/p/hotog thread

[Anonymous No.6569996]

Let's have a cosplay/convention photography thread. Ask questions, share stories, gearfag it up... (please don't)

I recently bought an external flash for my kit and I'm loving it. Bounce flash works great in those low light indoor situations.

[Anonymous No.6571257]

There are no cosplay photographers on cgl unless you count beethy who comes for drama

[beethy !j7xyYIDUYA No.6571261]

>>6571257
lol

[okgold No.6571352]

ho boy~ itza photog tiem

Deffinitely working on bringing more light options to a con, went to a smaller convention a few months back with reflective ceilings, ruined mah setup. Picked up a couple of flash brackets off DX, hoping I can get some more dynamic light out of them.

[beethy !7RV9YIDUYA No.6571399]

>>6571261
whoa someone figured out my trip LOL (i think)

[beethy !p9fj8LGQOI No.6571404]

changed trip. dis me my new one.

i would advise against shooting indoors (even with flash) unless you have absolutely no other option. it doesn't always make for the best looking images.

[Anonymous No.6571441]

>>6571404
I'm used to going to cons when it's freezing out, so for me it often is the only option. But I otherwise agree with you.

[okgold No.6571658]

>>6571404
Natural light is godly, but there's something fun about beating the odds and getting a good setup with a flash. I've also set up a lightbox and umbrella in my hotel room before, that worked out well.

There are many cons that don't really require people to travel outdoors, There are some cons with beautiful indoor light (pic related, Otakuthon). But for sure, If i'm asking someone for a photo? were going outside

[Anonymous No.6571663]

>>6571658
Dem eyes

[beethy !p9fj8LGQOI No.6573409]

>>6571658
loving that shot
i guess the cons here in australia don't have the prettiest looking indoor environments. :)

[Jkid !MoQnyGB0xU No.6573545]

I'm surprised this thread is still up. Anyway I recently bought a new point and shoot camera by the Canon Powershot series. It takes decent photographs by having the settings done automatically.

It does have HD Video recording capability but it runs 30 fps / 25 fields per second and it's more of a "matte" widescreen.

[Anonymous No.6573559]

>>6573545
>2013
>letting your camera determine aperture, shutter speed, ISO
At least you can't help that your point-and-shoot doesn't have a full manual mode. Meanwhile, people with babby's first DSLR are shooting in Green P mode lel.

[ei666shii !otnRSDkuZA No.6573593]

>>6573559
Sorry Jkid, I laughed really hard at this.

[Mel !iKGMr61IHM!!pN/lb2Q6xjV No.6573601]

>>6573545
I was looking at Powershots recently after finding out that's what the guy who does Cosplay in America uses. DOES it have manual settings?

[Anonymous No.6573656]

>>6573559
The camera does have a full manual mode. It's called P for Program.

[Jkid !MoQnyGB0xU No.6573660]

>>6573601
>>6573559
The camera does have a full manual mode. It's called P for Program.

[Mel !iKGMr61IHM!!pN/lb2Q6xjV No.6573688]

>>6573660
Oh, good. Have you shot with it at a con yet?

[Jkid !MoQnyGB0xU No.6573721]

>>6573688
I used that camera in Anime USA 2012 and in MAGFest 11

In addition I bought myself a new camcorder (Sony Handycam hdr-cx580) for Christmas. It will allow me to take images without pulling my camera and will allow me to take images while recording.

Often times, I see a photo I want to take but I do not want to pull my main camera if there is a random event occurring near by.

(I really need to retrain myself to hold both my camcorder and camera at the same time.)

[Mel !iKGMr61IHM!!pN/lb2Q6xjV No.6573730]

>>6573721
Helmetcam.
Or maybe some kind of shoulder mount.

[Anonymous No.6573733]

>>6573721
That would be great to watch.

[Anonymous No.6573772]

powershot is just what canon calls almost everything that isn't a dslr. so you've got high end powershots (g series, s series), middle (sx) and you've got low end powershots (a and e series). you've even got the d series which is their more weather resistant stuff. so maybe you've got a good one, maybe you don't.

[Jkid !MoQnyGB0xU No.6573805]

>>6573772
The Powershot I have is the Powershot A1300. I only bought it due to the fact that it has a viewfinder, since they're going the way of the dodo for consumer variants.

[beethy !p9fj8LGQOI No.6573913]

Even though I always shoot in full manual, I don't think there's anything wrong with using any Auto settings. As long as you're happy with the photos you're taking, it's all good.

[Twelve-Fifty No.6573935]

I don't have it with me at the moment, but the camera I currently have is... Well, I guess it's a DSLR, a very basic one at least, I know it's not a point-and-shoot, that's for sure. It takes great outdoor pictures, but indoors, holy shit it's awful. There are no settings though, aside from scene settings and an ISO adjustment, there's nothing. It's kind of pissing me off so I'm saving up for a new one. I love it, though, it's a good camera, but it's kind of totally shit at the same time, especially the video, it makes everything about five times darker.

ex. photo quality outdoors and indoor

[Anonymous No.6573940]

>>6573935
what model is it? probably a bridge camera

[Twelve-Fifty No.6574014]

>>6573940
Kodak EasyShare Z5010 Digital Camera
I'm still pretty new to photography, so I don't know what exactly makes a camera a DSLR, but I'm guessing this isn't really a DSLR.

[Anonymous No.6574025]

>>6573913
you dont even take photo's anymore

[Lilt No.6574026]

>>6574014
Yeah, that's not a DSLR,

[Anonymous No.6574038]

I'm not a professional (used to shoot for the paper when I was in high school and can work a camera decently well) but I did just get a new camera for christmas. (well used christmas money and savings from my work)

switched to nikon and got the Nikon 1. Not the best camera out there, but I'm looking forward to now having something a step or two above point and shoot for the coming con season.

And it's pink. So theres that.

[beethy !p9fj8LGQOI No.6574109]

>>6574025
I sure do
http://beethy.deviantart.com/

[okgold No.6574187]

as a resident gear/p/hag, i'd like to begin

>>6574014
While this isn't a DSLR, it sounds like you're really happy with it! The term SLR reffers to the mirror action, not the shape or size of the device. Also, any non P&S camera will have removable lenses.

