Met a cool photographer and got to shoot my first DSLR today!

[bakerbranded]

Well today I had traveled down to Pittsburgh with my cousin to support him in his first modeling shoot. Along with that I wanted to go down and see the photographer in action, I love watching them and learning from them.

Well when we got there, the photographer took us all back to the changing room and we split his clothes up and what he was going to wear first, second and third. He led us (my Aunt and Grandparents) to the studio where he was going to shoot and as I walked in the first thing I noticed was sitting over yonder was a gripped 30D with a 70-200 f/2.8. I had asked him if he was going to use it for the shoot and he said yes, I then let him finish setting up. When he was done setting up, he was waiting and started talking to my grandparents and me, and he asked me if I shoot. I said no but I really want to start and told him I was looking into either the 20D or 30D.

We talked more and then he pulled out his 20D back up and let me hold it. (Do know that I"m not an adult, I just turned 16 yesterday, and not many photographers let people hold there cameras, let alone shoot)
I had never held one and it fit perfectly in my hand, but then he took it from me and put on his 18-55, he told me "now this isn't a great lens but go ahead and shoot some." and I just about melted! I knew all the basics and stuff but they were not turning out great and I didnt want to use a flash and mess him up. Well that shoot some, turned into 30min and then he gave me his 50 f/1.8 and my shots became so much better. I got to shoot for another 30min until he was done. I was in hog heaven.

At the end he talked to me more and showed me some stuff and then shook my hand. It was one of the coolest things that had happened on my birthday besides getting my permit. Now all I have to do is finish saving and buy, because I was worried that the 20D's screen would be to small but it really is not that small to me, so I want it!

So that was my first experience shooting a DSLR. :D

[OdiN1701]

Don't look at a 40D then, or the 20D's screen will look tiny.

I would know :P

[bakerbranded]

Don't look at a 40D then, or the 20D's screen will look tiny.

I would know :P

Ha I already did, but I ruled it out because the body was just a little to big for comfort at the moment. But I looked at his 30D, and it still did not phase me a bit about the size difference. :D

[Playm]

Happy Birthday! .. What a memorable experience for you .. even more special because it was your birthday! LOL .. and congrats on the permit :D

[ironchef31]

That photographer sounds like a real classy guy. Someday when you are in his shoes, don't forget to pay it forward.

[bakerbranded]

Happy Birthday! .. What a memorable experience for you .. even more special because it was your birthday! LOL .. and congrats on the permit :D

Thanks so much! :D Yes it will definably be a memorable experience for sure!

[bakerbranded]

That photographer sounds like a real classy guy. Someday when you are in his shoes, don't forget to pay it forward.

He definably was, I hear you, I just hope I will be able to. :lol:

[RSiewert]

What a cool birthday story. Have fun saving/spending your money from now on...You're hooked. Better start a list.:D

[strmrdr]

wow there are still some around.

That is the way it was in the old days.
Not a lot of people will do that anymore.

Happy Birthday.

[artyboy]

glad you met that nice guy! i've always have utmost respect for working pros who are happy to share their knowledge (and equipment) and are gentle towards newbies. and yes, plse pay it forward...

[Stocky]

I will let other people take a look at my camera, but I always hand it to them in such a way that they see I want them to put the strap over their head while they are playing with it.

[bakerbranded]

What a cool birthday story. Have fun saving/spending your money from now on...You're hooked. Better start a list.:D

It was defiantly a fun day! Trust me the list is to big, because I will probably on have a cheap budget of $900-1000 (maybe more, maybe less), so I will be stretching the dollar as far as I can make it, because I have been hooked for over a year now, its just been really hard making my parents understand and see that this is something I truly want and not something I will use for a day and stop using. They tell me I have a perfectly good P&S, (they dont know anything about cameras to begin with) but now after having it for 3 years and realizing how crappy it is. (Slow AF, no manual controls except for changing the ISO "100, 200, 300, 400 & 400 is grainy :rolleyes:", the lens is only 6.3-18.9mm "I like wildlife and equine photography", 5 mega pixels and such) so yea will see how it goes in the next week, because they have completely ruled out helping me buy one, so I'm going to buy it myself with the money I have earned and saved.
Sorry for the long reply.:p

[bakerbranded]

wow there are still some around.

That is the way it was in the old days.
Not a lot of people will do that anymore.

Happy Birthday.

Thanks! :D
Exactly what I was thinking "wow there people like this around"

[bakerbranded]

glad you met that nice guy! i've always have utmost respect for working pros who are happy to share their knowledge (and equipment) and are gentle towards newbies. and yes, plse pay it forward...

