ziastars Loc: Colorado & New Mexico

I have purchased the Canon T3i recently, I don't think it's loud, have really enjoyed using it. It's user friendly and takes fabulous photos...hope this helps

GDRoth Loc: Southeast Michigan USA

If our OP (Maria) is moving from film to digital, her biggest question is not Canon or Nikon, it's "How am I going to do my post processing?"

I'm assuming she has a darkroom and has developed her skills there...........moving to Lightroom and Photoshop CS5 could be a GIGANTIC step.....

photogrl2 Loc: California

www.mariaphotography.com is what you wrote but your card says mariaangel which is it? I'd like to look at your site.

photogrl2 Loc: California

PS I love the card :)

maloptic

I fear these forums may lose Maria, and that would be a shame. Indeed, I too have only just registered and am already questioning whether I’ll be returning. As with other such discussion forums, some here are too quick to neglect the social filters they otherwise use in face-to-face communication, and fstop22’s post appears, on first reading, to be a prime example. For my part, I’m here to explore and celebrate a budding interest in general photography, not to wallow in unduly negative criticism or knee-jerk cynicism.

Maria’s website states specifically: “Having worked in the industry on both sides of the camera for over 20 years in film, television and countless TV commercials, Maria’s inside knowledge of the business gives her clients the competitive edge to get their work noticed.” I do not read this sentence as saying that she has been in the still-photography business for 20 years, but that she has been involved in the motion picture and television entertainment industry for that long – an assertion that I find, on its face, inherently credible, not that any authority has appointed me to judge Maria’s credibility.

The confusion here seems caused by the apparent disconnect between Maria’s claim of relative newbie-photographer status versus the remarkable polish of her website and enviable merits of the photographs that decorate it. Is it not believable that Maria, having enjoyed a 20-year career as an observant subject of and participant in the visual arts of “motion” photography, might have developed an eye for the elements of still photography in the process? Seems like a natural enough transition to me. Is it not also believable that her previous career would have earned her more than sufficient entertainment-industry contacts upon which to build a photography business that caters to that industry's specific needs?

Although I work as a magazine editor and have for years observed and even directed professional photographers at work (all of whom were graciously patient with my intrusions), I have only recently picked up a camera myself (Canon) to attempt to emulate the technical and artistic skill I’ve watched those pros demonstrate these many years. Like Maria, I too consider myself a newbie photographer, but that doesn’t mean that she or I are completely ignorant on the subject, nor incompetent.

If I, like Maria, post something here that you do not understand, you can do one of two things: assume I’m an idiot or that I’m dishonest and play gotcha, or simply ask – preferably courteously – that I clarify the confusing post. The later will find me remaining an active participant in this forum community; the former will find me and others long gone.

My impression of Maria is that she is refreshingly open, infectiously enthusiastic and enviably talented – qualities we might all hope to demonstrate here. Meanwhile, someone please kick this soapbox from under me – I’m boring even myself!

photogrl2 Loc: California

Am having trouble finding a site as well. can you post? There is a couple people who use a similar website one has 20 years experience .

peterlaitin

A camera is very personal...it is as personal as the pictures that each of us take. I agree that both Canon and Nikon are great...it is all up to personal preference.

Jfwalkr Loc: Columbus, Indiana

I would agree. Photoshop, CS 4, and it is not user friendly. It has taken me years to become effective with it, and there is still a lot I don't know.

markfay Loc: Reading England

ring - quick question, what's an articulating LCD?

try pod

Don't worry about asking questions. You have to learn somehow.

You are a pro, you're getting paid for your work. Some of us wish we could have been making money so early in our careers. You're further ahead of the game than most.

Phyllis Loc: NE PA

Agree.

try pod

I started with an Arguss C-44 purchased by my dad the day I was born. Went to a Canon A-1, bought a few lenses for it. Moved to a Canon D10 and made the lense changeover. D10 was stolen, so I purchased a D20. Just recently puchased a Rebel XS. I needed something light and simple just to carry around. Needless to day, I'm a Canon person. In the olden days Nikon was supposed to have the best lenses. I don't think that rumor applies anymore.

fly boy

I have a Canon T2i, very few differences from the T3i and I hardly hear the camera. It is extremely quiet. I love it.

Meredith Images Loc: Stratford, CT

I totally disagree! That's what we're all here for -- is to ask questions and ask the opinion of people who use various equipment/software/etc.

Just because someone is a "pro" doesn't mean they know everything there is to know about every camera or every piece of software. Photography is like any industry, it is continually changing and people need to change and grow with it.

If you feel people shouldn't ask a question like this, then you shouldn't post on message boards.

johndodd Loc: Delaware, USA

A good idea would be to rent a high end Nikon and high end Canon....shoot with both, then deside which gives you the results closest to what you are looking for....