I came upon a sidebar on a web page somewhere that said 'Nikon or Canon - which is the best' I clicked on the link and was led to the wonderful world of UHH!!! Great marketing trick - I guess it works every time!!!!

OP here. Thanks for all of the responses. I read all of them. I am quite surprised at the level of consensus here that a Photographer is simply ’one who takes photographs.’ This is a generous and inclusive interpretation considering the level of expertise amongst the many talented UHHers. Personally, I would have raised the bar to at least require a level of care and understanding of how to control an image.

Of all the thoughtful responses, the one that resonated most with me was from Reinaldokool. In spite of his feigned arrogance he offers some real gems. (I won’t quote it – go back and read it - Jun 13, 2016 10:38:41)

Many responders advised not to get hung up on labels, which is always good advise. Others suggested that it is the prefix or adjective before ‘Photographer’ that describes who you are. To that end, I am changing my signature line to “A Wanabeebetter Photographer “ – not out of modesty, but as a mission statement.

Good point LFingar. And having fun and enjoying myself was that was what guided me for 50 years. However, a few months ago, I decided it was time to 'step up' and I started to get more serious about photography. I upped my gear, I am reading everything I can get my hands on including UHH every morning, taking courses and getting out every weekend. Unfortunately, these efforts have raised my expectations and aspirations faster than my ability to execute. I am now taking fewer shots that I find satisfying, and I find fault with pictures that have given me pleasure for years. I am less inclined to label myself a Photographer now than I was 6 months ago. However, I will persevere. Hopefully it will all start coming together soon. Until then I will settle for Wanabee Photographer or maybe Wanabeebetter Photographer.

I have only used the Sony A6000 for the Playmemories apps but I'd guess the procedure is the same. Go to www.sony.net/pmca and you will find a button that will take you through the process. The part I found confusing is that you have to set up an account first. You have the option to leave your cc info on file ( I wouldn't) or put money in the 'bank' to cover the price of the apps you want to download. I think you have to have the account set up even if you only want the free apps.

I was going to insist that you have dinner at Tra Vigne Restaurant in Napa, but I just discovered that it closed last November. It was the highlight of my California trip a couple of years ago. So disappointed.

I went to a meeting of my local camera club a couple of weeks ago, introduced myself to the man in charge and told him I wanted to enquire about joining. “Are you a Photographer?” he asked. A simple, but loaded question. I fumbled around in my brain for a minute trying to decide if I should explain that I was not a professional, but that I knew a bit about the exposure triangle, rule of thirds, description of my equipment etc. Finally, I pulled my wits together and replied simply “Well, I want to be a Photographer”. Good answer I guess since he replied “Then welcome – you have come to the right place.”

However, that leaves the question – what is, or when is one, a Photographer? A simple dictionary definition of Photographer is “One who practices photography; especially : one who makes a business of taking photographs” and clearly anybody who can earn a living in photography is a Photographer. But, what about everybody else? If photography is the ‘art or process of producing images’ wouldn’t that include everybody who ever clicked on a camera phone or Kodak Brownie. I am not interested in dictionary definitions, but I would like to get an idea of what UHH folks – especially the Pro’s - feel qualifies one as a Photographer. Is there a minimum threshold of knowledge, ability, results or equipment that must be crossed before one is acknowledged or accepted as a Photographer on UHH? Is that title reserved for the Pro’s . What about those who possess all the skills and talents to be a Pro but prefer to make their living by other means?

The camera industry divides the market into categories such as entry level / beginner; enthusiast; prosumer etc. Should we do the same? I fall under the category of enthusiastic beginner with fifty years of experience of taking photographs with increasing levels of seriousness.

I have yet to see full consensus on any topic in this forum, but it would be good to at least get a cross section of UHH opinions of as to who, or what, is a Photographer.

Regarding in-camera vs post processing, I think most human subjects would prefer to hear that the flattering picture you just took of them was straight out of camera rather than be told that you had to Photoshop it to make them look good. No need to spoil it for them by explaining you used the straight-hair-curly-teeth scene mode.

