POLL: Topics for future photography threads

[zmcgovern45]

Since my first Photography Thread on the Basics of Exposure was rather well received, I am looking for some insight as to what you'd like to see for the "Part 2" thread.

I have had many requests to put together some other articles, and I should have time to get one together this week.

Here are some ideas I was considering for a number of future articles, but if you'd like to see something in particular, please let me know!

- A More Advanced Look at "Depth of Field"
- Shooting in RAW vs. JPEG
- Basic Gear for Photographing Detailing
- Understanding Focus Modes

Most of my ideas are generalized for photographing anything... if you would prefer a more detailing specific set of articles (ie how to take 50/50 shots), I would love to hear your ideas!

Again, I am completely open to anyone's suggestions. I really like putting together these types of articles so I will do my best to put out a few more in the near future as my detailing work slows down with the approaching freezing temps :dblthumb2:

Thanks!

-Zach

 

[KS_Detailing]

I was actually looking for your photography thread last night. Teach me how to use my Canon Rebel XTI to photograph my detailing! rops:

 

[Evan.J]

Hey Zach want about picking a good camera for documenting detailing work. Things to look for when buying a camera?

 

[zmcgovern45]

I was actually looking for your photography thread last night. Teach me how to use my Canon Rebel XTI to photograph my detailing! rops:

That is a bit of a broad request... being a Nikon owner/user myself, I wouldn't be much use on explaining your particular Canon model's features and functions. My first article covers the basics of how to use any camera to manipulate the settings to produce the exposure you desire.

Do you have any particular questions or problems that you would like me to address?

Hey Zach want about picking a good camera for documenting detailing work. Things to look for when buying a camera?

^Evan, good idea! This can be a very subjective topic, however, because many people think all that is needed is a modern smart phone with a decent camera. I can do a general article on purchasing a DSLR (highlight some differences between 'entry level models' vs. mid level vs. pro models and explain why those added features may or may not matter to you), discuss lens selections, and other basic accessories that might be useful!

 

[Chris's FX4]

I think one about basic gear or understanding depth of field would be nice.

 

[zmcgovern45]

I think one about basic gear or understanding depth of field would be nice.

You've clearly got a good understanding of both based on the photos I have seen :dblthumb2:

I was planning on completing both of those articles in the near future... I will most likely do the Depth of Field article this week, and begin working on the Gear article shortly afterwards.

 

[KS_Detailing]

That is a bit of a broad request... being a Nikon owner/user myself, I wouldn't be much use on explaining your particular Canon model's features and functions. My first article covers the basics of how to use any camera to manipulate the settings to produce the exposure you desire.

I was just messing around about that but I was searching for your thread to learn about using the settings for taking photos.

 

[zmcgovern45]

I was just messing around about that but I was searching for your thread to learn about using the settings for taking photos.

:dblthumb2:

 

[ziggo99]

I think one on editing would be helpful. Sometimes we like to go into our photo editing programs and try to make our photos better but end up over doing it and the end result of our work doesn't seem to be authentic.

 

[zmcgovern45]

I think one on editing would be helpful. Sometimes we like to go into our photo editing programs and try to make our photos better but end up over doing it and the end result of our work doesn't seem to be authentic.

That is definitely a possibility for future articles, but I am going to focus on capturing the images first. I will follow up with post-processing recommendations after I cover the majority of the basics of how to take the photos.

 

[Chris's FX4]

You've clearly got a good understanding of both based on the photos I have seen :dblthumb2:

I was planning on completing both of those articles in the near future... I will most likely do the Depth of Field article this week, and begin working on the Gear article shortly afterwards.

Thanks Zach.:dblthumb2:

Just thinking of another one that people might find useful, basically how to take pictures of cars. Like how certain angles, heights, and how focusing on certain areas with different apertures can really improve the look of car and make the photos more interesting. Kind of like the difference between taking a picture of the front of the car and eye height versus down low. I know Mike has a low down grille shot thread.

 

[zmcgovern45]

Thanks Zach.:dblthumb2:

Just thinking of another one that people might find useful, basically how to take pictures of cars. Like how certain angles, heights, and how focusing on certain areas with different apertures can really improve the look of car and make the photos more interesting. Kind of like the difference between taking a picture of the front of the car and eye height versus down low. I know Mike has a low down grille shot thread.

Another great idea, and something I am still learning myself! Car photography definitely isn't my strongest point, but I would be happy to share some pointers in a brief article at some point. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[tuscarora dave]

Hi Zach.

