Check out Landscape Photography section of our forum.
Posts for: Thomas902
Nov 11, 2023 04:44:58 #
Jim I believe you didn't quite understand what ArtzDarkroom was endeavoring to share with you...
ArtzDarkroom was sincere and on point albeit his thoughts may have eluded you...
Semantics and syntax often stand in the way of precise communication to this end I will simply post an illustration of what ArtzDarkroom was alluding to...
Additionally I would suggest you invest some quality time researching Ansel Adam's Zone System in as he did a splendid job of quantifying the subtle variances in eleven zones of tonal gradation and how they work in harmony to convey a deeper narrative by means of grayscale density.
Best Advice? Open an account of flickr, Jim it is there you will encounter those currently at the zenith of the craft...
Hope this helps or is at least food for thought...
Oh, you might review Richard Avedon, Dovima with Elephants, Evening Dress by Dior, Cirque D'hiver, Paris, 1955.
Richard is a master who took B&W to a level that few before had ever managed... Although Peter Lindbergh's portraiture is epic... he truly understands the very essence of the feminine spirit... please study Peter's work also...
As always I look forward to more of your breathtaking artistry Jim... Thank you so much for sharing...
ArtzDarkroom was sincere and on point albeit his thoughts may have eluded you...
Semantics and syntax often stand in the way of precise communication to this end I will simply post an illustration of what ArtzDarkroom was alluding to...
Additionally I would suggest you invest some quality time researching Ansel Adam's Zone System in as he did a splendid job of quantifying the subtle variances in eleven zones of tonal gradation and how they work in harmony to convey a deeper narrative by means of grayscale density.
Best Advice? Open an account of flickr, Jim it is there you will encounter those currently at the zenith of the craft...
Hope this helps or is at least food for thought...
Oh, you might review Richard Avedon, Dovima with Elephants, Evening Dress by Dior, Cirque D'hiver, Paris, 1955.
Richard is a master who took B&W to a level that few before had ever managed... Although Peter Lindbergh's portraiture is epic... he truly understands the very essence of the feminine spirit... please study Peter's work also...
As always I look forward to more of your breathtaking artistry Jim... Thank you so much for sharing...
Nov 2, 2023 09:01:07 #
Lovely color harmonies latent within.
Mother Nature's ethereal artistry so wonderfully displayed.
I am always deeply impressed by the marvelous symmetry within Nature's elegant flora...
Thank you for sharing...
Mother Nature's ethereal artistry so wonderfully displayed.
I am always deeply impressed by the marvelous symmetry within Nature's elegant flora...
Thank you for sharing...
Nov 2, 2023 08:49:35 #
"I use a flash for outdoor portraits." photoman can you provide imagery to corroborate your inference here?
Again in another thread https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-610529-1.html you claim "When outdoors shooting people, I normally use off camera flash with shoot through umbrellas." Please share example(s) of your use of off camera flash in this scenario...
The only example I was able to find was of a "Static" closeup of your wife's orchid.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-642903-1.html In that example it is virtually impossible to assess the effect of your external, on-camera flash on the ambient within the venue...
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of the aforementioned requests.
Wishing you much success on your photographic journey Pastor photoman.
Again in another thread https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-610529-1.html you claim "When outdoors shooting people, I normally use off camera flash with shoot through umbrellas." Please share example(s) of your use of off camera flash in this scenario...
The only example I was able to find was of a "Static" closeup of your wife's orchid.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-642903-1.html In that example it is virtually impossible to assess the effect of your external, on-camera flash on the ambient within the venue...
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of the aforementioned requests.
Wishing you much success on your photographic journey Pastor photoman.
Check out Drone Video and Photography Forum section of our forum.
Oct 31, 2023 11:29:52 #
Enchanting elegance so beautifully done...
You bonded well with this talent...
Stellar synergy latent within...
You bonded well with this talent...
Stellar synergy latent within...
Oct 30, 2023 16:44:39 #
"Where are all the Real Photographers?"
Mark am I correct that you are referring to Commercial Photographers who ply their craft for recompense?
My experience indicates that they typically do not have the luxury of touring Europe in as this career path is extremely competitive... I've assisted many ASMP Commercial Shooters in my market (Washington DC) and they typically work 10 to 12 hours non-stop on set (or location)... It is brutal work, and certainly not for the faint at heart.
