Any professional/amateur photographers out there?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 14:24:31 -0400

For a number of years, I've been interested in photography but never really took the leap to learn or improve my skills.  In the past few months, I've found some motivation and started learning some new stuff!  So far, I think I've got some awesome pics and even made a page to share them:<div><br></div><div>https://www.facebook.com/blackflagphotography<br></div><div><br></div><div>I'm trying to incorporate mostly military-style photographs, but am posting other types as well.  I'm trying to see if there's anyone else out there on RP who shares this interest... what's your favorite style of photography?  What drives you?  What kinds of equipment are "must-haves" for you?</div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-prn1/t1.0-1/c164.5.631.631/s200x200/282832_ [login to see] 86784_688408336_n.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/blackflagphotography">Black Flag Photography</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Black Flag Photography is my way to share my amateur photography. I'm great with post-processing,...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Mar 15 at 2014 2:42 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 14:42:30 -0400

Absolutely... I've enjoyed photography for a long time, and have gotten more into it over the last few years. When I say "more into it" -- I most mean putting out the money to getting and using professional equipment. <div><br></div><div>It seems like the first basic choice is Nikon vs. Canon. I went with Canon, just because I used to have their little Powershot cameras, and figured I would continue using Canon since I was familiar with their icons, etc. Not a great reason, but I don't think Nikon vs. Canon matters at my level.</div><div><br></div><div>After a while at using an entry level Canon DSLR Rebel, I dived into the deep end and got the Mark 5D III. I use the L Series 24-70 and 70-200 lenses mostly, but also really like the 50mm f/1.8 prime. I think that after my car and firearms, I probably spend the most amount of money on camera equipment... it's not a cheap hobby for sure. On top of hardware, I also taught myself how to use Photoshop and Lightroom.</div><div><br></div><div>I like to take all kinds of pictures, but my favorite is probably candid photos of people in a particularly "lively" moment. I feel like it's capturing the spirit of the moment... and those are pictures we rarely have of ourselves. We have lots of pictures where we pose for the camera, but rarely do we have something that is candid and not staged. Those are really tough to get, and when I do, I like to give it as a gift... it's one of the best things I can ever "make" for somebody. I don't often get to take these... usually at weddings. I'm attaching an example.</div><div><br></div><div>I also enjoy pictures I take in travel, of beautiful and unusual scenery, or the different ways people live life. </div><div><br></div>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 3:47 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 15:47:12 -0400

I tend to buy used the previous generation professional Nikon equipment that was bought by someone who just had to buy the latest and greatest but never used it. They often don't even take it out of the box. If they do take it out of the box they have 2,000 to 5,000 shutter clicks on a 200,000+ shutter click between major maintenance camera.

Quite apart from all the obvious differences in features, options, and accessories, the key selling points for me are the high ISO, fast shutter, and most particularly deepest color pixels (12+ bits per pixel) that allow me to pull detail out of highlights / shadows.

While there are many options for image processing flow, photoshop provides a huge number of plugins for processing these higher than normal depth per pixel images.

The downside, professional cameras are large, heavy, and not what you want to risk by carrying into a hazardous environment. They are not throw away cameras.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 4:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 16:04:37 -0400

In my equipment bag: Nikon D3, 50mm f/1.4, 35-50mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8 VR(1st gen). My favorite is portraits but I have really gotten into sport events/military competitions since I am our battalion's PAO as an additional duty. The 70-200mm is great for that. The D3 was a must-have for me because of its shutter speed. None of the other ones can touch 1/8000th seconds except for the D3S, D3X, or D4. You could probably get a D3 on eBay for just a few thousand dollars, up about half of what you would pay for D4. But I would not recommend that kind of investment unless you want to make it more than just a hobby, which it seems like you do. As for your photo editing software, I have used Photoshop elements, full Photoshop, and Lightroom. I definitely prefer Elements but a lot of people prefer Lightroom because it can go much faster. Keep up the awesome work! 

