Could be my first job, advice needed

[Fuji Dave]

Will sent you a PM. Also go on YouTube and tap in 70D Portraits and tons will come up, then write down and make a note of the settings used as Youtube can also be a great help.

 

[Fuji Dave]

Do you have any editing software at all ?

 

[Phil V]

Wow!!

Not even going to bite.

Please don’t ever again reply to my threads

Will
If this was Marks response to your first post here, I’d agree with you, it’d be rude.

But so far this is the 4th time you’ve asked why you struggle to focus.

You’ve had the answer, repeatedly, slowly, on the forum and by PM.

You’re making ‘the simple stuff’ look so complicated that Marks exasperation is totally justified.

Try this as a way forward...

Stop volunteering ‘for jobs’ or telling people you’re available for them, and especially describing your photos as ’jobs’ whilst you’re asking for very basic help from pro photographers.

Read all the advice you’ve already been given about how focus works.

If you don’t understand that advice, ask again!

Practice

Read all the advice you’ve already been given about how focus works.

If you don’t understand that advice, ask again!

Practice
Practice some more

Read all the advice you’ve already been given about how Focus works.

If you don’t understand that advice, ask again!

Practice.
Practice some more
Practice some more
Practice some more

When you’ve nailed ‘the simple stuff’, it’ll hopefully have dawned on you that there’s a bit of complicated stuff to learn too before you can think about taking on a ‘job’.

Come back and ask questions about the complicated stuff

 

[DemiLion]

@DemiLion - I normally find you quite abrupt in your replies sometimes, but in this case I have to agree with you. I'm not sure the OP has taken any of the advice in that has been said to him.
I've read a few posts from the OP and all seem to be along the same lines. I know lots of people say it's not about which gear you are using, but you DO need to know how to use the camera and how the setting you chose are going to effect the exposure and how the photo will look after you press the shutter button.

Abrupt, yes certainly. That's because I'd usually get straight to the point rather then wrap stuff in flummery. To be honest doing that usually wraps the original point up so far that it's missed.

In this case my post was rude, unpleasant and probably uncomfortable reading for Willkia. That's because it has to be.

He has started numerous threads, all with pretty much the same technical issues and has manifestly ignored all the sensible advice that he's been given no matter how delivered.

It's time to lose the kid gloves.

At present, he isn't a photographer. Just a bloke with a camera that he doesn't know how to use but is willing to provide his services anyway.

At best that's a chancer at worst something decidedly more illegal.

 

[Fuji Dave]

Will
If this was Marks response to your first post here, I’d agree with you, it’d be rude.

But so far this is the 4th time you’ve asked why you struggle to focus.

You’ve had the answer, repeatedly, slowly, on the forum and by PM.

You’re making ‘the simple stuff’ look so complicated that Marks exasperation is totally justified.

Try this as a way forward...

Stop volunteering ‘for jobs’ or telling people you’re available for them, and especially describing your photos as ’jobs’ whilst you’re asking for very basic help from pro photographers.

Read all the advice you’ve already been given about how focus works.

If you don’t understand that advice, ask again!

Practice

Read all the advice you’ve already been given about how focus works.

If you don’t understand that advice, ask again!

Practice
Practice some more

Read all the advice you’ve already been given about how Focus works.

If you don’t understand that advice, ask again!

Practice.
Practice some more
Practice some more
Practice some more

When you’ve nailed ‘the simple stuff’, it’ll hopefully have dawned on you that there’s a bit of complicated stuff to learn too before you can think about taking on a ‘job’.

Come back and ask questions about the complicated stuff

Will a while ago I asked for some advice about head shots, and Phil a long with other members gave me the advice. I still try my best to keep using that help he and others gave me, so if you only take out just one members help/advice make it Phil`s. Here is the link just to show members are willing to help if you listen and take it in.
PS: Phil knows exactly what he is talking about.



https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/portrait-and-head-shots-advice-tips.683579/

 

[TheBigYin]

Please don’t ever again reply to my threads

Sorry, forums don't work that way.

if you don't want to hear Mark's replies, you can ignore him i guess... but, frankly, you should listen to him, and to Phil, and to all the guy's who've told you to stop trying to run before you can walk. Because, you've asked variations of the same bloody question of "what focus point do I use for...." a good 3 or 4 times now, and you're no closer actually understanding it...

