New and in need of advice?

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Andrewbullie

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Hi All,

Firstly i'll introduce myself as I am new to the forum. As you've probably guessed by my username i'm called Andrew! 34 and live in Teesside. I'm new(ish) to photography and have a real ambition to get out there and produce some really good images, primarily for my own satisfaction, but also to eventually do something that others may think is good too.

Situation is, I love looking at other peoples images and have an appreciation of good photography and art in general whether it be landscape, portrait, macro or any kind of creative photography. I've spent many months reading up about different techniques and equipment and eventually went out and bought myself a set up which comprises of the following:

Canon 50D body
Canon 50mm F1.8 lens
Canon EFS 17mm - 85mm F4.0-5.6 lens
Canon 75mm - 300mm F4.0-5.6 lens (not IS)
Canon 18mm - 200mm lens F3.5-5.6 lens
Sigma 10-20mm F4.0-5.6 lens
Sigma 150mm-500mm F5.6 lens OS
Sigma 105mm F2.8 Macro lens
Sigma 2x Tele Converter
Kenko 12, 20, 36mm Extension Tubes
Canon Speedlite 550 EX Flash
Manfrotto Tripod
Giottos MH621 Head
And a couple of Lowepro Bags, remote releases, circular polarizers, etc.
Plus Photoshop Elements 9.0

Problem is that I have all of this gear which is pretty mediocre and if the truth be known, I am struggling in how to use it.

One guy said something to me before which made me laugh as he was absolutely correct, he said "all the gear and no idea". I feel a little foolish in going out and spending the money that I have on creating a comprehensive range of equipment and not really knowing what to do with it. I suppose it's the same as buying a £4000 set of golf clubs and expecting that you can play like Tiger Woods..... it doesn't work like that. In hindsight I should have done things differently.

But, I know now that I have made a big mistake, however, I have done what I have done and if anything it makes me more determined to learn and generate some good images.

So, where do I start? I understand apertures / depth of field, iso's, shutter speeds, etc. I'm au fait with the camera functions and I am pretty reasonable on Photoshop and I have a creative mind that has all sorts of ideas for good images. Problem is though that I can't get those ideas in to a photograph. I go to location with a plan and come back with a load of rubbish and I find it really frustrating...... subject is too distant, under exposed / over exposed, not very sharp despite using tripod and remote shutter, too grainy when I increase ISO, etc.

I also feel that I haven't decided what style of photography I want to concentrate on. This is the main reason that I bought the equipment that I did, so that I can try everything and then make my mind up. I know deep down that I love images of derelict buildings and industrial areas especially in monochrome. I also like creative thinking images where a picture is made to look amazing from very little substance, also landscapes (my original passion) especially with dramatic light effects. At the same time, some of the best images I have achieved have been really close macro images which kind of makes me want to continue this route purely as I have seen success.

As you can probably guess, I am pretty confused with it all at the moment and have really screwed up in buying the gear that I have, but I would love some advise on how I should proceed...... guidance, courses, ideas, etc.

Sorry for the long post!

Many Thanks

Andrew
 
My advice would be to keep concentrating on one of your plans for a location. If/when the photos don't turn out how you intended, try to work out what went wrong (get advice from this forum if you can't work it out yourself), then go back to your location and try to learn from the previous mistakes.
Once you have experience with certain types of situation and gear, you start to eventually make less mistakes. But only if you make a concious effort to analyze what went wrong in a photo and then work out how to put it right.

Another problem you're going to have is that you have bought a wide range of lenses all at once that each demand different and sometimes quite challenging technique (when first learning). I'd personally try to concentrate on a couple of the wider angle lenses first before attempting long lens technique on top of getting exposure right for example.

I think the worst thing you could do at this minute is flit between all your new lenses and just get overwhelmed by them.
 
Last edited:
Spot on advice there. Using the 150-500 will require a completely different technique to the 10-20, which will also require a different technique from the macro.

Pick one lens to concentrate on and put the rest in the cupboard (bar maybe one of the "general" lenses for snapshots). Whichever you choose, then concentrate on getting a full set of quality images from it. In the process you will learn how it works, it's strengths and weaknesses and also your strengths and weaknesses. You might find you hate taking macro, or you will never use the long lens.