I"m glad I met him also. !:)

[PhotosGuy]

It's always nice to hear stories like that. A used 20D is only $475 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=518102) in the sell forum. They tell me I have a perfectly good P&S, (they dont know anything about cameras to begin with) but now after having it for 3 years and realizing how crappy it is. Until then, look at these for some inspiration:
Great stuff from a P&S! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesec/sets/72157600004730841/)

Robert Mekis - Photos gallery / Landscapes (http://robertmekis.com/?kateg=photos&subkateg=landscape) with a P&S & a 300D & Kit Lens

[bakerbranded]

It's always nice to hear stories like that. A used 20D is only $475 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=518102) in the sell forum. Until then, look at these for some inspiration:
Great stuff from a P&S! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesec/sets/72157600004730841/)

Robert Mekis - Photos gallery / Landscapes (http://robertmekis.com/?kateg=photos&subkateg=landscape) with a P&S & a 300D & Kit Lens

Yea it made me happy.
I am defiantly planning on buying one hopefully next week and off of here most likely. I really dislike buying used stuff (bad trait) so when I do end up buying one it must have under 10,000 shots and have no marks anywhere except the hotshoe I will allow. I'm probably being to picky aren't I?

Thanks for the photos, it seems hard that they were all taken from P&S.

[MikeMcL]

The other day i was shooting an event and let my buddy's 11year old shoot with my "huge telescope camera" (XT gripped with a 70-200 IS)

That totally lit up her day, and it made me feel great to talk to her for a few minutes about photography. I helped her take a couple nice pictures of her mom, and sent them to her through her dad (my co-worker). Now, she is catching the fever, and keeps wanting to take the family P&S out into the woods to look for pictures... I think i created a monster lol.

I dont know why people get pretentious about their gear or their skill. It is such a good feeling to pass along some experience or knowledge to another person. Like Stocky says, i require the thing to be around their neck, though i cant remember ever having a "near miss"

Congrats on the fun day, i am impressed that you have almost 500 posts and havent even got a camera yet. good luck on getting one.

[bakerbranded]

The other day i was shooting an event and let my buddy's 11year old shoot with my "huge telescope camera" (XT gripped with a 70-200 IS)

That totally lit up her day, and it made me feel great to talk to her for a few minutes about photography. I helped her take a couple nice pictures of her mom, and sent them to her through her dad (my co-worker). Now, she is catching the fever, and keeps wanting to take the family P&S out into the woods to look for pictures... I think i created a monster lol.

I dont know why people get pretentious about their gear or their skill. It is such a good feeling to pass along some experience or knowledge to another person. Like Stocky says, i require the thing to be around their neck, though i cant remember ever having a "near miss"

Congrats on the fun day, i am impressed that you have almost 500 posts and havent even got a camera yet. good luck on getting one.

Thats cool, how well did she do holding up that heavy monster?
I bet you have, its not hard to get hooked!
The gear I can see, especially because its so expensive and I honestly dont know how I will be giving it to someone right away because it is my first and I will be spending all I have for it. So I cant afford to purchase or fix stuff.

Thanks, and I really try and be active (im on constantly) in this forum because I have learned so much and want to keep learning for when the day hopefully comes. This place is ones of the closest things to great photography for me. :)

[cryforashadow]

i never had the chance to hold a dslr before i got my first dslr. you're lucky you've met such a nice person. :)

[In2Photos]

Congrats on a great day!

There is no shame in a 20D. Many of us started out with a Rebel series (also no shame) and a kit lens. Enjoy whatever you get.

Also, find a local photography club or take courses at school (if available) to find other people that are willing to share their experiences, knowledge, and gear with you. You will have a blast.

[bakerbranded]

i never had the chance to hold a dslr before i got my first dslr. you're lucky you've met such a nice person. :)

Very lucky! :D

[bakerbranded]

Congrats on a great day!

There is no shame in a 20D. Many of us started out with a Rebel series (also no shame) and a kit lens. Enjoy whatever you get.

Also, find a local photography club or take courses at school (if available) to find other people that are willing to share their experiences, knowledge, and gear with you. You will have a blast.

No shame here, Im just excited about hopefully getting one!
I have found club, but probably wont join for another nine months or so when I can drive myself there. I wish our school had a class or club. Maybe I can start one. Hmmm.

But your right about me going to have a blast. :D

[PaulBradley]

That photographer sounds like a real classy guy. Someday when you are in his shoes, don't forget to pay it forward.

Agreed - a class act.

Glad the bug has got you. Here's hoping your 20D comes soon.

[bakerbranded]

Agreed - a class act.

Glad the bug has got you. Here's hoping your 20D comes soon.

Thanks, much appreciated! :)

[dave kadolph]

Happy Birthday!

I've got a couple of young people that I let use my backup for shooting High School sports.

And I have to admit I am constantly learning from them too--It's refreshing to see someone with a fresh set of eyes and no preconceived notions shoot an event.

I got my first SLR at 16 also--It's a great hobby\profession\passion.

Enjoy---and post some pictures ;)

[bakerbranded]

Happy Birthday!

I've got a couple of young people that I let use my backup for shooting High School sports.

And I have to admit I am constantly learning from them too--It's refreshing to see someone with a fresh set of eyes and no preconceived notions shoot an event.

I got my first SLR at 16 also--It's a great hobby\profession\passion.