 

[DemiLion]

Wow!!

Not even going to bite.

Please don’t ever again reply to my threads

When you stop boasting about taking on commissions (paid or unpaid) - certainly. Until then....

Or better yet, do yourself a favour, ignore the platitudes on your posts, read the real advice and start learning.

 

[DemiLion]

I will offer you one bit of positive advice.

If you find learning from the written word hard (which some including myself do) then try to find a copy of Blue Crane Video's guide to the 70D.

They've gone out of business now, but they did make a version for your camera (I checked for you).

It's what I used when I first started on a Canon 30D and it took me from programme modes (sports, portrait etc) to competently using PASM in a couple of weeks.

It also tells you how to get a shot in focus. Consistently.

 

[GarethB]

Some harsh truths here Will, but keep at it, and I hope you don't forget about photography when you put your camera down after the days work.
The internet is an amazing resource....when I began taking photography more seriously a few years ago, I read every relevant article, watched every relevant review/test video every day....still do to this day!

It's possible to learn everything you need to know from the internet alone, you just need to dedicate a few hours a day....or however much time you can spare in your day, to reading about techniques and skills.

A modern DSLR like yours, is an amazing piece of gear, there's so many things you can do with it, you just need to read and practice your skills, it's all out there on the internet!

Good luck

 

[Fuji Dave]

Will what everyone here is saying is ( I Think ) listen to all the great advice even if you hate it, we all have to learn and sometimes it`s hard to take when someone says OMG that is terrible. Ask why ? But take it on the chin and do it, then you will notice ( Hopefully ) that you are getting better. I am doing a weekly 52, I love it but hate it the reason why I hate it is= Dave the composition is all off lighting is terrible and it`s not all in focus so I say to myself OK Dave they know what they are talking about so go out and do it.

 

[Box Brownie]

Canon 70D
Sigma 18-35mm 1.8

Speedlite YN568E 111


Hi guys,


So I went out this weekend and took some pictures for my friends.


1st shoot was for a friends 50th birthday and the other was for a friends opening of her salon, drinks etc.


Both of my friends were really happy with the pictures. Even tho you guys might not think they are good. I am a beginner and still a lot to learn, and I know that. Here are links to the pictures.

50th Birthday Party - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2skcw7hlfkw592m/AAAY1pCXt3HMuvAKdLn05ea6a?dl=0\


Salon opening night - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gnq9wjbe98ghu9b/AAAxsDPu06EA1lwnWx3MCJWEa?dl=0


I was really nervous about the 50th birthday as I knew it would be low light and a lot of people there. But after I got going I was ok.


But I was struggling, mainly with focusing. Sometimes it would just not focus on the people. I don’t know if you guys can answer. But I have a feeling my single focus point may not of been on the subject?

As you can see from this pic the girls aren't in focus one bit, but the background is. I would of tried to have the single focus point on the girls head, is that right?

Would you put the point on the girl on the rights head?


At some point I couldn’t even focus the lens on the subject, this was prob because it was too dark? Because I moved them into better light and it worked ok.


I had the flash pointing up to the ceiling the whole time. It was fairly high, but was white. What happens if I direct the flash on the subjects face? Is that a no go?

Towards the end of the night my ISO was at 6000 and when I uploaded them to light room they were grainy, but that would be because of my ISO?

I kept my F Stop on 1.8 most of the night.

Hi Will @willkia

Firstly, forgive me as I am sure I am repeating myself in regard to giving this advice on one of your other threads "you choose your focus point" ..................so let me say it again!

You should choose the focus point to suit the situation and the type of subject.

