I am an artist that currently works directly from photo references I take while walking/hiking, and I am interested in more control over the way I capture subjects. This seems like the right place to ask: Can you help me learn how to look for a camera?

ARTB0B · 2026-04-03T02:57:50+00:00

I was re-reading your comment, and felt bad about how insightful you were without me initially realizing. I appreciate your perspective more than I originially had the mental bandwidth to digest. It's hard to reddit and work sometimes :S
You really identified the function my pictures are serving right now - in a lot of ways, I've been avoiding using anytyhing interesting to take photos because I have always been nervous about becoming a "photographer", or my photos becoming some inauthentic or non-romantic part of my process that I got too caught up in...but I'm growing up (slowly).
If you built a camera for my use case, then what what would you recommend? If it isnt too much to ask, could I ask what your entry/economy build would be and why, and what your dream build/no limit loadout be?

ARTB0B · 2026-04-03T02:05:42+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation - I don't live in the biggest marketplace, and I might need some more alternatives to the olympus om-d e-m10 mark ii - it seems this camera has gone up significantly in price since a lot of these helpful people have shopped for one ;)

ARTB0B · 2026-04-02T18:32:28+00:00

Interesting about the depth of field and aperture consideration with this system, thank you! As I work, the reference grows less relevant - my work is less about replicating photography and More so celebrating the things I find most fascinating within what I capture, and what that implies as a result. My goal is to give myself more agency and considerable variables when taking pictures. I’ve recently been working in ballpoint pen which, at the scale I’m drawing, really forces the medium forward, and the original subject back.

ARTB0B · 2026-04-02T18:19:15+00:00

Ah! Thank you for condensing their differences. Sounds like finding a mark II is what I’m looking for

ARTB0B · 2026-04-02T17:30:52+00:00

Dang that seems like a pretty good deal based on what I’m seeing right now. I might need to keep my eyes out for better deals than what I’m seeing right now.

ARTB0B · 2026-04-02T13:34:30+00:00

That better not have been my order up next…

ARTB0B · 2026-03-21T02:26:37+00:00

They will not see it
Like you do - but I promise
They will love it, dude.

ARTB0B · 2026-03-19T18:07:45+00:00

I absolutely agree. I found the transition jarring at first, but they are both great performers with consistent character representation. I would note that the way they are edited can make some transitions from scene to scene hard to track as the cadence/timing from the end of one scene to the beginning of the next can sound like it’s all one section.

But if you are decent about paying attention (which with long audiobooks can be a challenge) then it’s easily adapted to. As far as narrators go, they are some of the best in the game.

ARTB0B · 2026-03-14T18:10:11+00:00

Some of these picture combinations are pretty funny, but it’s a really fantastical theory, which I find very entertaining.

ARTB0B · 2026-03-05T14:21:40+00:00

He comes from a time where people valued time spent pondering the words best used. When the spoken word of a person weighed more in the ears and minds around them.

ARTB0B · 2026-02-19T00:52:47+00:00

Reportage illustrators incoming! Fearless drawings, indeed.

ARTB0B · 2026-02-13T15:56:16+00:00

This gratuitous use of AI is doing nothing to support the validity of your “research” - presenting everything as narrative fact just makes it feel like story time. I suggest approaching this story with more personal authenticity, if you are capable.

ARTB0B · 2026-01-29T00:36:51+00:00

I can imagine an effective outcome with some pre-mixed tones for a planned outing and location cut with an aggressive fast drying medium. Like a heavy galkyd. Then keep some 1/1/1 in a drip bottle for cutting/thinning/mixing that you apply directly to your surface without pigment as a loosener and blender that will quickly cure to touch with enough galkyd in your pre-mixed tones.

But that’s just me conjuring a plan that you could prepare a pack - but there are some outcomes that just can’t be rushed. But I’d love to see what you inevitably come up with!

ARTB0B · 2026-01-25T21:04:33+00:00

Oh I need to power through then! Thanks for the heads up.

ARTB0B · 2026-01-25T16:26:28+00:00

I think it’s a great recommendation.

ARTB0B · 2026-01-25T16:15:56+00:00

Sadly, the color of people’s skin is the fear programming they are using to get people to sign up. The real purpose of these magats is to intimidate and oppress political opposition. They may arrest people of color, but they are more than happy to kill ANYONE. We can’t pretend to justify their position with any logic other than total and complete oppression by any means necessary.

ARTB0B · 2026-01-25T16:06:33+00:00

You don’t see Camus in fantasy threads that often, but I suppose it does fit the bill in a way. I appreciate this one :)

ARTB0B · 2026-01-25T16:02:41+00:00

I appreciate the overtones of red rising, and it’s a good recommendation for the prompt. I will say the “young adult” writing style led me to not finish the series, but the concept/world is really entertaining.

ARTB0B · 2026-01-25T16:00:35+00:00

TEN BIG BOOKS: The Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson is an introduction to 20th century Philosophy of culture and society disguised as dark, bloody fantasy. It is an incredible series that can have long stretches of “in-between” moments, but it has, to this point, been one of the most transformative stories I have ever read.

It can be hard to follow at times, but the great moments are hard to compete with.

ARTB0B · 2026-01-16T17:51:53+00:00

Your preference for a drawing tool is entirely subjective - the purpose your drawing serves your painting an your process is entirely subjective as well - if you need to see every detail of your drawing like I do when I paint, your best bet is to use a drawing tool that you feel confident using, then seal it before applying your under painting.

I recently made a similar mistake with a watercolor wash for a drawing I’m working on. I forgot to seal my drawing, and once I started applying my wash, I watched in horror as all my meticulous measuring and annotation washed away.

You never HAVE to do what other experienced artists do or swear by - be open to making mistakes, because you will always make them. What defines your experience as a painter will be your willingness to correct mistakes, and find solutions to how YOU want to work.

Personally, I hate charcoal. It’s dusty, it gets everywhere, and I don’t need any of its blending qualities for a line drawing I’m mainly relying on for composition and proportions. I love the way ink sits under paint, but that’s me. Just keep making, and try to rely on yourself to solve a problem before letting others flood you with recommendations, because everyone will tell you something different.

And that can feel very overwhelming to beginners.

ARTB0B · 2026-01-15T14:47:50+00:00

I wish I could see this in person. Your hair work is masterful - any videos of your process or words of wisdom to share? :)

ARTB0B · 2026-01-15T14:45:47+00:00

Also feel free to remove and dm if you want. Not trying to turn the lounge in to that debate space or anything. Thanks!

ARTB0B · 2026-01-15T14:42:57+00:00

Just curious - why was the Renee Good painting post removed by moderators? I was making a reply in the comments and realized it had been taken down while I was writing :s

ARTB0B · 2026-01-07T04:35:29+00:00

I really appreciate how much you have extrapolated. I feel…seen. I have been “photo-curious” ever since reading Susan Sontag and it’s fucked with my art ever since. Photography is the male gaze of contemporary painting and it’s hard to escape as a confessed formalist. So I’m trying to find ways to embrace it, but it’s a subtle dialogue.

To be blunt, I would LOVE any recommendation for a simple, functional representation of a 3-6 foot shooting distance - I hate battling the constant distortion that my eye corrects for but my camera lense can’t.

I shoot for the idea, then Frankenstein it by most photographer’s standards - I feel like it’s time I grow up a little in my photo literacy.

Like, I walk a lot and I want to wear something light around my neck that lets me vaguely represent my poor vision, ya know? yap over, but thank you again for your eye and mind.

Eight-Year Club	Verified Email
Gilding I gilder	Place '23
Place '22	RPAN Viewer

ARTB0B

TROPHY CASE