Photography General - Sperging about taking pictures and shit

[Clown College 2nd Year]

I would recommend picking up a used fuji xf 23mm f/1.4 , I've owned that lens a few times and its a very sharp lens and the bokeh is really really nice. There's a lot of listings on ebay, at $400 it's a great deal for a good condition one. Personally i'd avoid the 23 and 35mm f/2 WR lenses as the image quality was not as great. I could share some pictures if you're interested.

See I've been reading up on 23mm lenses for Fuji and that new version of the Fuji lens is by all accounts superior in every way, it's also about $1000 new. I'm not sure I'm ready to commit to this system so dropping that much isn't really on the table right now. It is about $650-750 used which makes a bit more appealing. I've also heard good things about the Sigma version of this lens which runs a bit cheaper for a used model. Ya if you want to post some samples it's always good to have that as a resource.

 

[triggersliver]

See I've been reading up on 23mm lenses for Fuji and that new version of the Fuji lens is by all accounts superior in every way, it's also about $1000 new. I'm not sure I'm ready to commit to this system so dropping that much isn't really on the table right now. It is about $650-750 used which makes a bit more appealing. I've also heard good things about the Sigma version of this lens which runs a bit cheaper for a used model. Ya if you want to post some samples it's always good to have that as a resource.

To be fair, the Sigma option was not available when i was shooting. It seems like a great budget upgrade that sits between the lens i recommended and the newer lens revision. I primarily only used fuji lenses when i shot with my x-pro 2 as there were no alternative AF functional lenses at the time. I also mainly shot manual, so the aperture ring on my lenses was used quite a bit, which is lacking on the sigma lens. Sigma and Tamron are well recognized for 3rd party lenses, i've read decent reviews about Viltrox lenses also. In regards to 3rd party MF (manual focus) lenses you could check out the Voigtlander 23mm F1.2

Overall, there are many choices, I'd say pick whatever you gravitate towards and will use most, even if it costs a little bit more. Don't pick the cheapest option that you'll grow to despise and eventually neglect.

 

[The Stranger]

How important is your monitor when processing photos? I know some panel types like TA suck dick when it comes to contrast. I'm wondering if having a monitor with whack color settings can ruin photos because when you process it you're making it look good on a whack monitor. Are there monitors specifically made to be as neutral as possible for this type of stuff?

 

[Clown College 2nd Year]

How important is your monitor when processing photos? I know some panel types like TA suck dick when it comes to contrast. I'm wondering if having a monitor with whack color settings can ruin photos because when you process it you're making it look good on a whack monitor. Are there monitors specifically made to be as neutral as possible for this type of stuff?

Generally, a good IPS monitor will suffice they are very affordable these days and come in a wide variety of sizes. IPS monitors tend to have superior color accuracy over TN panels. If you are getting paid for your photos then buy a color calibrator along with your monitor and calibrate it at set intervals. There are monitors that are made specifically for photo editing, but they tend to be a bit more expensive on average.

 

[triggersliver]

There's some good open source display calibration software out there. DisplayCal, and you can find a used or older calibration device on ebay. Just make sure it will work with the DisplayCal software. I got a ColorMunki Smile X-Rite for $30 new in box off Ebay that worked pretty well with DisplayCal, (granted i am using linux). Honestly, the only reason to look into calibrating your monitor is for making prints. You don't have any control over how other people's monitors/phones/tablets are calibrated. So it might look one way on your monitor but it isn't going to be exactly how any other person will be viewing your photo. Also, if you are getting prints made, some printing places will offer complimentary calibration for the files you send over.

 

[DustBuns]

Just finished up cleaning my sensor good as new and right as rain.

Question for my fellow photo kiwis, what do you guys like to do to get yourselves out of a creative rut? I've been having some issues finding photography inspiration when I'm out and about recently. Been feeling a lull in my ability to find a nice frame to shoot in my rather dull area these days. Doesn't help that my friends tend to not be interested in the hobby or even getting out.