As such I would suggest you embrace a key component of my career path....
https://www.asmp.org/find-an-assistant/
Here's "How to Land a Photography Assistant Job
https://www.asmp.org/strictly-business-blog/how-to-land-a-photography-assistant-job/
Moving forward I would suggest you cease investing any time on UHH...
To work commercially you'll need a Strong IG Presence (with over 500 followers to be taken seriously)
Currently I invest the Lion's share of what little free time I have on flickr... There I've discovered many who work at the zenith of the industry... btw, my flickr Pro membership is my most cherished Photo Accessory investment I've made in the past decade. Word!
Please do consider joining the ASMP https://www.asmp.org/
Once you become an ASMP member you will never have to wonder where to find Commercial Photographers...
Hope to see you on IG and/or flickr Mark
All the best on your career journey....
Mark am I correct that you are referring to Commercial Photographers who ply their craft for recompense?
My experience indicates that they typically do not have the luxury of touring Europe in as this career path is extremely competitive... I've assisted many ASMP Commercial Shooters in my market (Washington DC) and they typically work 10 to 12 hours non-stop on set (or location)... It is brutal work, and certainly not for the faint at heart.
As such I would suggest you embrace a key component of my career path....
https://www.asmp.org/find-an-assistant/
Here's "How to Land a Photography Assistant Job
https://www.asmp.org/strictly-business-blog/how-to-land-a-photography-assistant-job/
Moving forward I would suggest you cease investing any time on UHH...
To work commercially you'll need a Strong IG Presence (with over 500 followers to be taken seriously)
Currently I invest the Lion's share of what little free time I have on flickr... There I've discovered many who work at the zenith of the industry... btw, my flickr Pro membership is my most cherished Photo Accessory investment I've made in the past decade. Word!
Please do consider joining the ASMP https://www.asmp.org/
Once you become an ASMP member you will never have to wonder where to find Commercial Photographers...
Hope to see you on IG and/or flickr Mark
All the best on your career journey....
Oct 30, 2023 12:41:38 #
"...People look at it and think I'm a pro..." Vicki at the end of the day that is all that really matters...
.
As for the need of "Portable" lighting equipment? I've had to deal with this repeatedly when shooting Fashion Editorials for local Fashion Designers who insist that their Catalog Images look like they came off the pages of VOGUE.
To this end I deployed a single Alien Bee 800 with an easily collapsible 36x42 inch softbox on a portable lighting stand. You can pick up used Alien Bee 800's for ~ $125 to $150 on eBay... Also used a robust lighting stand I scored used for half that.
How portable? I have my Model and Hair Stylist carry them... lol
How to trigger the Alien Bee? I initially used a 15-foot sync cord; 1/8-inch (3.5mm) mini to PC-connection; which actually ships with Alien Bees (B400, B800 and B1600) units *New for ~ $8 That is what I used in the images below (Taken over 14 years ago).
Vicki my fav quote is by the late Dean Collins "Beauty is in the eyes of the checkbook holder"
Also as many here realize please be rather skeptical of advice that comes from those from those lacking imagery to collaborate their inferences...
Again hope this helps Vicki
.
As for the need of "Portable" lighting equipment? I've had to deal with this repeatedly when shooting Fashion Editorials for local Fashion Designers who insist that their Catalog Images look like they came off the pages of VOGUE.
To this end I deployed a single Alien Bee 800 with an easily collapsible 36x42 inch softbox on a portable lighting stand. You can pick up used Alien Bee 800's for ~ $125 to $150 on eBay... Also used a robust lighting stand I scored used for half that.
How portable? I have my Model and Hair Stylist carry them... lol
How to trigger the Alien Bee? I initially used a 15-foot sync cord; 1/8-inch (3.5mm) mini to PC-connection; which actually ships with Alien Bees (B400, B800 and B1600) units *New for ~ $8 That is what I used in the images below (Taken over 14 years ago).
Vicki my fav quote is by the late Dean Collins "Beauty is in the eyes of the checkbook holder"
Also as many here realize please be rather skeptical of advice that comes from those from those lacking imagery to collaborate their inferences...
Again hope this helps Vicki
Notice the Price it SOLD as... This is the best way to gauge market values... Also the seller has 100% Positive Feedback (Critically Important!)
