Amateur Photography

[Val]

I know there are a few keen photographers on the forum

I've bought my first DSLR and hoping to take some decent pictures whilst on my travels this year (inc golf trips) and hoped someone can point me in the right direction or offer some hints and tips and how to make the most of my camera (Nikon D3200).

Also looking for a recommendation on decent photo editing software for mac.

 

[Slab]

Plenty forums etc and online vids/tutorials but if looking for something meatier I thought this was really good
(not least cos they included one of my shots in it )

 

[CMAC]

Having been through Canons and then Nikon DSLR's and a plethara of lenses (you can get sucked into the good glass market so easily) you cannot beat the quality and creativity you get with even the small frame dslr's.

I found the photography section of avforums invaluable.:thup:

 

[Jimaroid]

Also looking for a recommendation on decent photo editing software for mac.

Perfectly timed, Affinity Photo launched a Beta yesterday. It's free right now and is rather good, similar to and compatible with Photoshop but without the price tag.

You have to sign-up to download so look here https://affinity.serif.com/blog/affinity-photo-beta-launches/

It's causing quite a stir amongst my graphic design chums.

 

[Val]

Perfectly timed, Affinity Photo launched a Beta yesterday. It's free right now and is rather good, similar to and compatible with Photoshop but without the price tag.

You have to sign-up to download so look here https://affinity.serif.com/blog/affinity-photo-beta-launches/

It's causing quite a stir amongst my graphic design chums.

Interesting, i'll get a deck at this at home later

:thup:

 

[lobthewedge]

My brother in law is a professional photographer, his website is www.leadinglines.net

I believe he does teaching workshops in the Glasgow area, but he also has some freebie tutorials on there as well.

 

[Mcleodc2000]

Perfectly timed, Affinity Photo launched a Beta yesterday. It's free right now and is rather good, similar to and compatible with Photoshop but without the price tag.

You have to sign-up to download so look here https://affinity.serif.com/blog/affinity-photo-beta-launches/

It's causing quite a stir amongst my graphic design chums.

That looks like a great Photoshop alternative without the horrendous price tag! Any idea if the trial is a limited time only thing or are you able to run the beta version for as long as you desire?

Thanks for mentioning this, I'll certainly be giving it a try!

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Have a look at Graham Houghton's website and YouTube tutorials. Although many are for the Lumix FZ200 Bridge Camera, his hints are helpful for all types of photography. He also has some tutorials for basic Photoshop Elements editing techniques.
(Post reply by Mrs Doon because Mr wouldn't have a clue!).

 

[Jimaroid]

Any idea if the trial is a limited time only thing or are you able to run the beta version for as long as you desire?
Read more at http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/newreply.php?do=postreply&t=74177#k5lOt0x8A0IXqxPZ.99

It's for as long as you want it. It is beta quality though - there are some things that aren't very polished yet despite the fact that it is largely functional. Even so, what I've used of it so far has been impressive.

I imagine that when they release they'll price it at £39.99 like their Designer application (which is also really good for the price) so it's hardly going to break the bank.

 

[Mcleodc2000]

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It's for as long as you want it. It is beta quality though - there are some things that aren't very polished yet despite the fact that it is largely functional. Even so, what I've used of it so far has been impressive.

I imagine that when they release they'll price it at £39.99 like their Designer application (which is also really good for the price) so it's hardly going to break the bank.

That's really good! It wasn't the price point that was the issue, I have a uni project I'm doing just now that it'll come in handy for, but I didn't want to download it and start using it then realise it had expired when it came towards the end of the project, without the full version being available.

 

[Jimaroid]

That's really good! It wasn't the price point that was the issue, I have a uni project I'm doing just now that it'll come in handy for, but I didn't want to download it and start using it then realise it had expired when it came towards the end of the project, without the full version being available.

Worst case, it can export to PSD so I don't think you'd be totally exposed to the risk of it going away one day. If it's critical to work, it may not be the best thing to rely on beta software though.

