Thinking of Giveing Up

Bob

Bob

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Iam at the stage where I feel I cant master my photographs I am thinking of selling all my kit and buying a bridge camera instead I cant get any pictures of what I want mainly my grandkids at play or the odd sat for portraitSo going to write a list just to see if I should sell it all
Bob
 
Put the kit in a cupboard for a while, 6 months to a years time you may well get the bug again.
 
Dont give up Bob, dont get despondent, maybe your being over critical, what exactly do you not like or feel your not doing in your togging, maybe your trying to hard, meet up with a few togs from your area have a chat shoots and fun, and most of all get knowledge and experience, if your on your own its hard to understand, meeting people and playing with settings, look in for compositions, bouncing ideas off each other, and relax, youll find your "forty", and develop a style, that you are happy with, and observe, watch for certain patterns of behaviour in respect of your family, shoot in kids get down to their height and lower,watch out for distracting backgrounds,

if you feel brave post a couple of examples, Im sure TP members will try to help constructively :thumbs:
 
I alwasy take my best pictures not long after I think about giving up, keep at it and chin up :)
 
Bob said:
Iam at the stage where I feel I cant master my photographs I am thinking of selling all my kit and buying a bridge camera instead I cant get any pictures of what I want mainly my grandkids at play or the odd sat for portraitSo going to write a list just to see if I should sell it all
Bob
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To be honest, Bob, you won't get better pictures with a bridge camera, nor will it really be any easier to use.

What is it that you are finding that you're having problems with? I'm sure we'll be able to help you get the results you want from the camera you have :)
 
what part of photographing the kids are you trying to master and why are you struggling to do it?
 
I'm going to go against the flow and say that if the whole DSLR thing is not working for you, then a good compact/bridge camera might well be just the job.

You have to be really into photography to get on with a DSLR outfit. It's expensive, cumbersome, and can be slow and fiddly. If all you want to shoot is regular everyday subjects, people, places and memories, then a DSLR is not going to be hugely better than a good compact.

For enthusiasts, there is so much more to it than good photos. There's the whole art and craft thing, creating stuff with knowledge and skill. There's also the gadget lover's pleasure of owning and using nice gear. And at the end of it all, you get some really top quality pictures, sometimes produced in a way that compacts just can't do - low depth of field, super wide angle, long lens action, wildlife, macro, high speed flash etc etc. But unless you tick several of those boxes, you will tire of dragging all that kit about for no apparent benefit.

I know several old SLR hands that have turned in their Nikons and Canons, a couple of them after being seduced by a Panasonic LX3. If you're getting nowhere with the DSLR thing, and have given it a good go, then there are some extremely able non-DSLR cameras out there. These are the kind of camera that most 'normal' people use, very successfully. It's enthusiasts like us that are the odd-balls ;)
 
Bob said:
Iam at the stage where I feel I cant master my photographs I am thinking of selling all my kit and buying a bridge camera instead I cant get any pictures of what I want mainly my grandkids at play or the odd sat for portraitSo going to write a list just to see if I should sell it all
Bob
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Bridge camera won't help and even make it harder. From my experience with action the best way is to stand well back and use a fast telephoto. Slow wideangles are not up to the job.

So you might want to get 70-200mm f/2.8L (sell the others). You can and also use it with the flash indoors. You should love that lens.
 
HoppyUK said:
I'm going to go against the flow and say that if the whole DSLR thing is not working for you, then a good compact/bridge camera might well be just the job.

You have to be really into photography to get on with a DSLR outfit. It's expensive, cumbersome, and can be slow and fiddly. If all you want to shoot is regular everyday subjects, people, places and memories, then a DSLR is not going to be hugely better than a good compact.
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The thing is, the op already has the dslr -it's no harder to use a dslr in one of the scene modes than it is to use a bridge camera...
 
Flash In The Pan said:
The thing is, the op already has the dslr -it's no harder to use a dslr in one of the scene modes than it is to use a bridge camera...
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I guess the problem he is having is with the settings he uses. I am sorry if I am wrong, but *most* people would get in very close with 18mm, at say f/5.6 1/60 (this is what the auto mode may give). The subject would be running around, and impossible to track from that distance, and the shutter way too slow. The on camera flash on ruins the picture completely.

How about this for a start for indoors: get your 70-200mm, and set the camera to M. Select ISO 200-400, 1/250s and f/4, AI-servo, and put the 430EX on (+2/3 EV setting, 50mm zoom) pointing to the ceiling. Then it is foolproof from there.

For outdoors just set it to Av, f/4 and AI-servo for action. Forget the other lenses if you are shooting your kids.

I also strongly recommend reflectors (less than a tenner on ebay) and they make an incredible difference.
 
daugirdas said:
I guess the problem he is having is with the settings he uses. I am sorry if I am wrong, but *most* people would get in very close with 18mm, at say f/5.6 1/60 (this is what the auto mode may give). The subject would be running around, and impossible to track from that distance, and the shutter way too slow. The on camera flash on ruins the picture completely.

