Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Posts for: altonsullivent
Nov 22, 2011 08:34:42   #
I met an amazing photographer who never does post processing. He doesn't know how to. Hence, he always shoots JPG. His photos are always tack sharp and the color is perfect. Then there are those like me who gets lucky every now and then.

Even my sharpest photos I try see if I can sharpen them up in LR or Photoshop. I can "enlarge" them a little (10%) in PS if needed. I shoot Large Fine Raw. That is one decision that may be one of my best.

With every new version of LR or PS new solutions for improving photos emerge. I'm now reworking some of my 300D and 20D photos from a few years back with pleasing results, including improved noise reduction and sharpening ability.

Shooting raw gives you back every detail of the initial shot including the ability to change exposure settings. It takes more storage, especially if you shoot Raw+ JPG. Just buy a Drobo or similar inexpensive storage device. Sooner or later you will need that anyway.
Go to
Nov 22, 2011 07:57:45   #
CS5

I've been using PS since PS 1.5. I've read several touch-up books during the 4-5 versions and have kept up with the upgrades.

However, I've never met anyone who wrote a book or made videos who had PS completely mastered. It is just very massive, powerful, and yes complex program. There are usually several different and effective ways to overcoming an issue you may have with a photo, but you only have to know one of them to get the job done.

I have advanced version with the 3D abilities. I have took a look at that part of it, but over the years I've found that if I just concentrate on how to do the things I need to do and get wrapped up in all of the new features then my world is far less complex.

Today I continue to learn PS (and other photo related subjects) by online video tutorials. Much easier!
Go to
Nov 21, 2011 13:12:54   #
I agree with Skidooman.

I have used Photoshop for years (since 1.5) and absolutely love it and was always my go to app. Now that I use Lightroom, I hardly have many times that I actually need to go to Photoshop.

When I first started out, I wasn't concerned about keeping up with my digital photos as the files were not too big and just putting them all in folders worked for awhile. Years later, and thousands of files on hand, it is great to have Lightroom keep up with them in such a way as I can get to any picture with a few clicks.

As far as processing files, Lightroom works seemlessly and non-destructively with ACR. The same with Photoshop. It also helps keep up with your video files.

If you use video on your camera and take many photos over the years you might as well make the leap to CS5 and Lightroom. If you only take a hundred or so pictures a year you can probably get by with PSE. You will know when it starts to get overwhelming that the move to LR, CS5 is needed.

You can watch a few free video tutorials at Lynda.com and probably get a good idea about Lightroom:
http://www.lynda.com/Lightroom-training-tutorials/450-0.html

Good luck
Go to
Nov 21, 2011 12:50:24   #
I have the 3 pin canon I originally bought for the 20D and it worked flawlessly then, and works flawlessly now with my 20D. If you want a wired remote then the Canon one will be hard to beat.

I recently bought the wireless Hahnel for remote wildlife and events. It works great so far and has many other added features that might be useful. It has 2 cables with different plugs so it will fit all Canon models. So if you go that route, it will be compatible with future buys.

http://www.hahnel.ie/index.cfm?page=dslrremotecontrols&id=80&pId=80

It does everything it claims. It cost more, but after my prior Vello experience (below), I felt better about paying more and getting more.

I also bought a Vello and had read the claims that the plug did not fit well. Well sure enough, mine did not fit at all. But it (Vivitar same animal) still seems to be good bang for the buck when the plug fits. I have other Vello equipment that I like.
Go to
Nov 18, 2011 11:57:56   #
If you still want one you might try this link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682764-USA/Sigma_738101_50_500mm_f_4_5_6_3_DG_OS.html

$1659

Apparently the latest version with OS
Go to
Nov 15, 2011 07:32:52   #
There are several good nuggets of advice that have been posted so far. I agree to try to not get caught up in the brand loyalty views over what you really need.

One thing to consider is that several years down the road you may want to upgrade your camera body. Once you are invested in a lens system you are somewhat locked into a Nikon, Canon, or whatever your initial brand choice was. Both Nikon and Canon make great glass, but consider what lens you may prefer as you consider your choice.

Just my 2 cents.
Go to
Nov 14, 2011 18:01:00   #
I love this picture. A late friend of mine was a life long artist and taught oil painting at our church. He used this picture in one of his sessions and we all made paintings from this scene.

I live in East TN, so not too far away.
Go to
Nov 14, 2011 17:48:39   #
I am advanced amateur at best, but I enjoy photography. I live in a great place to take pictures right next to the Smoky Mountains.

I have varied equipment dating back to a "Petri" manual 35mm I carried in my back pack in Vietnam to the more recent Canon 5D Mark II. I took the NYIP course in the 90's and have been involved with photography ever since but not for profit. I just like taking pictures and to a certain extent post processing.

I look forward to learning by being on this forum.
Go to
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.