None of the lenses have an 'automatic' zoom - I think you meant auto FOCUS. To clarify, you can get cheap (non-electronic) adaptors to adapt most makes of non e-mount lenses to the A6000's e-mount. You need a different adaptor for each lens type of lens mount e.g Nikon / Sony; Canon/Sony; Minolta/Sony. These adaptors will work fine provided the lens has a manual focus ring and a manual zoom ring if a zoom lens. You will need to set the camera focus mode to manual in the menues. As you focus with the lens focus ring the areas in focus will light up with red twinkles or peaking. You will also have to set the aperture manually. Set the aperture you want to use, focus and the camera will adjust the ISO and/or shutter speed to suite.
There are other more expensive adaptors in the $200 - $300 range that will allow some makes of non e-mount lenses to operate with full auto features but they are too rich for my blood.
Any e-mount lens should work on the A6000 without an adaptor with whatever features are built into the lens. However, there are full frame e-mount lenses and there are APS-C e-mount lenses. Both types work on the A6000/A6300. The APS-C lenses will work on the full frame e-mount cameras but only in 'crop' mode. The APC-S lenses are meant to be lighter and more compact in keeping with the size, weight and style of the A6000 / A6300.

Shaun's reply above is almost word for word what I was about to say, so I'll add a few comments.
There is nothing wrong with the 16-50mm kit lens. In fact it is a marvel for what it was intended to be - small, light, entry level lens that can take advantage of the A6000's fast focus. It is plenty sharp for everyday use and makes the A6000 pocketable. However, if small and light is not important to you, I would recommend getting the body only and the Sony f4 18-105. It is a much bigger lens but has the look, feel and EQ of a 'serious' lens. You should be able to get the A6000 with the 18-105 and either the Sony 50mm f/1.8 OSS or the Sigma 30mm F2.8 Art primes for around the same price as the A6300 with the kit lens and have a really nice starter package. Also, if you already have lenses that you are satisfied with you can most likely get a cheap adaptor (<$20) and use them with manual focus on either of the Sony's.

I don't know much about musical instruments, but your basses are beautiful pieces of art. The craftsmanship looks superb. I hope they play as good as they look. Great pics too.

Hi GrandmaG
I remember your pre-trip post. Thanks for getting back to us to share your experience. It seems I was right that you would want wider lenses over longer. Please post more pics.
On the subject of charging batteries abroad, I always bring a multi-port USB charging station and multi-function charging cable adaptor with me. Between cell phones, cameras, Kindles and tablets or laptops one plug adaptor is not enough. The multi-port charging station allows you to charge 4 or 5 devices at the same time from one outlet. The multi-function adaptor cable really cuts down on the number of cables you need to bring with you. I also bring a small lipstick style external battery that is capable of recharging a couple of cameras or phones if you are out walking around all day.
Regarding airport security, it should be noted that unique to Ireland, passengers travelling to the U.S. go through U.S. Immigration and Customs (U.S. Officials) in Dublin or Shannon before boarding the plane. When you arrive in the U.S. you disembark like a regular domestic passenger and avoid Immigration and Customs completely. However, for some unknown reason, Irish officials have added an additional security check immediately before boarding the plane.

Store bought cakes are definitely politically incorrect. That's like shooting jpegs in Auto mode.

Its a DISCUSSION forum. Do you walk away from friends (if you have any) or colleagues as soon as you decide the discussion has strayed from what you have decided is the main subject. By the way it is a general photography discussion forum. There was no mention of photography in your original post.

Fabulous. Those little fellers move so quick its hard to get a bead on them.

I'm just starting in night / astro. Signed up for a workshop in a couple of weeks but wanted to get a feel for it beforehand. Lot of trial and error, but think I got some decent shots for a beginner. #2 shows faint Milky Way - moon was just about to rise. Red light in window is not light painting, it was on inside the building. Does anybody know if there is any significance to leaving a light on at a Coast Guard station? May just be an exit sign or something. I still can't believe how much ambient light you can pull in with a 20-25 sec exposure.

Sagamore Bridge


Coast Guard Station Eastham


Bench