Any photographers in here?

[NVP5White]

Question..what kind of lens wouldyou guys use for glamour/fashion/portrait photography? I was thinking using my kit 17-55 lens but other people suggest using my 70-300, but i find it having such a narrow field of view. I know the DOF would be shallower.

Its not rare to see photographers working on location with 70-300 lenses. Great separation, decent DoF, and SHARP. You don't want even a hint of barrel distortion from the lens so anything shorter then 55 would be out.

Most important thing about fashion photography is lighting. Use the Nikon CLS for a good, fast, and inexpensive set-up. But even 2 SB-800, stands, umbrellas and pocket wizards are going to run you $1,000(!). Maybe you can borrow strobes or studio time.

 

[nate0123]

two more from this evening

 

[nate0123]

a few more for good measure

 

[altspace]

Ahhhh... to be young again and live in the city.

 

[Omar MSP]

nice pics nate, i gotta learn how to do that.

 

[altspace]

Tripod.

 

[nate0123]

(mswerd)

not much else to it... also, turning on a 2-second delay lets any vibrations created by pressing the shutter dissipate

and I've been using auto-bracketing to take a few shots at a time to find the best exposure and catch moving objects in different positions

 

[altspace]

Yup, exactly what I do. Plus my camera has Anti-Shake which really helps.

 

[FunkyBuddha]

The lights are kind of distracting with the people pic. I dunno..still like it, but distracting. Nice pics of the cathedral

 

[Omar MSP]

this was cool, i only made the pic a bit brighter from the original. NO FILTERS WERE USED! i love this damn camera.

 

[tekkie]

some new ones

sigma 17-70

just picked up a few new lenses
canon 85mm 1.4

sigma 10-20 @ 10mm

canon 50mm 1.4

 

[FunkyBuddha]

I like the cat pic! Nice!

 

[ChopstickHero]

 

[jersey_emt]

I am heading over to B&H Photo in NYCon my lunch break tomorrow (I work only 3 or 4 blocks away) purchasing a new digital point & shoot camera to carry around pretty much everywhere when I am unable to take my bulky Nikon D70s DSLR. After much research, I decided to go with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2.

I of course went with the black version.

Yes, I am aware that high levels of noise at ISO400 and above are this camera's main weakness. However, it is really the only camera that meets my rather demanding requirements:

* Compact size. Doesn't need to be pocket-sized, but the whole point of me buying a P&S is to carry it around wherever I go.

* True wide-angle lens. Most P&S digitals only go as wide as 35mm (equiv.). The LX2 has a lens with a 28mm (equiv.) focal length at its widest

* Manual controls. Coming from a DSLR, I require manual controls -- the very least being an aperture priority mode and exposure compensation.

* RAW file format support. All P&S digicams have a high level of noise compared to a DSLR because of the much smaller sensor size. The Panasonic especially has issues with high noise levels, so RAW support is a must.

I'm definitely looking forward to the purchase. There has been too many times where I would think to myself 'Damn. I wish I had my camera on me right now' when my D70s sat at home because of its size.

Anyone else have this camera? If the Leica version (D-Lux 3) wasn't $200 more I would go with that as it IMO looks better:

But it's the same exact camera and I refuse to pay $190 + tax extra just for the Leica 'red dot'.

 

[MP3Architect]

nice choice. a friend of mine in studio has that digicam and i really like it.

 

[LEXi73]

Got a few questions for all of you masters. I am looking at getting a new camera and would like to get a DSLR. I would like to have some lens options and other options other than what my current canon G5 offers. It still works great but looking for something more. I really like the canon xt series. Can you offer some incite on whether it is worth it to go with the xti over the xt. Circuit city has a pretty good deal going now with a canon xt, the starter lens 18 -55mm, canon 75-300mm lens (price for just the camera and second lens $799), choice of either (extra battery + bag + filter-assuming UV - total price is $849.97) Or (canon speedlite 430ex flash - total price is $999.97). Also this package comes with a free canon printer. Would it be worth it go get this deal or just get the camera with the starter lens and purchase different lenses and flash box? Please let me know you opinions.

 

[gr?]

Just wondering if there are any amateur or professional photographers here? Just wanted a space to share pictures, ideas, techniques, etc.

I wouldn't call myself a pro but I'm above the amateur phase... probably along the lines of a semi-pro since I'm making $$$ on the gigs and work on a consistent basis, but photography isn't my main source of income.

I've worked with Overboost.com when they were big years ago. I've been published in Modifed Mag. I've done freelance work for UrbanRacer.com to help them with some coverage. I'm currently doing work for Down Shift Magazine. I've done a few things outside of the automotive field but I prefer shooting cars. I've tried weddings but don't get much joy out of it. I will occasionally do work for corporate functions and parents/sports. I also get hired for individual photo shoots (models/cars).

A short list of my gear includes:
Canon 1D Mark II
Canon 20D
Canon 350D
Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS
Canon 16-35 f/2.8L
Canon 50 f/1.8 II
Canon 580EX
Canon 420EX
Alien Bee B800 strobe
Bogen 3021BPRO legs
Manfrotto 322RC2 head
Gitzo carbon fiber monopod
Various B+W filters
and a few other things

 

[gr?]

Can you offer some incite on whether it is worth it to go with the xti over the xt.

If you must buy new, the XT is fine. The addtional 2 megapixels and revised autofocus system is about the only worthwhile features on the XTi. The other features I would consider to be functions that most will not use or functions that don't perform (sensor cleaning is not very good on the XTi).

I'd suggest buying a used 20D for about $650. Compared to the XT, it has better ergnomoics, a larger viewfinder, superior autofocus system, slightly better dynamic range, 2nd dial for quicker adjustments and better build quality.

 

[NVP5White]

I'd suggest buying a used 20D for about $650. Compared to the XT, it has better ergnomoics, a larger viewfinder, superior autofocus system, slightly better dynamic range, 2nd dial for quicker adjustments and better build quality.

This is really the very best way you can spend your money. Next best way is to get good glass (not L-glass). USM and f/3.5 aperture is what you'll be looking for there. Also consider a 430EX...the ability to bounce is very very nice.

 

[LEXi73]

This will be my first DSLR and i have a basic understanding on how to shoot manual shots. Not looking to get in over my head yet. If you all think that it would be better starting on a 20d i am open to that. When buying used is there anything to necessarily look out for? also please point me to a place to buy used equipment. I know that where the money is (and should be) spent is on lenses. If i get a used 20d, what is a good all around lens to start with that is decently priced? Thanks for all the help.