I Can Has Cameraz?

9 posted on February 9, 2010

POSTED IN: Blog Posts, photos

I finally broke down last week and bought something that I’ve been wanting to buy for a long time – a digital SLR camera.

I love photography but it’s been quite a while since I’ve had a decent camera. Back in the day when I first started doing freelance design my brother and I went in together and bought an Olympus 1.3 Megapixel camera…for $1600!! Needless to say, the megapixel/feature cost has dropped quite a bit since then.

I got a great deal (thanks to Bing Cashback) on a factory refurbished Nikon D90 on eBay. I also picked up a Nikon 35mm f/1.8 and Nikon 55-200mm lens. Ryan Detzel, a blogger buddy of mine who I’ll be going to Kenya with next month, had some great advice here and here that helped me make some decisions. Actually, several of the people I’ll be traveling with are already experienced photographers so I’m gonna stick out like the noob photographer that I am.

I’ve also been developing a bit of a man-crush on Ken Rockwell over the last couple of weeks. I love his simple, easy-to-understand style and practical advice. He is one of the few people that I’ve sent money to using his PayPal donate button without reservation. His advice was worth every penny.

So, I’m diving head-first into the world of photography. Oh yeah, did I mention that all the people going to Africa with me are amazing bloggers (most of whom actually know how to use their cameras)? I think God gets a kick out of throwing me in the deep end of the pool.

Now, if I can just keep my camera away from those pesky African pick-pockets…

Here’s my question for all you amazing photographers out there…What is the one piece of advice you would give an aspiring Ansel Adams like me? It could be a web site to visit, a book to read, something to buy, a habit to develop…you get the picture (oh look! I made a photography pun!).

So photographers….what’s your one piece of advice?

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 9:20 am and is filed under Blog Posts, photos. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

29 Comments

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February 9, 2010

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1 Faye said:

1) Learn framing. HOWEVER, it’s digital, play with it. No cost to develop film, so go wild with various shots of same thing.

2) Learn f-stops and what they do and why you change ‘em (and shortcuts on your camera for quick changes)

3) Learn exposure adjustments and how to do them on the fly. Especially helpful when shooting dark & light skin together.

And YES! Use Rockwell’s info, he’s amazing!
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February 9, 2010

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2 Brad Ruggles said:

That’s more than one…but it’s good advice. Thanks!
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February 9, 2010

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3 Brian said:

I created a nifty guide to aperture/shutter speed relationship at: http://misternifty.com/creative/photography/basic-photography-tutorial/

Also, brush up on your depth-of-field knowledge. Your aperture is mainly used to control the depth of field, not light. Shutter speed is used to control light. This is a rule-of-thumb that can be broken of course. Check out the interactive DOF tutorial: http://smad.jmu.edu/dof/

One last thing. http://strobist.com is the best place to learn beginner to advanced lighting skills. They have so many cool DIY tutorials and tips.

Looking forward to seeing your shots!
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February 9, 2010

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4 Brian Richards said:

Lighting and Composition are key, anything can make a good photograph if it is lit and composed well. So, don’t be afraid to approach something from a new angle (even if it means laying on the ground), and do whatever you can to light off-camera (even if it means bouncing the tiny on-camera flash at the ceiling via an index card).

Above all, remember the best camera is the one that’s with you.
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February 9, 2010

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5 Brad Ruggles said:

More excellent advice!! Thank you Brian…and Brian.
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February 9, 2010

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6 Dave Wilson said:

Brad,

I love looking at photographers’ work for inspiration.

Check out http://fromme-toyou.tumblr.com/ when you get the chance. This photographer has a great style, and often uses old cameras to achieve a distinctive look. Enjoy!
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February 9, 2010

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7 Brad Ruggles said:

Thanks for that link Dave! I love the look of her pictures. I’m definitely adding her to my growing list of photography related blogs in my RSS reader.
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February 9, 2010

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8 Brad Harris said:

Welcome to the world of DSLR!

