Best use of £, equipment or software?
Discussion
So I've had my D3100 for a while now and its taut me the basics of Photography and I've really enjoyed learning it all. It came with a kit lens 18-55mm and I also have a older 70-300mm non VR lens to.
Now that I plan on continuing with the hobby whats the best way to improve upon my abilities? Do people advise to maybe upgrade any of the lens's or would it be better to invest time and money into developing software? Also I would like to buy a small portable tripod and possible some filters to help shoot daytime long exposure shots.
Currently the camera is used to shoot landscapes, some holiday portraits, flowers and If I can get them to stay still wildlife.
I just don't want to throw money at one area if it can be used in a more productive way to improve my pictures.
Now that I plan on continuing with the hobby whats the best way to improve upon my abilities? Do people advise to maybe upgrade any of the lens's or would it be better to invest time and money into developing software? Also I would like to buy a small portable tripod and possible some filters to help shoot daytime long exposure shots.
Currently the camera is used to shoot landscapes, some holiday portraits, flowers and If I can get them to stay still wildlife.
I just don't want to throw money at one area if it can be used in a more productive way to improve my pictures.
dave0010 said:
So I've had my D3100 for a while now and its taut me the basics of Photography and I've really enjoyed learning it all. It came with a kit lens 18-55mm and I also have a older 70-300mm non VR lens to.
Now that I plan on continuing with the hobby whats the best way to improve upon my abilities? Do people advise to maybe upgrade any of the lens's or would it be better to invest time and money into developing software? Also I would like to buy a small portable tripod and possible some filters to help shoot daytime long exposure shots.
Currently the camera is used to shoot landscapes, some holiday portraits, flowers and If I can get them to stay still wildlife.
I just don't want to throw money at one area if it can be used in a more productive way to improve my pictures.
A photographic purist would tell you to improve your camera/shooting skills but there's no right answer to your question. If you enjoy shooting, look at trying out a prime lens - say a cheapish 50mm - and see what it can do with shallow depth of field. If, on the other hand, you enjoy the image editing experience, look to upgrade your editing software, try shooting RAW files and RAW processing.Now that I plan on continuing with the hobby whats the best way to improve upon my abilities? Do people advise to maybe upgrade any of the lens's or would it be better to invest time and money into developing software? Also I would like to buy a small portable tripod and possible some filters to help shoot daytime long exposure shots.
Currently the camera is used to shoot landscapes, some holiday portraits, flowers and If I can get them to stay still wildlife.
I just don't want to throw money at one area if it can be used in a more productive way to improve my pictures.
Basically, just follow your interests. Photography is a vast subject, there's no right direction to take.
Subscribe to adobe cc photographers and get lightroom and Photoshop, software now sorted.
Learn the basics if processing, white balance, levels, curves, contrast vibrancy, clarity and local adjustments.
If you shoot things that don't move like landscapes then imo a tripod is a must.
Your gear us probably fine but a wide angle lens and a portrait / macro lens would help.
But most of what makes the difference is how you use the gear you have. Work on composition, creativity, exposure and getting results you want.
Be self critical, look at your shots think why they are good, and what could
Be improved, look at similar better shots from other people and learn how they got it.
Learn the basics if processing, white balance, levels, curves, contrast vibrancy, clarity and local adjustments.
If you shoot things that don't move like landscapes then imo a tripod is a must.
Your gear us probably fine but a wide angle lens and a portrait / macro lens would help.
But most of what makes the difference is how you use the gear you have. Work on composition, creativity, exposure and getting results you want.
Be self critical, look at your shots think why they are good, and what could
Be improved, look at similar better shots from other people and learn how they got it.
There's so much choice on what to spend your money on isn't there?
I'm only a keen hobbyist so my livelihood doesn't depend upon my photography and I don't have a bottomless pit of money to spend on a hobby that can quickly empty out even deep wallets.
My approach was therefore to look for value in what I bought rather than what professionals use. I got the Hitech- Formatt filter system which is cheaper than Lee but still gives excellent results. For software I didn't want to spend the sort of money required on Photoshop nor have to fork out every month for it. So I Bought Paintshop Pro X6 which is extremely capable, in fact I am not aware of what it can't do that Photoshop does ( although there bound to be somethng!) and if I want to look up new skills and techniques then up to now I Have not come across a photoshop tutorial that I can't replicate on PSPX6 and it is a fraction of the price of PS.
For a tripod my first effort was just not up to the job, so I bit the bullet and bought a Manfrotto 055XPROB because when you wait for long exposures you don't want a passing fly to blur your image (if you get the picture!).
And I use an Amazon basics back pack which has been superb for around £25.
So it is possible to spread your jam around thinly and still get excellent without breaking the bank too much!
Best of luck with your choices.
