Need help on camera & lens selection

[Free2BeMePhotography]

Hello everybody :) I have not to long ago, began my photography adventure and am currently trying to be a professional photographer. I know things like the the rule of the third (or rule of thirds) I know about the golden rule, and I'm good at posing people and thinking up creative locations for shoots and creative props to use as well. But I am not so good at knowing things like, what is the best lens to use, etc. So here are my questions~ I have a Canon Rebel T1i 500D that my sweet husband surprised me with not too long ago. Is this a good camera selection out of the Canon cameras available? Also it came with Tamron AF28-80 mm and AF75-300 mm lenses. Are these good enough to be used 4 professional photography or will I need to buy some Canon lenses? They work well to me, but I am new to this, so.... And last question. There are many different photoshops to use. I am going to be getting photoshop 7 from a friend. Is this a good one to have and how much does this one normally run around? Thanks so much! :D

[DStanic]

The T1i is an excellent camera, use it until you find it's limitations then upgrade if you need to. But concentrate on buying good lenses. Those Tamron lenses are lower end lenses, probably not best for "professional" photography, but if they work for you and until you become professional just enjoy them. :) If you find they focus too slow, are not sharp enough, or not good in low light etc, as us what you should buy. Good lenses to learn with though.

PS7 is good, personally I use Photoshop Lightroom which is quite different in how it works (I don't need all the tools in PS7, CS4 or whatever). It's for more artistic/photo manipulation. Lightroom was designed specifically for photographers needs. But don't limit yourself to photoshop, there are other programs out there that cost less.

[seaside]

A professional photographer is typically defined as one who derives all or most of their income from photography. It can take a lot of experience and work to get to that point. You can most certainly shoot for that goal but shooting a lot with your new Canon will be required. The type of photography that you're interested in pursuing will have a lot to do with the camera body and lenses you will need to purchase. When asking about equipment selection there often is no definitive answer but rather preferences or suggestions and you have to consider the cost. A specific question such as "I need a lens suggestion for wedding photography" will get more targeted responses. Also, search the many different threads here on POTN because much as been covered.

Learning the camera and lenses you have now will give you experience. You may soon see the limitations or the positive aspects of the equipment and can better determine what your next purchase will be. Become very familiar with how the camera works so changes can be made quickly to adapt to different shooting conditions.

IMO, post processing digital images is key to producing professional quality images. I've seen many folks that have a natural eye for composition, lighting, etc., but lack technical expertise using image editing software. I'm speaking of color management, the art of portrait enhancement, ensuring skin tones are right on and the important "sharpening" process to name a few.

Adobe Elements 7 as mentioned here would be fine for post processing. The software you will need can also depend on the type of shooting you will be doing. But PS 7 will get you a good start.

[Free2BeMePhotography]

Thank you both so much for your replies!! :) I just want to know what lens would be better for me to use when taking portraits of adults and children. I want a regular lens and a zoom lens, but there are so many lenes out there that it's confusing to me!

[seaside]

Doing a quick search here these threads came up. Might help.


http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=825090&highlight=portrait+lens

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=814100&highlight=portrait+lens

[IslandCrow]

I'd work with the lenses you have for now and take note of what focal length you seem to use more often. I don't do very many portrait type shots, but my Canon 50mm f/1.4 is my primary lens when it comes to that. The 85mm f1.8 or f1.2L are also very popular, but it depends on your shooting style. It seems that particular lens is used more by photographers who either have a full sensor camera like the 5D or do a lot of head and shoulder shots. I wouldn't run out and buy any of those until you determine what your preference is going to be, though.

Also, this is one of the places I really like to look for reviews on Canon lenses (as well as other equipment): http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/. He also does reviews on some of the Tamron and Sigma lenses, but I didn't see the two you mentioned.

[KCMO Al]

You can expect the answers you'll receive here to be along the lines of "you need what I have." If you are serious about becoming a pro, start with what you have and practice, practice, practice. Use the exif information to analyze success and failure. If you want to specialize in a particular aspect, get books targeted at that specialty.
The equipment you have is rated as "consumer" level. Not the best or most durable. Eventually, you will need to upgrade the body and get better lenses, but I wouldn't do that until I reach a barrier where you don't feel the equipment lives up to your expectations. Good luck.