My one piece of advice, which will lead to a bunch of other advice, is to read “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson, and do all the simple exercises he talks about. It will exponentially increase your understanding of how to capture “creatively correct exposures.” It’s really straight forward and doesn’t get overly technical. I think it’s a widely read book so you can probably find it at your local library and save a few bucks after splurging on the gear.
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February 9, 2010

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9 Jay said:

Nice purchase. The D90 is a great camera. Ok, here’s some practical advice first:

1. Don’t get GAS. GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome. You have a D90, that 35mm and the 55-200mm zoom. You’re good to go. A great photographer said, “Gear is good. Vision is better.” Concentrate on making good photographs and not what you’re shooting with.

2. Google and read the blogs of the following photographers: Chase Jarvis, Zack Arias and David duChemin for starters.

Subscribe to the following site:

http://digital-photography-school.com/

TONS of info there.

While I’ve been at the photography game now for nearly 15 years, it’s been over the last few that I’ve really started to open up my mind to really attempt to focus on crafting a photograph instead of just taking one. You’re a designer, so I know that reading David duChemin’s book, “Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision” It’s not a very technical book. The title kind of speaks for itself. duChemin is the one that said, “Gear is good. Vision is better.” Check that out.

Also, check out the site NikonCafe.com where you can post pictures. Invite criticism. It will be constructive and people will offer tips. It’s a great community and there are plenty of noobs there.

Enjoy and good luck!
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February 9, 2010

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10 Double A-ron said:

I run across that 1.3 megapixel camera every once in a while and LOL thinking of how much you guys spent on it.
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February 9, 2010

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11 JD said:

You’ve had awesome advice so far… the only thing I can say is to get tons of practice time. If you don’t quite like the way it turned out, or it doesn’t “speak” to you, study it to examine why it didn’t work: Was it lighting, composition/angle, framing, exposure, etc… look at the photo while you’re still there and able to try to improve on it.
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February 9, 2010

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12 Brad Ruggles said:

Brad – Yeah, exposure seems to be a common thread in all the advice so far. I’ll check out Peterson’s book.

Jay – Sounds like pretty solid advice. I love that…Gear Acquisition Syndrome. So true. I definitely avoided some pitfalls when shopping by reading Ken Rockwell’s articles. He is constantly saying that more expensive does not always = better or even necessary. I’ve come across the digital photography school a few times and will have to check them out again.

Aaron – yeah, I really jumped the gun on that purchase. *sigh*
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February 9, 2010

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13 Brad Ruggles said:

JD – Good advice. I’m definitely going to be racking up tons of practice time before my trip.
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February 9, 2010

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14 Susie A. said:

Practice, Practice, Practice…
What I am learning right now..is that I rush myself sometimes in taking a photograph (sometimes necessary based on the situation) but slow down make sure you know what settings you have your camera on (I know basic), frame the photo, take a shot, check it out, change it up the settings, do it again….

Be willing to look at things from different angles…

Plan and enjoy it…

And yes, not every picture you take will work out….take more.

Nothing too earth shattering…
Enjoy the D90 and have a great time in Kenya…will be following along with you all.

Susie A.
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February 9, 2010

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15 Susie A. said:

oops…it should say play and enjoy it…

S.
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February 9, 2010

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16 Brad Ruggles said:

Susie – Thanks for the advice and, even more importantly, for following my upcoming trip to Kenya. That means a lot. This camera is just a tool to help me better tell the story of what Compassion does around the world.

