusting the ISO for me.. if that exposure happens to be too dark or too bright i just push the exposure comp button and turn a wheel to brighten up or darken up the exposure. very easy.. you can do the same thing in full auto mode with the exposure comp..

sure there is allot to learn with any DSLR or even a point and shoot.. lots of point and shoots have auto modes and full manual modes. so basically learning to use a DSLR or a point and shoot is about the same if you want to take advantage of all they can do but you can generally do more with a DSLR and get better quality photos, the dslr will have more settings you can change but to start out most of the facory settings and auto mode and you are good to go for a while. you want easy, just leave the camera how its set from the factory, shoot in auto mode and use your exposure comp button to adjust the exposure if your not happy with the exposure the camera gives you.. the d5300 has the exposure comp button, i used to own one and it was a great camera... i am not sure if all models and brands have the exposure comp botton or not.. but i know the d5300 does. and i think most nikon bodys do

as you learn about using the manual modes you can start learning how to take photos in manual modes and you will get the hang of it.. untill then there is always auto mode. turn the camera on, stick a lens on it and shoot away..

 

[vintagesnaps]

I'm finding that's not much of a concern they don't seem to mind.

Don't mind what? That you aren't a professional? that you seem to be trying to look like you know what you're doing?

I don't get the comment about wanting to do 'amateur' paid sessions, or wanting to do photo shoots with girls/models (or who these girls are that don't care if you're a pro) - and needing something more than just a phone to take photos but not seeming to care if you only give them a few usable pictures and hundreds that are useless.

What's the point of doing that? If you want to be a photographer, learn how to become one. Take a class, read some books/articles on photography, etc. Go to a camera store or camera department in a store, have them show you some DSLRs (you don't seem to understand the difference between those and point 'n shoots).

You might as well get out taking pictures with the camera you already have and practicing using it - you need to do that before you start doing portrait sessions. Then work your way up to a new camera if/when needed. Or just forget the whole thing, this idea doesn't seem like the best way to be a photographer.

 

[TheLibrarian]

The trolls are thick here. Thank you to all who've been helpful I'm sorry for you those who have some kind of problem.

 

[katsrevenge]

You guys are worse than the A&S thread on the bike forums.

No, no they aren't LOL.
Haven't reached the end of the thread yet but I use a sturdy pannier with padding to take my camera out riding. But, I'm not doing serious techy mountain stuff either...

 

[Parker219]

^ I wish this WAS the end of the thread. ^

 

[TheLibrarian]

You guys are worse than

No, no they aren't LOL.
Haven't reached the end of the thread yet but I use a sturdy pannier with padding to take my camera out riding. But, I'm not doing serious techy mountain stuff either...

Haha awesome. At least you'd think there are fewer photographers packing heat and scared to do what they do everyday.

 

[Designer]

The trolls are thick here.

Quote from Wikipedia:

"Application of the term troll is subjective. Some readers may characterize a post as trolling, while others may regard the same post as a legitimate contribution to the discussion, even if controversial. Like any pejorative term, it can be used as an ad hominem attack, suggesting a negative motivation."

 

[katsrevenge]

You guys are worse than

No, no they aren't LOL.
Haven't reached the end of the thread yet but I use a sturdy pannier with padding to take my camera out riding. But, I'm not doing serious techy mountain stuff either...

Haha awesome. At least you'd think there are fewer photographers packing heat and scared to do what they do everyday.

Heh, you'd think the photographers would be the more worried bunch, now you know how much good gear can set you back. But no, not at all. Last thread I saw on that seemed to think that blending in was better!

If it helps any, I have a Nikon D5200 with just two lenses (for now). I shot plenty of good stuff with the 18-55 (and still do). Got the longer 55-200 recently for minor birding and the moon.

I don't really do people. That said. The kit 18-55 does do people very nicely though, perfect for amateur/playing around stuff. I use it for family.

 

[Rampage]

The key to good portraiture is the lighting.
Light direction and quality are the 2 major aspects you would want to understand for all your photography, not just portraiture:
Direction & Quality of Light: Your Key to Better Portrait Photography Anywhere

Lighting that is apparently big delivers soft flattering light and diffuse shadow edges.
The Sun is not an apparently big light source so often sunlight is very harsh and makes shadows that have sharp edges. The same goes for small light sources like a camera's built-in flash unit or a flash unit mounted on the camera's hot shoe.

Light modifiers, like photographic umbrellas, can make a small inexpensive manual flash unit appear to be a big light source.
Impact Digital Flash Umbrella Mount Kit
Yongnuo YN-560 II Speedlight Flash for Canon and Nikon. GN58.
Off-Camera Flash: Techniques for Digital Photographers
On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography

Was browsing the forum and aaw this discussion, thanks for links