[PhotosGuy]

am currently trying to be a professional photographer. This is not the sort of thing where you jump in & then sign up for swimming lessons? Don't rush into it. taking portraits of adults and children. Studio or outdoors? Single shots, or group? I'd suggest something like these to start with: Angeline outdoors (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=483975)

VERY simple "outdoor studio" (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=122297)

With those situations, your current cam & lens should give acceptable results.

[Free2BeMePhotography]

This is not the sort of thing where you jump in & then sign up for swimming lessons? Don't rush into it. Studio or outdoors? Single shots, or group? I'd suggest something like these to start with: Angeline outdoors (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=483975)

VERY simple "outdoor studio" (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=122297)

With those situations, your current cam & lens should give acceptable results.

Hey. I never said I just jumped in and didn't know a thing about it. I have been taking photographs of my kids since birth and my oldest is 12, and I have studied alot of things on the internet. I plan on going to college or some kind of classes for potography real soon. But if you don't sometimes just jump in, you never will learn. That's how I see it. Every photographer had to jump into it at some point because all photographers were new to it before as well. I don't charge alot for my session fees, and until I become more better at it, I mostly take picutrs of friends & family to build my portofilo. Then when I am even better, I will charge more, etc. I do outdoor sessions and so far I have done just single shots but have done couples before which I really like alot. Thanks for the link and your advice. :)

[PhotosGuy]

I have been taking photographs of my kids since birth and my oldest is 12, So you have 12 years experience, so why say, "I have not to long ago, began my photography adventure"? Then we could have avoided the GIGO. ;)
But if you don't sometimes just jump in, you never will learn. That's how I see it My point was that you can jump in the shallow end as an amateur first.

[JeffreyG]

Hey. I never said I just jumped in and didn't know a thing about it. I have been taking photographs of my kids since birth and my oldest is 12,


I have not to long ago, began my photography adventure


Most of us consider 12 years to be a reasonably long time. When you say 'not long ago, began my photography adventure' we are typically thinking you mean weeks or months. Not 12 years.

[yogestee]

Being a professional photographer takes more than having great photography skills and great equipment..

Professional photography is a business.. You'll need business skills, a business network, business plans etc..

Most professional photographers started out shooting part time whilst having a day job..Many jobs are done for free for family and friends to gain a bit of word of mouth repution.. Also the chance of anyone making a good living out of photography in the first 12 months is very rare..

[yoopergirl]

If I sound harsh, I don't mean it to be that way.
You don't try to be a 'professional' photographer, you become one with expertise and time. I'll consider it professional photography when you make a living at it.
And being a business major, it's not something you jump right into. You have to be a good business person, first. Otherwise, you'll fail.
I would practice a lot first before advertising that you are a "professional."

I'd suggest buying at least an external flash, and eventually some higher grade lenses.

I think you have a TON to learn before you even think about becoming a "professional".

Please read, business books, photography books, lighting books, and take a couple photography classes.

[Free2BeMePhotography]

If I sound harsh, I don't mean it to be that way.
You don't try to be a 'professional' photographer, you become one with expertise and time. I'll consider it professional photography when you make a living at it.
And being a business major, it's not something you jump right into. You have to be a good business person, first. Otherwise, you'll fail.
I would practice a lot first before advertising that you are a "professional."

I'd suggest buying at least an external flash, and eventually some higher grade lenses.

I think you have a TON to learn before you even think about becoming a "professional".

