docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

:) hey no offenses here just differences. Yeah those are elements for sure important for sure as part of the whole - when you say "balance" and define that way - I'd call that perspective and balance for me would have more to do with the visual weight or feel of the image - but thats just differences of conceptualization. Apologies are sometimes hard to come by buy Sir owe me none.

BarbK Loc: Cinnaminson, NJ

What are gray cards? This is first time I've heard that term and I've been on here for awhile- haven't seen it in a book either.

joe_flippin Loc: Texan living in Brazil, SA

Thanks, I'll buy a gray card and use it.

[quote=Quickflash]

Photogdog Loc: New Kensington, PA

Barb,

Gray cards are a way of fine tuning white balance. They're calibrated cards that you hold up close in front of the lens to fill the view using the light in which you're going to take the shot. You set the WB adjustment to "custom", read the meter with the card in front of the lens and take a meter reading (usually hold the shutter button halfway down) or actually snap the shutter. When you take the shot, ideally, the color should be balanced for the ambient light source. Look in your manual under "Custom White Balance" for specifics on how to use the card & set the meter for your particular model.

Check out this site:

http://lifehacker.com/5659324/use-an-18-gray-card-for-better-color-balance-in-your-photos

PD

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Well first off to start you must have a very fat wallet. Then find a way to replenish what was in there because it wont be fat for to long. You may lose your house your wife and end up in the soup line but youll get great photos.

stlbob Loc: St.louis Hills

I dont drink,dont smoke,married for 30 years.Dont have a lot of other intrests that cost money,other than this.
So the wifes okay with whatever i buy as long as i use a little common sense.

sarahpixie21 Loc: Ohio/PA

This topic really hits home for me. I just bought my very first DSLR camera a week and a half ago and am already looking for accessories for it. My wallet, however, is telling me that it will probably be after Christmas before I can get my next lens. But the way I figure it is that I will have plenty of time to study my camera and how it works, and will get in plenty of practice before then. What good is having extra stuff if you can't use the basics? As someone who is just getting into the hobby, I can tell you that I am very impatient and think that I should just be able to pick up the camera and know exactly what to do with it to get amazing pictures every single time... but in reality, It's going to take a LOT of time to get even decent, and in that time I can save up for my next major purchase.
Hobbies, in general are expensive, but you might as well spend the money on something that you love. :)

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

With digital photography the expense has been chopped considerably
no more film to buy, processing to pay for - ya you still have to either print them your self or pay someone else but the amount is far less than in film times - yep your camera & lens are expensive but one SD card is hundreds of rolls of film. It don't take as long to save up for additional lens these days.
Get a Cooky Jar and put $$ in every once in a while - it too adds up.
Harvey

BarbK Loc: Cinnaminson, NJ

Thanks- that clears it up.