Oh, “play” and “plan” are both pretty good advice! I probably need a little of both.
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February 9, 2010

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17 almost an M said:

Brad,
If you are feeling bad about your skill set compared with your camera, feel free to come shoot with me. I don’t do my D40 justice. Did want to say a huge thank you for the Ken Rockwell link. I would say you chose your man crush wisely. Will be snooping around there more as I seek to incrementally improve my “skill.”
Thanks!
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February 9, 2010

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18 Brad Ruggles said:

Almost an M – I’m surprised you haven’t heard of Ken Rockwell before now, especially since you own Ken’s favorite camera (the D40). He has so many great things to say about that camera.
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February 9, 2010

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19 Joe Gomez said:

rule of thirds.
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February 9, 2010

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20 Brad Ruggles said:

Great advice Joe! As a designer I think that one will come a little more naturally to me than some of the other stuff.
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February 9, 2010

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21 Ron Mason said:

Be sure the lens cap is off. I’ve ruined more pictures that way.
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February 9, 2010

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22 Brad Ruggles said:

Ron – lol…nice
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February 9, 2010

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23 Amanda walker/ @lilypadphoto said:

Brad…
I can’t agree enough you have been given good advice- no doubt. Coming from an amateur gone pro, seeing how ur going to kenya, what- in a month? It’s all a LOT to remember, especially if this is all new to you. I have a nikon D50, so the 90’s nicer, they’re similar. They have a great little dial that has a bunch of auto settings. When I’m doing a shoot, I rarely go off of auto or portrait unless I’m looking for an effect easier to do on camera vs. Photoshop. If I know you, you will utilize photoshop w/ your pics, and that program seems to be endless in terms of photo editing. (a lot of photogs are anti-PSD, but the editing style I use- it’s perfect).
While in Kenya- during the day, I doubt your flash will even pop up. It’s Africa- known for the sun!
Try radical angles. Raise your camera high over your head, point down & shoot. Do the opposite from the ground. 1 thing I ALWAYS do- turn &leaveyour shutter button ON. I know it might be drab to go through duplicates, but seriously your eye will train to see the differences in each 1 to find the “wow” factor.
Get an extra battery & travel charger that will charge from wall plug or car. I got mine on ebay.
Don’t get afraid to get close to your subject. When I put on my macro lens &/or fisheye, I’m literally at a max of 2 inches from my subject.
Remember, using your flash might noe always bring out the brightest picture. Try turning your auto flash off and shooting. Sometimes more light is captured.
don’t slwsys look for the perfect shot. They’re unexpected miracles that take your breath away, and you can’t try to make them appear just because your shooting it. To remedy this- take pictures of everything several times, switching pisitions, angles, etc & keep that finger on your shutter button. YOu’ll be surprised how the same object loos 100% different in a different angle & lighting.
Don’t overthink it. Let your eyes lead you, not your head. Take pictures of anything & everything. There is beauty in every single thing- photography shows the rest of the world how it’s beautiful.

I learned all the shutter speeds/f-stops, ets, but I truly rarely use them. They never stck in my head- maybe it’ll be different for you. I control all of that w/ photoshop w/ my pics anyway. But then again, I’m a photojournalistic photog that is known for digital manipulations/editing. Feel free to browse my FB fan page (search Lily Pad PR and it will take you there) to see what I’m talking about.

Good luck & the most important thing my retired photog Grandpa said is : “doesn’t matter if it’s fancy, some1 w/ a crappy, beater camera can do as good or better if the handler knows his instrument like the back of his hand”.
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February 9, 2010

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24 Parke Ladd said:

thanks for listing the other bloggers going with you. Keely Marie Scott has some mad photographing skills, and Shaun’s blog is dope. will definitely be following.
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February 9, 2010

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25 May said:

You’re already a great designer, so you’re one step ahead with your artistic eye!

I would say to shoot as much as you can. Shoot shoot shoot. Anything that catches your eye. Have your camera out and ready at all times (being aware of thieves, of course).

Avoid shooting portraiture outdoors around noon. The sun will create the raccoon eye effect. Best lighting is early morning/dawn and dusk.

You’re already equipped with a good camera and two nice lenses for wide angle and telephoto. I’d say to invest in a midrange (24-70), but that’s for next time.

