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Buy new gear or learn how to use your gear to get the photos you want?
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Apr 2, 2018 08:22:21   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
"What do you think about this idea??"

It is a great one in my opinion. I agree with you, too many "reviewers" in the Net saying all kind of things. I firmly believe that we should always learn to use what we have. The most modern and expensive camera with a professional lens will be totally useful in the hands of someone lacking basic photographic knowledge and even worse, in the hands of someone not familiar with his or her gear.

Addendum: Sorry, I meant to say that a modern and expensive professional camera and lens will not be useful in the hands of someone lacking photographic knowledge. I apologize for the mistake.

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Apr 2, 2018 08:23:07   #
Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala
 
JPL wrote:
There is a lot of topics here where people are asking how to upgrade their gear to be able to take better pictures. So there is truly a need for good source of info on how to get the results people are hoping for. UHH is one of the places to look for answers. Youtube is another place. Unfortunately the trend is more in the direction of helping people spend money on new gear rather than helping them learn how to use the gear they already have. And the newbees do not know what to believe, if they need a new gear or not.

Many popular Youtube cannels about photography are run by camera gear salesman with strange hair. Either it is a lot of hair, like they have never cut their hair or they are completly bold or they have boudoir white hair despite not being very old. But most of those strangely haired guys have one in common, they are telling people what gear to buy to take better photos, which in my mind is a kind of strange advice for photographers who do not know what they are doing.

I recently came across a youtube channel that is full of common sense and really good advice about how to use a digital camera and how to compose etc. and they are not focused on selling camera gear or websites, but only helping people get the good results all modern dslr and mirrorless cameras can deliver. The guy behind this youtube channel is Mike Browne. He has a "common" looking hair and that seems to go in line with common sense advice on his channel.

Would it be a good idea to collect in one topic some more of this kind of info to help people to use their gear better and use as reference for those who want to upgrade their gear because they think that is the key to improve their photograpy. The info on Mikes Browne channel alone could probably save UHH members more than million dollars a year in useless gear upgrades.

What do you think about this idea??
There is a lot of topics here where people are ask... (show quote)


I agree on Mike Browne. He doesn’t care as much on what gear to use but far more on how to use it. And he has that tinit of sarcasm and irony in most of his videos as well. Great guy!

Another one is our dear Steve Perry. His books are as great as his videos! (When the h*ck is the new one up for purchase, Steve!? I’m losing patience.... 😂 Hahaha!)

Far too many others on YouTube like their own voices too much. It’s their 15-minutes-of-fame-moments. I just can’t stand them.

But Steve and Mike are sincere and I have learned a lot from them.

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Apr 2, 2018 08:23:40   #
LarryFitz Loc: Beacon NY
 
I have used YouTube for PP techniques. I'll try Steve Perry and Mike Browne. But, I have learned many techniques here at UHH, back button focus, Panaoma with ICE, ETTR to name a few.

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Apr 2, 2018 08:49:06   #
rpavich Loc: West Virginia
 
JPL wrote:
There is a lot of topics here where people are asking how to upgrade their gear to be able to take better pictures... Unfortunately the trend is more in the direction of helping people spend money on new gear rather than helping them learn how to use the gear they already have. And the newbees do not know what to believe, if they need a new gear or not.


No kidding.

Quote:
I recently came across a youtube channel that is full of common sense and really good advice about how to use a digital camera and how to compose etc. and they are not focused on selling camera gear or websites, but only helping people get the good results all modern dslr and mirrorless cameras can deliver. The guy behind this youtube channel is Mike Browne. He has a "common" looking hair and that seems to go in line with common sense advice on his channel.


I've been a fan of Mike Browne's for a long time. Straight, to the point, no boloney.

I also like "The Strobist" (David Hobby)
http://strobist.blogspot.com


And Glyn Dewis
https://www.youtube.com/user/GlynDewis

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Apr 2, 2018 09:09:08   #
Tilly's Mom
 
I agree with the need for good instructional videos. As a newbie in an 'older-gen' frame, I can resist the temptation to keep purchasing until I have mastered what I have but believe me those videos sure make it seem that the equipment makes you an expert! I started with a Canon SX 50 and learned all I could with it. I was satisfied with my photos to a certain point but wanted them sharper. After a year or so I purchased a combination I could afford, Canon T6s and Canon Zoom EF 70-300mm 1:4-5.6 L IS. Again it is practice, practice, practice. But good instruction is hard to find...I can overlook the hair but I can't overlook the lack of substance. I'll look up the names mentioned. I have found this site does offer help. It would be nice if settings were posted with the pictures; sometimes seeing what works well in certain settings teaches more than someone's blathering. Many times I will find a topic here that covers what I am pondering at the moment. I know I need to be able to cover more distance with my birding but I'm resisting the temptation to buy at this time...I'm learning how to be stealthier and patient. I sat the other day for four hours waiting for the shot I wanted.!

