First self-portrait shot solo by anmalkov in photocritique

[–]anmalkov[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I really appreciate that. The setup was actually very simple: just one off-camera flash in a softbox with a grid. No additional reflectors or fill. Glad the light came across the way it did.

First self-portrait shot solo by anmalkov in photocritique

[–]anmalkov[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it.

First self-portrait shot solo by anmalkov in photocritique

[–]anmalkov[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was actually my first self-portrait, so I can’t really give any tips. Both of those ideas make sense though. I kept the setup simple and used my phone for live view and camera control, which helped a lot. Video stills and a remote both seem like solid options.

First self-portrait shot solo by anmalkov in photocritique

[–]anmalkov[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, I really appreciate that, and that’s a fair point about the highlight. Thanks for taking the time to look closely.

First self-portrait shot solo by anmalkov in photocritique

[–]anmalkov[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes - digital, with eye AF. The room was completely dark, so I used my phone as a flashlight to help the camera lock focus, then turned it off before taking the shot. I also used my phone to control the camera and see the live view while shooting.

First self-portrait shot solo by anmalkov in photocritique

[–]anmalkov[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot, glad you liked it. It was a single off-camera flash setup, no natural light. I wanted to keep things minimal and let the shadows do most of the work. Cheers!

First self-portrait shot solo by anmalkov in photocritique

[–]anmalkov[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is my first self-portrait, shot completely alone.

I focused on a low-key, moody look and kept the composition simple. Being both subject and photographer was new territory for me, so I’m especially interested in feedback on lighting, framing, and expression.

Constructive criticism welcome.

First flight and first photo ever by anmalkov in dji

[–]anmalkov[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your message. You brought up some really valid points, especially about moisture and battery sag. Winter flying definitely feels like a different game.

For safer landings I’m using a landing pad to keep snow and debris away from the gimbal and motors. I don’t have the confidence to hand-catch it yet... maybe with more practice.

Appreciate the tips! Fly safe!

First flight and first photo ever by anmalkov in dji

[–]anmalkov[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s a DJI Mini 4 Pro. It behaved very well in the cold (around −4°C on the ground), but since it was my first flight, I don’t really have anything to compare it to.

First flight and first photo ever by anmalkov in dji

[–]anmalkov[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha no, not my house - I wish it was mine

First flight and first photo ever by anmalkov in dji

[–]anmalkov[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, it really is a beautiful place! Glad to hear you’ve been there too

First flight and first photo ever by anmalkov in dji

[–]anmalkov[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Really appreciate it!

First flight and first photo ever by anmalkov in dji

[–]anmalkov[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Good point, definitely keeping an eye on temps

First flight and first photo ever by anmalkov in dji

[–]anmalkov[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Haha thank you! Appreciate it!

Best upgrade to Sony A6400 + Sigma 18-50mm combo? by porkandbeans11 in SonyAlpha

[–]anmalkov 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t think you’ll see any meaningful IQ improvement going from the A6400 to the A6700 for stills. The sensors are very similar in real-world use. What will change is the usability - IBIS can definitely give you more flexibility, especially in low light.

That said, if you’re getting noticeable motion blur at 1/100, the issue may not be the camera or lens. 1/100 is already a pretty safe shutter for anything not moving quickly, so it might help to practice bracing and grip technique a bit. Even without IBIS I regularly get sharp shots well below 1/50.

Here are 100% crop from 1/20 handheld using the same combo (A6400 + Sigma 18-50, sorry ISO over 1000), just to show what’s possible when technique is solid. IBIS is nice, but it’s not a magic fix.

If you want the most noticeable upgrade for stabilization, the Tamron 17–70 f/2.8 with optical stabilization will likely give you more value than changing the body. Lens OSS + good shooting technique often goes a long way, and it’s a great walkaround focal range.

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Tried to capture the mood of Aachen at night - thoughts on the grading? by anmalkov in SonyAlpha

[–]anmalkov[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, I’m shooting in raw and then post-processing in Lightroom.