In the case of the ladies above and the shot you show of the camera back the reason as I see that they are OOF because is your chosen FP was between them on the back wall! If you had chosen the FP at that vertical position but the one to the right of the one you have used you could have focused on her right eye (or used the left hand one of those 3 Focus Points and focused on the left eye of the shorter lady) this would would have ensured they were both in focus and your composition was maintained.

Can you confirm that you understand what I am describing???

Canon 70D
Sigma 18-35mm 1.8

Speedlite YN568E 111


Hi guys,

In regards to the salon, it was so much brighter so it was better.


But some pics came out like this (as if the flash didn’t go off, but it did)

As you can see here, they are in focus

But god knows what happened here?

I hope that all makes sense.

Hopefully I can get some answers and I can take them away with me to improve.

Thanks

In regard to this one....................I agree about the flash recycle time as mentioned by @andrewc
But based on the FP choices issue you are struggling as talked about above.
Re: in regard to the OOF issue in the second picture ~ In the initial picture I surmise the focus was on the lady's hair........................but in the second shot she moved and you focused on the window frame in the background.

A simple technique for making sure stuff is in focus: like Dave said, use the centre focus point. Before each shot stick it over the bit you want in focus and half-press the shutter button to lock it, then swing the camera away to re-compose the image how you want it. Practice doing it for EVERY shot. It's not necessarily the *best* technique, but it will reduce the OOF failures.

IMO ~ Focus & Recompose ~ to use the methodology the OP needs to understand the basics first because I fear that as he insists(?) on using f1.8 and at the apparent close in distance of the posted shots he will find other OOF issues that he will not appreciate the reason for it happening and the explanation will more than likely flummox him.

It seems the ‘technical bit’ is still alluding the OP

Unfortunately it seems so

 

[Fuji Dave]

I use to be a member of a forum that closed down, it was called MyFinePix. On that site it was a hell of a time getting advice help and CC, I put up a photo of a little Robin and the first comment was That is bloody terrible bin it and I had that comment and most of the other ones too. I still have that crappy photo somewhere as it showed me over the years how much better I got at photographing birds, it`s that advice and here that has helped me get a bit more better.

 

[Fuji Dave]

I`m off to bed now, but I will make you a deal. If you take on the advice and use it how members have said then share the good photos from it and I will Give you something for FREE that WILL also help you in your photography journey.

 

[Box Brownie]

I`m off to bed now, but I will make you a deal. If you take on the advice and use it how members have said then share the good photos from it and I will Give you something for FREE that WILL also help you in your photography journey.

A nice and generous offer.......................so @willkia not only will practice make perfect but be rewarded to boot

I look forward to seeing the improvement very soon

 

[Fuji Dave]

A nice and generous offer.......................so @willkia not only will practice make perfect but be rewarded to boot

I look forward to seeing the improvement very soon

When I jumped from Canon to Fuji a member was going to buy the Canon 10-18mm I told him NOT to and gave him my new one FREE. What I am othering you Will is not a lens but you`d love them.

 

[Fraser Euan White]

Will
If this was Marks response to your first post here, I’d agree with you, it’d be rude.

But so far this is the 4th time you’ve asked why you struggle to focus.

You’ve had the answer, repeatedly, slowly, on the forum and by PM.

You’re making ‘the simple stuff’ look so complicated that Marks exasperation is totally justified.

Try this as a way forward...

Stop volunteering ‘for jobs’ or telling people you’re available for them, and especially describing your photos as ’jobs’ whilst you’re asking for very basic help from pro photographers.

Read all the advice you’ve already been given about how focus works.

If you don’t understand that advice, ask again!

Practice

Read all the advice you’ve already been given about how focus works.

If you don’t understand that advice, ask again!

Practice
Practice some more

Read all the advice you’ve already been given about how Focus works.

If you don’t understand that advice, ask again!

Practice.
Practice some more
Practice some more
Practice some more

When you’ve nailed ‘the simple stuff’, it’ll hopefully have dawned on you that there’s a bit of complicated stuff to learn too before you can think about taking on a ‘job’.

