Any Photographers out there?
 

I'm trying to learn all that I can about photography on my own, while being on something of a limited budget. I was wondering if there are any other photographers out there in GC land? I have a Canon XTI/400D with the kit 18-55/3.5-5.6, and of course the famous 50/1.8.

I'm looking for something wider, capable of shooting nicely in low light (ie small venue concerts). That said, I'd like a bit of zoom too. Basically, I'm looking for all the things that make a camera expensive. I've been looking at the Sigma 17-70/2.8, Sigma 30/1.4, Tamron 17-50/2.8 and Tamron 28-75/2.8, all of which are decently priced (though still pretty expensive)...

Anyone have any suggestions? I've looked at all the canon forums, but I'd like to hear from you guys

Yeah, like I said, I was looking at a few lenses that get ultra-wide at 17mm, but could handle f/2.8. I've heard less than stellar remarks about the sigma. I've since been thinking about the Tamron 28-75/2.8. While it isn't near as wide as I'd like to go, it's still nearly double what I'm currently getting with my Canon 50/1.8, which of course is more like 80mm. Like I said, I'm doing concert stuff (you can see my photos here), and I'm almost always in the front row, but I'd love to open up & get more than just the artist's face & guitar, you know?

ISO on the XTi tops out at 1600 (would be nice if it'd go up to 3200). f/4 is just way too slow for me. Thanks for the recommendation though....I don't know much about Tokina, but I've been hearing about it some lately, so I need to check into it.

Oh! I've been looking into getting a new digital camera but know NOTHING about 'em. I just know that the camera I currently have (a Kodak) sucks majorly when it comes to low-light photos. I'm big into attending concerts and am taking that into consideration.

Based upon what I know, which isn't much, I'm certain that I don't want an attachable lense. I was thinking 10-14 megapixel with 10-12x optical zoom. I'd like to take wide shots but how do I tell which cameras are cable of that? Am I headed in the right direction with my specifications?

Thanks in advance for any light shed. :)

SATX...When it comes to taking photos at concerts, there's really no good option unless you lay down money for an SLR (ie, a camera with detachable lenses). High Resolution is fine, but you need to make sure it has an ISO of at least 1600 & works well in low light situations. For point & shoot, I'm a pretty big fan of the Samsung NV series...but really if you want shots without having to use a flash (which kills the ambiance), you'll need to look into something like what I've got...the Canon XT (~$450), XTi (~$600) or the Nikon D40 (~$500) with a fast lens (~$70).

See, most venues of larger concerts don't allow SLR cameras. That's the problem. Are the Canon and Nikon cameras that you suggested point and shoot or SLR?

Okay, I just read up on the Nikon D40 and its specs look good....but it's an SLR. Can I use this camera without an additional lens if need be?

I'm bumping this..... I need NinjaPoodle to be all up and through here.

I'm revving up my own photography experience and I am going to be working with some real live models in a few weeks. EEEEEEK. When my friends convinced me to join Model Mayhem, I really didn't think people would start searching me out.

Artistically, I am strongest at composition and maybe lighting.

Technically, I wish I felt more comfortable with apertures and shutter speeds and all that. So I've been reading a lot and practicing a lot. The awesome thing is that if I pay attention, my camera literally won't let me take a bad picture. For example, that son of a bitch will really flash the message "Subject is too dark/light" before I snap, even on a manual setting.

So anyway, wish me luck.

Oh yeah, my question:

I need studio stuff: tripod, backdrop, lighting.

I think I can pick out a tripod on my own, and if need be, I could make a backdrop. But I have no idea where to start when it comes to buying my own lights.

Ideas?

I was going to share my "portfolios" from facebook, but because we have stalkers and crazy people, PM me or find me on facebook if you want to see my work: www.facebook.com/rashidd

Well, it really depends on what you're shooting, where, etc.. gimmie details son!

I am trying to create a studio space which I can set up and break down pretty easily, say in a conference room or a living room. I will be shooting models who are trying to break into like....modeling. LOL. These guys I will be shooting in a few weeks are like the D-list reality show people who are trying to get more acting and modeling jobs and want me to take some creative studio shots of them. Their intent is to show off their physiques they've been working on since the last time they went shirtless in print.

(It's actually sorta creepy, but since they saw my portfolio, reached out to me first, and they know what they want, it's not so creepy...right? Maybe I'm just too immature for this LOL)

Ok. You may want to get a lighting kit:
http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/SV3610/


http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CE2200/

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/SV4600/

plus reflectors, sandbags, c-stands, diffusers. I'll add more stuff as I remember. I'm a natural light shooter and don't do much studio shooting anymore.

Thank you, this is exactly what I'm looking for. I *thought* I was a natural light shooter too, until they roped me into these shenanigans lol

I know what reflectors are for (just hope I figure out how to use them). What are sandbags for, flooding? (lol)

lol..the sandbags are to steady the c-stands, you put them @ the base of the stands so they don't tip over. Hot lights that tip over are no fun. (& expensive to replace)

*hee hee* He said shenanigans..:p

If you feel wierd about shooting these folks, have a friend come in and act as your assistant. That way you have back up (and C.Y.A.) if needed. Since they are who they are, these actors might have someone come with them. Oh! Don't forget your model releases!:cool:

Thankies! The model releases were the FIRST thing I did! lol

I think I will get one of my boys from around the way to assist me. He'll get a kick out of it.

Yayyyyy fun stuff!

Good luck and let me know how it goes!:)