Posts: Jim Plogger | Ugly Hedgehog

larrycumba wrote:

quote=suzie123 I shoot with a Canon 40D and use a... (show quote)

This is a great lens but the answer is technique more than anything else. I believe suzie was shooting with a 100mm Macro. It may not be the L lens, but that really does not matter.

:lol:

(Main Photography Discussion)

Next best lens???

the f/stops here wrote:

Jekbeck60, So whats wrong with a putty colored lens. Get a black or camo lenscoat, or ... look into the Sigma 150-500mm lens. I own one, as well as the Canon 100-400mm lens and the Sigma operates equally in sharpness. The IS is not as good and focusing is a tad bit slower but great lens for the price and it comes in black!

Remember the f/stops here! Have fun, J. Goffe

Everyone needs to keep in mind that you give up speed in most of these long telephoto zooms. The Sigma 100-500 has a max aperature of f6.3 at 500mm.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Next best lens???

jekbeck60 wrote:

I currently have a Canon Xti with a 24 - 105 lens. I am thinking about upgrading to 7d - or perhaps one of the 'new' canon's once we know exactly what they are. I also want a lens something like the canon 100 - 400 mm, however, I don't feel comfortable with the white lenses, I know they are the best, but just do not want to draw attention. What might be the next best lens in the 100 - 350/400 category.
I'd be grateful for any assistance anyone can give me.

The Canon EF 24-105L is the lens that stays on my camera. The 100-400L is excellent but very heavy and is the not the best for handheld shots. I use mine on a tripod most of the time. I find that my EF 70-300/4.0-5.6 IS USM is great for most handheld shots depending the light. I would make that my next lens and then later you might want to add the 100-400. It does not necessarily have to be a Canon lens. Tamron and Sigma also makes a 70-300.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Black Backgrounds

Wanda Krack wrote:

JPinTenn, nice flowers! The first one is my favor... (show quote)

I quite often use white backgrounds but I have never tried using green. I am going to give it a try. Thanks for the comments.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Black Backgrounds

rpavich wrote:

Nice photos.

Here is how I create a black background even in bright sunlight!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEhaWtcdWdc

I have used this method several times and it works very well most of the time. The exposure normally requires some adjustment in ACR.

(Main Photography Discussion)

sugestions for a new camera

Coker wrote:

Renee - I hear this alot from my students. There are really only two manufactures for serious photographers. Nikon and Canon. I love the D3100 Nikon and the Canon T1i, T2i and the T3i. The T1i is all you really need. I also enjoy the Tamron Lenses especially the 18-270 what a GREAT walk around lens. The pro glass from Tamron has been tested to be equal to the Canon and Nikon glass. It really depends on your budget. Smile

While most of what you say here is correct, Sony should not be omitted as a choice for serious photographers. Their DSLR's are consistently rated very high and they offer an excellent lens selection. Maybe Sony should have put "Minolta" on their DSLR's and "Sony" on their P&S cameras, then they would be taken more seriously as a quality choice. Having said all of that I am a dedicated Canon user.

(Main Photography Discussion)

sugestions for a new camera

renee wrote:

I just broke my camera. dropped it and bent lens. It is a Nikon 610. I paid about 400. 5 years ago. I would like one with a big screen at least 3 inch and a view finder beecause it is hard to see in bright sunlight. I would also like a fast shutter because I miss a lot of shots. Does anyone have any suggestions?
thanks Renee

Here's an excellent link to help you decide on a new camera:

http://cameras.about.com/od/buyingguide/a/Dslr-Buying-Guide.htm

(Main Photography Discussion)

sugestions for a new camera

renee wrote:

I just broke my camera. dropped it and bent lens. It is a Nikon 610. I paid about 400. 5 years ago. I would like one with a big screen at least 3 inch and a view finder beecause it is hard to see in bright sunlight. I would also like a fast shutter because I miss a lot of shots. Does anyone have any suggestions?
thanks Renee

You really did not say if you were looking for point & shoot or a DSLR. Depending upon your budget now would be a great time to go with an entry level DSLR. Canon, Nikon, and Sony are all excellent cameras. Just keep in mind that when going with a DSLR that it is a long term commitment to the brand because of the investment that you will have in the lenses. But, of course, in the future when you want to upgrade you will only have to purchase the body. Most of my Canon "L" lenses were purchased back when I was using an EOS 10S 35mm. They still serve me well on my Canon DSLR.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Black Backgrounds

GoofyNewfie wrote:

looks like what you're doing works well.
I just put that out there for those who have the problem I encounter occasionally. If you can keep the light off of the black matte board it should be close to black.

When I use black mat board I use a large umbrella to block bright light. That works really well but some adjustment is still required in ACR.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Black Backgrounds

GoofyNewfie wrote:

I find that black velvet will greate a "black hole" as far as lighting goes. If matte board is used, I don't always get black. Nice flower shots BTW, love the last one.

Never tried black velvet. I will give that a shot. I always shoot in RAW and when I use black mat board I adjust the black in ACR.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Black Backgrounds

I do quite a bit of flower photography adding black backgrounds. I sometimes add them in photoshop but also sometimes use a black piece of matboard behind the subject. I would like to hear about other techniques from those who enjoy this type of photography.

Japanese Anemone

Siberian Iris

Cabbage Butterfly on Dahlia

(Main Photography Discussion)

Macro Photography

docrob wrote:

quote=docrob quote=suzie123 I shoot with a Canon... (show quote)

You are quite right about the general nature of flower photography. However, there are certain shots that you do want crisp edges such as the one below.

Hibiscus Bloom

(Main Photography Discussion)

Macro Photography

suzie123 wrote:

I shoot with a Canon 40D and use a 100mm lense for macro. I shoot handheld and alway have a nice soft effect to my photo which I like but, lately I have wanted to achieve the crisp, clean, max detail picture. What is the trick other then a tripod? Is it a photoshop thing, do I need a better quality lense, is it the aperture not open enough. Would appreciate any help. I will switch computers and send a picture along.

In addition to your tripod use mirror lockup and a smaller f-stop. f8 should work well.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Photo Shop

TimK5458 wrote:

quote=traceyklotz Ok still confused. I want to be... (show quote)

(Main Photography Discussion)

Photo Shop

Fran wrote:

arphot wrote:

Fran wrote:

Download free 30 day trails of each. I decided on pse 10. It's on sae this weekend if you would rather buy than try the trial.

Fran . . . please let us know where the sale can be found. Thank you! :thumbup:

Hi. Check out cdw.com. Search for photoshop elements 10. 49.99 for the priemere version. I would copy the link but m not sure how to do that on my iPad.

Here's the cdw link:

http://www.cdw.com/shop/search/results.aspx?pCurrent=3&pPage=1&key=Adobe%20Photoshop%20Elements%2010&SortBy=PriceAsc&searchscope=All