>>6574038
Oh that's really kawaii~ the sensor could be bigger, but it's a great start, I hope you have fun with the versatility! I've been trying to get my parents to buy themselves a mirrorless like that, maybe a MFT (I've enjoyed the NEX series), they're perfect for anyone that's really interested in LEARNING about photos, not just taking them.

>>6574109
Gosh those are some swell photos there beethy, I was pleasantly surprised

[okgold No.6574191]

as a resident gear/p/hag, i'd like to begin

>>6574014
While this isn't a DSLR, it sounds like you're really happy with it! The term SLR reffers to the mirror action, not the shape or size of the device. Also, any non P&S camera will have removable lenses.

>>6574038
Oh that's really kawaii~ the sensor could be bigger, but it's a great start, I hope you have fun with the versatility! I've been trying to get my parents to buy themselves a mirrorless like that, maybe a MFT (I've enjoyed the NEX series), they're perfect for anyone that's really interested in LEARNING about photos, not just taking them.

>>6574109
Gosh those are some swell photos there beethy, I was pleasantly surprised

[Anonymous No.6574204]

>>6574191
Yeah I thought it was a good step, user friendly enough but also decently quality for it's price range. Hoping to learn more about photography as I use it and upgrade some time in the future.

The fact that it's nearly the size of a point and shoot is a MAJOR plus though. Jus pop off the lense (and cap both the camera and lens of course) put it in a small bag and store it and the lens in my purse. Dont need to bring around a separate camera bag.

The one thing I really dislike about it is that it's only got a digital screen instead of a screen and a view finder. But I can learn to deal with that for now.

[Anonymous No.6574249]

>>6574038
>>6574204

Sounds good!
May I ask what you roughly paid for it?
I know price will vary from market to market but it's always good to get a ballpark figure.

[Anonymous No.6574275]

>>6574249
around $500-$600

[Anonymous No.6574287]

>>6574275
Thank you!

[Anonymous No.6574311]

Does anyone recommend the Nikon 3100 or 5100? I'm looking to get into cosplay photography and my point and shoot is shit. Online reviews seem to circlejerk around those two models, but I'm wondering if there are other, possibly better, beginner-friendly DSLRs? My budget is from $400~$650

[beethy !p9fj8LGQOI No.6574426]

>>6574191
Thanks bro

Man, I used to be on /p/ all the time.. for about 2 or 3 years. Learned a lot of shit photography wise from everyone there. Good place.

[Anonymous No.6574451]

>>6574311
The D3100 is a great budget/starter DSLR. It's a really nice size and it's a perfect tool to learn the basics with. The only cons It has in my opinion is the 10 minute video cap, the noise at high ISOs and the slow burst mode but none of that is too major when doing cosplay photography apart from maybe the high ISO noise. For the price, it's a steal. This is one of the first pictures I took with it so It's not a great example but yeah, buy the damn camera.

Also I recommend subscribing to Digitalrev TV on YouTube if you want to know more about cameras and photography in general. It's not cosplay related but it is a good way to learn new techniques and to stay in the loop of the photography scene. All about that boke.

Remember, the best camera is the one you have.

[Anonymous No.6574506]

Got an NEX-5N. Recently bought a 55-210mm lens for it (kit lens is 18-55mm) and a reversing ring for macro stuff.

Problem with the NEX-5 series is that there's no hot-shoe for flash. I mean, you can plug a flash into the smart accessory port, but if I ever get an EVF it means I'll have to choose between one or the other.

[Anonymous No.6574541]

>>6574451
>>6574451 here.

Kai's fucking hilarious. I love his sense of humour.

Mark Wallace and Matt Grainger are both pretty good too imo. Grainger is such an awkward person though, so funny when he took that model to a pub and started shooting her there.

[Anonymous No.6574547]

>>6574451
>>6574506 here.

Kai's fucking hilarious. I love his sense of humour.

Mark Wallace and Matt Grainger are both pretty good too imo. Grainger is such an awkward person though, so funny when he took that model to a pub and started shooting her there

[Anonymous No.6574651]

>>6571257
>There are no cosplay photographers on cgl unless you count beethy who comes for drama
I know of at least 3 britfag ones that post.

[Enver !!52WOxLC+CKW No.6574678]

I've had a T3 for a month. It's a decent starter, I've found. Anyone have tips for shooting video indoors without it looking shitty?

[Micnax !!JOgXJlDqDmX No.6574695]

>>6574311
The D3100 is a pretty fantastic camera to start off with. It's simple enough to use from the get-go and has plenty of options to adjust when you start learning more about it. I use one and it gets some good pictures, especially in low light after some fiddling.

[Anonymous No.6574697]

>>6573559
I personally don't find an issue with letting your photographs determine aperture as long as you're not worried too much about FOV or anything - since to me, at cons, I focus a lot more heavily on shutterspeed specifically to avoid ungodly blurs and shitty vileplumes.

Manual settings are superior for getting WHAT YOU WANT TO GET, assuming you want a certain picture, but otherwise I wouldn't go criticizing people who use automatic settings.

Though I admit I get bugged by auto-focus that doesn't get it just right.....

[Anonymous No.6574704]

>>6574311
D3100 is very good budget wise for what it offers, and you'll have some pretty damn nice lens available for you (grab the 200-300mm) and everything works out nicely.

it's a damn good camera for its cost, honestly.

[Libra !!DJgjz+hvEg4 No.6574710]

>>6574311
You can usually find a 40D for that price and its lot of fun to shoot.

I would recommend looking more in to DSLRs...

[Anonymous No.6574711]

>>6574311

[Anonymous No.6574723]

>>6574710
Using a 40D atm as my first DSLR. Loving it.

[Anonymous No.6574787]

You can get a used 1D Mark II for the same price of a 40D, and it's superior in ever aspect.

Also, thread went to shit when beethy started posting.

[Anonymous No.6574798]

>>6574697
I always worry I'll take for-fucking-ever setting my manual settings and the cosplayer will get annoyed. I always set them beforehand for the general area, but it still feels like an eternity setting up a shot (even if it's probably only 1-2 seconds).

And ugh, AF that just doesn't seem to work right.. Sometimes mine is fantastic, sometimes I think it's trying to piss me off. Shooting manual while a strobe was going was a fun challenge though. I'm still shocked any of my photos were in focus.