(Download)
I used a 15 foot Sync Cord frequently... Bullet Proof! Works well... Cost effective...
(Download)
Illumination: Ambient Window Backlighting... Key Light Alien Bee 800 trigger with 15 foot Sync Cord
(Download)
Illumination: Ambient Window Backlighting... Key Light Alien Bee 800 trigger with 15 foot Sync Cord
(Download)
Oct 29, 2023 13:01:42 #
Ballet Fifth position en haut
Whenever the arms are rounded to form an oval, they are in fifth position. There is a fifth position en bas (down); en avant (forward - Russian and French first position); and en haut (high - Russian third position).
(C) 2014 Reston Studio
Whenever the arms are rounded to form an oval, they are in fifth position. There is a fifth position en bas (down); en avant (forward - Russian and French first position); and en haut (high - Russian third position).
(C) 2014 Reston Studio
Check out The Dynamics of Photographic Lighting section of our forum.
Oct 28, 2023 17:40:20 #
Any suggestions on how not to make this mistake again?
First and foremost my sincere compliments on the Golden's Wardrobe Stylist
Such an Endearing Doggie Narrative...
Ok, I've posted a similar scenario below...
Camera: Nikon D3x at 1/3200; f/3.2; ISO 400 (Background Under Exposed by 2/3 Stop)
Lens: AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G IF ED VR II; FL: 100mm
Illumination: (Once again the Background is Under Exposed by 2/3 Stop via Nikon's CLS iTTL)
Note: Model is Backlit by strong direct sunlight
Key Light A cluster of 4 Shanny SN600SN Speedlights (Nikon SB-910 Clones) in HSS into a 72" parabolic
This effort required a Lighting Assistant to hold the massive 72" parabolic
btw Nikon's CLS (Creative Lighting System) makes this very straightforward and rather easy.
The main feature of the Nikon CLS system is the ability to use TTL metering with the remote flash.
i.e. In this scenario it is called i-TTL balanced fill flash
Here's an elegant article how to accomplish the aforementioned
by David Walters, a wedding photographer from Liverpool, England.
https://photographylife.com/beginners-guide-to-nikon-creative-lighting-system
Another Note: David Walter's article mentioned using Nikon's ‘line of sight’ infrared system for both Trigger abd Transmitter which can be challenging in strong sunlight. In this scenario I relied on Phottix Odin Trigger/Transmitter systems which are good for up to 300 feet and easily can go around objects (unlike infrared systems). That said I've used the Nikon's Infrared CLS system in bright daylight albeit always deployed (in line of sight).
Hope this helps...
First and foremost my sincere compliments on the Golden's Wardrobe Stylist
Such an Endearing Doggie Narrative...
Ok, I've posted a similar scenario below...
Camera: Nikon D3x at 1/3200; f/3.2; ISO 400 (Background Under Exposed by 2/3 Stop)
Lens: AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G IF ED VR II; FL: 100mm
Illumination: (Once again the Background is Under Exposed by 2/3 Stop via Nikon's CLS iTTL)
Note: Model is Backlit by strong direct sunlight
Key Light A cluster of 4 Shanny SN600SN Speedlights (Nikon SB-910 Clones) in HSS into a 72" parabolic
This effort required a Lighting Assistant to hold the massive 72" parabolic
btw Nikon's CLS (Creative Lighting System) makes this very straightforward and rather easy.
The main feature of the Nikon CLS system is the ability to use TTL metering with the remote flash.
i.e. In this scenario it is called i-TTL balanced fill flash
Here's an elegant article how to accomplish the aforementioned
by David Walters, a wedding photographer from Liverpool, England.
https://photographylife.com/beginners-guide-to-nikon-creative-lighting-system
Another Note: David Walter's article mentioned using Nikon's ‘line of sight’ infrared system for both Trigger abd Transmitter which can be challenging in strong sunlight. In this scenario I relied on Phottix Odin Trigger/Transmitter systems which are good for up to 300 feet and easily can go around objects (unlike infrared systems). That said I've used the Nikon's Infrared CLS system in bright daylight albeit always deployed (in line of sight).
Hope this helps...
Fitness & Lifestyle Editorial Yoga Pose: (Utthita Hasta Padangustasana B) Image for an Agency Model's Book
(Download)
Oct 23, 2023 16:50:50 #
Vicki yes dark tresses can (and oft do) creative some serious challenges in low key portraiture...