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Apr 2, 2018 09:15:52   #
al13
 
Steve Perry wrote:
As many of you know, I have a YouTube photo channel as well and I can tell you why you see so many gear vids.

The thing is, I don't get a single dime from Nikon or anyone else - the exchange of money only goes one way, from my wallet to their bank account. However, I do the gear reviews because that's what people want. Those video ALWAYS get more views than the technique ones - and I do a bit of both. And even when I do technique videos, I seldom get questions or followup on the techniques described, but "what lens was that" or what tripod was that" type of questions.

The truth is, people will give lip service to how much more important technique is than gear, but when the rubber meets the road, most of them will hit the gear videos before the technique ones. IMO, that's a pity too. Not only do I firmly believe that technique is 80%+ of a good image, but I prefer to make those kinds of videos as well. However, the constant screams for reviews and gear questions make it nearly mandatory that I do gear videos as well. Interestingly, and to further prove my point, I get next to zero requests for specific technique videos.
As many of you know, I have a YouTube photo channe... (show quote)



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Apr 2, 2018 09:19:50   #
RedIris Loc: MN, USA
 
I've been watching and getting newsletters from Mike Browne for years. I happen to feel he explains everything in most basic ways... very understandable. He not only explains it, he gives examples in the field. He explains what he's doing while he's shooting.

I like watching and reading about tutorials on MY specific gear. After all, those manuals are complicated sometimes.. convoluted and a mix-match of cross referencing.
I think people want to see tutorials on the gear they already have. Or have just bought.

I would like to join a group that only uses my specific gear. That would be the ultimate "fun" learning experience for me.

Now, who is that guy with the boudoir white hair? ;)

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Apr 2, 2018 09:26:08   #
aflundi Loc: Albuquerque, NM
 
Steve Perry wrote:
... However, I do the gear reviews because that's what people want. Those video ALWAYS get more views than the technique ones - and I do a bit of both. And even when I do technique videos, I seldom get questions or followup on the techniques described, but "what lens was that" or what tripod was that" type of questions.

The truth is, people will give lip service to how much more important technique is than gear, but when the rubber meets the road, most of them will hit the gear videos before the technique ones. IMO, that's a pity too. Not only do I firmly believe that technique is 80%+ of a good image, but I prefer to make those kinds of videos as well. However, the constant screams for reviews and gear questions make it nearly mandatory that I do gear videos as well. Interestingly, and to further prove my point, I get next to zero requests for specific technique videos.
... However, I do the gear reviews because that's ... (show quote)

Steve, your videos and ebooks are absolutely top shelf, Grade AAA whether they are about gear or technique. Absolutely first rate.

I think what you are experiencing is weed-out.

Remember in college when the starting classes had 500 students per class? Those that survived went to 30 or 40 per class the next few years? And later the advanced classes often had less that 10?

Not everyone that watches your gear videos acts on it, and it doesn't make sense to watch a technique video without owning and having practiced at least some with the gear. Technique is also often gear dependent, so that'll naturally taper off the numbers by itself.

In any case, thanks, thanks, thanks for you wonderful videos and ebooks.

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Apr 2, 2018 09:27:50   #
anotherview Loc: California
 
First, this is the best starting advice: "learn how to use the gear they already have."

Second, the teaching of Mike Browne might help the novice or beginner to steer himself in the right direction.

I say "might" because at the start, the newbie photographer does not know which way to turn for gaining the desired results.

Having been there, I can offer four suggestions:

1. Learn and use the photography gear you have now. Eventually, you may sense that you have outgrown this gear. But your experience using it will guide you when acquiring new gear.

2. Learn from your mistakes and successes. Photography presents as a craft. A person learns photography by doing it.

3. Take a workshop or two in both camera basics and photo editing. These workshop will give you a foundation and confidence to build on.

4. Study composition and exposure along with the importance of subject. Applying the knowledge and skill you gain along these avenues will do more than anything else to improve your photography results.

And yes, beware the shills (whatever their hairstyle) who push you in this or that direction requiring you to spend money on something related to photography.