Come back and ask questions about the complicated stuff

The advice on these forums from @Phil V is always good - he has told me I'm a w****r on numerous occasions (usually I deserve it!) so he doesn't mince his words but he is definitely worth listening to!

Look at his website and you will see how good the guy really is with a camera and how you should respect & listen to the advice he offers - he is offering the advice FOC on here so be very grateful

https://www.philipvaughanphotography.com/

 

[Phil V]

The advice on these forums from @Phil V is always good - he has told me I'm a w****r on numerous occasions (usually I deserve it!) so he doesn't mince his words but he is definitely worth listening to!

Look at his website and you will see how good the guy really is with a camera and how you should respect & listen to the advice he offers - he is offering the advice FOC on here so be very grateful

https://www.philipvaughanphotography.com/

Thanks Fraser
But that’s not me
My website came down a very short while ago.
Philip is s rather different kind of photographer to me. But not as big as the distance between Doncaster & Ripon.

 

[Mr Badger]

Canon 70D
Sigma 18-35mm 1.8

Speedlite YN568E 111


Hi guys,


So I went out this weekend and took some pictures for my friends.


1st shoot was for a friends 50th birthday and the other was for a friends opening of her salon, drinks etc.


Both of my friends were really happy with the pictures. Even tho you guys might not think they are good. I am a beginner and still a lot to learn, and I know that. Here are links to the pictures.

50th Birthday Party - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2skcw7hlfkw592m/AAAY1pCXt3HMuvAKdLn05ea6a?dl=0\


Salon opening night - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gnq9wjbe98ghu9b/AAAxsDPu06EA1lwnWx3MCJWEa?dl=0


I was really nervous about the 50th birthday as I knew it would be low light and a lot of people there. But after I got going I was ok.


But I was struggling, mainly with focusing. Sometimes it would just not focus on the people. I don’t know if you guys can answer. But I have a feeling my single focus point may not of been on the subject?

As you can see from this pic the girls aren't in focus one bit, but the background is. I would of tried to have the single focus point on the girls head, is that right?

Would you put the point on the girl on the rights head?




At some point I couldn’t even focus the lens on the subject, this was prob because it was too dark? Because I moved them into better light and it worked ok.


I had the flash pointing up to the ceiling the whole time. It was fairly high, but was white. What happens if I direct the flash on the subjects face? Is that a no go?



Towards the end of the night my ISO was at 6000 and when I uploaded them to light room they were grainy, but that would be because of my ISO?


I kept my F Stop on 1.8 most of the night.





In regards to the salon, it was so much brighter so it was better.


But some pics came out like this (as if the flash didn’t go off, but it did)



As you can see here, they are in focus

But god knows what happened here?

I hope that all makes sense.


Hopefully I can get some answers and I can take them away with me to improve.


Thanks

On that first one of the two ladies, perhaps the camera was drawn towards the prominent clutter in the background, because my eyes certainly were! It's not just the 'technical' aspects of focus you need to be looking at, it's your composition of photos. In addition to learning how to operate a camera, learning to 'see' a photo is an essential part of becoming a good photographer rather than someone who takes sharp-looking snapshots.

If you want to improve and become a good photographer you'll take a good hard look as some of the photos you've posted as examples of your work and ask yourself is there anything wrong with them? In doing that you'll need to look at the photo as a whole, not just the bit you intended to focus the camera on. Until you learn to 'see' then no matter how well you learn to operate your camera, it's still going to be more down to random chance and probability rather than good judgement if you manage to get a good result. That photo of the two ladies might just have been the most important shot you've taken since you bought your camera... in terms of it teaching you how to 'see'. I hope this is useful.

 

[Garry Edwards]

I've read all of the posts above, some of them do seem to be harsh - but in my view they aren't, simply because you are setting yourself out to be a professional photographer, from whom high standards of competence are expected. If you had posted a similar question elsewhere - beginners perhaps - and asked how to set the basic functions on your camera then people would have been polite and encouraging.

