Comments on: What Have You Learned about Digital Photography in 2007?

By: Robert F

Robert F — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:47:03 +0000

I learned that having a warranty on a DSLR is well worth the cost! Thankfully, I had convinced my SO of that at the time of purchase. It made a world of difference when it came time to send my Nikon D80 off for repairs that were beyond the scope of repairs that could be handled by the local camera shop.

Otherwise, 08′ would have been ruined from the start.

By: Huy

Huy — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:07:54 +0000

I learnt about bokeh and how much it can add to a photograph… oh and i finally 100% understood DOF (i knew the basics of it but never really got my head around the concept for awhile, it was quite confusing!).

By: Matt Brown

Matt Brown — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 03:13:45 +0000

Simply the most important lesson I learned this year was planning. There is no point having the best equipment in the world if you are not ready to photograph the subject. This of course applies to events more than landscape or still photos.

There were a number of times this year that I missed shots cos I was changing a lens over, or ran out of batteries in the flash and had to change at a critical time, or forgot to do a ‘pre-flight’ check and left a lens in MF for a while before I noticed.

Check all your gear for;
* Full Batteries
* MF or AF switches (also focus distance on some lenses)
* Camera settings, especially ISO if it is hidden.
* Clean UV filters/Lenses
* The bag is organised as you expect to need things. Leave
the common lens on the body and have any others you think
you may need easily accessible.

Also for the event know;
* What the key moments are
* Don’t rush, check backgrounds and the weather
(partially cloudy with the sun coming in and out or
variable wind conditions.)
* Review photos on a larger screen or zoom in using review
features on the camera.
* Have a friend help if need be. They can have equipment
ready for you to make change overs quicker and also to
help spot opportunities as well as potential
distractions/problems.

Of course the biggest time saver is going to be knowing how to use your camera and get the best from it.

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:25:13 +0000

Each type of photography requires different approaches. For the portrait stuff shown here, controlling light is rule number one. Let light do its magic and create the dimension that you want to give your subjects.

Don’t get duped by ‘equipment-itis’ — it’s a disease. Collecting equipment offers nothing if you don’t use it properly. The kit lens or even the old 50mm Chinese lens is not a bad option — if used properly. Light is free at daytime, the sun comes up everyday — modify it and use it. Lens sharpness and distortion are minor factors in portraits if your subjects are well lit.

I’ve noticed my photos have improved just by controlling light — by diffusing flash (at night), by diffusing window light (in daytime), reflecting, bouncing and putting light where its needed. Experimentation will offer rewards.

By: Jazbagz

Jazbagz — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:51:28 +0000

I haven’t been on this forum for very long, but over the year I’ve learnt a lot.
Especially since starting my photography course in October.
There’s still so much more to learn though, so I’ll keep chugging on.

For the person who said the kit lens sucks, I agree that it’s not exactly Â£600 lens as such. But my favourite shot in all of my gallery atm was taken by it easy: http://jazbagz.deviantart.com/art/In-the-Wind-59871800
And a lot of others seem to like it too…

Though I would like a tasty sigma lens to leech onto right now.

Happy New Year from England!

By: Pete Langlois

Pete Langlois — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 16:23:29 +0000

I’ve learned so much this year. After relearning how to use a SLR camera after about 15 years of not shooting. I’m using a dSLR now and have been seeking out things to shoot that I like. I don’t want to shoot everything just what pleases me. The camera gear canon or nikon doesn’t matter as much as the person pushing the shutter button.

Hopefully I get some extra cash this year to get an extra wide lens (Sigma 10-20mm).

By: Juan

Juan — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 14:28:50 +0000

I Learnt not to use Learnt, just kidding, I’ve learned that this is a great website and a valuable tool.

By: Luis Cruz

Luis Cruz — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 04:16:48 +0000

DAVE ID Says: Never, ever buy the kit lenses that come with your DSLR cam, they suck . Eloquently said? Hell no. Truth? Hell yeah! I think thatâ€™s the most important truth I learned this year. I beg to differ. I shot several images that ended up on my portfolio with the kit lens - it may not be the best lens around, but if you know how to use it, it will definitely get the job done. Anyway, I've learned a few techniques for shooting specific subjects. The posts on shooting fireworks, babies, and children's parties have been especially cool.

By: Lizzy

Lizzy — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:07:47 +0000

I have learned just how what seemed an amazing picture one month can seem just ok the next and no great the month after as you learn more and more about how things work with your camera and that even a point and shoot (as annoying as the lack of control is) can get good images when its in the hands of someone who knows what there doing. Learning makes a huge impact on work!

By: Theresa

Theresa — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 17:09:45 +0000

I’ve learned…I still have a lot to learn.