I'm only a keen hobbyist so my livelihood doesn't depend upon my photography and I don't have a bottomless pit of money to spend on a hobby that can quickly empty out even deep wallets.
My approach was therefore to look for value in what I bought rather than what professionals use. I got the Hitech- Formatt filter system which is cheaper than Lee but still gives excellent results. For software I didn't want to spend the sort of money required on Photoshop nor have to fork out every month for it. So I Bought Paintshop Pro X6 which is extremely capable, in fact I am not aware of what it can't do that Photoshop does ( although there bound to be somethng!) and if I want to look up new skills and techniques then up to now I Have not come across a photoshop tutorial that I can't replicate on PSPX6 and it is a fraction of the price of PS.
For a tripod my first effort was just not up to the job, so I bit the bullet and bought a Manfrotto 055XPROB because when you wait for long exposures you don't want a passing fly to blur your image (if you get the picture!).
And I use an Amazon basics back pack which has been superb for around £25.
So it is possible to spread your jam around thinly and still get excellent without breaking the bank too much!
Best of luck with your choices.
Thanks for the advice much appreciated. I have come up with a list of the following things that I think I am happy to invest in slowly. If theres something else please chip in.
A 50mm lens- Found a few second hand 50mm f1,8 AFS G lens's and think this is the way to go.
Tripod-A massive choice but simply maybe spend a bit more and buy once!
Filters-Not spent enough time researching this yet so don't have any specific ones in mind yet. Something that will give me a good range for different light conditions.
Software. I also don't have the money available to invest in photoshop so will be looking at the above as a viable alternative.
These are a few of my favourite photos I've taken since having the camera to give people an idea of where I'm at so to speak.
A 50mm lens- Found a few second hand 50mm f1,8 AFS G lens's and think this is the way to go.
Tripod-A massive choice but simply maybe spend a bit more and buy once!
Filters-Not spent enough time researching this yet so don't have any specific ones in mind yet. Something that will give me a good range for different light conditions.
Software. I also don't have the money available to invest in photoshop so will be looking at the above as a viable alternative.
These are a few of my favourite photos I've taken since having the camera to give people an idea of where I'm at so to speak.
Good set of images there.
I would say go for the 35mm prime over the 50mm, but thats personal experience.
Its definiteley a case of practise makes perfect, so as stated, strat to be more critical of your own work.
Learning to understand the histogram for example, was a great help for me.
Togging will soak money up like a sponge, so if you have any wants, I alwayS try and buy quality used gear from places like TP.
PLus, dont forget yuo can hirelenses to have a play with beofre committing.
I would say go for the 35mm prime over the 50mm, but thats personal experience.
Its definiteley a case of practise makes perfect, so as stated, strat to be more critical of your own work.
Learning to understand the histogram for example, was a great help for me.
Togging will soak money up like a sponge, so if you have any wants, I alwayS try and buy quality used gear from places like TP.
PLus, dont forget yuo can hirelenses to have a play with beofre committing.
Software wise if you don't want to buy into the CC subscription model I can't recommend Lightroom 5 highly enough. It makes a complicated subject an awful lot easier to understand with by just playing about but does also help you develop a sensible workflow just in the way it's laid out. I think I paid £65 for my copy when someone was doing a deal, and it was money very well spent.
dave0010 said:
Software. I also don't have the money available to invest in photoshop so will be looking at the above as a viable alternative.
Photoshop Elements should be affordable. You will need something for processing/optimisation, even it's only tweaking JPGs not RAW processing,; try to stay with industry standards, not PSP or Gimp.Turn7 said:
Good set of images there.
I would say go for the 35mm prime over the 50mm, but thats personal experience.
Its definiteley a case of practise makes perfect, so as stated, strat to be more critical of your own work.
Learning to understand the histogram for example, was a great help for me.
Togging will soak money up like a sponge, so if you have any wants, I alwayS try and buy quality used gear from places like TP.
PLus, dont forget yuo can hirelenses to have a play with beofre committing.
What would be the difference between going for a 35mm over a 50mm? I'm really just looking at maybe a maximum of 3 lens's and am just unsure of the useable difference between a 35-55.I would say go for the 35mm prime over the 50mm, but thats personal experience.
Its definiteley a case of practise makes perfect, so as stated, strat to be more critical of your own work.
Learning to understand the histogram for example, was a great help for me.
Togging will soak money up like a sponge, so if you have any wants, I alwayS try and buy quality used gear from places like TP.
PLus, dont forget yuo can hirelenses to have a play with beofre committing.
Try setting your kit lens to 35mm and 50mm and see how the field of view changes.
I can't see in the thread what you are currently doing for post productions? What software are you using? As has been previously mentioned, Lightroom is probably the best software out there, unless you want to get into really detailed editing. It costs about £100 iirc (or less than £10 monthly along with Photoshop).