Please read, business books, photography books, lighting books, and take a couple photography classes.

well as of now, I have been paid a few times. Where I live, alot of people say I'm great at photography and have skills to do it. I am a stay at home mom of 4 kids, and my husband works, therefore it gives me the opportunity to pursue photography and soon I will be taking classes from 2 photographers who has been doing it for over 10 years. I do practice lot.....all the time that is. Of my kids, of my family such as my brother or mom, or my family-n-law, of friends, and even have done free sessions for people I don't know. I have had tons of people ask me to do their weddings but I have refused them because I know I am not at the level to do them yet. I have been building on my portfolio for a year now and at some point I have to start saying I'm professional and get paid for it or I might as well not even do it! I'm not trying to sound harsh either, but it seems since I have joined this website a few days ago, alot of people just want to tell you your not really a photographer and yet they too were once where I am. I know where my level of photography skills are at and I didn't join this site to have people tell me what I already know. It would be nice to hear encouragement, like hey, your photos are creative and good but you still need to learn some things. I am on this site to learn things from people who have been doing photography for a longer time then myself, not hear them tell me I'm not a professional photographer. But thanks for your advice. I just have a ton to learn on editing, other then that I think I'm good on my photography skills. :)

[Free2BeMePhotography]

Most of us consider 12 years to be a reasonably long time. When you say 'not long ago, began my photography adventure' we are typically thinking you mean weeks or months. Not 12 years.

well 12 years just taking photos but not really caring to learn photography skills and editing and so forth. But, 1 year now of trying to learn those skills needed to become a professional photographer. I just started wanting to become a photographer a year ago and now have been truly pursuing it. :)

[Free2BeMePhotography]

So you have 12 years experience, so why say, "I have not to long ago, began my photography adventure"? Then we could have avoided the GIGO. ;)
My point was that you can jump in the shallow end as an amateur first.

I really wasn't trying to become a photographer until a year ago. Then the desire hit me. So as a stay at home mom of 4 kids, plus homeschooling them :D I have the time to pursue this desire and practice alot on my kids, family members, friends, etc. I hope to take classes soon and I am so excited! Since my husband is the only one working, I want to help bring in some money and I just love photography!! :)

[PhotosGuy]

To get back to your original question, I use PS7, with a RAW converter, (DPP is free from Canon), & it does everything I need. I have no idea what a used price would be for it today.

I'd prune some of the "not so hot" shots out of your gallery, & this page is just terrible? (http://free2bemephotography.weebly.com/my-price-list.html) Black type on a dark gray background just doesn't work. Make it easy for your customers to get the info they need.

[Free2BeMePhotography]

To get back to your original question, I use PS7, with a RAW converter, (DPP is free from Canon), & it does everything I need. I have no idea what a used price would be for it today.

I'd prune some of the "not so hot" shots out of your gallery, & this page is just terrible? (http://free2bemephotography.weebly.com/my-price-list.html) Black type on a dark gray background just doesn't work. Make it easy for your customers to get the info they need.

Yea I don't get that, your the 2nd person who said it is black with black writing. But when I look at it , it is just the way I made it to look, with a white background with black and pink writing. It makes no sense why it is looking that way to some but not to others? Idk. And I'm not sure which pics are considered not so hot by you. I like them all, so maybe you could point them out.

[cbknight]

Yea I don't get that, your the 2nd person who said it is black with black writing. But when I look at it , it is just the way I made it to look, with a white background with black and pink writing. It makes no sense why it is looking that way to some but not to others? Idk. And I'm not sure which pics are considered not so hot by you. I like them all, so maybe you could point them out.

On internet explorer browser it is as you describe. On Mozilla Firefox it is as Frank (Photosguy) describes. Firefox is getting increasingly popular. Especially here because it has plug-ins that are suited for photographers.

[dmp-potn]

Howdy Brandy,

Welcome to the forum! I can see that you are already well on your way to developing your own style from looking at the photos in your galleries. Lots of nice work in there.

You seem to enjoy a nice shallow depth of field in most of your portraits, so some faster Canon lenses could make your work easier and mean less time in post production. For example, the EF 28mm f/1.8 USM, EF 35mm f/2, EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, and the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM would probably make the sorts of images that you like to create easier to produce. You can read about these lenses at one more more of these sites:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showcat.php?cat=2
http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-Lens-Reviews.aspx
http://dsnyder.ws-e.com/canon/bh_prices.html
These are not zoom lenses, so if you want to include more or less of the scene in the frame, you have to walk around a bit, but since most of your work is outside, that probably won't be a problem. All of these should produce good center sharpness and contrast with nice soft backgrounds at around f/2 or so.