Once you have a set you are happy with, pull another lens out and start the same again, but keep using the first lens aswell. Eventually you will have 3 or 4 lenses you are comfortable using when the situation arises.
 
Well up in teeside you have access to some wonderful locations and coast so I would fully agree with the posts above.
I would also get rid of a few items as you have a lot of overlap which will make life a lot more confusing
Keep
10/20
17/85
150/500
50mm
105 macro
There you have a range of decent lenses that will cover most eventualities and give you a feel for what you like.

Sell the
18/200 Overlap with others
70/300 Overlap with others
2*TC Wont work with the 50D and 150/500( or anything with a max aperture of over f2.8 unless on a 1 series)
Extension tubes not needed already have macro
Put the money in the bank in your photography account so when you want to upgrade the gear that you have you have a fund to start with.

Have fun

Chris
 
Get a blank book and start gluing in pictures you like, then on the opposite page deconstruct the image. Group the pictures in themes and then you can start to see patterns emerge on that you like and begin to bring that into your own shooting. I did this and tried to figure out a few basics, where is the focus, what lines/angles are being used to lead the eye, where is the light from, what lens/aperture is being used.

The simplest piece of advice I think I can give is to ask yourself what you are trying to capture before you press the shutter button. That way you will have a focus point of interest that should stop you taking pictures for the sake of it. Also, before you then press the shutter look all around the frame to make sure that you have everything the way you want it and there is nothing in there you font want, if there is move it or recompose.

I also totally agree with the others who say to pick one lens and get used to it, only when you start to feel limited by that lens should you move into the others.

Finally get out there and take more pictures, I've heard many people say that you need to take about 10,000 pictures before you can expect to get "good", and also remember that the amazing shots you see are probably the best one or two out of a shoot that had several hundred, don't beat yourself up if there are a few dodgy ones-thats why we have the delete button. ;)
 
Well you have said that you're understand DOF, ISO, shutter speed etc. however it seems like you don't understand it or don't know how to use it, to get satisfactional effect.

My suggestion is to buy your self a littel notepad not all they ideas for shots you have. when you have the idea written down, make your self think what settings you should use to achieve the effect you want. Thats what helped me when I was starting.
To be honest Digital stops you from learing.

Also try play with light. YOUTUBE it, what you can do with flashes
 
One thing that once I'd got my head round it that helped me was previsualising what you want the end result to look like, rather than taking the picture and seeing what happens.

As above you have a lot of kit, it may be beneficial to just go out with a could of lenses, or even just your 50mm prime to really force yourself to think about the composition.

Lastly, you say you're pretty new to all this, how new is pretty new? Even if I go back 2 or 3 years I can see a big improvement in my images and I'm sure if I look back to now in a few years time I will think the same, the constant learning is one of the big appeals of photography to me.
 
All good advice so far, I'd add go and have a look on flickr at photos of things that you're interested in, I find it great for inspiration. Then get out and take lots and lots of photos. Eventually you'll start to develop an eye for things, it's not a quick process, but enjoy the journey!

And if you like derelict buildings, check out my website, it's mainly dereliction and industrial landscape, including some from Redcar.
 
Andrewbullie said:
Hi All,

Firstly i'll introduce myself as I am new to the forum. As you've probably guessed by my username i'm called Andrew! 34 and live in Teesside. I'm new(ish) to photography and have a real ambition to get out there and produce some really good images, primarily for my own satisfaction, but also to eventually do something that others may think is good too.