 

[Clown College 2nd Year]

Just finished up cleaning my sensor good as new and right as rain.

Question for my fellow photo kiwis, what do you guys like to do to get yourselves out of a creative rut? I've been having some issues finding photography inspiration when I'm out and about recently. Been feeling a lull in my ability to find a nice frame to shoot in my rather dull area these days. Doesn't help that my friends tend to not be interested in the hobby or even getting out.

This may sound a little...I don't know it probably isn't the best advice, but I bought that little Fuji a few weeks ago. Carrying it around is far better than even my Sony with one lens was for the most part. Not saying buying a new camera is the right decision to get out of a rut, at the same time I had been wanting to try the Fuji system for a while now ever since owning an X100V very briefly a few years ago. Now there are numerous hikes that I've wanted to go on but had always been a little hesitant to do since I didn't really want to lug around heavy camera gear. Make of that what you will but sometimes a change of gear can help. In regard to your friends not wanting to go out with you I've learned to like going out by myself gets me far better photos most of the time. Sometimes photography can be a little boring and not having people waiting on you, you not waiting on them is a big advantage.

 

[Clown College 2nd Year]

Had the X-S20 coming up on a month now. Some of the controls are still a little weird to me. The Sony just seems a bit more intuitive especially with the onscreen controls and whatnot. Overall though I've come to enjoy shooting with it, so I think I'll keep it. I do need to invest in some primes next though.

 

[Jimbobaggins]

Is it really possible to take too many photos? I got the Nikon Z50II right when it came out last December, since then my shutter count now stands at 205,885 clicks. For some context I like to take photos of races and planes/airshows a lot. Especially with the latter I shoot about 11 FPS to really capture the action. But whenever I talk to other photographers they all say I take way too many photos and that spraying and praying is a clutch. But honestly, I don't see the problem with it. Considering if you want to make sure you catch the best shot possible

 

[triggersliver]

Is it really possible to take too many photos? my shutter count now stands at 205,885 clicks.

Do you get your camera serviced or CLA'd at all? The camera is your tool, you should use it to achieve your desired results, but you should expect to have your mechanical shutter replaced/repaired eventually with that much use. I haven't seen articles or complaints online pertaining to mechanical shutters failing. Assuming you're shooting lossless raw at an avg of 40mb that's about 8.2tb of pictures, do delete everything that isn't a keeper?

 

[Jimbobaggins]

Assuming you're shooting lossless raw at an avg of 40mb that's about 8.2tb of pictures, do delete everything that isn't a keeper?

My raw files are about 15mb. I must admit I'm a bit of hoarder and I do keep every photo. I pirated DXO Photolab and Lightroom for editing. Edit the best pics in Lightroom and run the rest in DXO with a preset. If I export as 80% quality JPG it works pretty well keeping the size to about 1mb each photo. Right now my 2025 photo folder is about 610gb (that includes some videos as well). I've never gotten my camera serviced before, but looking at prices it doesn't seem like a bad deal for cleaning and service.

 

[DustBuns]

My raw files are about 15mb. I must admit I'm a bit of hoarder and I do keep every photo. I pirated DXO Photolab and Lightroom for editing. Edit the best pics in Lightroom and run the rest in DXO with a preset. If I export as 80% quality JPG it works pretty well keeping the size to about 1mb each photo. Right now my 2025 photo folder is about 610gb (that includes some videos as well). I've never gotten my camera serviced before, but looking at prices it doesn't seem like a bad deal for cleaning and service.

I'm a hoarder too so when a harddrive I was using with 25k+ raws and pirated movies on it shit the bed I almost kms.

 

[gregory123]

I'm debating between getting the Nikon ZR and the Nikon Z6 III, for fashion photography – short vertical videos and portrait photography – which one would you guys suggest I buy?

 

[dcss]

I'm debating between getting the Nikon ZR and the Nikon Z6 III, for fashion photography – short vertical videos and portrait photography – which one would you guys suggest I buy?

