Posts: GrandmaG | Ugly Hedgehog

RWR wrote:

http://www.expoimaging.com/product-overview.php?ca... (show quote)

oooh...I think I need that!I've been given lots of good ideas. Now I need to: 1) Read the book on "Understanding Exposure 2) Play with my camera & practice with all the modes 3) Read the book about my camera (while practicing, of course) 4) Find a good photography class and/or instructor 5) Go to my nearest Photography store & handle all the equipment (& maybe buy something like Pocket Wizard, another speedlight, light meter, Expodisc, better head on my tripod to hold my camera more steady)

Jul 31, 2014 03:29:55 #

Sandie wrote:

There is a GREAT teacher out there named Mike Milicia who teaches all of this (I am not related but did take a course with him) and find he seems to be able to explain this in a way people understand and he also does photo trips so.... could be a fun way of learning. Just saying.

Where does Mike teach? Does he have classes or teach online?

Jul 31, 2014 03:24:23 #

Sandie wrote:

There is a GREAT teacher out there named Mike Milicia who teaches all of this( I am not related but did take a course with him) and find he seems to be able to explain this in a way people understand and he also does photo trips so.... could be a fun way of learning. Just saying.

Jul 31, 2014 02:37:26 #

dpullum wrote:

c in the closet at home. br br The thing mostly m... (show quote)

I'm getting better at framing pictures, but at a fast-paced birthday party, the background is usually a mess. That's when I turn to PSE and blur it all out. One time I even blurred out my grand daughter's boyfriend after he broke up with her!

Jul 31, 2014 02:28:22 #

[quote=RWR][quote=Nightsky]And it should be noted that your in-camera light meter measures only reflected light ...

Quote:

What do you think you get with an Expodisc on the lens?

What is an Expodisc?

Jul 31, 2014 02:18:24 #

Erv wrote:

HI GG! What Jerry said and also, go out and get a light meter to help you figure out lighting. They are pretty easy to use. Just point it at what you want to take and then set up the camera. They are the mainstay of the old days. And work great to get you in the ball park for your Grand kid shots.:):)
Erv

My grandfather was into photography & I remember he used a light meter. Also it took him forever to compose the shot. But he did some impressive portraits of me & my family & also developed them himself!

Jul 31, 2014 02:03:26 #

Mogul wrote:

By the way, GrandmaG, congratulations on on of the best thread titles I've seen in a while. I'm serious; it sure beats a thread titled, "HELP!"......

Thank you...I wanted to be specific, and I'm getting a lot of very good advice!

Jul 31, 2014 01:57:52 #

Db7423 wrote:

First, welcome to the Hog, GrandmaG. Only thre ba... (show quote)

I ordered this book & also a book named 'Mastering the Nikon 5000" by Darrell Young.

Jul 30, 2014 17:44:14 #

speters wrote:

It is all you, looks like you've gotten way lazy w... (show quote)

Wow, you're the 2nd person who said that I was lazy. Hey, I'm working on that. I need a lot of practice in situations that are not "precious" before I will "know" what I want. I will still listen to yours and ALL the advice I get. Thanx!

Jul 30, 2014 17:37:35 #

pithydoug wrote:

A quick and dirty adjust with LR. Of curse they are small jpg images so there isn't mush to play with.

I do have the RAW files on these

Jul 30, 2014 17:35:16 #

GaryS1964 wrote:

Exactly only a good DSLR will probably take better pictures than a camera phone. You can buy a quality DSLR and get better quality pictures all things being equal. You don't have to use all or any of the advance features of the DSLR to enjoy the enhanced IQ you can get over a point and shoot. If someone wants to pay a premium for a quality DSLR and then shoot in Auto all the time that is their prerogative.

Once I get comfortable with using my D 5000 in manual, I will probably want to upgrade my camera. I'm still debating the Canon vs Nikon issue but I see other users prefer different brands. What would you consider a GOOD DSLR? Also, I'm thinking I should switch from DX to FX. Someone said my DX lenses should fit a FX camera body. Aren't Sigma lenses superior?

Jul 30, 2014 15:34:18 #

I've tried using the SB900 off the camera as a slave but apparently the SB400 doesn't work as a master. Maybe I need TWO SB900s? Or just other lights...

Jul 30, 2014 15:25:00 #

Thank you. I think I had a demo version of Lightroom, but it seemed too complicated. I need to master PSE first!

Jul 30, 2014 15:19:01 #

I have noticed I have a problem with shadows behind the subject. Is there a way to get rid of it in RAW?

In picture #2, I did crop out the cupcakes for my final print.

Picture 3 was taken outside & was a spontaneous shot. I had the SB400 flash attached to my camera but I don't know if it fired. I know I was too low from the subjects. I did get another pic with both of them looking at me, but I still have the shadow problem. I thought it was a lighting issue, but stepping away from the background definitely helps.

Jul 30, 2014 14:51:35 #

I shoot in RAW & Jpeg, so I have the choice to tweak a pic; but I am far from comfortable with it. Also, I probably need to upgrade PSE since I am still using v. 8. I'm studying PSE from a book on PSE 6!