Also, is Pentax just unpopular? I rarely see anyone mention their DSLRs when they have some pretty good ones.

[Libra !!DJgjz+hvEg4 No.6574820]

>>6574787
>1D Mark II same price as a 40D

Ebay starting prices and double by the end of the auction. Lower cost units usually have soon or faulty shutter. Since they have a high burst rate you can expect that the body was used in harsh conditions or futbol games.

>>6574798
>manual settings taking forever

Scrolling is not difficult??? Takes couple of seconds to change them all even then the raw images can be edited. These are cosplayers for crying out loud all they want something to jerk off.

>AF that just doesn't seem to work right

Wrong settings for the environment that its in? Even a kit lens does a decent job at focusing. Tripods are also a lifesaver since the body is stationary...

>I rarely see anyone mention their DSLR

Hipster cameras since they cost more than canon/nikon equivalents without magic lantern.

[Anonymous No.6574831]

>>6574820
>He checks eBay for DSLR gear and not superior forums
Step it up man.

1D Mark IIs are going for 400-450€ in Germany. And they're not even close to max clicks. I got mine for 400€, 45k Shutter clicks and 3 batteries.

[Libra !!DJgjz+hvEg4 No.6574836]

>>6574831
Enthusiast forums? I usually see them for similar costs. I still have to say the bodies fetch for 700-900USD. A lot of them come with the body alone so you would have to spend an additional cost for MF/AF lenses. So no I do not recommend it for the costs and size.

[Anonymous No.6574846]

>>6574836
Enthusiast forums, yes.

You're talking about starting out on photography? Well yeah, point taken if you're living in the states. Canon stuff goes much cheaper here.

Not like I would recommend a 1D series body to someone who's just starting out anyway.

[Libra !!DJgjz+hvEg4 No.6574853]

>>6574846
Well yeah? The comments were about a low cost dslrs for beginners. Also the occasional Canon 350D can be found for very cheap and it does an adequate job. Tripods I can not stress this enough they are extremely important even if the body/lens has an auto stabilizer.

[Anonymous No.6574904]

So I got a DSLR (canon 40d)for my birthday I want to take cosplay pictures with and I am terrified of it. I want to touch the knobs and buttons but I'm afraid of fucking up the settings and ruining it.

I have looked online at some advice and instructions but every other page seems to contradict the other. Does anyone have any advice for taking good, simple photos for a beginner?

[Libra !!DJgjz+hvEg4 No.6574919]

>>6574904
b&h tutorial seminars on youtube that lasts a good hour plus.

[Anonymous No.6574935]

>>6574678
It depends on whether or not you can control the light. If you can, add more light. Otherwise, bump up the ISO as high as you're comfortable with and use the widest aperture you have available. That depends heavily on which lenses you have.

[Anonymous No.6574971]

>>6574904
Was in the same position with the same camera. This website is good for getting to the basics:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/

[Anonymous No.6574980]

>>6574904
Here's a very basic run down.

Aperture: This controls the depth of field. Lower number = blurrier backgrounds.

Shutter speed: this is how long the shutter stays open. The longer it stays open, the more light/information/time the camera takes in.

ISO: Is it dark? Crank this up to brighten stuff up. The higher it is the more noise/static the photo will contain so aim to get this down as low as possible.


The mode dial.
Varies from Nikon to Canon.

TV/S mode: In this mode the camera picks what it thinks is the best aperture for the shutter speed you set.

AV/A mode: Set the aperture and your camera will picks what it thinks is the best shutter speed. (I shoot in this mode the most)

P mode: Camera does all the work.

M mode: Manual mode. You control everything. Use this when you have time to dick around with settings/know what you're doing.


There is no 100% "This is how you take good pictures" guide. If you really want to take good and original pictures, experiment and get crazy. I know way too many people who still don't understand that. Happy shooting, hope that helped.

[Anonymous No.6575029]

>>6574904

Try this site as well, I usually have my students screw around in it to get familar with the settings
http://camerasim.com/camera-simulator/

[Anonymous No.6575037]

>>6575029
That kid is creeping me the fuck out.

[Anonymous No.6575048]

>>6575029
>>6574980
Wow, thanks so much for you help!

[Libra !!DJgjz+hvEg4 No.6575050]

>>6575029
I really like this tool for new students getting into the field. Excellent !

[Anonymous No.6575091]

>>6574980
Following on from this, most DSLR cameras come with different shooting modes, including the Continuous Shooting mode. When you use it, holding the shutter release will make the camera to continue taking pictures.

This is VERY handy when you're taking photographs of cosplayers, because you're in a very situational position and need to take multiple photos in a short about of time. Doing so will let you choose which photo is the best later on, as most of the time the subject blinks, or someone in the background ruins the picture.

Here's where it's located on the Nikon D3100. It's different for almost all cameras so check your manual for where it is on yours.

[okgold No.6575098]

>>6574798
I've been a pentaxfag since my first SLR, Sony and Pentax are both unpopular choices for DSLRs. Their low share of the market only really means that they release less lenses, but I'd swear by pentax glass any day. While pentax has a smaller library recently, they've been using the same mount since the 70's so you can use all their old glass.

My first digital SLR was a K10D I got for $300, with a 50mm 2.0 manual lens my dad bought just after he met my mother. Mostly because I have a derpy agenda against kit/zoom lenses. Pic related, some animu figure shots I took with my first setup

Buying older DSLRs is great, you just have to get used to running manual. The big difference between new and old is how the camera handles low light, if you don't stick with 100ISO constantly, a 2006 camera will turn grainy pretty danm fast.

[Anonymous No.6575433]

>>6575098
This.

Sony's E-Mount range hardly has anything.

[beethy !p9fj8LGQOI No.6576556]

>>6574787
Seems that the thread actually started taking off around that time
haha

[beethy !p9fj8LGQOI No.6576559]

>>6575029
Btw this is fucking awesome. Thanks.

[Anonymous No.6576815]

ho ho ho beethy posting a hotography thread and acting like hes an expert

looks like hes copying andy wahas style now fail beethy fail

[Anonymous No.6576912]

>>6576815
i'm hoping this photo is ancient as fuck because it's a lot less than what i'd expect from someone who has come out of the /p/ wringer

[Anonymous No.6576975]

>>6575029
Would've been better if it also taught it DOF. But otherwise, p cool.