 

[Val]

My brother in law is a professional photographer, his website is www.leadinglines.net

I believe he does teaching workshops in the Glasgow area, but he also has some freebie tutorials on there as well.

Thanks Colin

 

[davidy233]

Take lots of photos - Get used to manual mode as soon as possible - mess about with the settings (underexpose and overexpose) and see what works for you - take notes at first of what works and remember what to avoid - don't trust 99% of what you read in camera forums.

Start off simple and then push the envelope a bit more each time - taking good photos is easier than playing half decent golf.

Oh and finally bin the Nikon and get a Canon, Nikon's are cavity backs Canon's are buttery smooth shiney blades

 

[Val]

Take lots of photos - Get used to manual mode as soon as possible - mess about with the settings (underexpose and overexpose) and see what works for you - take notes at first of what works and remember what to avoid - don't trust 99% of what you read in camera forums.

Start off simple and then push the envelope a bit more each time - taking good photos is easier than playing half decent golf.

Oh and finally bin the Nikon and get a Canon, Nikon's are cavity backs Canon's are buttery smooth shiney blades

Thanks David :thup:

 

[davidy233]

Thanks David :thup:

Oh and don't take pictures of Dundee United - takes ages to clean the camera afterwards

 

[Hobbit]

Take lots of photos - Get used to manual mode as soon as possible - mess about with the settings (underexpose and overexpose) and see what works for you - take notes at first of what works and remember what to avoid - don't trust 99% of what you read in camera forums.

Start off simple and then push the envelope a bit more each time - taking good photos is easier than playing half decent golf.

Oh and finally bin the Nikon and get a Canon, Nikon's are cavity backs Canon's are buttery smooth shiney blades

Wot he said. You'll learn more, quicker if you play around with the settings. Also, check the reviews for 3rd party lenses before you buy. I have the odd cheap lens that is dire - bad workman? - but have some decent glass that produces crisp results.

But stick with the Nikon... Canon's are the Dunlop of the camera world.

 

[Airsporter1st]

That looks like a great Photoshop alternative without the horrendous price tag! Any idea if the trial is a limited time only thing or are you able to run the beta version for as long as you desire?

Thanks for mentioning this, I'll certainly be giving it a try!

It appears to be time limited and only available for IOS not windows

 

[blackpuddinmonster]

I know there are a few keen photographers on the forum

I've bought my first DSLR and hoping to take some decent pictures whilst on my travels this year (inc golf trips) and hoped someone can point me in the right direction or offer some hints and tips and how to make the most of my camera (Nikon D3200).

Also looking for a recommendation on decent photo editing software for mac.

Snap!!
My good lady bought me the exact same camera for chrimbo. I don't know about you, but just reading the manual gives me a headache..
I've been doing pretty much what Hobbit and Davidy233 have said, and just got out there and messed about with stuff. The taking notes thing is a good tip, i haven't and i struggle trying to remember what setting i had the camera on when i get back, and find a surprisingly good photo.
When the weather improves i'am going to take a lesson or two, i'am interested in the outdoors and wildlife.
Also my mate is a member of a society so i will be joining myself come spring. He said that there are some great photographers there, who are only too willing to help newbies out..:thup:

 

[CMAC]

Get yourself a 50mm f1.8 lens, key in any togs arsenal. Best quality lens for the money ever!

Oh, and Hobbits right about Canons and Dunlop. Nikons are so much more user friendly for our level, maybe different for professional togs

 

[Slab]

Don't dismiss the usefulness of the auto/program/scene settings in a mad rush to use manual

They're there for a reason, to give you enjoyable results as soon as possible after purchasing a camera (& lets face it Nikon know a hell of a lot more than most about what settings are best to use on certain scenes)

If manual was the be all and end all then why are folks not still manually focusing all their shots
Yes you should learn how & why different manual settings change a shot but not at the expense of missing a moment

Oh and with the right skills in photoshop (or other) you can polish a turd