photography tips / advice?
Question by Juliana: photography tips / advice?
hi, i’m a teenager and i own a Nikon D90 and I’m a beginner.
I currently use AF-S Nikkor 18-105mm lens. I’m getting new lens, which one should I get?
I’m thinking of buying a Fisheye lens but I would not like the black edges.
I would like some tips and advice on how to take pictures that I want (pics included) and how to improve with photography and with the camera.
But mainly I want to take sharp pictures, where you can see details of the eye clearly.
And pictures with such high color and contrast.
pictures I CURRENTLY take -
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s102/julzrulz101/Picnikcollage-16.jpg
pictures I WANT to take -
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s102/julzrulz101/Picnikcollage-17.jpg
thanks! means a lot to me 
appreciate it. xo
Best answer:
Answer by Larry R
Read your manual, buy some books, and look at some tutorials online. First, and most importantly, take your camera off auto and learn.
What do you think? Answer below!
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Posted in Tips
4 Responses to “photography tips / advice?”
that first pic, that you “want to take” was probably photoshopped by the person who stole it, to have the word “RULES” put in there… cos i’m pretty sure i’ve seen that somewhere else without any writing… and fast shoot photography is very tricky…
try learning to take pics with the camera properly first, before you try anything fancy… there are so many thing you could do… and start with your 18-105mm first before buying expensive lenses…
Really ask yourself why you want to buy another lens. The focal length on your 18-105mm lens is very versatile. You can take three out of the four pictures you posted in the second link with your current lens – the exception being the one on the bottom right because of the depth of field.
Very detailed and sharp images can come from some added sharpness in PP. Same thing applies to high contrast/high colour. You just need to make sure your image is in focus and be aware of what you’re shooting.
I know you can’t reply to my Answer but why are you interested in a fish eye lens? It’s a pretty big investment and the distortion can limit you to the type of photographs you can take compared to non-fisheye lenses.
I also have just bought a new nikon d90, but i have used d50 before and have some knowledge on photography. From my perspective what you have got is enough for beginner. Once you learn the basics of photography then you might consider investing on other type/expensive lenses.
The second picture, YOU WANT TO TAKE are more digitally manipulated than the original shot. You can use Photoshop Program to edit pictures after you have taken them. But it is always good practice to try your best with camera first.
I thought your two pictures were as good as a couple of the ones on your “want-to” list. The WB is off on the first one, but I though the second one was rather nice and liked the composition, although it is not quite as sharp as it might have been. That is a matter of technique more than lens choice. The one of the exploding wine glasses is a much more advanced technique. You are some ways off from being able to duplicate that without special equipment and lighting. The others you can do with what you already have.
If all you want is to take close-ups of eyes (cliche and dated already) buy a point and shoot with a macro mode. To get high contrast and saturated colors, or to emulate the cross-processed look, get Photoshop Elements, or you can even do that on-line at some site like Picnik etc. Otherwise, learn and practice with the fine camera and lens you already have. No, the kit lens is not as fast as a more pro level prime or zoom, but it is more than sufficient for a novice to begin learning the craft. After you have put in some time and effort, you will discover what the kit lens is not doing that you need or want to do. Then is the time to upgrade your lens. (BTW, fisheyes are fun for a bit, but like any trendy/odd thing, that view is quickly tiring. Real fisheyes are quite expensive, although maybe that won’t matter to a teen beginner with a D90 already, but they are really a specialty lens and not for everyday use. This is one case where I could recommend a fish attachment, if they make them for SLR lenses.) I will suggest perhaps a 50mm f/1.8 lens for sharpness and low light. It is in-expensive, and on a crop frame sensor like the D90 it makes a fine portrait lens.
Here are a couple of links for beginners:
http://asp.photo.free.fr/Composition/photoProgramCompMainClass.shtml
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=38/13915&pq-locale=en_US
Begin learning about the craft first. Take a class if possible, or join a local group or club for mentoring and feedback. Visit the library or bookstore for books on basic photography. Look at good images and think about how and why they were made. Good photography requires brain time and effort, and not necessarily new/better/more gear. Learn that first, and you are well on your way to improvement. Best wishes and happy shooting.