Beginner Photography on a very tight budget

teddyt said:
Richard .. This £353 of kit, took me over 9 months to to build. It was not a one off purchase.
Ken.. Did I spit my Dummy maybe? or was it just shear frustration at the manner in which replies were given without reading or maybe understanding the point of this thread.
It is in the beginners section for beginners like me.WHO HAVE NO MONEY TO BUY THE GREATEST AND LATEST GEAR. and have to go budget. it is NOT about taking pictures or Who has the most kit when they die wins. it is about cheap kit and will it be worth getting for starting out

I have asked for help/suggestions on CHEAP KIT/DIYStuff. not on what I should or should not keep or throw away, SteveSc's comment about looking in the macro section for some diy stuff is the help i seek.

I have Chronic arthritus in nearly all my joint and am wait a double hip and knee replacement, so I am in constant pain. So maybe I can be a bit touchy at times, but please think before you bang in a rude, negative or blunt reply, how would you react to that comment if it was pointed at you

I have lost the motivation to carry on with this thread now so as stated above Close or delete please
Click to expand...
My other post crossed your reply. People here are trying to be helpful but my point was that we cannot easily understand what you want. I guessed the £353 wasn't a one off purchase but my point was you didn't spell that out in your first post and so everything got off on the wrong foot. I am sorry to hear about your health problems but if you think everyone here is young and healthy you are sadly mistaken, in fact I would say there are a large number of doddering and grumpy old gits here, like me. You should hang on and not give up on these forums as you won't find better.
 
In reply to the "I want to do everything" you mention Richard,It does seem a little bland. Perhaps I should explain that, Photography is very new to me so I am at present unsure, if all or only certain types of picture taking will appeal too me.
so in a lot of ways I'm a bit like a puppy let out for the first time, I want to have ago at everything then make my mind up. may not be the best approach but it's the only one I have.
 
All the advice given here didn't cost a penny but it seems like your mind was made up before the thread started anyway.
 
OK I admit defeat, you just cant beat stupid!!! frod??????:banghead:
 
Last edited:
teddyt said:
OK I admit defeat, you just cant beat stupid!!! frod??????:banghead:
Click to expand...
Don't give in. Just ignore anything unhelpful.

teddyt said:
In reply to the "I want to do everything" you mention Richard,It does seem a little bland. Perhaps I should explain that, Photography is very new to me so I am at present unsure, if all or only certain types of picture taking will appeal too me.
so in a lot of ways I'm a bit like a puppy let out for the first time, I want to have ago at everything then make my mind up. may not be the best approach but it's the only one I have.
Click to expand...

Not a bad approach. You're not looking to "go pro" so you can do what you want with your time.
Even after a number of years, I'm still refining what I like to shoot and will still try new things every so often (I do a 52 Week challenge, so that pushes me to try new stuff).
Everyone has to start somewhere, and not everyone has a particular idea of what they want to do/specialise in.

If you have arthritis, I'm guessing you won't be walking up hills for miles photographing landscapes, but there's lots you can do at home, so looking at macro and "table top photography" is a good place to start. You can do an awful lot with very little kit. And if you are doing that, you do want to spend a few pennies on some white and black cardboard for backgrounds, then you just need a few things to prop them up.
Here's a table top shot I did in my front room last year with no special lighting, just using a TV for the background. (Click the Flickr link to see the behind the scenes shot too)

Cold never bothered me by Alistair Beavis, on Flickr

There's plenty you can do at home without having to go far or use expensive kit, it also means you learn stuff about light (direction and strength), shadows, angles, backgrounds, and composition. Learning this stuff in a controlled environment can help a lot when you are out and not in control of all the elements.
Everyone is still learning, no matter what level they are at, it's just some people forget where they started.

