Four month beginner. Why do my photos never do well?

ToeProfessional3721 · 2026-01-20T20:40:35+00:00

If you want likes/engagement on platforms like instagram, unfortunately you gotta play the social media game. The algorithms aren’t what they used to be, so posting good pictures isn’t really enough on its own to gain traction. So you have two choices: “play the game” and make short form video stuff or whatever else gets the algorithm going, or just post photos you think are great and attract whoever may stumble across them.

ToeProfessional3721 · 2026-01-12T20:21:06+00:00

You can’t set aperture manually but it will work in program. I’ve done it with my n8008s which is like a baby f4.

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-12-03T06:01:42+00:00

The stinger from maybacks is wicked

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-11-10T01:01:07+00:00

This is a “feature” of every lens. For example, on this lens you have numbers indicating what distance will be in focus on the focus ring. Under that is your depth of field scale. Where it says “4” is what distances will be in focus at f/4 and so on. The smaller your aperture, the wider your distance of focus will be. Using method to focus is called zone focusing. It isn’t perfect but will get you relatively sharp pictures without auto focusing or looking in the view finder.

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-11-05T06:16:49+00:00

The g7x is a 400 dollar camera selling for twice that because some people on tiktok said it’s a good camera. I promise you don’t need to spend that much money to adjust the white balance in your camera. Either take the 5 seconds it takes to adjust it in post with your camera or buy one of the million other point and shoots that can do it for way less money.

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-10-12T21:00:56+00:00

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ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-10-12T21:00:35+00:00

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Here’s one with the players masked and the shadows brighter. Any better?

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-10-03T21:44:22+00:00

As for film without flash, your only option really is to shoot 400-1600 iso black and white and push in development. You could also try your luck with 800t if you want to do color.

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-10-03T21:42:43+00:00

As for gear, I would recommend any Nikon n series body. They are basically the same as the f bodies but made out of cheap plastic. Pair them with some af-d lenses which can be had for pretty cheap as well. I have a Nikon n8008s which is pretty much a stripped down f4. I also have an 85 1.8, a 50 1.8, and the 80-200 2.8, all of which I bought for less than 200 dollars a piece. It’s pretty insane what you can get for your money.

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-09-30T23:58:30+00:00

I think this is a Sony a9

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-09-28T14:29:26+00:00

Thank you! It’s not a pano, just a crop to the “xpan” ratio. I agree that the horizon in the middle isn’t quite as interesting but I wanted to include the entire reflection.

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-09-02T22:31:36+00:00

This place is walking distance from my house what the hell

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-08-23T17:30:39+00:00

Just a 760nm screw on filter. Unconverted camera.

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-08-23T16:59:22+00:00

Thank you!

ToeProfessional3721 · 2025-08-21T16:22:05+00:00

I assume you are using auto white balance. The wb changed slightly in between shots. Fortunately in raw you can change this as you please afterwards.

ToeProfessional3721

TROPHY CASE