As others have said, your camera body is fine for what you are trying to do. If you find yourself shooting more weddings, you may want to upgrade to one of the xD bodies so that your digital Rebel is not upstaged by uncle Joe's 50D, for example. However, that's a very minor perception issue. As long as you are confident shooting the body you have, there's really no reason to change it. I've always said that what's in front of the body (the lens and subject) and what's behind it (the photographer) have far greater impact on image quality than the body itself.

Oh, there are some really good books on photography business that are worth reading. I really liked The Real Business of Photography (http://www.amazon.com/Real-Business-Photography-Richard-Weisgrau/dp/1581153503/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266272602&sr=1-10), by Richard Weisgrau. I've also just started Best Business Practices for Photographers (http://www.amazon.com/Best-Business-Practices-Photographers-Second/dp/1435454294/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266272736&sr=1-1), by John Harrington, and so far, it's excellent! We learned a lot from classes at Betterphoto.com (http://www.betterphoto.com/home.asp) as well as training from the PPA (http://www.ppa.com/education/).

Hope this helps.

[Free2BeMePhotography]

Howdy Brandy,

Welcome to the forum! I can see that you are already well on your way to developing your own style from looking at the photos in your galleries. Lots of nice work in there.

You seem to enjoy a nice shallow depth of field in most of your portraits, so some faster Canon lenses could make your work easier and mean less time in post production. For example, the EF 28mm f/1.8 USM, EF 35mm f/2, EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, and the EF 85mm f/1.8 USM would probably make the sorts of images that you like to create easier to produce. You can read about these lenses at one more more of these sites:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showcat.php?cat=2
http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-Lens-Reviews.aspx
http://dsnyder.ws-e.com/canon/bh_prices.html
These are not zoom lenses, so if you want to include more or less of the scene in the frame, you have to walk around a bit, but since most of your work is outside, that probably won't be a problem. All of these should produce good center sharpness and contrast with nice soft backgrounds at around f/2 or so.

As others have said, your camera body is fine for what you are trying to do. If you find yourself shooting more weddings, you may want to upgrade to one of the xD bodies so that your digital Rebel is not upstaged by uncle Joe's 50D, for example. However, that's a very minor perception issue. As long as you are confident shooting the body you have, there's really no reason to change it. I've always said that what's in front of the body (the lens and subject) and what's behind it (the photographer) have far greater impact on image quality than the body itself.

Oh, there are some really good books on photography business that are worth reading. I really liked The Real Business of Photography (http://www.amazon.com/Real-Business-Photography-Richard-Weisgrau/dp/1581153503/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266272602&sr=1-10), by Richard Weisgrau. I've also just started Best Business Practices for Photographers (http://www.amazon.com/Best-Business-Practices-Photographers-Second/dp/1435454294/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266272736&sr=1-1), by John Harrington, and so far, it's excellent! We learned a lot from classes at Betterphoto.com (http://www.betterphoto.com/home.asp) as well as training from the PPA (http://www.ppa.com/education/).

Hope this helps.

aww, thanks so much for your sweet words and helpful infomation! :)

[neptunerain]

Good luck! I am looking over your site now. I wish you the best.

[Free2BeMePhotography]

Good luck! I am looking over your site now. I wish you the best.

Thanks!!! After being on this site, I now know that alot of my photos on my website are probably not right, as in some might be overexposed, post processing not right, etc. I just started not too long ago and the pictures I have on my website are of family members and friends so I could build my portfolio. I didn't realize that editing was so needed and now that I know that, I am learning how to use curves and I'm gettng photoshop as well :) But thanks again for your wishes! :) (and I hope you liked my pictures regardless of the editing and stuff not being right);)

[neptunerain]

I think it is a great start. :) I do like your pictures. My only suggestion is to reduce the number of pics posted right now. Then add as you have more of different individuals. Good luck!