[beethy !p9fj8LGQOI No.6577231]

>>6576815
I didn't know that photo was still on my dA account. Thanks for reminding me. It's gone now.

That photo is shit and terrible. I agree.

[troll tan !MI1.d0y0Pc No.6577247]

>>6577231
I've seen much worse.

Do you browse /p/ fellows? There's a really helpful tutorial thread up right now with a lot of infographics on how to shoot portaits with the correct lighting.
>>6574451
This is one of my very close friends, do you mind if I send her a copy of the pic? I'm sure she'd really like it .

[zomzom !eLl0.S96Vw No.6577256]

>>6577247
I thought that you were the one who made that post when I saw it.

[Libra !!DJgjz+hvEg4 No.6577255]

>>6575098
You can fit pentax lenses on eos/nikon body with a simple ebay adapter.

>>6575433
Sony has a terrible lineup for photography

[Anonymous No.6577301]

>>6575098
Yeah, I went Pentax originally cause my grandfather had one from the 70s and a ton of lenses. Sadly some of the lenses aren't any good anymore (foggy as hell, don't know if that's fixable).

My K-M is a bit old.. and you can tell. I can go up to 1600 and it's grainy but still slightly acceptable, but 3200 loses all details to grain. Gonna upgrade to another Pentax.. or I may just save up for a Canon 5d Mark II if I get back into concert photography/more photography in general

I had a kit lens once. It was great that it was so light.. but the IQ was awful. I think I sold it for $40.

[Anonymous No.6577311]

>>6577301
Foggy lenses can be cleaned. You can take a shot at taking the lens apart yourself, or you can take it into a shop.

I miss my first DSLR. It was a Pentax K-r I bought before Acen 2011 because I didn't have enough time to buy one and get it shipped. (I paid out the ass for it. I probably would have saved money even if I shipped it next-day.)

[Libra No.6577317]

>>6577301
>foggy

Hazing can be removed with isopropyl alcohol

>I can go up to 1600 and it's grainy but still slightly acceptable

I suggest a photography class at the local university/college .

> Canon 5d Mark II if I get back into concert photography

You need better glass

>selling kit lens

I see no reason in selling it since it adds resale value and its great for macro photography.

[Anonymous No.6577333]

I think I'm going to try the 5d Mk2 when I "grow" out of my current one. I think the prices have dropped since the release of the Mk3

[Anonymous No.6577996]

>>6577231
you are not andy beethy so dont try and process like him he takes photos a shitload better htan you do

[Anonymous No.6579312]

This thread is starting to feel like an actual /p/ thread.

Anyone have any interesting stories?
>first time at a con
>had just got my camera
>everything is new, wtfamidoing.jpg
>ended up wandering dealers hall most of the time
>too beta to ask people for photographs
>maybe 6 good shots

Those were dark days.

[Anonymous No.6579730]

Pentax makes some nice stuff. To boot their nice glass is less expensive than Nikon or Canon.

I have never liked a Sony SLR. The first models I used were horrendously slow. Unless you have some badass Minolta lenses stay away from Sony.

Personally I like Nikon more than Canon. I would think about getting a Nikon 1 to carry around, but I feel the time to upgrade from my D80 to full frame is about due. To be fair though, most of what I take is just random snapshots.

Pic related, should I post my deviant account?

[beethy !p9fj8LGQOI No.6579734]

>>6579312
First few cons I went to with a camera.. my main goal was never to take 'good' photos. I didn't think it was possible, really.

[Anonymous No.6580045]

>>6579734
In this case good was subjective. Definitely not something to write home about.

[okgold No.6580388]

>>6579312
>>6579312
First pics from an anime con were from my seccond anime con, so mostly I was focussed on taking candid photos of scantily clad women (because obviously, they must think i'm a terrible perv if I ask them for a photo), and taking cool photos of me and my friends' cool new naruto headbands we all bought

[okgold No.6580391]

>>6580388
The first year I brought my film SLR, things improved dramatically, but I had to choose my shots more carefully

[Anonymous No.6580401]

all of the composition is bad in this thread

[Anonymous No.6580422]

>>6580388
mfw that girl looks pretty cute.

[Anonymous No.6587825]

moar phot talk shit?

[Anonymous No.6588058]

>mfw I have a roll of portra 400 shot at a cosplay con that I still haven't developed
>mfw lugging around a medium format camera and guessing exposure while others all happily snapshit with their entry slr's

it felt good
fuck, I'll develop it tomorrow.

[Anonymous No.6588065]

I was at the SF Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and some guy took a photo of me and all my photo gear. I kept moving away from his line of sight because I thought I was in the way of something he wanted to shoot. Confused the hell out of me.

[Anonymous No.6588426]

>>6588058
That's why I don't think I could ever shoot film. I like the instant gratification. Not to say I only go for snapshits.

[Anonymous No.6588531]

Since we're on the topic of cameras and camera related activities, it's always bothered me when the mention of "mini-photoshoot" and "private photoshoot" gets thrown around.
Mini-photoshoot sounds considerably unprofessional and unprepared while private photoshoots sounds like shit-tier elitist.
Sure, it's semantics, but please tell me I'm not alone in this.

[troll tan !MI1.d0y0Pc No.6588631]

>>6588058
I hope your shot at the wrong iso and everything is overexposed you cocky butt-poo

[troll tan !MI1.d0y0Pc No.6588657]

>>6577256
Naww, I didn't take any photo's last expo because I was so busy ; ;
>>6588531
I hate the whole idea of srsbsns in-con photoshoots, it just seems silly to me.
If you want a nice photograph of your costume to remember your day at a con, then surely just equipt a friend with a dslr and the rest is history?
Otherwise if you're serious about cosplay, surely you should be planning shoots away from cons and in suitable locations for your character series, right?

Although, expecting any exclusively 'cosplay photographer' to be a seasoned professional is highly unlikely.

[Anonymous No.6589464]

>>6588426
You should try film, it's fun
anyways I usually develop my shit after 1 week but I was really depressed and just let it sit.

>>6588631
I'm sure I messed up one or two shots because I forgot to adjust exposure, but I even stopped a dslr peasant to ask him if my exposure was right and I was spot on accurate

[Anonymous No.6590032]

Has anyone used the Wing light Flash Diffuser? Thoughts/impressions?