For a key light I typically use a BD (Beauty Dish) with diffusion sock to tame specular highlights on the sitter's face/glasses etc.
btw, Makeup is your friend for portraiture... Even a touch of matte powder applied with a puff can do magic here.
Please see if you can enlist a local Makeup Artist to assist here... Check Wedding Wire for the aforementioned but if you are shooting on weekends you may not find an artist free (it's their prime time).
Handling dark hair is typically done with two strip softbox kickers (I use 42" by 12" boxes with cloth grids)
Note: A Grid isn't optional it is mandatory since you'll be aiming them at your camera lens (45 degrees either side). Initially I use a Sekonic L-308S Flashmate incident light meter to balance all three lights. (Actually four since I have one in the ceiling (a 32" Silver brolly box) pointed straight down on the talent (Yes I have 12 foot ceilings in my studio) if you're stuck with 8' ceilings forget the overhead.
FYI: Do not use white shoot through umbrellas anywhere in a Low Key scenario...
You'll lose control of the black seemless (btw I use Black Velvet instead which is VASTLY superior to seemless).
Below are some examples...
Strongly suggest you practice with a hair mannequins (not models) in both blonde and brunette hair mannequins... I always setup the studio knowing the talent's height so there is zero time wasted on set.
btw I could work with you here but you likely can't afford my billing rate... lol
If you actually need lighting assistants query the ASMP web site... It's were I get nearly all my gigs.
Anther very important item is an "Instruction Prep Sheet" for your clients that carefully list what (and what not) to wear on to the session. Wardrobe can make or break the image... trust me here, experience is a brutal teacher.
I could go on and on however just keep at it... You'll figure out what works if you practice long enough.
Cheers! Thomas
For a key light I typically use a BD (Beauty Dish) with diffusion sock to tame specular highlights on the sitter's face/glasses etc.
btw, Makeup is your friend for portraiture... Even a touch of matte powder applied with a puff can do magic here.
Please see if you can enlist a local Makeup Artist to assist here... Check Wedding Wire for the aforementioned but if you are shooting on weekends you may not find an artist free (it's their prime time).
Handling dark hair is typically done with two strip softbox kickers (I use 42" by 12" boxes with cloth grids)
Note: A Grid isn't optional it is mandatory since you'll be aiming them at your camera lens (45 degrees either side). Initially I use a Sekonic L-308S Flashmate incident light meter to balance all three lights. (Actually four since I have one in the ceiling (a 32" Silver brolly box) pointed straight down on the talent (Yes I have 12 foot ceilings in my studio) if you're stuck with 8' ceilings forget the overhead.
FYI: Do not use white shoot through umbrellas anywhere in a Low Key scenario...
You'll lose control of the black seemless (btw I use Black Velvet instead which is VASTLY superior to seemless).
Below are some examples...
Strongly suggest you practice with a hair mannequins (not models) in both blonde and brunette hair mannequins... I always setup the studio knowing the talent's height so there is zero time wasted on set.
btw I could work with you here but you likely can't afford my billing rate... lol
If you actually need lighting assistants query the ASMP web site... It's were I get nearly all my gigs.
Anther very important item is an "Instruction Prep Sheet" for your clients that carefully list what (and what not) to wear on to the session. Wardrobe can make or break the image... trust me here, experience is a brutal teacher.
I could go on and on however just keep at it... You'll figure out what works if you practice long enough.
Cheers! Thomas
Agency Model: Alexandra; Hair Styling: Devon Baltimore; Makeup Artist: Samantha Miller Eyeshadow Palette: French Nude by LANCOME; Creative Direction & Photography: Yours Truly
(Download)
Beauty Editorial Model: Arianna (Currently Unsigned); Make-up: Samantha (resident MUA for Reston Studio) Hair Styling: Devon Baltimore (formerally with VOGUE NYC); Creative Direction & Photography: Yours Truly
Corporate Headshot (featuring my son Eric) A client with an attitude "Hurry up Dad, I'm late for a meeting" lol
(Download)
Oct 22, 2023 17:40:13 #
Joe if you go with a Nikon D810 I highly recommend the Vintage (circa 1986) AF 70-210mm f/4 Nikkor... See below
You can still find superb copies of this vintage Nikkor which was Nikon's very first AF Telephoto lens...