How about this for a start for indoors: get your 70-200mm, and set the camera to M. Select ISO 200-400, 1/250s and f/4, AI-servo, and put the 430EX on (+2/3 EV setting, 50mm zoom) pointing to the ceiling. Then it is foolproof from there.

For outdoors just set it to Av, f/4 and AI-servo for action. Forget the other lenses if you are shooting your kids.

I also strongly recommend reflectors (less than a tenner on ebay) and they make an incredible difference.
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Bloody hell....I'm going to give up too :(

Bob
 
daugirdas said:
I guess the problem he is having is with the settings he uses. I am sorry if I am wrong, but *most* people would get in very close with 18mm, at say f/5.6 1/60 (this is what the auto mode may give). The subject would be running around, and impossible to track from that distance, and the shutter way too slow. The on camera flash on ruins the picture completely.

How about this for a start for indoors: get your 70-200mm, and set the camera to M. Select ISO 200-400, 1/250s and f/4, AI-servo, and put the 430EX on (+2/3 EV setting, 50mm zoom) pointing to the ceiling. Then it is foolproof from there.

For outdoors just set it to Av, f/4 and AI-servo for action. Forget the other lenses if you are shooting your kids.

I also strongly recommend reflectors (less than a tenner on ebay) and they make an incredible difference.
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WOW now you just confused the guy even more, who asked about getting kit, and settings, anyway spout in stuff off like that well WOW :bonk: PLEASE try and be Constructive, your scarring the guy.

WHAT A LOAD OF SH+POO

3625917715_b50ed7916f_o.jpg


Flash In The Pan said:
I strongly recommend walking before running ;)
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:thumbs: easy does it

Canon Bob said:
Bloody hell....I'm going to give up too :(

Bob
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I can give your "Kit" a good home :) when should I pick it up Im free all day tomorrow or now if you like LOL
 
daugirdas said:
I guess the problem he is having is with the settings he uses. I am sorry if I am wrong, but *most* people would get in very close with 18mm, at say f/5.6 1/60 (this is what the auto mode may give). The subject would be running around, and impossible to track from that distance, and the shutter way too slow. The on camera flash on ruins the picture completely.

How about this for a start for indoors: get your 70-200mm, and set the camera to M. Select ISO 200-400, 1/250s and f/4, AI-servo, and put the 430EX on (+2/3 EV setting, 50mm zoom) pointing to the ceiling. Then it is foolproof from there.

For outdoors just set it to Av, f/4 and AI-servo for action. Forget the other lenses if you are shooting your kids.

I also strongly recommend reflectors (less than a tenner on ebay) and they make an incredible difference.
Click to expand...

:help:
 
Hi Bob,
To some extent, I know how you feel. I had been into photography for 35 years this year, and I had come to the conclusion that I was no good at it and was about to give up. I had produced a few good images in that time, but an awful lot which I thought we just 'average'.

I was then persuaded to go on a 1 day course with a friend of mine in which we took some pictures and then processed them (for monochrome in this case). I came away from that course with what I considered to be my best picture ever (it is up on my wall at home) and my interest was renewed.

I would highly recommend finding a tog buddy or going on a course where you will get some personal time with the tutor, so you can get some constructive help in the areas where you are struggling.

It is a great hobby, but can be difficult and frustrating at times. It would be a shame to give up through frustartion.....
 
If you ain't happy no point carrying on, life's too short

How about buy a bridge and see how it goes before flogging all the other stuff
 
It is all too easy for those that know to try and explain to those that don't.
Bob do what you feel you have to. But my advice would be to put the gear away for 6 months, buy the bridge camera and then in winter months go to night school and takea couple of courses. Learning from forums, book or you tube is good for some but not everyone. Get some lessons and get hands on and have the help and guidance from someone who is trained to teach these things. Daugirdas's advice is right but probably a mythical language to you in your current mind set.
Do what you fell you have to because at the end of the day there's no point getting dispondant over it all. Get a point and shoot and bring the fun back in photogaphy.
 
Hi Bob. Just a thought, but maybe some togs could get together for the day with you and help you out. I shoot Nikon and know little about Canon, but I'm willing to have a go with you.
Nothing too heavy, just a get together, a bit of banter and a play with our gear. It just might give you that 'buzz' back.
Hell, I've spent more than I would like to admit and I still get days that I hate every picture I've taken.
I've just noticed that you have some decent kit there. Why don't you join me and a mate at Waddington Air Show on 4th July? A different subject might just give you a bit of help and a new interest. Fast jets can be good fun to shoot.
Indirectly it might help you on tips on how to shoot grand kids running around.
Either way I'm sure we can help.