The ZR seems a bit overkill for just short vertical videos IMO. I would only get the ZR if you’re solely doing videos but since you said fashion and portrait photography I would just pay more for the Z6 and get more out of the camera since it’s a hybrid.

 

[Clown College 2nd Year]

Is it really possible to take too many photos? I got the Nikon Z50II right when it came out last December, since then my shutter count now stands at 205,885 clicks. For some context I like to take photos of races and planes/airshows a lot. Especially with the latter I shoot about 11 FPS to really capture the action. But whenever I talk to other photographers they all say I take way too many photos and that spraying and praying is a clutch. But honestly, I don't see the problem with it. Considering if you want to make sure you catch the best shot possible

Yes, it is possible to take to many photos, that being said storage space is so cheap now you could possibly never run out of space. Since you're taking action shots, you're a bit more justified in having so many photos. I've reduced the number of photos I take these days since I've grown tired of culling hundreds of photos all the time. If it's any consolation one of my older brothers ran a sports photo business for a while and by the time he quite he had millions of photos over 5 or 6 hard drives.

I'm debating between getting the Nikon ZR and the Nikon Z6 III, for fashion photography – short vertical videos and portrait photography – which one would you guys suggest I buy?

Stick with the Z6III it's more than capable of doing what you want for a lot less cash.

 

[Red Saltire]

How important is your monitor when processing photos? I know some panel types like TA suck dick when it comes to contrast. I'm wondering if having a monitor with whack color settings can ruin photos because when you process it you're making it look good on a whack monitor. Are there monitors specifically made to be as neutral as possible for this type of stuff?

Extremely.

 

[Clown College 2nd Year]

Tried this Lomography Color '92 and wasn't impressed. It looks like old, expired film with a super blue color cast. I had to tweak this photo quite a bit to get the blues out. It's also pretty mushy with low detail. Overall, I don't recommend it.

 

[Angry Shoes]

Glad to see there's a photography thread here. I picked up a cheap old point-and-shoot early this year and recently upgraded to an old SLR. I initially just wanted pictures I could hold in my hands as opposed to digital versions, but I've been having a lot of fun shooting and it's grown into a new hobby I really enjoy. Plus it helps that it 'stacks' nicely with pretty much every hobby I have. It's so easy to add the camera to my list of things to bring whenever I go to do something.

Point-and-shoot shots:


SLR shots:

 

[Silent Seeth]

I initially just wanted pictures I could hold in my hands as opposed to digital versions,
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I use *Insert generic photo printing service here* (FreePrints, but I'm a britbonger) and just print most of the half decent photo's I've taken now, I realised I never check through my Photo archive drive unless its to add to it or redo the editing on some photos for someone. I recommend it if only for the fact that for around 10 bucks (£7) you can print 50-100 odd photos to hand out or frame. You can go crazy with sizing for not much money, but I like doing the cheapest 5x4 option just to get them off my drive. It's not going to beat the feel of analog but at least you end up with somewthing physical.

I do like film an awful lot. I got an old Nikon F3 that I mainly use. Editing expired/Lightleaked/pushed film is probably the most fun I've had pretending to be creative since making my calling card a penis in Modern Warfare when I was 12.

 

[Sog Dog]

I do like film an awful lot. I got an old Nikon F3 that I mainly use. Editing expired/Lightleaked/pushed film is probably the most fun I've had pretending to be creative since making my calling card a penis in Modern Warfare when I was 12.

Film is a lot of fun, especially if you're the type to speedrun the autism spectrum on every hobby. I started out snapshitting with a 35mm SLR and sending my rolls in to be developed and scanned, and now I mainly shoot 4x5 and 120 out of ancient press cameras, develop all my film in my kitchen, and have converted my spare bedroom into a darkroom to make prints. Most of my shots don't even touch a computer these days.

I do use a digital camera for birds though. Trying to shoot birds in flight on film is like nailing your penis to a wall.