It is able to handle the entire 36mp with ease... And has wonderful ergonomics.... a joy to use and focus down to 3.7 feet... weighs only 767 grams (which is 100 grams lighter than the much newer AF-S 70-200mm f4G ED VR Nikkor (2012)) I shoot them both and they are identical in acuity at f/5 and above...
Also the AF 180mm f/2.8D which appreciate the journey is selling is razor sharp, has absolutely breathtaking color harmonies latent within it's captures. Again it truly shines on a Nikon D810
Again hope this helps Joe and appreciate the journey...
Wishing you both much success with your endeavors...
You can still find superb copies of this vintage Nikkor which was Nikon's very first AF Telephoto lens...
It is able to handle the entire 36mp with ease... And has wonderful ergonomics.... a joy to use and focus down to 3.7 feet... weighs only 767 grams (which is 100 grams lighter than the much newer AF-S 70-200mm f4G ED VR Nikkor (2012)) I shoot them both and they are identical in acuity at f/5 and above...
Also the AF 180mm f/2.8D which appreciate the journey is selling is razor sharp, has absolutely breathtaking color harmonies latent within it's captures. Again it truly shines on a Nikon D810
Again hope this helps Joe and appreciate the journey...
Wishing you both much success with your endeavors...
Model: Heather (agency represented) Wardrobe: Leggings by @oldnavy, Sport Bra by @victoriassecret; Camera Nikon D810; Lens AF 70-210mm f/4 Nikkor
(Download)
Oct 22, 2023 16:43:51 #
Appreciate the Journey is this D810 a Gray Market body?
The serial number 2032700 is associated with a Japanese market.
Here's a URL to validate it's market of origin... < 2000235 - 2050314 > JP - Japan
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/camera.html
US models (which qualify for Nikon USA service) are < 3000390 - 3070086 > US - USA
This may be an important variable in the equation for some buyers.
=============================================
joecichjr I shoot the Nikon D810 on many of my commercial gigs...
Rest assured that the AF-S 85mm f/1.8 can handle the higher resolution with zero loss of acuity.
While the vintage AF 85mm f/1.8D can work well above f/2.2 Same with the AF 50mm f/1.4D prime
I shoot both of these epic Nikkors on my D810 for portraiture... no problems if you close down 2/3 a stop
As for the AF 300mm f/4 IF ED Nikkor? No worries here, if you have a copy with clean glass it's able to showcase all the D810's 36mp (at 7360x4912) (albeit it's minimum working distance of 8.2 feet has caused me to abandon it for portraiture and use the AF 300mm f/4 SD IF Tokina instead with it's 6.5 feet MFD... Yes that extra two feet makes a difference when collaborating with agency models... (I don't like to shout when directing the talent).
Hope the Helps Joe... Totally love my D810 (SN: 3072147 Nikon USA) :)
The serial number 2032700 is associated with a Japanese market.
Here's a URL to validate it's market of origin... < 2000235 - 2050314 > JP - Japan
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/camera.html
US models (which qualify for Nikon USA service) are < 3000390 - 3070086 > US - USA
This may be an important variable in the equation for some buyers.
=============================================
joecichjr I shoot the Nikon D810 on many of my commercial gigs...
Rest assured that the AF-S 85mm f/1.8 can handle the higher resolution with zero loss of acuity.
While the vintage AF 85mm f/1.8D can work well above f/2.2 Same with the AF 50mm f/1.4D prime
I shoot both of these epic Nikkors on my D810 for portraiture... no problems if you close down 2/3 a stop
As for the AF 300mm f/4 IF ED Nikkor? No worries here, if you have a copy with clean glass it's able to showcase all the D810's 36mp (at 7360x4912) (albeit it's minimum working distance of 8.2 feet has caused me to abandon it for portraiture and use the AF 300mm f/4 SD IF Tokina instead with it's 6.5 feet MFD... Yes that extra two feet makes a difference when collaborating with agency models... (I don't like to shout when directing the talent).
Hope the Helps Joe... Totally love my D810 (SN: 3072147 Nikon USA) :)
Check out Video for DSLR and Point and Shoot Cameras section of our forum.
Oct 20, 2023 20:25:44 #
'I'm buying this camera because I simply love my current D850 and knowing that this is the end of this amazing camera, I "want" a second to have in my collection. No Worries A.T. both B&H and Abes of Main sell Gray Market "New Stock"... You just have to query them repeatedly and jump on one if/when it becomes available...