Not sure how I missed the first thread that you linked to here but I'm going to have to read it and this/any future ones carefully because I'm very camera illiterate. I'd absolutely be interested in seeing any of the titles you mention in this thread.

 

[07gtcs]

Thanks Zach.:dblthumb2:

Just thinking of another one that people might find useful, basically how to take pictures of cars. Like how certain angles, heights, and how focusing on certain areas with different apertures can really improve the look of car and make the photos more interesting. Kind of like the difference between taking a picture of the front of the car and eye height versus down low. I know Mike has a low down grille shot thread.

I believe I got this link from a post in here a long time ago, but its a good article about photographing cars, good basic ideas.

Automobile/Motorcar Photography Tips by Curt Scott

 

[zmcgovern45]

I believe I got this link from a post in here a long time ago, but its a good article about photographing cars, good basic ideas.

Automobile/Motorcar Photography Tips by Curt Scott

I have read that sometime in the past... very good article that focuses a lot on the lighting... which is KEY to any photograph, but can cause a lot of headaches with cars especially.

Thanks for posting the link!

(I think that guy has a thing for Cobras)

 

[KMG]

I think the depth of field topic would be a good one. I know that I have played with our camera quite a bit, and have been getting better and better pictures. I am still not shooting in full manual mode however though. I believe I am using the A mode?, and playing with the f-stops to achieve the look I want. The other big thing is playing with the over and under developing depending on the lighting. I am slowly getting better with the camera though.

Any new info is a plus in my book. Have at it Zach.

 

[zmcgovern45]

I think the depth of field topic would be a good one. I know that I have played with our camera quite a bit, and have been getting better and better pictures. I am still not shooting in full manual mode however though. I believe I am using the A mode?, and playing with the f-stops to achieve the look I want. The other big thing is playing with the over and under developing depending on the lighting. I am slowly getting better with the camera though.

Any new info is a plus in my book. Have at it Zach.

I have already begun writing an outline for the DOF article... I'll do my best to have it finished sometime this week.

A Mode, or aperture priority mode, is a GREAT mode to use! It allows you to designate your desired aperture and the camera will choose the shutter speed that it thinks will produce the best exposure. If you want to manipulate it, you can simply change the exposure compensation settings to best suit your situation. I tend to use Aperture priority mode when I am in an environment where the lighting is constantly changing, or when I am simply taking some snap shots and don't want to have to worry about checking my manual settings as often.

 

[hamlyn]

Some general recommendations for accessories would be great. Lenses, tripod, flash. Etc.
Shooting in hdr mode

 

[SR99]

I think one on editing would be helpful. Sometimes we like to go into our photo editing programs and try to make our photos better but end up over doing it and the end result of our work doesn't seem to be authentic.

Post-processing (PP) software is really not conducive to a quickie overview. They all have their differences in what you can do and how you use the software to accomplish it. Reading about PP software in general doesn't really help much since you ultimately need to pick a software package and trudge through its user interface and menus. It can be as time-consuming to learn as a new camera, if not more.

If you're never looked before, check out Online video tutorials & training | lynda.com where you'll find some excellent video tutorials on various software packages. They go into great detail on all the features, as well as tips and tricks. You can get a 2 week (?) free trial, but a subscription (monthly or annual) is well worth it (and you have access to every tutorial, not just your camera post-processing software of choice). Adobe Lightroom is an often-recommended software package, and I found the Lynda.com tutorials on Lightroom to be excellent.

 

[zmcgovern45]

Some general recommendations for accessories would be great. Lenses, tripod, flash. Etc.
Shooting in hdr mode

^Noted... I will definitely make an article (or several) on this subject.

Post-processing (PP) software is really not conducive to a quickie overview. They all have their differences in what you can do and how you use the software to accomplish it. Reading about PP software in general doesn't really help much since you ultimately need to pick a software package and trudge through its user interface and menus. It can be as time-consuming to learn as a new camera, if not more.

If you're never looked before, check out Online video tutorials & training | lynda.com where you'll find some excellent video tutorials on various software packages. They go into great detail on all the features, as well as tips and tricks. You can get a 2 week (?) free trial, but a subscription (monthly or annual) is well worth it (and you have access to every tutorial, not just your camera post-processing software of choice). Adobe Lightroom is an often-recommended software package, and I found the Lynda.com tutorials on Lightroom to be excellent.

^Agreed... but I can still do a brief overview of my basic workflow in Lightroom (which is what I use to convert my images from raw to jpeg) just to give a basic idea of what I do for basic post processing.