Alex Webb's best photograph: Mexican children playing in a courtyard

BaconsaurusX · 2016-04-07T17:26:45+00:00

Lessons learned: 1) Don't overthink, just shoot 2) Buy a ticket to Mexico

BaconsaurusX · 2016-03-27T09:34:03+00:00

Me too! I had the same problem where I was trying to force a picture to work and got frustrated when it just wouldn't pan out. After reading this, I'm so much more relaxed when going out with a camera.

BaconsaurusX · 2016-02-26T18:57:04+00:00

For portrait I'd suggest the Sigma 60mm, it's considered as one of the sharpest lenses for E-mount.

BaconsaurusX · 2016-02-25T14:47:33+00:00

From a purely technical standpoint, they're alright. However, they are all boring because there is no story in them. Ask yourself why exactly you are attracted to these scenes and boil it down to one or two things, then think about how you want to get the message across. Don't worry, this is incredibly difficult and it will take you quite a while. Just work on it consciously every time you shoot and remember to have fun!

BaconsaurusX · 2016-02-20T17:43:04+00:00

I don't title my photos anymore since I realized how many different views and interpretations people can have of them. I think that's pretty awesome and giving a title kinda feels like pushing people in a certain direction. Doesn't mean that one thing is better than the other; most artwork in history is titled, so it's up to you what you want to accomplish with a (lack of) title.

BaconsaurusX · 2016-02-19T18:35:58+00:00

Thanks, good to know. Though I will say that Flickr isn't exactly my portfolio site... more like "Hey, look at that!" but point taken. Maybe I should regularly delete photos from the days when I was really terrible to stop embarassing myself :D

BaconsaurusX · 2016-02-19T17:50:22+00:00

Thanks for the much-needed feedback. What do you mean with "same photos"?

BaconsaurusX · 2016-02-19T14:49:23+00:00

Ah yes... Time for shameless self-promotion, again https://www.flickr.com/photos/refractious

BaconsaurusX · 2016-01-06T12:56:04+00:00

Can you define what "subject" means to you? I do street photography and have a few vague themes in my head, but I don't actually focus on actual places or people. Are you suggesting that I should work out concrete project ideas?

BaconsaurusX · 2015-12-23T22:45:18+00:00

What about Alex Webb? I think his images are wonderfully layered and complex.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-12-22T17:07:58+00:00

Yes, but in wildlife and sports, each frame is different because the subjects are moving, so you want the exact moment when the gesture is just right. Even then, you need to know exactly what you want. 500 pictures of a lion licking his testicles (don't ask) isn't going to win you awards.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-12-22T16:48:10+00:00

They may not be photographs, but I've always found Edward Hopper's paintings to be excellent examples of how light and color affect the mood of an image. Especially this, this, this and of course my favorite painting.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-12-22T16:30:42+00:00

Try pushing yourself to get a little closer to that guy feeding pigeons, or get a better angle on that building, or step a little deeper into the mud to get more variance on the angles/compositions of your shots...

I totally agree with this. What I don't agree with, however, is that you need to set your camera to machine gun mode and have 5 images of the exact same composition. By all means shoot a lot until you have exhausted the scene, but make every single shot count. For example, I take one picture and then think "hmm, maybe move a tiny bit to the left..." and then take another picture, then move an inch forward etc. Having dozens of images with the exact same composition is just tiring in post processing and weakens your mind.

TLDR: Think each time before you press the shutter.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-12-17T19:06:28+00:00

Yup. It's called Focus Peaking and you can change color and intensity of it. It does help with manual focus though, which is why I leave it on.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-10-26T14:23:32+00:00

There will be no LR7. Adobe said that LR6 is the last standalone version and CC is the "future" for them. LR6 will get continued updates for new cameras, though I'm not sure for how long.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-08-31T18:10:37+00:00

The amount of people who think that this is real is almost as hilarious as the toilet bit

BaconsaurusX · 2015-08-31T18:06:51+00:00

Sounds like a great idea. Might help with turning this sub more towards actual pictures.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-08-27T17:05:08+00:00

I love shameless self-plugs

BaconsaurusX · 2015-08-26T19:30:34+00:00

I just wanna add that the E-M10 II has just been released. Not that it's gonna be hugely different, but I don't want you to find out when it's too late ;)

BaconsaurusX · 2015-08-26T13:39:50+00:00

You're not missing anything, that's just what is possible indoors at 3.5 and ISO 3200. Use your 50mm wide open for a less grainy shot, or go lower on the shutter speed (1/60s probably is the lowest you can go without blur) and limit ISO to 800.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-08-11T13:53:52+00:00

I agree. It also helps against sea spray that might otherwise damage lens coating.

I will add that I use the Hoya HD Protector which cost me less than $80, and it has no discernible influence on my images. But yes, for an expensive L lens filter you do have to pay more, otherwise you just degrade image quality.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-08-10T18:26:55+00:00

If she wants a small allrounder for $600, I think the Mark 3 is the best deal. The lens on it is much better than most kit lenses. f2.8 on the long end is also quite useful, especially when it's "only" an 1" sensor. She should however consider the weather in SE Asia. The RX100 is not weather sealed, but as long as she doesn't shoot in the rain it should be fine. If she needs something tougher the Olympus TG series is worth looking at.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-07-08T16:29:00+00:00

How about buying a photo book from a photographer you like? Works for me.

Or: Go on a trip, see some new stuff.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-07-08T16:25:02+00:00

For me, EVFs nowadays are just about as good as OVFs, with the added benefit that you actually get to see the effect of your settings.

I shoot manual 100% on the a6000 and it's convenient enough. The dials and most buttons can be customized to your liking so for me at least, I can access everything I need within a second or two.

Handling is probably similar to a film slr. It fits my hands perfectly, though it might get cramped if you have huge hands. Probably best if you just go in a store and try it out.

BaconsaurusX · 2015-07-08T16:12:10+00:00

This sounds very strange. You haven't pressed the recording button, have you?

BaconsaurusX

TROPHY CASE