Now, from your viewpoint, you probably see yourself as an amateur who is keen to improve, and no doubt you're getting paid either nothing or peanuts for this 'job' but, to the victims who you will be photographing, you're a professional. What do you think your beginner standard photos will do to the reputation of real professional photographers? I've lost count of the number of times that people have told me that they will never hire a professional again, simply because they thought that they had hired one in the past and the results were crap, therefore real professionals are all tarred with the same brush.

Of course, everyone has to start somewhere, and I applaud you for your efforts and self confidence, but a much better way of starting out would be to contact event photographers in your area (the people who specialise in this sort of thing) and find one or more who will allow you to carry their bags for them at similar events, do general labouring work for them and so on, and you will then learn from exposure. That way, nobody gets hurt. Same goes for all other disciplines, if you want to be a wedding photographer then work as a bag carrier for wedding photographers, if you want to be a studio photographer then impress studio photographers with your coffee making skills.

Frankly, the best of your outdoor examples posted above are nothing more than average snapshots, and your indoor ones (so far) are appalling.

If you don't even know how to get amateur-standard snapshots with a very good camera that does nearly all of the thinking for you, if you don't even know what to point the autofocus sensor at, if you don't even notice the background that is going to ruin the shot, if you think that it's OK to shoot at 3000 ISO and if you think that it's OK to mount the flash on the top of your camera, then you are nowhere near ready for this 'job'.

There are two main ingredients in photography, technique and art. There has always been a great 'debate' in photography about technique -v- creativity, with people arguing about which is more important. My own answer is that each is equally important - after all, there is no point in producing a technically-perfect photo that nobody wants to look at, nor is there any point in producing a creative masterpiece that has serious technical shortcomings or that, even if 'perfect', can't be replicated because you don't know how you got the good result in the first place!

Because of this, you should understand the technical ingredients and learn to work within the limitations imposed by both your equipment and your shooting environment. Only then should you start to concentrate on the creative elements of good photography.

Photography isn’t a true science, it’s just a set of craft skills that are based on established scientific principles. We don’t need to know the science in order to gain the skills, but it does help to understand why things work as they do, Right now, you are demonstrating that you have neither technical understanding nor art, and you need to have both.

 

[Fuji Dave]

The lad who I gave the lens too has now left the forum, but the link will show I am a man who sticks by what he says link is below to show you even though it`s sad he left. If you can prove to the members here that you are doing what they said and show a great set of photos then you will love what I will give you FREE.



https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/canon-ef-s-10-18mm-or-10-22.659970/

 

[Cagey75]

Strong sense of déjà vu here!

OP, seriously, you need to learn and take in tips and suggestions long before you ever agree to take on jobs. Free or not! I've done a bunch of 'freebies' over time, but I only agreed when I was confident with the gear I owned at the time, and had been using for years. I wouldn't do so if I had just gotten some new gear I needed to familiarize myself with, or if I had any concerns about messing up in any way. What if those blurred shots you took had been the bride and groom placing the rings? Or their first kiss at the altar?? The fact you don't know why this happened is enough to tell you not to take on any serious work - if this happened to me I would probably go watch about a million youtube tutorials on how to never let that happen again! I wouldn't jump in here, ask "what went wrong here? I have a job upcoming!" - lamb to the slaughter!! I can see you panicking at an event when one of these issues crops up, and it will! Even those who are fully competent with flash photography have issues with gear failing at times, but they will not only have back up on hand but they will know what the issue is right away.

For off cam flash photography, I found Zack Arias amazing when I started out, other tutorials had me scratching my head, I found them hard to digest, but his 'One light' series just opened my eyes. Look it up, you might find it split into dozens of videos across YT, or just buy it. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/One-Ligh...h=item4b41ac1e98:g:WFsAAOSwWiBa35tS:rk:1:pf:0

 

[Fraser Euan White]

Thanks Fraser
But that’s not me
My website came down a very short while ago.
Philip is s rather different kind of photographer to me. But not as big as the distance between Doncaster & Ripon.