Hang in there. Perhaps explore some other areas of the forum, look for some inspiration and ideas to try.
 
teddyt said:
In reply to the "I want to do everything" you mention Richard,It does seem a little bland. Perhaps I should explain that, Photography is very new to me so I am at present unsure, if all or only certain types of picture taking will appeal too me.
so in a lot of ways I'm a bit like a puppy let out for the first time, I want to have ago at everything then make my mind up. may not be the best approach but it's the only one I have.
Click to expand...
Now that's a nice post and well expressed. I hope you'll find the post by ABTog helpful and like he says try other areas of the forums.
 
very helpful indeed thank you
i have tried a couple of things, wih some slot cars.. Not the greatest shots in the world and no doudt will be heavily slagged off but I like em
8163blur7__zpslhutzhwr.jpg

ferrari14_zpsfypmpufz.jpg

porky31f_zpsu7qoxn0x.jpg

mustangm_zpsllqfbgok.jpg
 
With the 1st one, I can't tell if the cars are moving or not because the wheels look like their turning, but there's no movement-blur on the cars.
With no 3, you need more empty space on the left of the shot in front of the car. This is called "looking room", it shows that there is space for the car to move forward into and it's not just "looking" at the edge of the frame. This rule* applies to photos of people, they need space in front of their faces to look into.
The 2nd and 4th show that you're getting somewhere while playing with light, although that 4th one needs a touch more light.
Try using the setup from the 4th one, but turn the car straight on to the camera, so you're looking straight at the nose/grille, with that lighting, it'll look pretty menacing ;)

*note that rules like this "looking room" one can be broken, but learn the rules first then you can work out how to break them ;)
 
Thanks ABtog:agree: the 1st one, the cars are static (played in PS) 3rd one mmm your'e dead right, I got a bit crop happy I think. And 4th one I know what you mean ,but I quike like it as is(just my liking I guess) will have a go at a front end shot.
I have learn a new rule , so thank you I knew of the rule of 3rd's, but not that one :sneaky:
 
Second car image is best because it's lit well, but you need to look at your colourcontrol, it's too warm. Set the camera to tungsten or go manual and adjust the kelvin in camera( or after in post).

You can do so much with model cars with different lighting techniques.

So with you arthritis, what can you do, what limitations do you have, what do you want to shoot, then people can make suggestions. So are you wheelchair bound, limited movement, walking short distances etc.

Again you say you want to shoot everything, pick one or two things manageable and let us help you improve, or make suggestions.

Plus, we're generally a helpful lot, given the chance. You did fly off the handle rather quickly when your initial posts didn't quite make your requirements clear.

So pick a couple of things for starters. Get to know your kit, lighting etc, then when you've nailed the basics, move on to something else.
 
I understand your frustrations Graham and some of the members who have been here longer can sometimes come across a bit blunt, but mostly it's because they hear the same things so often and get frustrated I guess. Just let it go, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't go round ranting like you have in the street, you'd be sectioned! It really doesn't matter, nobody is having a go.

The problem with the term 'disabled' is it's incredibly vague. I've run a charity caring for children with disabilities. Some could run around and keep us on our toes, others needed 3 staff with them at all times, some more needed constant 1 to 1 specialist nursing care. Some could run, some couldn't even move their heads. If you lost an arm you would be disabled, it would make photography a little more challenging but you could probably walk for miles. If you lost a leg you couldn't walk far could you. Except what if you had a prosthesis and could run a marathon? Maybe you use a wheelchair and would benefit from having a camera with special adaptations so it's fixed to your chair. Sometimes people can't get it right, and I've known plenty of people with disabilities who relish in trapping people into getting it wrong. I'm not saying you did, but my point stands - you didn't clarify your needs until a few posts back so nobody knew if you could walk or even see! I can't walk far, so I don't, but I wouldn't want to take landscape photographs anyway really so I don't mind. For street photography I just don't rush and I sit down for a break when I need.

I don't think many people really think you have anything wrong in your kit, more you just don't need to keep buying. You yourself made some comments to imply that you were still looking and may buy more, people didn't want you to spend the limited amounts you had. You have to admit you made both pints crystal clear - you had limited amounts to spend and you were still looking and may buy more. You can't blam anyone who told you to stop buying and start taking pics.

I think the pics you put upmof the cars are really good, not exactly the first snaps someone would have taken so you've been practicing and have some good ideas and know the basics. Just work in the little details now. It's often hard to hear the critique but you must never take it as criticism. Big difference. They are telling you how they think you should change the photograph from their experience to make it better. Nobody will ever 'slag' your pics off, csrtainly I've not seen any of that going on.

I think everyone just wants you to save your pension and get busy taking the pics you want to take. YouTube is a good place to learn as you mentioned. And it's far from just for beginners as you seem to think. Keep learning, stop spending for now, slowly you will find things you need that you may want to purchase to improve your photography or make it a little easier.
 
Well said, Marc.
 
