Maybe I can help you? (photography).

Ok guys and gals. You have all been very helpful to me in the short time I have been here, and you have made me chuckle. Maybe I can help some of you who want to learn about photography.
I had my own 'small' photography business until recently. I couldn't work full time and do my 'hobby' at the same time. I was doing photography for people and getting paid, so I declared it all to the tax office. The tax returns were a real pain though, plus I had other things going on (like divorce, poor health, and a poorly pussy). I decided to stop doing what I once loved.
Recently I was talking to a lady who was interested in photography, but was having trouble understanding some of the concepts and how to get the most from her photography. I invited her over and went over the basics, and she said I had really helped her to understand, and to be honest, I enjoyed it too.
So.....if anyone is interested in photography, and doesn't understand apertures, ISO's, shutter speeds, composition etc etc.......then I am willing to help out. There is no charge! I am not a professional, but I was once well respected. I was on a site for photographers, and came 1st, 2nd and 3rd in one competition (my claim to fame , especially as there were professional photographers on there)......oh, and no, I wasn't the only one to enter!!! LOL. I also had someone submit some photos of mine to an online photo library (without my knowledge). I believe they are then rated by a board of professional photographers. I scored something like 8 out of 9 if I recall, which I was absolutely over the moon with
Unfortunately, I expect most of you are more into macro, which is something I have never really got into. I thought I better add that.
So, like I say, I am no pro and probably a bit rusty. I stopped buying the mags because they went over the same stuff year after year. If you do need any help though, feel free to try me
Best wishes to you all.

 

I'm not really into photography but I just wanted to say that this is a very kind offer!!

Val

 

Awww thanks Val

 

Thanks for moving it to the correct area
Looking through here, there are a lot of guys much more knowledgeable than me
My offer is for those looking for the principles in photography, and how to understand what they need to do to get the effect they are after. Just looking through the sensor size thread made my head spin
So if anyone is put off by all the tech talk, don't be. I will explain what you need to know in layman's terms, then if you want to go further, you can.
There was a post in one thread, about people not telling the difference in photos taken at 13,8, or 5mp. I used a Canon 400D and won competitions where people were using Canon 5D's etc. Some of them pro/semi pro . I love the 5D but it's all about 'THE' shot, and quite often your editing skills. I always shot in RAW. For me it's essential, but I had friends who wouldn't touch it.
So, just to reiterate, this is really for those starting out. I am very laid back, and patient. Please don't be put off photography by tech talk. It can be quite straight forward.....Honestly.
P. S. I do understand the need for tech talk if you are really into your hobby

 

Thanks for the offer, I can certainly see myself following this thread and looking for helpful advice, hints and tips.

 

I've got a mild interest in photography and by mild I mean I'll go gaga over an amazing shot but I won't get crazy enough to spend so much money buying a camera. My 13MP cam on this phone works just fine :D

*Subscribes to thread*

Thanks, NG! Very kind of you!

 

My camera phone is 41MP !
Its more like a phone camera!

 

Well I'll be damned! I'm quite content with this phone cuz it has 720p, 1080p, 720p at 60 fps, 1080p at 60 fps with front cam 2MP. You're making me start to rethink my decisions

 

I've got a question.

How can I create effects like this when taking pictures of objects?



I have access to an DSLR (Nikon D40) and know a little bit about aperture and shutter priority but have no idea about lighting and backgrounds etc.

 

I think the simplest solution is probably a light tent. I believe that many 'sellers' use these for photos of products for Ebay for example.
I use to have studio lights which made it easier, but these tents/cubes are good for product photography.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_f...0.H1.Xlight+te&_nkw=photo+light+tent&_sacat=0

 

I would go simple before spending money and see how you get on. Use a white sheet and take the photo in front of the window where there is plenty of light. A little bit of flash in the day can be just as important as it is in the dark.

 

Not sure if reviving this old thread is acceptable. I once wondered about light tents but didn't want to spend a fortune in case it wasn't for me.
A El Cheapo method I read and tried was to get a empty cardboard box, something like a box that holds packets of crisps for example.
Cut a one of the long sides out of the box, ...the entrance. The remaining three sides cut rectangles just slighty less than the size of a sheet of A4 printing paper. Line the inside of the box on all sides with white A4 paper, Probably take about 5 minutes to make. Place two or three cheap led lamps on the outside edges facing towards the now A4 paper. Voila you have a cheap light tent. It does work