.............another red face moment for me there Phil - sorry!
The rest of what I said still stands though (you call me a w****r and are usually right )

 

[Ulfric M Douglas]

Wow!!

Not even going to bite.

Please don’t ever again reply to my threads

Thanks for the laugh, very good!

 

[Fuji Dave]

Lets hope that @willkia will take on the advice and share some good shots that folk will like and say it`s better. Then he can have a choice of what photo editing software I give him.

 

[DemiLion]

Lets hope that @willkia will take on the advice and share some good shots that folk will like and say it`s better. Then he can have a choice of what photo editing software I give him.

Erm, I'd be a little bit careful about that. Licences are generally personal.

 

[Fuji Dave]

Erm, I'd be a little bit careful about that. Licences are generally personal.

I`d get in contact with Adobe and Coral to tell them the new owner, but only if Will makes a big improvement.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

General Data protection regulations will be an issue have you got it covered?
Do you know what is required?

 

[Fuji Dave]

General Data protection regulations will be an issue have you got it covered?
Do you know what is required?

I have not a clue at all.

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

I have not a clue at all.

I have looked at it and am thankful that I am well retired.
But it effects all professional people and event photagraphy.
If you want to be scared look up GDPR+photography.

 

[Fraser Euan White]

I have looked at it and am thankful that I am well retired.
But it effects all professional people and event photagraphy.
If you want to be scared look up GDPR+photography.

I don't think either of them are professional but don't see how it relates to a gift - are you registering all the xmas presents you are giving?

There are some incredibly 'anal' responses to a very kind gesture TBH.

 

[DemiLion]

There are some incredibly 'anal' responses to a very kind gesture TBH.

I take copyright as a fairly serious issue. It's called trying to avoid hypocrisy.

 

[Box Brownie]

Erm, I'd be a little bit careful about that. Licences are generally personal.

In the past if you owned Adobe software you could by arrangement with Adobe relinquish the license and transfer the 'ownership' to another person who could then register it with Adobe.................I did this with PS and that allowed me to upgrade cheaper than if I bought a new one.

Has that transfer system now ceased???

I`d get in contact with Adobe and Coral to tell them the new owner, but only if Will makes a big improvement.

The way, as mentioned above, is that you get in touch with Adobe and give up the license...........then give away said software & its license....................the recipient then registers it like it has never been owned by anyone else.

General Data protection regulations will be an issue have you got it covered?
Do you know what is required?

I have not a clue at all.

I have looked at it and am thankful that I am well retired.
But it effects all professional people and event photagraphy.
If you want to be scared look up GDPR+photography.

As noted above there is or was a system to release and transfer ownership................I fail so see where this relates to GDPR. On the surmise it is still possible via a current online method i.e. no exposure of any relevant personal data by Adobe.

 

[Fraser Euan White]

I take copyright as a fairly serious issue. It's called trying to avoid hypocrisy.

Very noble of you - although I'm not sure where the breach of copyright is in what @Dave70D is planning on doing so the reply is just 'anal'

 

[Box Brownie]

License transfers

Adobe
https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/x-productkb/policy-pricing/transfer-product-license.html

I have not read it fully but hope it covers what will be needed?

Corel
Possibly less clear but here is their info https://www.corel.com/en/corel-copyrights/#License Transfer

HTH

 

[LC2]

I take copyright as a fairly serious issue. It's called trying to avoid hypocrisy.

I think Dave is talking about giving his licensed software to Wil.
That is allowed, certainly for Adobe products, though there are some hoops to jump through.
https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/x-productkb/policy-pricing/transfer-product-license.html
I can't comment for Corel Draw

 

[Fraser Euan White]

I've read all of the posts above, some of them do seem to be harsh - but in my view they aren't, simply because you are setting yourself out to be a professional photographer, from whom high standards of competence are expected. If you had posted a similar question elsewhere - beginners perhaps - and asked how to set the basic functions on your camera then people would have been polite and encouraging.