Thank you for your post,Marc.
1st off my health problems, as stated above Chronic Arthritus in hips, knees, ankles, neck, back, fingers and shoulders I also suffer with depression (15yrs+)and have had 1/2 my stomach removed so eating is a bit of an issue.

I am in constant pain and take 8 tramadol and 3 Gabapentin tablets a day along with paracetamol taken as needed just for the pain, also take a concoction of other meds for stomach and depression. I am not wheel chair bound as I refuse to use one (once in, scared I wont get out).
However Iam waiting results of futher x-rays as my left leg has got 1.5 - 2 inches shorter than my right??? Dr thinks hip has displaced or femur is breaking up. ...........
But apart from that Im as fit as a butchers dog!!:banana:
As for land scape on a major scale guess thats a no no, aprt from where I can park an snap a few, Macro I really like, street photography intrigues me too. like the look of IR and love animals. So you see I really do have a bit of a problem on what I want to do mostly??

Thank you for the kind words on the car pics. I have self taught to this level trouble is I seem to be stuck here??:thinking:
 
Last edited:
Applemuncher said:
Loving both of those images! The first one is amazing, it looks like an alien landscape!
Click to expand...
Must agree here fantastic.. Are you self taught Beth? if so what books etc did you use to help or was it all trail and error.
I just seem to have hit a wall at present, I am thinking of joining the local camera club as i have no one to actually talk about the problems /issues I com across

Would this be a good idea?
 
teddyt said:
Must agree here fantastic.. Are you self taught Beth? if so what books etc did you use to help or was it all trail and error.
I just seem to have hit a wall at present, I am thinking of joining the local camera club as i have no one to actually talk about the problems /issues I com across

Would this be a good idea?
Click to expand...

Yes, for sure (y) Pretty much all camera clubs are members of The Photographic Alliance of Great Britain - there will be one, or more, near you http://www.thepagb.org.uk/about/federations/
 
teddyt said:
Must agree here fantastic.. Are you self taught Beth? if so what books etc did you use to help or was it all trail and error.
I just seem to have hit a wall at present, I am thinking of joining the local camera club as i have no one to actually talk about the problems /issues I com across

Would this be a good idea?
Click to expand...

Hopefully if you get a good one, but also don't forget you have a superb asset here in this forum, willing to give hundreds of hours of free advice just to help you out with any problems you may have.

But at the moment you seem to a bit lost in all the possibilities which this wonderful hobby of ours can give you.

So I would say assess what you can do and take little steps as we all had to do (and many of us still have to).

And I would say that one thing you can do is learn about setting up how to set the custom white balance on your camera when taking photos under different light condition - and all that usually involves is a piece of white card or paper - PC printer paper for example.

Then re-take the pics of your cars and see how they come out.

And it isn't a case of comparing yourself to the best photographers on here, but more in evaluating yourself against yourself from week to week,month to month and year to year and see how you improve compared to YOU.

And remember that you never stop learning, at least I know I don't, and when I look at photographs I took 5 or 10 years ago I can definitely see my own improvement.

And so will you.
 
thanks peter, I am now going on the net to find out about this "custom white balance " of which you speak
but I shall return
 
The camera's manual probably tells you about it (if your bargain camera came with one.) Somewhere under "Support" on the Nikon site IIRC.
 
teddyt said:
Must agree here fantastic.. Are you self taught Beth? if so what books etc did you use to help or was it all trail and error.
I just seem to have hit a wall at present, I am thinking of joining the local camera club as i have no one to actually talk about the problems /issues I com across

Would this be a good idea?
Click to expand...
I am self taught, yes... it certainly helped with working in the industry for a few years as well. I started with looking at photos I liked, then working out how to do them myself... you tube is your best friend. I've got loads of books, but found I got more out of videos. It may be useful for you to join a camera club, even to just get some ideas, inspiration and support.
 
