The Photography Thread

[funkydan]

Bluebells!

Photos of a bluebell paddock in some woods in Kippings Cross, Kent. These are some more RAW shots that I have been experimenting with recently.








That last one is my fave

[Magnakai]

Can anyone recommend me a decent motorized macro lens for the D40?

I believe the Sigma 150mm 2.8 has an internal focusing motor. I've never used it, but I'm sure it's pretty decent. Having said that, I'd always use manual focus for macro, as it's so delicate. Maybe have a look for some old Nikon-mount lenses and forgo auto-focus.

Some other recommendations here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/slrmacr...7613234631298/

Including an old Nikon 55mm lens and a Tamron 90mm.

[Anpanman]

Very nice Bluebell shots funkydan, prefer the second of the three, it gives the whole carpeted look - very nice.

HaHaUK, I used to have the old MF Nikon 55mm f2.8 Micro, it's one of the sharpest lenses they made and can recommend it, only problem is that it only goes down to half life size, AF ones (Nikon) go to full 1:1 life size without having to get extension tubes.

[funkydan]

Very nice Bluebell shots funkydan, prefer the second of the three, it gives the whole carpeted look - very nice.

Thanks mate

[Rossco]

Yeh those bluebell shots are awesome, love the second one!

Ordering my Sony A200 soon, is there anything else I should really be getting with it? I'm a total amatuer so know nothing. Are there any good books or internet sites that give a good explanation of photgraphy in general and all the camera settings?

I'm ordering camera, plus 4GB memory card and carry case for it so far, and remember hearing about some kind of filters for putting over the lens also? Should I be looking for that?

[winky]

Rossco filters are not that important if your just starting out I dont think you will get much benefit from them. Some people subscribe to getting a UV filter for lens that essentially protects it from damage. I did for a year and then stopped using them.

Its worth it, saves splashes getting on the glass and dirty fingers. I now use hoods that mostly protect for that kind of thing.

As for websites there are hundreds! here are some to start you off in this post

Love the bluebells Dan, took some similar pictures myself - great time of year.

a spider I posted on rllmuk:

[funkydan]

Thanks for all the nice comments on my Bluebell shots guys. And seeing as you all seem to like the second one, I thought I'd post it again but in LARGEVISION!

[funkydan]

This is a shot from a small set of photos of a band called FranKo. I took these when they supported My Preserver at the Indigo2 a couple of weeks back. Really pleased with how this turned out:



I posted it in largevision, in keeping with other shots on this page. Perhaps we should have a largevision page in here from time to time?!

Few more photos of this band here

EDIT: Is this shot pretty average? I thought it was really good until I put it in a 'Concert Photography - Score Me' group on Flickr and have received some fairly harsh comments, for what I thought was a pretty good picture that I was really chuffed with! One guy says he wished it was a front-on shot, but then they'd all be moaning about the mic being in the middle of his face (Duhhh! He's singing!! ). Another says "His backside (!) and hair i seriously blown in the highlights, and his face is quite dark" - he's being backlit, what do you expect? Fecking miracles?! I rarely put shots in these kind of groups these days as the responses usually make me sick to my stomach, and I just submit ones that I think people might like, but I have no idea why I bother! I always go out of my way to give helpful, kind, constructive criticism but most of the responses I receive leave a lot to be desired. It always makes me lose confidence and want to pack it all in. It shouldn't matter what some random stranger on the internetsweb says, but it always gets me....everytime. Sorry, my rant is complete

[SmokeMeAKipper]

Can anyone recommend a camera cleaning kit? I've only recently bought a DSLR so I'm not particularly au fait with the intricacies of cleaning lenses / sensors - I was just going to buy the standard Jessops lens cleaning kit but if anyone can recommend a different one and post a link that would be super.

[Garf]

Not been in here for a while, so lots of catching up to do, but some great stuff in the last few pages..

Dan - some great gig shots in here (I like the drummer dude with the black eyeband, like Pris from Bladerunner), and the bluebells are lovely. Regarding your last shot, I wouldn't take the comments to heart - everyone's a critic, and the thing that matters most is that you enjoyed taking it, and that you like it.

SmokeMeAKipper - great B&W shot of your dog.

Tommy - some good stuff there - I like the fork and bubble blower a lot, as well as the wider, reflection shot of the castle as well.

Winky - great and amazing macro, but it's freaking me out - I think it's the eyes.

Rossco - good choice with the Alpha - look forward to see your first shots.

[Magnakai]

Dan, I remember seeing a Cartier-Bresson shot being posted on one of those Flickr groups and getting ripped apart, so don't take them too personally. Remember, you're selling your vision, not technical perfection. Having said that, making excuses for your shots is not a good position to take, and I think you have some stronger photos but it's nice, with a great expression, and the flying sweat is a great touch. It's a really nice, intense moment.

FWIW, I don't bother uploading most of my photos to the internet at all these days. I can't be bothered with people who've just bought a camera who fancy themselves expert photographers.

[funkydan]

Garf, Mag - thanks guys. I agree with you both entirely, I was just having a bit of a bad day yesterday, was overtly sensitive for some reason, and was taking things far too seriously! The only reason I put my shots on the net is for the (relevant) band to see. Also, a lot of my friends are very interested to see my shots too, so in future I'll just keep in mind that my shots are up there for them and me and no one else. Photography IS subjective so I'll just take it all in my stride in future

[Rossco]

Yeh totally, you are doing it for you, not some random hobo on the other side of the world who will dismiss and critisise anyones work. As long as you like it, thats the main thing.

I'm really quite excited about getting my camera now, don't think it'll be here til Monday. I keep seeing things in a different light now though, I've noticed myself looking out photo opportunities before I even have my camera yet!

[Malc]

I keep seeing things in a different light now though, I've noticed myself looking out photo opportunities before I even have my camera yet!

I do that sometimes and after a while it gives me a headache.

[Garf]

I keep seeing things in a different light now though, I've noticed myself looking out photo opportunities before I even have my camera yet!

Yep, that's exactly what I love above photography - the fact that you literally do see everything in a new way - sounds a bit cheesy, but I appreciate what's around me a whole lot more, and notice things that I previously would have ignored..