If you're going to be out shooting more now, because of the time of year, maybe get a lens now and get the software in the winter when the weather is crap and you may be less inclined to go outside to take pictures.
I can't see in the thread what you are currently doing for post productions? What software are you using? As has been previously mentioned, Lightroom is probably the best software out there, unless you want to get into really detailed editing. It costs about £100 iirc (or less than £10 monthly along with Photoshop).
If you're going to be out shooting more now, because of the time of year, maybe get a lens now and get the software in the winter when the weather is crap and you may be less inclined to go outside to take pictures.
I started with a D3100 (now a D7000) with the 18-55 kit lens.
As others have mentioned, I've found the 50mm lens to be just too long / close to be usable when taking photos of people in social settings. It now remains in my kit bag for the day I move over to FX :grin:
In contrast, the 35mm is absolutely fantastic for these. It's light and relatively cheap to purchase second hand, and still sought after by bargain hunters.
I'm a big fan of Lightroom as processing software, and it's all too easy to spend hours adjusting every little setting to get some fantastic results. However, I'd point out that any post processing is only going to be as good as the source material going in. To produce great images you must first capture them (to ripoff the Renault advert).
I'd suggest spending a little bit on equipment now (a 35mm, maybe some P series filters) and just get out there whilst the days are still long and learn how to use your tools. Plenty of time to twiddle with Lightroom when BST is over :P
As others have mentioned, I've found the 50mm lens to be just too long / close to be usable when taking photos of people in social settings. It now remains in my kit bag for the day I move over to FX :grin:
In contrast, the 35mm is absolutely fantastic for these. It's light and relatively cheap to purchase second hand, and still sought after by bargain hunters.
I'm a big fan of Lightroom as processing software, and it's all too easy to spend hours adjusting every little setting to get some fantastic results. However, I'd point out that any post processing is only going to be as good as the source material going in. To produce great images you must first capture them (to ripoff the Renault advert).
I'd suggest spending a little bit on equipment now (a 35mm, maybe some P series filters) and just get out there whilst the days are still long and learn how to use your tools. Plenty of time to twiddle with Lightroom when BST is over :P
Ok the advice on a 35mm over a 50mm is great and now that I understand it a bit better will probable be the way I go.
Currently I don't have any processing software. I simply just upload them as is.I'm also still shooting in JPEG not RAW because of this. Once I get some software I will make the switch.
Whats the general consensus on filters and a small tripod? I don't want to lug something massive around just something sturdy.
Currently I don't have any processing software. I simply just upload them as is.I'm also still shooting in JPEG not RAW because of this. Once I get some software I will make the switch.
Whats the general consensus on filters and a small tripod? I don't want to lug something massive around just something sturdy.
Start shooting in RAW + Jpeg right now, and keep the RAWs safely tucked away.
When you do get hold of some processing software, you'll kick yourself as you'll reach the limit of your Jpegs really quickly and wish that you had a lovely RAW to fall back onto.
I'm going to stick my neck on the line and here and say DO get yourself a cheap tripod, as it will open up new techniques for you to learn. Couple it with some decent filters and you'll have a whole new world of timelapse and landscapes to explore.
I picked up a Hama star tripod from Amazon for around £15 over a year ago and it's allowed me to do so much more. It's cheap enough to just be able to give/throw away in the future if I feel the need to move onto a Manfrotto.
You can pick up a Kood filter set and some ND filters relatively cheaply if you'd like to start playing with those. Find some running water, use your tripod and experiment with timelapse water movements. Steer clear of most of the cheap ebay screw on filters as they're pretty appalling.
When you do get hold of some processing software, you'll kick yourself as you'll reach the limit of your Jpegs really quickly and wish that you had a lovely RAW to fall back onto.
I'm going to stick my neck on the line and here and say DO get yourself a cheap tripod, as it will open up new techniques for you to learn. Couple it with some decent filters and you'll have a whole new world of timelapse and landscapes to explore.
I picked up a Hama star tripod from Amazon for around £15 over a year ago and it's allowed me to do so much more. It's cheap enough to just be able to give/throw away in the future if I feel the need to move onto a Manfrotto.
You can pick up a Kood filter set and some ND filters relatively cheaply if you'd like to start playing with those. Find some running water, use your tripod and experiment with timelapse water movements. Steer clear of most of the cheap ebay screw on filters as they're pretty appalling.
Quick tip - subscribe to Adobe CC and after a couple of weeks cancel you sub via online chat. They'll offer a month extra for free. Still insist that you want to cancel. They'll offer two months free. Go for that, cancel after the third month.
Then buy Lightroom as a standalone product. It may well be all you need.
Then buy Lightroom as a standalone product. It may well be all you need.
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