I am contemplating whether to add it to my gear or not.

Gear: Nikon D7000, Nikkor AF 28mm D, SB-700, tripod.

[Anonymous No.6590123]

>>6590032
I haven't used it but it seems pretty cool. It's definitely unique. I'm not sure what I'd think if I saw someone walking around with it on their camera.

[okgold No.6590132]

>>6590032
It looks like it has a better effect on people that are closer, so you should consider getting a more portrait oriented prime (45mm-70mm) if you're going to try a diffuser like that. I avoid stuff like that because I'd rather have the flash bias to one side, not balanced so much.

[Jkid !MoQnyGB0xU No.6596461]

>>6588426
Me neither. I'm stuck to digital for life. Sadly about 50% of my images will be snapshits due to my habit as a candid photographer.

[Anonymous No.6596487]

I have a Pentax k-X and for some reason all the photos I take with it make the subjects look old and haggard? Even little kids. I don't know what it is.

[okgold No.6597679]

>>6596487
example?

the K-x is awesome for the price

[Libra No.6597692]

>>6596487
>old and haggard

Do you even know how to use it? How about editing it on Lightroom?

[JailBreak !!W0CDbh7bjNj No.6597887]

I use my Nikon D90 and bring my backpack and gear to conventions. I have a fairly portable studio lighting that I plan on bringing to SakuraCon this year.

>>6571257
Not sure what one has to do to be considered a cosplay photographer, but I book normal shoots on a regular basis due to the connections on photographs I have taken of cosplayers.

This photo I took for a kids portrait session of his casual Assassin's Creed costume. He also did some Dr. Who.

[JailBreak !!W0CDbh7bjNj No.6597892]

>>6588531

What other term would suffice at a convention? Everybody has shit to do and places to be and can't usually spare more than 3-min - 1hour. I say private shoot because that implies that instead of a "excuse me, can i take your photo in this hallway with that security guard behind you?", you'll get the personal attention in a more private environmental.

[JailBreak !!W0CDbh7bjNj No.6597894]

>>6588531

What other term would suffice at a convention? Everybody has shit to do and places to be and can't usually spare more than 30-min ~ 1hour. I say private shoot because that implies that instead of a "excuse me, can i take your photo in this hallway with that security guard behind you?", you'll get the personal attention in a more private environmental.

[Anonymous No.6597923]

>>6597887
I visited your website and was wondering what kind of camera or any additional equipment I might need to get the lighting that you get. I only have an intro camera, Canon T3, and am looking into external flash options.

Also what lens do you use and what would be a recommended lens for casual cosplay photos?

[okgold No.6597936]

>>6597887
> checking your exif because i'm a catty bitch and I like what i've seen from you
> dat warning

I actually didn't know that either, just passing on the info! Also your website doesn't seem very complete. I've certainly run into your work more than a few times, so keep up the good work.

[JailBreak !!W0CDbh7bjNj No.6597958]

>>6597923
I am actually working on my website currently so it's a bit clunky atm.
For on the go photos, I use my SB-600 external flash. Having an external flash will help you out immensely. You'll be able to use it in a pinch, get more accurate auto-focus in low light situations, have a makeshift studio set up on location (with some additional equipment), etc.
I have a variety of lenses I use in particular scenarios, but I would say a good prime lens would be your best bet. I'd go with the 50mm 1.8 for Canon. Cheap, great low light lens and very reliable. :)

also, I wasn't sure if you are speaking about the lighting in the AC photo, but I didn't use a flash in that photo. I really like using natural light when I can.

>>6597936
how dare you view my exif data! *gasp*
Thanks for the screenshot! I hadn't ever seen that warning until now. :D

You are correct about the website not being complete. I actually just made it live 2 days ago and am working on it today.

Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad you like my work :)

[Anonymous No.6598052]

>>6597958
>didn't use a flash in that photo
Really? With the light source directly behind him I'm guessing you used a reflector or something. How did you make sure he wasn't just a silhouette?

[JailBreak !!W0CDbh7bjNj No.6598165]

>>6598052

I chose to blow out the sky so I could keep the shallow depth of field and have him properly exposed. In post production I chose to lighten his face a little, but it didn't take much.
I wanted the shadow to lead the eye to the subject and if you notice, I am actually using him as a gobo to block the sun as I hid in his shadow

:)

Here is another for fun.

[Anonymous No.6598211]

I'm hoping it makes sense to ask this here but would it make sense to cosplay my own character? Specifically my own UTAUloid? He has a Vocaloid-type appearance, so would it get attention? I wanted to make it myself, but I feel like it'd be pointless if not many people wanted to take my photograph

[Anonymous No.6598256]

>>6598211
cosplaying in itself shouldn't be about whether you get asked for a photo or not. Should be about what you want to be or represent while cosplaying.

Just my opinion though

[Anonymous No.6598270]

>>6598256
if his objective is to be a photowhore, he's going to have to be something popular.

>>6598211
if your character is extravagent or eyecatching enough to make people want to take your photo even if they have no clue who you are, sure, but it's a safer bet to be something popular if you want people to ask for your photo. you have to find out what the flavor of the year anime is

[Anonymous No.6599558]

bump

[Anonymous No.6599571]

i should probably arrange some shoots for fanime, ax, japan expo, sdcc, but i don't know if anyone would give a shit to call up a photographer so early.

[Anonymous No.6599613]

>>6599571

what do you mean " i don't know if anyone would give a shit to call up a photographer so early."

you can't mess up by planning ahead

[Anonymous No.6599619]

>>6599613
well, just going off the idea that a lot of people's costumes aren't done or even in sight of being done til a week before the convention. just seems a bit early for them to look for me.

[Anonymous No.6602290]

You think cosplayers are more inclined to have photos from someone with a big camera? That would mean that they know how to take good pictures, right?