Situation is, I love looking at other peoples images and have an appreciation of good photography and art in general whether it be landscape, portrait, macro or any kind of creative photography. I've spent many months reading up about different techniques and equipment and eventually went out and bought myself a set up which comprises of the following:

Canon 50D body
Canon 50mm F1.8 lens
Canon EFS 17mm - 85mm F4.0-5.6 lens
Canon 75mm - 300mm F4.0-5.6 lens (not IS)
Canon 18mm - 200mm lens F3.5-5.6 lens
Sigma 10-20mm F4.0-5.6 lens
Sigma 150mm-500mm F5.6 lens OS
Sigma 105mm F2.8 Macro lens
Sigma 2x Tele Converter
Kenko 12, 20, 36mm Extension Tubes
Canon Speedlite 550 EX Flash
Manfrotto Tripod
Giottos MH621 Head
And a couple of Lowepro Bags, remote releases, circular polarizers, etc.
Plus Photoshop Elements 9.0

Problem is that I have all of this gear which is pretty mediocre and if the truth be known, I am struggling in how to use it.

One guy said something to me before which made me laugh as he was absolutely correct, he said "all the gear and no idea". I feel a little foolish in going out and spending the money that I have on creating a comprehensive range of equipment and not really knowing what to do with it. I suppose it's the same as buying a £4000 set of golf clubs and expecting that you can play like Tiger Woods..... it doesn't work like that. In hindsight I should have done things differently.

But, I know now that I have made a big mistake, however, I have done what I have done and if anything it makes me more determined to learn and generate some good images.

So, where do I start? I understand apertures / depth of field, iso's, shutter speeds, etc. I'm au fait with the camera functions and I am pretty reasonable on Photoshop and I have a creative mind that has all sorts of ideas for good images. Problem is though that I can't get those ideas in to a photograph. I go to location with a plan and come back with a load of rubbish and I find it really frustrating...... subject is too distant, under exposed / over exposed, not very sharp despite using tripod and remote shutter, too grainy when I increase ISO, etc.

I also feel that I haven't decided what style of photography I want to concentrate on. This is the main reason that I bought the equipment that I did, so that I can try everything and then make my mind up. I know deep down that I love images of derelict buildings and industrial areas especially in monochrome. I also like creative thinking images where a picture is made to look amazing from very little substance, also landscapes (my original passion) especially with dramatic light effects. At the same time, some of the best images I have achieved have been really close macro images which kind of makes me want to continue this route purely as I have seen success.

As you can probably guess, I am pretty confused with it all at the moment and have really screwed up in buying the gear that I have, but I would love some advise on how I should proceed...... guidance, courses, ideas, etc.

Sorry for the long post!

Many Thanks

Andrew
Click to expand...

You have been given a lot of sensible advice so far, I would put everything away, apart from the body and 50mm prime.
Changing you kit every five minutes will NOT do you any good at all.
Learn what you can and can't do with the 50mm (you might be pleasantly surprised!!!).
Learn to zoom with your feet etc
I think you have already realised, it isn't the kit that takes the photographs but the person handling the kit.(the kit only does the recording)
When you can take well composed and exposed photographs, then the more serious kit will help to enhance your pics (a little, the improvement is not proportional to the amount you have had to spend).
Don't get too hung up at this stage, it takes time and determination.
REMEMBER it should be FUN!!!!!!!!:wave:
 
Couple of good books: The photographer's Eye and the Photographer's Mind. Both by Michael Freeman I think. They do help you understand what makes a good picture and he goes through the why he chose certain angles and shows you others in the set which don't work as well which is invaluable.

I don't think you always need a plan. What you need is your eyes. You have to learn to see where the image is and have that in your mind. It might be something simple as just a close up of a flower or wanting to capture a landscape. Once you have the image in mind then you can experiment while you are there in getting that image. There is a preview screen so you can fiddle about and keep trying until you get the image you are happy with. It's not like film where you get home and discover it was nothing like you wanted :)

If you don't like anything then keep it anyway as it is a learning process. Quite often I think a load of shots are no good but a few months later I'll go back and think on its own its ok. It wasn't exactly what I wanted but it has shown something else.

Definitely put all the other lenses away and only take out only the 1 in the first instance. The 18-200 will cover most eventualities so it seems a good place to start.
 
Give me all your spare kit, that would be a good start ;)

To put it all down to a tee,
Use one lens, look at other images for inspiration (that are similar to what you intend on photographing)
And, I think that it is a good idea to upload some of your photos to an online gallery, most camera manufacturers have their own website where users chat and comment on each others pictures.
If Canon have one join it, upload your pics, and let people give you advice on what could improve your photography. You may find it is just based on their opinion but sometimes you also get good advice that can dramatically improve your results.