I know you’re looking for a more Ansel Adams feel, but I always find close ups of people the most interesting.
I am sure you’re going to get a wide range of great subjects (landscape, people, nature) on your trip. I’m envious! Have fun!
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February 10, 2010

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26 Brad Ruggles said:

Amanda – That’s some great advice, especially about the odd or interesting angles. I found that even when shooting with my $150 Kodak – rather than shooting everything straight on an up or down angle really helps add interest to the shot.

Parke – Yeah, I’m really excited about the group of bloggers I’m going with. And yes, Keely is pretty awesome (maybe some of her photography skills will rub off on me)! I can’t wait to meet her and everyone else.

May – Great advice. My camera just arrived in the mail yesterday afternoon and I’ve been taking pictures of everyone and everything in the house!
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February 10, 2010

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27 Jim said:

Brad,

You have had a lot of great advice so far and I hope I can provide something new and not repeat too much.

I switched to DSLR about 3 years ago now (D50). When you start shooting, if you haven’t already, one of the many things you will notice is how quick you can take pictures. This is great because you can take multiple shots in seconds and not miss some other expression or action.

Shoot, shoot and shoot often. Make sure you have memory card storage and/or extra memory card. Nikon does and excellent job of taking the RAW and converting to JPG. I almost never shoot in RAW. Sure, there is more data in RAW and will allow you more post processing ability, but the extra storage it takes, may not be necessary. Depends on the situation.

Don’t forget to look behind you. Be observant. If I am shooting a party, soccer game, concert or outdoor event, I often will keep the other eye open so at a split second I can capture that also.

Get up close. A picture of the overall scene is nice, but move in or zoom in and get up close. You don’t need the whole body or head for that matter to make a great picture.

I shoot almost always on pre-programmed settings (Auto, Shutter speed priority, Aperture priority, etc., unless the situation requires something additional… like Concert Photos (http://blog.capturethisphoto.com/post/2008/02/Winter-Jam-Concert.aspx), Beach Photos or Sports photos (http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/thumbpage.aspx?e=4825517).

When taking outdoor pictures, remember the BEST time to do so is early morning and early evening when the sun light is not so harsh and shadows are few if any at all. http://jim.blacksweb.com/post/Fall-Colors.aspx

I am sure you will be using PhotoShop…, but you may want to try PhotoShop LightRoom. This is specifically made for working with photographs, adjustments (exposure, contrast, cropping, tint, white balance and much more are incredibly easy and you can apply the same settings groups of pictures.

For your family photos, to share and allow them to make purchased of your photos you may want to try ShutterFly.com. They neat feature where you can create one or more web sites share your photos and allow others to purchase prints. http://jim.blacksweb.com/post/Sharing-Photos-with-ShutterFly.aspx

Taking the picture is half the work… later you need to sift through the hundreds of pictures you may have taken at an event an narrow it down to the 10 or 20 that are the best worth sharing. LightRoom is great for this also.

Oh… don’t forget to enjoy your self.

I look forward to seeing some of your pictures.
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February 10, 2010

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28 Jim said:

Not that I want to promote “Gear Acquisition Syndrome” as Jay mentioned…. but, I recently purchased an Quantaray 18-200 mm DC 3.5-6.3 (an excellent price of $115 for “Open Box” condition) from http://www.techforless.com

This easily replaced my 18-55mm (recently dropped and damaged, 3yrs old) and a Tamron 70-210 zoom (20+ yrs old).

They sell all kinds of technology stuff, including Digital camera equipment. Most are Open Box condition (floor samples, demo’s) and refurbished. Check them out.
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February 17, 2010

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29 Luke said:

The digital photography books by Scott Kelby are pretty good.

I’d also highly recommend “Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision” in order to start to develop more than artistry in your photography and more of a message.

Flickr.com is a pretty sweet place to look around for inspiration, cool photos, as well as find out information by asking around in the forums.

A couple cool sites to subscribe to are:

http://photo.tutsplus.com/
http://digital-photography-school.com/

I’ve learned a lot of good tips from the articles they post there.

And the last bit of advice is to practice. It really takes experience to understand light and how your camera works.

Enjoy.