[Anonymous No.6602329]

>>6602290
Depends on how big the camera and lens is and how much other gear they're carrying. It'd probably go something like this in the "scale of people who might know what they are doing:"

Guy with extra lighting gear (flash/strobe on light stands, softboxes, beauty dishes, etc)
Guy with big DSLR with big lens
Guy with small DSLR and kit lens
Guy with point and shoot pocket camera
Guy with camera phone
Guy with tablet (yes, I'm putting you at the bottom)

[Anonymous No.6602445]

has anyone ever caught a creeper taking to take upskirts or anything like that? I always get nervous when big cameras are around because i don't fully understand how they work and don't want to get spied on

[Anonymous No.6602454]

>>6602290
Usually.

>>6602329
>Guy with tablet
Oh god, those exist?

[Anonymous No.6602480]

>>6602445
>I always get nervous when big cameras are around because i don't fully understand how they work
Don't worry, you're not alone in that. Most people think they shoot laser beams. As in, "omg the lens is pointed at her breasts, he's totally zooming in for a perv photo!" Most of them capture a lot more than just where it's pointing. It's more likely he's getting a photo of the entire head to waist. If he's shooting an upskirt he's got to be either really close (and therefore really obvious) or the girl has to be at a raised location.

>>6602454
Yes. If you go to a cosplay gathering at a con you are bound to see at least one.

[Anonymous No.6602499]

>>6602445
>>6602480
Extending from this, people that use DSLR cameras look like they're pointing down further than you'd expect when you're getting a photo done, but it's just because of the perspective from your head that they're actually just centred on your mid-body (around the belly) so they can get you in the entire frame.

[okgold No.6602547]

>>6602329
>>6602454
>>6602454
>>6602329
> At PAX East 2012
> Epic GLaDOS cosplayer
> Being respectfull of other people taking photos, I ussually kneel down
> Big guy walks infront of EVERYONE with his ipad, focusing on the screen
> literally backs up and hits my big ass lens with his big ass

[Anonymous No.6602565]

>>6602547
>>6602454
>>6602329

I feel it would be acceptable to use a tablet as a drop point for images. So there is a much larger screen to show the subjects their pictures after taking them.

I plan on doing this with a D600 running 2 cards. You can set the camera to put raw on one card jpg on the other. Get a eye-fi card to send those jpegs automatically over to the tablet and you're golden.

[okgold No.6602570]

>>6602565
so this is probably the best thread to bring this up in

I don't really get the "showing cosplayers the photo you just took of them" thing, do cosplayers go nuts for this or something?

[Anonymous No.6602571]

>>6602570
Dunno. I just give them a card so they can look at the photos online or something. I always think I'm a bother if I show them directly (they might be busy or something)

[Anonymous No.6602573]

>>6602565
here's the thing: you're not using it as a camera

also you might just want to use the nikon wifi unit since they cost about as much as an eyefi card does

[Anonymous No.6602574]

>>6602570
I appreciate it, as a cosplayer.

[Anonymous No.6602575]

>>6602570
they appreciate it but it's not a dealbreaker or anything

[Anonymous No.6602587]

>>6602574
>>6602570

Some care, some don't. I'll ask most of the time and they say they want to see it.

>>6602573

I thought about that, and I dont really have an issue with it, but even a 16 gig class 10 eye-fi card is only $20 more than the Nikon wi-fi adapter. And $20 is pretty good for a class 10 16 gig card.

If there was only one card slot I would forsake the wi-fi card.

[troll tan !MI1.d0y0Pc No.6602594]

>>6589464
>dslr peasant
that made me giggle much more than it should have.

>>6602329
Thinking of investing in lighting for upcoming lolita thing where I'm going to be taking a lot of portraits.
How will a ring light hold up for the purpose of making skin look~ supa kawaii ~?
What's this 'beauty dish' ?

Also, dat people taking photos with ipads, mad/10. At the /p/ London meet we snapped some tourists taking photographs with ipads, which we subsequently dubbed 'the ipadening'

[Anonymous No.6602602]

>>6602594
>'the ipadening'

[Anonymous No.6602632]

>>6602594
ring flash has a limited range but it'll work. mainly used for close portraits because like i said, range. beauty dish is an offcamera flash modifier. it basically looks like a mixing bowl hooked up to your flash.

[Anonymous No.6602635]

I just had some feels.

I want a kit with about $11,000 US worth of cameras, lenses and microphones.

1 wide zoom
1 tele zoom
4 primes
1 SLR body
1 gopro
2 microphones

[Anonymous No.6602644]

whats the deal with photographers uploading terrible shots? I don't see the point in posting pictures where someone looks like an absolute tard or completely terrible, even if your photo itself is great the derp subject matter ruins it.

Likewise, if your subject is doing something you can see looks terrible... tell them to stop! nine times of ten they will be so happy you told them that pose they think looks good obstructs 90% of their costume or ruins the perspective of the shot.

>tfw I see my local con photographer upload a photo of me mid sentence, eyes closed, slumping and looking like a 300year old 300lb whale to his FB. WHY.

[Anonymous No.6602660]

>>6602644

Strangely I get the opposite.

I get asked why I am not uploading every picture. It didn't turn out, and during the 10 seconds I spent taking this picture I didn't notice any one of the endless problems a shot can have.

Even if I mostly do snapshots.

[Anonymous No.6602669]

>>6602644
http://everage.deviantart.com/gallery/

quality control, what's that

[Anonymous No.6602685]

>>6602669
>>6602660

I really appreciate the photographers hard work, but if the photo doesn't turn out I'd prefer it wasn't posted. I don't get why anyone would demand bad photos of themselves, but I guess some people prefer quantity over quality.

I have one photographer friend who is a really sweet guy but I need to avoid him at conventions because he just LOVES candid shots and doesn't get why all his friends hate them and tell him to take them off his site/FB. He will take a bunch of photos of us each, and his 'favourites' are always the ones where half of us look mentally retarded because we're talking or laughing or in the middle of something. He says he likes the 'energy'.

[Anonymous No.6602712]

>>6602644
that's the sign of a horrible photographer
you should be able to self-critique and self-censor

>>6602660
that is the sign of stupid models/subjects
photovomit is fucking stupid and a waste of everyone's time.

[Anonymous No.6602741]

Is photographing cosplayers a good way to score some pussy?

[Anonymous No.6602745]

>>6602741
if you're not already good looking, no

[Anonymous No.6602769]

>>6602644
This is one of my biggest pet peeves and since most con photographers are amateurs, it happens quite often. Are they just incapable of honing on on the good pictures? Or are they super beta and think we'll be mad if they don't upload every single picture? I truly don't get it.