Here is an example of a "New" Nikon D810 from Abes of Maine...
https://www.abesofmaine.com/Nikon_D810_DSLR_Camera_Body_Only_1002651.html
SKU #: NKD810 | Manufacturer Part #: D810
Brand New Factory Fresh Import Model
for only Price: $1,695.00...
Note the Import Model moniker which translates to imported (Non-USA model which Nikon USA won't service)
B&H uses the exact same nomenclature for their "Gray Market" stock.
btw, I'm only interested in the D810... the D850 doesn't meet my expectations for client work, however if it is your thing, please go for it A.T.... But you'll have to search for it yourself...
As for being able to change the shutter count, yes that is very easily done...
Just install new shutter (problem solved) Current Street Price for a Nikon D850 shutter? $279.30
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804684073948.html
Albeit not typically a user serviceable mod...
Maybe let Nikon do this, k?
Cheers! Thomas
Here is an example of a "New" Nikon D810 from Abes of Maine...
https://www.abesofmaine.com/Nikon_D810_DSLR_Camera_Body_Only_1002651.html
SKU #: NKD810 | Manufacturer Part #: D810
Brand New Factory Fresh Import Model
for only Price: $1,695.00...
Note the Import Model moniker which translates to imported (Non-USA model which Nikon USA won't service)
B&H uses the exact same nomenclature for their "Gray Market" stock.
btw, I'm only interested in the D810... the D850 doesn't meet my expectations for client work, however if it is your thing, please go for it A.T.... But you'll have to search for it yourself...
As for being able to change the shutter count, yes that is very easily done...
Just install new shutter (problem solved) Current Street Price for a Nikon D850 shutter? $279.30
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804684073948.html
Albeit not typically a user serviceable mod...
Maybe let Nikon do this, k?
Cheers! Thomas
Happy Gothic Halloween Fashion Beauty Editorial! Camera: Nikon D810 with an AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Nikkor
(Download)
Oct 19, 2023 11:10:31 #
"... The D3 is a beast. So yeah, picking up a D750 after using it, it would feel small and cheap...
Hal, I would advise you to visit your favorite optometrist at your earliest convenience in as I clearly stated I shoot with the Nikon D3x (notice the "X" after the three). Released in December 2008 it remains Nikon's flagship DSLR and I'm likely going to retire while still shooting this epic DSLR (I have a pair and have used them on countless commercial assignments for well over a decade... Note that the D3x has the same resolution of your beloved D750. (I have very few clients who's requirements actually predicate that much resolution).
That said please do follow up with an ophthalmologist (specialist) if your optometrist believes you may have a more complex medical issue... I've had several colleagues suffer catastrophic vision loss due to Age-related Macular Degeneration (a devastating silent condition if not discovered in a timely manner.)
As for your beloved Nikon D750? It still is highly popular even today (October 19, 2023) and flickr statistics validate the aforementioned. See below.
Final thoughts? Hal the most valuable camera accessory I've purchased in the past decade is my flickr Pro Membership. Why? flickr allows you to search via EXIF data embedded within image files.... Thus I'm able to analyze the degree of "commercial publication quality" latent within same. This is possible both by camera body and attached lens. Publication Image Quality (I've discovered) rarely correlates 1:1 directly to popularity... However camera build quality approaches this far more accurately... I assisted many commercial photographers in my market, they all shared the same advice... Wait until the next vendor high end model release and then purchase "Old" new stock at considerable savings. Lesson's learned.
Again wishing you much success on your photographic journey Hal...
Cheers! Thomas
Hal, I would advise you to visit your favorite optometrist at your earliest convenience in as I clearly stated I shoot with the Nikon D3x (notice the "X" after the three). Released in December 2008 it remains Nikon's flagship DSLR and I'm likely going to retire while still shooting this epic DSLR (I have a pair and have used them on countless commercial assignments for well over a decade... Note that the D3x has the same resolution of your beloved D750. (I have very few clients who's requirements actually predicate that much resolution).
That said please do follow up with an ophthalmologist (specialist) if your optometrist believes you may have a more complex medical issue... I've had several colleagues suffer catastrophic vision loss due to Age-related Macular Degeneration (a devastating silent condition if not discovered in a timely manner.)