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 10:19 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 22:19:24 -0400

I have been doing photography on my own for almost two years. I truly love to do night shots and bring out the night colors of building and lights. All I have is a Nikon D3100 and it does everything I need. I use Lightroom to edit my photos and sometimes Photoshop depending on what I'm trying to do. I originally had Aperture but like Lightroom better. I looked at your Facebook and you do some really good work. What drives me is seeing something that someone would ignore or pass by taking a picture and turning it into something amazing. I also have some photos on Facebook check them out and let me know what you think. I'm always looking to improve. Facebook.com/rlphotogallery

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 1:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 13:57:00 -0400

I picked up photography on a whim during my 2011 deployment- southeast Afghanistan was beautiful and I wanted to capture it better than my point-n-shoot camera. Without any formal training, I discovered I wasn't terrible at it, and started a Facebook page where I hang my work.

I enjoy portrait work and architecture, though I try to shoot in a variety of formats. Scott Kelby's "Digital Photography" has been invaluable to me as a beginner, with all sorts of tips and tricks to make photos look less amateur. I recommend it strongly for anyone who is using their first DSLR Camera.

I started with a Nikon D3100 and upgraded to a Nikon D5200 this year. I have a tripod, a remote shutter release, and three lenses (a 50mm 1:1.4 fixed, a 18-55mm, and a 55-200mm). Add in a couple SD cards, and it is all I "need" for now.

Axxelerant Photography

The side-affect of wandering through nightmares on earth for years at a time can be discovering...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 2:13 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:13:44 -0400

I love photography and I get to do it for the Army, so my hobby is my Job. Currently, I use a Nikon D-3100. I'm hype that I am going to Brasil and Paraguay for business purpose, can't wait to see the images I'm going to capture.

Response by SGT Gary Frank made Mar 18 at 2014 2:49 PM

SGT Gary Frank — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:49:55 -0400

I once had a Dark Room [B/W] in my basement back in the 80's. I found out the hard way what Developer, Stop Bath and Fixer can do to Copper plumbing and a Stainless Steal Septic Tank.<br><br>Permission to Laugh, GRANTED!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 18 at 2014 3:41 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 15:41:09 -0400

I got into photography as part of my PTSD treatment! I wouldn't say I'm a "professional" but I shoot with a Nikon D300s and have done a wedding and other shoots for friends and others here in the Pittsburgh area. If you want, you can see my work on 500px at http://500px.com/BenKeen.

500px / Ben Keen

500px is a premier photo community for discovering, sharing, buying and selling the highest quality of photography.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Mar 19 at 2014 9:27 PM

SFC Gary Fox — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:27:05 -0400

I like taking pictures. I have a Sony A-55. I didn't want to sink a lot of money into it only to realize I really didn't want to do it after all. I like to take pictures of sporting events. Here's one I took at a high school football game that I really like. Notice the block to #51. OUCH!

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 9:32 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:32:52 -0400

Does Instagram count :P ? I love photography but I leave that up to my wife, I'm into videography. Share more pictures, I like to see great work!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 7:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 19:58:10 -0400

I would consider myself semi-professional. I am completely self taught but still have a lot to learn and room to grow. Feel free to check out my Facebook and website and and all critiques are welcomed.

In my bag, I have a Nikon D600 and Fuji x100s. My two favoriet and most used lens are my Nikkor 70-200 F 2.8 VRII, and my Nikkor 85 F1.8. I also have the Nikkor 24-70 F2.8, Sigma 105 F2.8, and my latest lens is the Nikkor 50 1.4G. I use two SB900's and one SB700 for my lighting with great results.

I have recently discovered street photography, and by far my most favorite photographer is Zack Arias. This is where my Fuji system comes in. I truly worship his photography and would give almost anything to be half of the photographer as he is. The Fuji Xseries is amazing, but I am not ready to give up the DSLR yet. Some of my most cherished shots have come from a recent trip to Las Vegas.

http://www.facebook.com/CapturedMomentsByJason

http://www.momentsbyjason.com

Captured Moments: Photography by Jason

I offer candid, custom, vintage-style, on-location photography using natural light or portable...

Photography by Jason

I offer candid, custom, vintage-style, on-location photography using natural light or portable studio lighting, backdrops and props.

I specialize in photo sessions for Maternity, Newborn, Babies and ...

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Jan 2 at 2015 8:29 AM

LT Jessica Kellogg — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 08:29:52 -0500

I love photography. I've been shooting for the Navy for the past year, and also on the side.

Response by SFC Bayardo Reyes made May 12 at 2016 11:46 AM

SFC Bayardo Reyes — Thu, 12 May 2016 11:46:44 -0400

is this group still active? Picture for Attention
NIKON D7100 with 80-200MM 2.8f