It's pretty much like, great thanks I totally wanted ANOTHER terrible picture of me on the internet. Thanks buddy.

[Anonymous No.6602786]

>>6602769
>most con photographers are amateurs
>Are they just incapable of honing on on the good pictures?
yes
and yes

[Anonymous No.6602799]

>>6602644
>>6602685
what a photographer should do:
take multiple shots, upload the best ones and leave contact details if the cosplayer wants the original/not picked pics

[Anonymous No.6603356]

I like this thread.

So those who've done photoshoots, how do you usually arrange them? And how much fucks should be given if you're doing cosplay photography in a public place?

[Anonymous No.6603472]

>>6603356
depends on what side of the coin you're on. if you're the photog you ask people if they want to shoot. if you've shot with a bunch of people and have them on facebook you can just go "hey people on facebook, anyone want to do a shoot?" and you usually get something out of that. also around convention time there will be people who want a shoot and you can post on coscom's forum for scheduling and usually get someone out of that. if you're at a con itself you can impromptu grab people by going "hey, want to do a shoot?' and if you look like you're up to par they'll say "sure"

if you're the cosplayer you go and ask a photographer. either you use that coscom forum or you ask your friends if they know a photog or you research to see what photogs are in your area. if you're at con just talk to the photogs. if someone looks like they know what they're doing and they take your photo ask if they'd like to do some more. or you just get their contact info, file it away for the next time you want a shoot, arrange it that way.

cosplay photoshoot in public? zero fucks given. the only fucks you should give are if there are people in your background. if possible you go to a place with no one in the background to begin with.

[JailBreak !!W0CDbh7bjNj No.6603736]

>>6602570
Some people don't show the person, some do. I personally don't on most occasions because the photo may look way different after post processing. I will show the person if they ask, but often times not every shot.
I would suggest showing the person you are photographing after you have several poses and whatever. It's good to let them see how they are looking in case they feel they are making a derpy face or holding their body wrong.

my 2 cents.


>>6602644
Often times photographers don't know it's terrible. If you feel it is, the person should constructively criticize the work and the person should suggest what they would like to see better.


>>6602799
Don't expect to get original, high resolution photos

>>6603356
no fucks should be given. Cosplay photography EVERYWHERE.

[Anonymous No.6605074]

>>6602685
I usually like taking candid shots over staged ones but for something like this staged/posed is really the only way to go.

[Anonymous No.6606719]

Can anyone make a list of good gear for beginners? I know I need a camera obviously, but what about lighting,tripods etc?

I'm thinking I may start taking my own photos at home/on location, and I'd like to know what sort of tools I'd need to do that, and do it well.

Not to mention there's a good chance I'll be roping in the boyfriend at some point to help me out.

[Anonymous No.6606758]

>>6606719
What's your budget?

[Anonymous No.6606813]

>>6606758

This would be things I'd probably buy over time, not all at once, so there's no real cap. Of course if I can get items that are good quality but on the cheaper side, I'll jump at that. Mostly interested in things to help with lighting at home/indoors.

[JailBreak !!W0CDbh7bjNj No.6606910]

>>6606813

I'd suggest a DSLR and a prime lens. Like a 50mm 1.8. take loads of pictures with that on manual settings and then move to another lens. You will never be able to implement the lenses you own to their full extent until you know your camera the best you can.

After that, an external flash, a wider lens, a nice camera backpack for travel, lens filters, a solid tripod. I would say particular lenses but it's all subjective and depending on what the person is needing.

I personally have a an 18-200 3.5-5.6 VR, 35mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4, Fisheye 10.5mm 2.8, 28mm 2.8 for my current selection of lenses.

I can't really stress how much you should shoot on manual with your DSLR and explore and mess with every setting you have.
The camera is your tool, the photo is your canvas and the light and darkness is your paint.

[Anonymous No.6606966]

>>6606813
Look into the entry level cameras for Canon and Nikon, namely the Canon Rebel t2i or the Nikon D3000. Both can be found online, used, for cheap. Or you can buy new if that's your thing.

Also, read the manual, front to back.

With your camera body and kit lens (or 50mm 1.8 if you opted for body only) in hand, practice practice practice. Lurk /p/ and read photo blogs until you know how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO affect the final image. Use the camera's flash as little as possible. Pretty soon you'll graduate off of Full Auto and begin using Aperture or Shutter Priority, then you'll take the ISO off Auto, and then eventually shoot in full Manual.

Once you know how to use the camera, then start adding more equipment, like tripods, external flashes, light stands and modifiers, etc. Check out the Strobist blog for more info on that, it's a great resource beginners getting into off-camera lighting.

[Anonymous No.6606971]

>>6606910

Taking this advice for helping my kit along too!

OT but I emailed you confirming photos for Sakuracon and I'm not sure you received the email prior to that one, or the one in response- just sent you another one saying I'm good to go.

[Anonymous No.6607554]

>>6575029
Thank you so much for this, it's so helpful! I'm a total amateur and I'm finding it hard to find super simple, baby's-first-photography-course help on the internet. I know I can learn if I just have the right tool to learn with. This is perfect.

[Anonymous No.6609581]

Are there any tips for things cosplayers can do/not do while getting a photo taken? I've never had a photo taken, so I'm curious if there's etiquette I don't know about.

[Anonymous No.6609586]

>>6609581
Biggest thing I think would be to not go all deer-in-headlights. Facial expressions, poses, etc., go a long way.

[Anonymous No.6610602]

Questions. How do you guys rate the Canon Rebel t3?

I used it for the first time and I notice afterwards that some pictures with a lot of light has these glowing colors (usually red or blue) around the subject. My old point and shoot doesn't do this (that I'm aware of) but does anybody know how to deal with this? I don't have any pictures at the moment so I hope what I describe makes sense.

Also, any advice for photography in the dark?

[Anonymous No.6610608]

>>6610602
canon's current bottom level but will still output a better photo than most pocket cameras.

by glowing color do you mean this? those are chromatic abberations and are a lens thing. usually happens with, as you've seen, overly bright situations. if you stop down the lens (make the f number bigger) they usually go away but that leads to the usual effects of stopping down a lens.

for the dark you a) need to make more light (flash) or b) need to gather more of the available light (large aperture lenses or higher iso settings). each has their strengths and weaknesses namely a) can end up looking like butt if you aren't careful and b) either means a lot of money and less depth of field (how much is in focus) or more grain/noise which on a lot of cameras destroys the detail.