Enjoy---and post some pictures ;)

Thanks!
I hope to get one, and I will for sure post pictures! :D

[PhotosGuy]

it must have under 10,000 shots and have no marks anywhere except the hotshoe I will allow. I'm probably being to picky aren't I? Yes. Used to be the more brass showing on the edges of a black Nikon, the longer you'd been in the biz.
Cameras are only a tool. Take care of it by all means, but if you're worried about scratches, maybe you should think about taking up painting? ;)

[bakerbranded]

Yes. Used to be the more brass showing on the edges of a black Nikon, the longer you'd been in the biz.
Cameras are only a tool. Take care of it by all means, but if you're worried about scratches, maybe you should think about taking up painting? ;)

Ha I figured as much,
I still would like as few as possible.
But the funny thing is, I did take a painting class for two years now, and most likely next year as well. :lol:

[pendulum15]

At 15 I have shot a sports photog that does work for my school (I actually taught him a couple of things about light)'s 400 2.8 on a D3, that is one cool lens and body, even though it is nikon.

Because he forgot his 24-70 and I let him use my 17-50+40d for after the match

[ChrisRabior]

Always good to be nice to other shooters and other up-and-coming shooters. I got jammed into a corner during a concert w/ a guy using a 30D and 18-55 kit lens, I had my XT and a few f/2.8 lenses. He was blown away at the difference (apparently not clear on how f/2.8 was far superior to f/5.6 in a dark environment). Let him borrow my 18-50 f/2.8 sigma, FLOORED at the difference.

Run into the same guy at another event, he had passes, I did not. Remembered me being nice, hooked me up w/ a pass to shoot from the pit.

Always cool to run into people who are there enjoying their work, as opposed to those who feel that it has to be some sort of cut throat competition.

[bakerbranded]

Always good to be nice to other shooters and other up-and-coming shooters. I got jammed into a corner during a concert w/ a guy using a 30D and 18-55 kit lens, I had my XT and a few f/2.8 lenses. He was blown away at the difference (apparently not clear on how f/2.8 was far superior to f/5.6 in a dark environment). Let him borrow my 18-50 f/2.8 sigma, FLOORED at the difference.

Run into the same guy at another event, he had passes, I did not. Remembered me being nice, hooked me up w/ a pass to shoot from the pit.

Always cool to run into people who are there enjoying their work, as opposed to those who feel that it has to be some sort of cut throat competition.

That is really cool, yeah when I was shooting in the studio with the 18-55, every picture was crap because I was constantly at f/5.6, but when he gave me the 50 f/1.8, it made a worlds of difference, I"m sure they still turned out like crap but you know. Ha, cool karma. :D

[pendulum15]

Always good to be nice to other shooters and other up-and-coming shooters. I got jammed into a corner during a concert w/ a guy using a 30D and 18-55 kit lens, I had my XT and a few f/2.8 lenses. He was blown away at the difference (apparently not clear on how f/2.8 was far superior to f/5.6 in a dark environment). Let him borrow my 18-50 f/2.8 sigma, FLOORED at the difference.

Run into the same guy at another event, he had passes, I did not. Remembered me being nice, hooked me up w/ a pass to shoot from the pit.

Always cool to run into people who are there enjoying their work, as opposed to those who feel that it has to be some sort of cut throat competition.

That is a major thing I believe in, if someone needs your help, or you can help someone, do it. As sometime later on you will be in their situation.

[bobinatcat]

Lucky you mate.

I started with a 30D a year ago-ish...and it's still miles ahead of me.
Go for a 20 or 30 when your ready if you can afford it!

Good luck

[bakerbranded]

That is a major thing I believe in, if someone needs your help, or you can help someone, do it. As sometime later on you will be in their situation.

Agreed! :D

[bakerbranded]

Lucky you mate.

I started with a 30D a year ago-ish...and it's still miles ahead of me.
Go for a 20 or 30 when your ready if you can afford it!

Good luck

Yea thanks!
I believe it will be a 20D or Xti. :)

[Playm]

Hey Scott. Do you have a Paypal account? I'd happily toss a small contribution into your camera savings account.

When I was 16, I was taking photos for my HS Yearbook in addition to doing some of the layout and graphics. .. but, like you, I didn't have an slr yet. I know that 'hunger' for the right tools. ... anyway, I hope you've got a PP acct.

[bakerbranded]

Hey Scott. Do you have a Paypal account? I'd happily toss a small contribution into your camera savings account.

When I was 16, I was taking photos for my HS Yearbook in addition to doing some of the layout and graphics. .. but, like you, I didn't have an slr yet. I know that 'hunger' for the right tools. ... anyway, I hope you've got a PP acct.

Yes my parents do. Do you know how generous that is, you don't have to.
Thank you so much! Yes the hunger is large and I was thinking of actually seeing if I could do the photography for my high school events and year book. I have never used it before so I don't know what info I need to give you but the email is ruger082305@yahoo.com. But you honestly do not have to. So don't feel obligated.

[Playm]

My pleasure to contribute . Happy Birthday and keep up the good work. :)