Thanks Nod and Bethy, I will endeavour to get to the local club
 
Last edited:
I managed to get out to the Olney Christmas fair today , and bit the bullet as to"street" photography 1st time I have tried this deliberately. now I know they are poor and technically inept but....am I going in the right direction,as what I am snapping??
I must admit I was a bit nervous of taking the pics, but really enjoyed it next time I will be a little more patient and not rush so much....in my defence it was very busy!!!
olney1_zpswlg9msy3.jpg

bench_zpsto98fvxj.jpg

balls_zpsotisavpw.jpg

chipdog_zpsmkubhbs4.jpg

cider3_zpsmj9wr5pt.jpg


gifts_zpssxa84eah.jpg

gs_zpsktwcxfgz.jpg

eggcups_zps6njuoccj.jpg
 
Graham - you probably want to start posting images for critique in the appropriate parts of the forum, rather than just in this thread. That way you'll get comments about how you can improve from people that have experience in those areas, assuming you want advice of course.
 
good Idea Toni can I move the post or do I need to redo it?
 
teddyt said:
good Idea Toni can I move the post or do I need to redo it?
Click to expand...


Don't try to move this post, but from this point onwards start posting images for comment and advice in the relevent sections of the forum. The quality of advice will vary: you'll find that some people (like Phil V) can be quite harsh at times but still offer very good advice, while others will either just tell you what a wonderful picture it is (nice but not helpful) or tell you what garbage your image is (neither nice or helpful - these are fortunately few & far between). You just need to pick the pearls of wisdom from the oysters of intercourse. ;)
 
first pic looks weirdly like the pigeon lady from Home Alone 2, but is too dark, needs lifting.
The rest of the pics are boring (Sorry) and on the third theres a blob blocking the womans face, its really noticeable as it's dead centre.

However fourth with the dog is a great spot, but you've focussed miles past the dog and girls, a shallow depth of field (small f number) on the dog/girls would have had the background blurred, emphasising the subjects.

So street is ok, but you're looking for interesting interactions. This may be people to people, people to signs, something to hold interest.
If you're documenting the fair, then thats ok, but take a look at local papers for how they document. Engage stall holders, even if it's just with a smile as you shoot them.
 
thanks byker28i, i have since done some PP on the first pic and looks soooo much better,:ty: the blob on the blob on the womans face is a ball itwas a sideshow game I was trying to be clever capturing the balls in the air.:rolleyes:

the advice about the dog shot is spot on thanks, And Toni, I am growing a much thicker skin since the start of this thread:banana:
 
Hi Graham I am a comparative newbie as well so not really qualified to really do this but: I quite like your dog picture and the comments are valid. but I think that sometimes a crop can sometimes save a picture that has interest by removing some of the clutter and distractions. Please forgive me for submitting this edit it is only to show what I mean. :) Would be better still if doggie was drooling

chipdog_zpsmkubhbs4.jpg
 
hi charles you are more than welcome to ajust my picsand Its does do the pic a favour
 
OK I think it's time to review what I have taken/learnt from this thread....Apart from the photo tips....

1,I/we are never as good as we think we are

2,Everyone has an opinion..Might not be the same as mine/yours, but thats life..accept it and move on.

3,Theres more to this Photo lark than I ever Imagined.

4, Some people will always be rude/blunt... just ignore it, but pick the gems from the turds

5, Everyone can and will add to your knowledge

6, Sometimes the mistakes you make are so obvious you dont see them.. but thats learning

7.If I put a photo up , I should expect BAD as well as GOOD comments and not take it as a personal attack

8,Its a hobby not LIFE or DEATH.....we need to remember that
 
Last edited:
teddyt said:
Thanks Chris,I have a small pension so next to no budget really, I want to do everything,macro landscape etc.
This is what i have so far...
.
Nikon D5100 (used)excellent condition £150

Nikon 15-80mm kit vr lens (Used) as new £40

Nikon 55-200mm kit vr lens (used) as new £65

Neewer TTL flash (new) £40

Nikon kit bag (used) as new £5

Slik Tripod (used) as new £10

128GB sd card (new) £5

Battery Grip (new) £10.50

Spare battery (new) £9

Macro ring flash(new) £17

Shutter release cord £2

Total spend £353.50

so far am very please with the perfomance and quality of my kit.
however shutter cord and macro flash have not yet arrived so we will see.

have also ordered some ND and other filters today
Click to expand...


That's more kit than I had in my first 8 years of photography !!! :D

Stop buying now, start learning instead as you could happily shoot for evermore with what you've already got - good luck :)

Dave
 
DG Phototraining said:
Stop buying now, start learning instead as you could happily shoot for evermore with what you've already got - good luck :)
Click to expand...
You and the others, who have told me this are so right....I have now found out that you cant buy skill/experience on ebay:thinking:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top