Best piece of advice I got when I was a beginner is to have a smaller aperture (larger F no.) when taking night shots, this prevents light blowing out in your pics and reduces it to a star shape.

I do believe you can upload your photos here too, I'm sure everyone would be willing to critique.
 
BrandonDouglas said:
Give me all your spare kit, that would be a good start ;)

To put it all down to a tee,
Use one lens, look at other images for inspiration (that are similar to what you intend on photographing)
And, I think that it is a good idea to upload some of your photos to an online gallery, most camera manufacturers have their own website where users chat and comment on each others pictures.
If Canon have one join it, upload your pics, and let people give you advice on what could improve your photography. You may find it is just based on their opinion but sometimes you also get good advice that can dramatically improve your results.

Best piece of advice I got when I was a beginner is to have a smaller aperture (larger F no.) when taking night shots, this prevents light blowing out in your pics and reduces it to a star shape.

I do believe you can upload your photos here too, I'm sure everyone would be willing to critique.
Click to expand...

Why join a dedicated camera forum for critique?...Thats kinda the whole point of this forum... :lol:
 
Hi Andrew and welcome to the forum :wave:

You've certainly jumped right in with both feet! :lol: This forum is a good place to start. People are generally willing to give (constructive) critique on shots you post up. Sign up for a flickr account and have a look at flickr to see what shots have been taken near you. I also love that idea to stick photos you like in a book and deconstruct them. I'm nicking that one for myself :D Maybe join a local camera club too.

Personally I'd pack away all your lenses except for your 50mm F1.8 lens and the 17mm - 85mm lens (maybe keep the 75mm - 300mm and 10-20mm out too if you want to) and concentrate on those. That gives you a really good range of focal ranges to try out and learn with. As others have said you've also got equipment which overlaps, so either return or sell on and bank that cash for the future.

Also remember to learn from your mistakes. I still throw away 50-90% of what I shoot (depending on the subject, etc) but I look at every shot and try and work out what went wrong to learn for next time.
 
Look at the EXIF data of your 'failures' to see what settings you used. Cruise flickr looking for similar shots that have worked (even better if same location, similar conditions) and see what settings they have used.

See if you can work out why their pictures worked. It can help cement your understanding of aperture and exposure.
 
Thanks guys for all your help and advice. There are some really useful tips here and I will definitely explore your ideas in an effort to try and improve.

As Howard said "REMEMBER it should be fun!", I think this is one of my problems at the moment as I am getting frustrated and disappointed with my lack of achievement. There's nothing worse than spending an afternoon out with the camera and returning home to upload the images to the laptop only to find that nothing turned out like I wanted it to.

Personally, I think my biggest failings are that I don't set out my intentions before leaving the house armed with the camera. I seem to drive all over and hope that I will come across something that may make a good shot, but not really know what it is that I am trying to achieve, this area definitely needs work. I find also that most of my shots lack good natural lighting which to is one of the biggest contributing factors in a good image so I must learn how best to use it.

I agree also that I need to put a few of the lenses away. I know that I will never use the 75-300mm, don't know why, I just don't like it. Also, I find the 500mm Sigma very difficult to use, I assume that this will come with time but for now I should just leave it alone. To be honest, my favorite lens is the Sigma 10-20mm, I find it really useful for taking shots of buildings as it seems to get so much in to the image and the most flexible is the 18-200mm which is the one which spends most time attached to the body.

I'll take on board everything that has been said and maybe post some images on the forum for constructive criticism or a good laugh for people :-)

I think also, that I have to get used to using the camera in public a little more as well. I am quite self-conscious of what others people think and I have had some really strange looks before, people shouting out of the car window and beeping their horn and idiots who find it amusing that somebody has a camera - in one case 2 girls jumped in front and started doing silly poses! For that reason, I have since tended to keep to quiet locations and wait until there are very few or no people around when I take my shots.

Thanks again for all your advice.

Andrew
 
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