There's a discussion on AB about photography tips and I just thought I'd spill some things over onto this board while I'm at it.
The first thing that comes to most people's minds is, what camera should I buy? Well there are many different answers to this question. Really it all boils down to, with which one are you most comfortable using? If you already have a camera, you should get as comfortable as you can with it. What I mean by this is read the manual, try out every different feature your camera has, and tinker with settings to find out what effect it has on your photos.
If you don't already have a camera, then I highly suggest the Nikon D40. It does 99% of what most people really need, even with the kit lens. There will always be something bigger and better for you out there, but trust me, try to convince yourself that you don't really need it! I used to think, "If only I had <insert lens/camera here> my photos would be soooo much better." That is a really bad way of thinking and a good way to waste a lot of money.
What you really should be focusing on is your lighting. Lighting is 99% of photography. Get yourself a decent flash before anything else. There are various options out there, some wireless some not. If you can't afford the latest and greatest flash, get a used flash! It'll work just fine. Yeah, you might have to deal with a cable going from your hotshoe to your flash, but it'll get the job done. I have an SB-800 which has an SU-4 mode which will allow it to work with any flash source, even one from a point and shoot. Work with the flash. Move it around, adjust the power, and see how it affects your image.
That's basically it for now. I'll ad more when I feel like it.
Some example photos. The first was taken with a really basic $100 (4 years ago) Canon Powershot A510 3.2 Megapixel camera. The second with the Nikon D40 (6 megapixel) and the last is a Nikon D300 (12 megapixel). All were taken with the SB-800 flash. Except for color variations, poses, and framing, I really see no difference in quality.
balam
I think this is a great thread Kyle.
Thank you for sharing some of your experience.
Only thing I would like to add is that for those of you that don't shoot digital, and are learning to use all the setting in your cameras, remember to write down what changes you have made to the settings in each frame. Practice is important, and with time you should be able to look at a scene (be it a landscape or a set-up shoot of your inverts) and determine which settings (F stop, shutter speed etc) you should* be using.
Great pics Kyle, I'm thankful we have someone in the group who can offer insight in this subject.
Celeste
The iridescence really "jumps out" more in the second and third pictures... And the colors on the cork bark look more vivid as well (IMHO).
noexcuse4you
Some people on AB have been bashing me about my pics and telling me that I have no reason to give photography advice. Well, it took me about 2 seconds to figure out how to fix my photos so they're not "flat colorful pancakes." Check it out.
a1_collection
Nice set up. I love how you set up the defuser. Excellent.
WBurke17
Thats pretty sweet the way yiu have that set up
Herpetologyfrk
AB is just jealous of you're mad skills
Celeste
Yeah, Kyle! You da' man!
balam
You go Kyle! (Ego stroke, Ego stroke), so how about we talk about bringing down the price on those pokies now... j/k.
But seriously, what if you add some "hair light" from the back and make those setae jump out even more? Is that a possibility?
Thank you for sharing how to do it.
jharr
Kyle, I'm not well versed on diffusers other than those mounted on the speedlight. Is that opaque or translucent?
As to your other thoughts on equipment, you saw some of what I posted on AB and I am with you completely. When I was making the switch to digital, I knew that I wanted a Nikon and I knew I wanted something at least as good as my N80. I shopped a LOT and ended up with the D70s. It had already been discontinued and the D80 was out as the 'new & improved version', but after looking it over and comparing the cost/feature ratio, I knew it would be the right camera. I have been nothing but pleased with my decision to get a refurbed older model. It is super reliable and does almost everything I want. Cameras don't make great photos, people do.
j/k.