As for your beloved Nikon D750? It still is highly popular even today (October 19, 2023) and flickr statistics validate the aforementioned. See below.
Final thoughts? Hal the most valuable camera accessory I've purchased in the past decade is my flickr Pro Membership. Why? flickr allows you to search via EXIF data embedded within image files.... Thus I'm able to analyze the degree of "commercial publication quality" latent within same. This is possible both by camera body and attached lens. Publication Image Quality (I've discovered) rarely correlates 1:1 directly to popularity... However camera build quality approaches this far more accurately... I assisted many commercial photographers in my market, they all shared the same advice... Wait until the next vendor high end model release and then purchase "Old" new stock at considerable savings. Lesson's learned.
Again wishing you much success on your photographic journey Hal...
Cheers! Thomas
Oct 18, 2023 22:32:32 #
Nikon's Authoritative DSLR Camera Hierarchy
Oct 18, 2023 03:57:33 #
"The D750 is a remarkable camera. Well ahead of its time. Beautiful image quality. Built like a tank."
Hal the D750 is a consumer grade camera which lacks the robust build of a Pro Body... I shoot the D800e and D810 both of which are vastly better designed and made... btw, the D800e is actually made in Japan... Like the Lion's share of all Nikon's Pro Level cameras... See the Lifestyle Fitness Editorial below shot with a Nikon D810 (Pro-Body)
Your consumer D750 is made in Thailand... I also lacks 1/8000 of a second and has required more firmware fixes than nearly all other consumer grade Nikon's (except maybe the "Oil-Slinging" D600 which Nikon refused to acknowledge) That is until the heat became too intense... At this juncture they had to do a massive D600 recall...
Nope, the D750 feels like a toy to me after shooting my D3x for 10 hours straight... If you are happy with your D750 good for you... I certainly wouldn't trust it on a critical client assignment... btw, the D850 is rather useless to me since it doesn't have a popup flash which I use extensively as an optical trigger for my studio strobes... besides it's bloated file size slows post workflow and I'm not about to shoot it cropped... but then again if you don't have to post process a client's deliverables in a timely manor you'll not be much concerned about workflow optimization... Oh, your D850 is made offshore in Thailand also Hal... Not in Japan.
However thank you so much for choosing Nikon as your platform of choice...
An awesome vendor with a stellar track record who's kit I've been paying the bills with ever since my Nikon F3...
All the best on your photographic journey Hal... Cheers! Thomas
Hal the D750 is a consumer grade camera which lacks the robust build of a Pro Body... I shoot the D800e and D810 both of which are vastly better designed and made... btw, the D800e is actually made in Japan... Like the Lion's share of all Nikon's Pro Level cameras... See the Lifestyle Fitness Editorial below shot with a Nikon D810 (Pro-Body)
Your consumer D750 is made in Thailand... I also lacks 1/8000 of a second and has required more firmware fixes than nearly all other consumer grade Nikon's (except maybe the "Oil-Slinging" D600 which Nikon refused to acknowledge) That is until the heat became too intense... At this juncture they had to do a massive D600 recall...
Nope, the D750 feels like a toy to me after shooting my D3x for 10 hours straight... If you are happy with your D750 good for you... I certainly wouldn't trust it on a critical client assignment... btw, the D850 is rather useless to me since it doesn't have a popup flash which I use extensively as an optical trigger for my studio strobes... besides it's bloated file size slows post workflow and I'm not about to shoot it cropped... but then again if you don't have to post process a client's deliverables in a timely manor you'll not be much concerned about workflow optimization... Oh, your D850 is made offshore in Thailand also Hal... Not in Japan.
However thank you so much for choosing Nikon as your platform of choice...
An awesome vendor with a stellar track record who's kit I've been paying the bills with ever since my Nikon F3...
All the best on your photographic journey Hal... Cheers! Thomas
Nikon F3 (made in Japan) with an Ai 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor; Film is Kodak Ektachrome Color Infrared Film through a Y2 filter (image captured out of a helicopter while surveying bridge damage caused by Hurricane Eloise)
(Download)
Fitness (Yoga) Lifestyle Editorial (Boat Pose: Paripurna Navasana) Nikon D810; Lens: Vintage (circa 1986) AF 70-210mm f/4 Nikkor
(Download)
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