Kev.
 
imho decide what you want to take photos of and the best way of doing it and then if you take a photo and it hasn't come out how you've expected it then post it here and ask for advice on why it hasn't and how to remedy the situation

if you don't have the eye for photography getting a bridge camera isn't really going to help but a book might?

and there are enough friendly helpful people on here that you'll probably be able to dig yourself out of your rut soon enough :)

+2p
 
OK Bob, I see you are in Manchester. I don't live a million miles from there so how about a coffee sometime?

I shoot Canon and have a lively 7 year old stepdaughter that I've been pointing the camera at for a few years. You could bring along pics that you are not happy with and we can see what we can do about sorting it for you.

Drop me a PM?
 
^^^ Exactly what's needed....good on yer Alison.

Bob
 
AliB said:
OK Bob, I see you are in Manchester. I don't live a million miles from there so how about a coffee sometime?

I shoot Canon and have a lively 7 year old stepdaughter that I've been pointing the camera at for a few years. You could bring along pics that you are not happy with and we can see what we can do about sorting it for you.

Drop me a PM?
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Another example of what a great bunch of people some TP members are :clap:
 
AliB said:
OK Bob, I see you are in Manchester. I don't live a million miles from there so how about a coffee sometime?

I shoot Canon and have a lively 7 year old stepdaughter that I've been pointing the camera at for a few years. You could bring along pics that you are not happy with and we can see what we can do about sorting it for you.

Drop me a PM?
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:thumbs:
 
Just Dave said:
youll find your "forty", and develop a style...:
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might be over 'forty' with grandkids....:p

anyway looked at your kit and you've got lots of stuff
canon 400d,70-300 is usm,70-200f4 is usm,18 -55 kit lens,17-85 is usm,430 ,x flash,crumpler xl Low pro 200,epson stylus DX 5000

the kit lens and the 17-85 aren't flattering I think to your photos.
the 70-300...quite a fan but you have 70-200 L glass...?? nice
if you want a last ditch go at photographing your grandkids I would borrow a 30mm prime from someone, like the sigma I have. and see if that suits you.
so easy to use and get some nice shots without mucking about. the 50mm 1.8 is good but 30mm is easier on a cropped body

otherwise grab a lumix LX3 and start selling bits of your kit
 
Noooooooo, don't sell up. Come and spend some time with me first, then make your mind up. I won't try to sway you either way, just work with you to get the best out of your gear. Then it's down to you whether you want to keep it or sell up but give it a chance first :)

What have you got to lose? ............(other than earache!)
 
Bob take up Ali's offer, you really will not take better pics with a compact, and the 400D is a good camera.

The majority of my image taken these days are of the grandkids in the garden.

Its about the quality of light at the end of the day and a compact aint going to change that. You have everything you need for decent pics.:)
 
yes sell it

Bob said:
Iam at the stage where I feel I cant master my photographs I am thinking of selling all my kit and buying a bridge camera instead I cant get any pictures of what I want mainly my grandkids at play or the odd sat for portraitSo going to write a list just to see if I should sell it all
Bob
Click to expand...
 
Bob dont give up just yet. if you fancy a trip over the Pennines one day in a few weeks time myself and Eileen are doing an event at Sherburn.
There will be lots of friendly faces to shoot and static displays and aircraft in flight.
We do most shoots here and have the full run of the airfield including in the hangars so there will be plenty of things for you to have a go at if you do fancy a day out

Pete
 
Thanks to you all for taking the time and the trouble to reply to my post. Ive decided that I will put my gear away for a while and clear my mind Iwas really down in the dumps till I read some of your replies the humour shone thro gave me a laugh. A special thanks to AliB for your very kind offer and if I decide that I really do want to get to grips with this photography lark I will keep you in mind for help and advice once again many thanks
Bob :wave:
 
Good on you Bob,
Step back and take a breather.
I had a Panasonic fz bridge camera and the zoom was great but just couldnt get the stuff i wanted to do the constant f4 i think through the whole range was nice but would only go to f12 if i remember correctly.
They can be as, if not more complicated than a slr especially with some of the shortcomings of the bridge format.
The lay off is the best option i feel and come at it fresh later on all the kit will be waiting.
I often down about my shots and as such dont take much wish i did more but i wont shelve the kit infact its only starting to see light again after about 10 months.
All the best.
 
Aww, don't give up Bob, keep at it, I know the feeling though. Anyway, good luck. :)
 
Don't forget Bob, most of us have been there, done that and bought the T-shirt!

I have at least 3 or 4 times. I just leave it in its bag and forget it. Dont force yourself to use it. All of a sudden, you think, "hey, i might take a wander with the camera this morning and it feels good again".

If it's a case that you dont understand settings etc etc... please pm or email me whenever you like and ask what you may conceive to be the stupidest of questions and I will do my best to answer for you. No questions are stupid.

But I personally think.. dont give up. I feel very soon after you buy a bridge you would want the dslr again, because, as said before, the only diff with a bridge is the lack of lens changing... your 400d has all the scene modes etc if thats what you like to use that a bridge has so you would be no better off.

Here's hoping you can make a decision.

Janice
 
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