The *Official Photography Thread*

Do you guys use manual or TTL flash?

I've only been using manual and don't really see a need for the more expensive TTL options personally but I'm a newb so I don't pretend to know what I'm talking about haha

 

I don't feel that way at all. I like seeing the submitted photos and reading about the stories behind them, and I like to see variety in the submissions due to different interpretations of the challenge theme.

 

When I first got my 910 I used it in TTL and BTTL. I wasn't impressed with the TTL at all. Everything was way too bright. BTTL wasn't too bad. Then I decided to use manual and liked the control I had a lot better. So, from that point on I've used manual.

 

Obviously different photos and interpretations is awesome! ha I was talking about the challenges themselves, not the entries, but I see it's a sour chord to strike so I think we should just leave it alone haha

 

Well I feel like the challenges are pushing some people. I really liked the interpretation of the last one. I think there is still a challenge involved every week but if we have more technical challenges I don't know if everyone would still participate. Personally, I really like pushing myself but I also realize that's not the point everyone is at in their photography. I enjoyed the street photography challenge that took you out of your comfort zone. But on the other hand not many did that one. I think I would rather have it a little more relaxed and have everyone try than to push them beyond their skill level. I know that's how you learn new things but I realize the difference in someone who shoots almost everyday and those who have little time to shoot.

 

Yup ha it's perfectly fine as is. Just a small question haha

 

New thread for off camera flash created.

Off Camera Flash Thread

 

^^ I feel the same way as this.

 

Sweet

 

Of course ha sorry if I ever came off as too strong. Started as a simple question and I feel like it escalated quickly ha scratch that, never mind. goodnight all! Gotta be up in the 5 o'clock hour!

 

The beauty of the thread is if you want a techinical challenge..you need to win to make a techincal challenge if you don't particiapte and try to win..you can't change it I don't care what the challenges are. Everyone can be looked at in a unique way. And honestly, you can always challenge yourself to do something outragious that others won't do. Plus only having a week makes it hard. I like techincal ones too, but not many have the gear that a few of the regulars do. Which usually means a smaller turn out..not that that matters.

You could also look into winning the Monthly challenge so you can work on a challenge and perfect the style or skill over a full month. Thats what that one was started for..but hasn't been very popular.

I LOVE flash stuff..think i might get a off camera flash this summer as i would love paying with one.

 

In my opinion, what's great about the challenge is how vague it is. You can take it as far as you want and as far as your skill set will allow you to. This thread, and the challenge thread has contributed more to my growth as a photographer than anything else I am a part of. I'm always trying to be better because of them.

 

SB-400, SB-800, Sigma-600.... I'm a big fan of flash when appropriate, and I'm also a big fan of fill-flash IF it can be done in a way to maintain color balance.
Nothing looks worse than a cool amber sunset background and a stark-blue subject because the flash blew out the color balance.

And of course, there are tools available now that help with that, such as the Gary Fong "Amberdome".
I shot my buddy's 50th birthday party using nothing but the SB-800 with a Lightsphere, pointed straight up. Very nice and even coverage from the diffused direct and diffused bounce.

These are a couple of decent examples where you can see the color of the flash in the reflection in the window, but the image balanced out nicely.

2nd shot, you can clearly see the diffuser (and the top of my shining head) in the window... bad position, but I needed to be there to get the shot.

 

This was on the 13th. Was practicing for the blood moon, but go figure the clouds came in tonight so all my shots look like crap!


Canon 50D 1/200 ISO200 Celestron 70mm f/10 (700mm focal length) refactor telescope.

 

Welcome to astrophotography! Nice work. I usually boost contrast when processing the moon while decreasing exposure a half stop.

 

Here is my practice shot earlier in the night followed by my Blood Moon attempt this morning at 3:20 (almost slept through it). I was surprised at how different the settings were and it was much harder to get the shot later in the night without blur since I was having to take it at a slower shutter speed. There were both taken with just my 70-300mm lens and a cheapo tripod. I really want to get a telescope before next time. Tips, pointers, and suggestions on the photos and future reasonably priced equipment are appreciated. OKST Pistol Pete

 

I think you did pretty well.

You don't really need a telescope for the shot but you do need some reach. Your lens plus either 1.4x or 2x would be a good start. When shooting the moon, treat it like you would a sunny day shot-it's bright enough. The moon (and other celestial objects) move pretty quickly through the sky which means you want the highest shutter speed possible. To get that, high ISO and fast glass will help.

 

I spent much of the night at a mountain top park last night. I didn't expect the road to the parking lot to be closed, so I had to hike my gear about 500 ft up. My intention was not to capture the same red shot as everyone, so wanted some context and a wide shot. Really happy with the results! Light pollution was still pretty bad, but didn't have the motivation to get all the way out to Palomar Mtn. Let me know what you think!

Shot with Canon 6D, 28mm F1.8, wide open, 4 second exposure, ISO 1600

 

WAY TOO BIG haha still loading!



They're done ha I really like that tree. Do you have a flash that you could curtain that second shot with?

 

Awesome pics!