That said, the Internet does provide many videos and tutorials on doing photography. Use this source of information and guidance to advance your camera skills.

Good luck.

JPL wrote:
There is a lot of topics here where people are asking how to upgrade their gear to be able to take better pictures. So there is truly a need for good source of info on how to get the results people are hoping for. UHH is one of the places to look for answers. Youtube is another place. Unfortunately the trend is more in the direction of helping people spend money on new gear rather than helping them learn how to use the gear they already have. And the newbees do not know what to believe, if they need a new gear or not.

Many popular Youtube cannels about photography are run by camera gear salesman with strange hair. Either it is a lot of hair, like they have never cut their hair or they are completly bold or they have boudoir white hair despite not being very old. But most of those strangely haired guys have one in common, they are telling people what gear to buy to take better photos, which in my mind is a kind of strange advice for photographers who do not know what they are doing.

I recently came across a youtube channel that is full of common sense and really good advice about how to use a digital camera and how to compose etc. and they are not focused on selling camera gear or websites, but only helping people get the good results all modern dslr and mirrorless cameras can deliver. The guy behind this youtube channel is Mike Browne. He has a "common" looking hair and that seems to go in line with common sense advice on his channel.

Would it be a good idea to collect in one topic some more of this kind of info to help people to use their gear better and use as reference for those who want to upgrade their gear because they think that is the key to improve their photograpy. The info on Mikes Browne channel alone could probably save UHH members more than million dollars a year in useless gear upgrades.

What do you think about this idea??
There is a lot of topics here where people are ask... (show quote)

Reply
Apr 2, 2018 09:34:52   #
Ken1945 Loc: Virginia
 
I stumbled across Mike Browne a while back and have to say that his site is really something special. A really low-key style coupled with practical, usable advice makes his work usable for everyone - especially those like me who consider themselves beginners. I have subscribed to his site and get his newest post regularly. Yes, he does have training for sale, but there is no pressure or click bait embedded.

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Apr 2, 2018 09:39:09   #
boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander
 
I use 4+ year old 7d. Yes, I would love "the latest and greatest". Would it make me a better photographer? No. Every now and then I make a pretty good picture, and if I wanted an upgrade it would be glass not body.

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Apr 2, 2018 09:42:32   #
gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast
 
That's a great find. Thanks. I too see GAS as seeming to be too much of the focus (forgive the pun) in making better pictures. For technophiles, gear and technology are OK but picture making is not just picture taking. Artistic vision and forethought are the basic places to start. End of rant.

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Apr 2, 2018 09:50:42   #
rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA
 
I use a 4+ year old K-30. Yes, I would love "the latest and greatest". Would it make me a better photographer? YES! The ISO limits of five-year-old equipment stunts what I am willing to try, and damages what I do get.

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Apr 2, 2018 09:56:58   #
aellman Loc: Boston MA
 
JPL wrote:
There is a lot of topics here where people are asking how to upgrade their gear to be able to take better pictures. So there is truly a need for good source of info on how to get the results people are hoping for. UHH is one of the places to look for answers. Youtube is another place. Unfortunately the trend is more in the direction of helping people spend money on new gear rather than helping them learn how to use the gear they already have. And the newbees do not know what to believe, if they need a new gear or not.

Many popular Youtube cannels about photography are run by camera gear salesman with strange hair. Either it is a lot of hair, like they have never cut their hair or they are completly bold or they have boudoir white hair despite not being very old. But most of those strangely haired guys have one in common, they are telling people what gear to buy to take better photos, which in my mind is a kind of strange advice for photographers who do not know what they are doing.

I recently came across a youtube channel that is full of common sense and really good advice about how to use a digital camera and how to compose etc. and they are not focused on selling camera gear or websites, but only helping people get the good results all modern dslr and mirrorless cameras can deliver. The guy behind this youtube channel is Mike Browne. He has a "common" looking hair and that seems to go in line with common sense advice on his channel.

Would it be a good idea to collect in one topic some more of this kind of info to help people to use their gear better and use as reference for those who want to upgrade their gear because they think that is the key to improve their photograpy. The info on Mikes Browne channel alone could probably save UHH members more than million dollars a year in useless gear upgrades.

What do you think about this idea??
There is a lot of topics here where people are ask... (show quote)


I often think of this: save your money, and avoid GAS. Don't become a willing pawn of the photo manufacturers. >Alan

Reply
Apr 2, 2018 09:57:41   #
awis01
 
I think it'a a good idea. The best gear in the world won't help you if you haven't grasped the basics.

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