Now, from your viewpoint, you probably see yourself as an amateur who is keen to improve, and no doubt you're getting paid either nothing or peanuts for this 'job' but, to the victims who you will be photographing, you're a professional. What do you think your beginner standard photos will do to the reputation of real professional photographers? I've lost count of the number of times that people have told me that they will never hire a professional again, simply because they thought that they had hired one in the past and the results were crap, therefore real professionals are all tarred with the same brush.

Of course, everyone has to start somewhere, and I applaud you for your efforts and self confidence, but a much better way of starting out would be to contact event photographers in your area (the people who specialise in this sort of thing) and find one or more who will allow you to carry their bags for them at similar events, do general labouring work for them and so on, and you will then learn from exposure. That way, nobody gets hurt. Same goes for all other disciplines, if you want to be a wedding photographer then work as a bag carrier for wedding photographers, if you want to be a studio photographer then impress studio photographers with your coffee making skills.

Frankly, the best of your outdoor examples posted above are nothing more than average snapshots, and your indoor ones (so far) are appalling.

If you don't even know how to get amateur-standard snapshots with a very good camera that does nearly all of the thinking for you, if you don't even know what to point the autofocus sensor at, if you don't even notice the background that is going to ruin the shot, if you think that it's OK to shoot at 3000 ISO and if you think that it's OK to mount the flash on the top of your camera, then you are nowhere near ready for this 'job'.

There are two main ingredients in photography, technique and art. There has always been a great 'debate' in photography about technique -v- creativity, with people arguing about which is more important. My own answer is that each is equally important - after all, there is no point in producing a technically-perfect photo that nobody wants to look at, nor is there any point in producing a creative masterpiece that has serious technical shortcomings or that, even if 'perfect', can't be replicated because you don't know how you got the good result in the first place!

Because of this, you should understand the technical ingredients and learn to work within the limitations imposed by both your equipment and your shooting environment. Only then should you start to concentrate on the creative elements of good photography.

Photography isn’t a true science, it’s just a set of craft skills that are based on established scientific principles. We don’t need to know the science in order to gain the skills, but it does help to understand why things work as they do, Right now, you are demonstrating that you have neither technical understanding nor art, and you need to have both.

I agree with everything you have said here Gary but as an amateur photographer friends moan more about the cost of hiring a professional photographer than anything else, hence why they ask friends who have a hobby of photography to do the pictures for them. This is going to happen more and more often as digital makes 'half decent' images attainable by the masses.

The last Wedding I attended the Couple did not want to spend money on a pro tog and asked guests to send them any pictures they had taken. They made an album from it and said it was far better than any proffesional album because the photo's from guests meant more to them; most people there said 'what a great idea' and were all moaning about the costs of a pro.

 

[Phil V]

I have looked at it and am thankful that I am well retired.
But it effects all professional people and event photagraphy.
If you want to be scared look up GDPR+photography.

If you look it up on google you’ll find lots of I’ll-informed clickbait.

I do wish people who ‘aren’t affected ’ wouldn’t then proclaim something they can’t substantiate.

 

[Cagey75]

This place ... I wish people would just stick to answering questions asked and stop trying to dish out the law every other thread, Jesus ..

Lets hope that @willkia will take on the advice and share some good shots that folk will like and say it`s better. Then he can have a choice of what photo editing software I give him.

Nice of you, pity it got p***ed on immediately

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

If you look it up on google you’ll find lots of I’ll-informed clickbait.

I do wish people who ‘aren’t affected ’ wouldn’t then proclaim something they can’t substantiate.

Reading the official sites is bad enough without the click bait. The problem is most companies and organisatios are now so fearfull that they insist that every one

at a event must give their permissions, they conflate GDPR, child protection and about everything else in to their private rules.

 

[Fuji Dave]

Sorry for the delay folks, have been setting up the new lappy. I know I can Give away for free my Adobe photoshop and Lightroom as got in touch with Adobe a while ago, so on that I am fine.