[Anonymous No.6617533]

bump

[Anonymous No.6620526]

For a photographer wanting to set up actual photoshoots with cosplayers, how important is it to be on Facebook? For the people who have experience with that, do you use it as a portfolio/point of contact?

[Anonymous No.6620774]

>>6579730
Buh, I'm in a love-hate relationship with my a200. I got my father's Minolta 35-70 f/4 and 70-210 f/3.5-4.5 and then found the 50 1.4 for fucking $100 used.

And then there's the fact that I have meh eyesight and that supposedly the 200's AF operates at the light level of f/7.1. Minor contrast issues indoors? I could wear out the motor trying to get a shot, or take 10 to get it right. But I can't bring myself to switch brands given what I got.

[Anonymous No.6620882]

>>6620774

Pic related: except I shoot Nikon

[JailBreak !!W0CDbh7bjNj No.6621004]

>>6620526

Facebook is a powerful tool. I use it often to book shoots at conventions and booking outside of conventions.

I have some of my work up on Facebook, but it's not my full portfolio. Once I get my website sorted out appropriately I'll be altering my various accounts across the web to be in a similar format. But yes, Facebook is very helpful :)

Here is a shot from a shoot I did the other day of a commissioned cosplay character.

[Anonymous No.6621101]

>>6621004
Did you set up another account or page for your cosplay photos or did you just use your personal account?

[Fang !!rFoWXKYr2uG No.6621124]

>>6620774

OMG ANOTHER SONY SHOOTER

[Anonymous No.6621130]

>>6621101
fan page or second account if you want to partition real life with convention stuff. if you don't care who sees photos or your cosplay friends, your original account is fine.

[Anonymous No.6621427]

>>6621124
Huzzah! Whatcha got? Do you too suffer from dark AF systems?

And no matter what anyone else says, they're jelly of the Sony batteries. Under 25 charges in my... 12kish shots, I think?

[Anonymous No.6621715]

>>6621427

Every SLR is that way.

Unless you go to show everyone all the pictures you took of your dog using the screen.


Only one manufacturer can claim their product as being the sole provider of cameras for the international space station.

Nikon

[Anonymous No.6621727]

>>6621715

Let me amend that.

Sole provider of cameras for NASA, the ISS, and the Apollo missions.

Yup, Nikon SLR on the moon.

[Anonymous No.6621784]

>>6621727
uhh, they used Hasselblads for the apollo missions.

[Anonymous No.6621797]

>>6621784

A specially modified Nikon FTn was also taken on the Apollo 15 mission to the Moon.

http://www.lpi.usra.edu/lunar/missions/apollo/apollo_15/photography/

I don't think you are carrying around a Hassellad around for conventions.

[Anonymous No.6621818]

how the fuck did you guys turn this into gearfaggotry?

seriously, leave that shit out

[Anonymous No.6622872]

>>6620774
Speaking of the a200, trying desperately to work out how to avoid blur in low-light conditions indoors. Still learning photography and the Sony is a loan from my Grandfather, so I'm a struggling beginner, in short.

I've got the ISO at 3200, high as it will go, alongside f/7.

Are my settings wrong or should I suck it up, take the tripod, and hope for the best? Every con I go to recently seems to have awful indoor lighting.

[Anonymous No.6622932]

>>6622872
Shutter speed, focal length and technique are the important factors for avoiding motion blur. A tripod or monopod would help, yes, but not in the event your subject was moving also. You want to freeze motion.

If you can, use a wider aperture so you can decrease the shutter speed. Higher focal lengths will exacerbate the effect of motion blur as well. As for technique, give this a read: a sniper shares some breathing techniques and poses that help keep the camera steady (there are a few overviews of these techniques on blogs as well if it's a tl;dr)

http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/long-exposure-handhelds/introduction.html

The better you are at keeping the camera steady, the longer the shutter speeds you can use without blur. If you're worried, try to get 1/60 or less.

Or find a lens with image stabilization/vibration control. In fact, do both.

[LibraLibraLibraLibraLibra No.6622949]

>>6622872
>a200

Ok thats fine

> ISO at 3200, high as it will go, alongside f/7.

What in the world are you doing

>take the tripod

Always carry the tripod and watch the Youtube tutorials.

Practice with this
http://camerasim.com/camera-simulator/

[Anonymous No.6623029]

>>6622932
Thanks. The poses will help. I'll lower the f-number and avoid zoom for a bit. Sometimes I just need someone to point out what I'm doing wrong, like the aperture. You've been a lot of help.

>>6622949
I don't know what I'm doing. Definitely not one single clue. I got them from http://www.mcpactions.com/blog/2009/12/10/tips-for-shooting-in-low-light-no-flash/ but I really must have misunderstood... The image was lighter with a higher ISO so I just sort of stuck with it. Reading my notes I realise lower f number = wider aperture, not a higher one. So yeah that was pretty stupid of me.

Thanks, I picked that up earlier in the thread and have been playing with it for a bit. But it's only got that one image. So it's taught me bright conditions and not much else.

[Anonymous No.6623263]

>>6623029
ISO 3200 is REALLY too much, you're basically going to ruin your pictures with excessive grain. In most places, you should only really go up so ISO 800 at MOST.

If your photos come out a little too dark anyway, you can adjust the RAW file in Adobe Lightbooth, so your picture isn't ruined. It can save your ass if you're just learning how to get the perfect settings depending on your light.

[Anonymous No.6623313]

>>6623263
Thank you very much. I'll try to stick around 600 in general unless there's good light.

[Anonymous No.6627000]

I used a nikon d300 for mostly one year and in the last 6 months I moved to my dad's old D3, I love how the details are way less grainy.

My biggest problem isn't camera quality or even camera settings (I usually shoot on S and manually change time and exposition to match the situation unless I'm using a flash then I just go full manual), the problem is that I still haven't figured how to take good pictures, my angles are pretty basic and my post processing is nothing remarkable, what should I do to improve?

Also when shooting with a flash usually wigs and stockings, especially those transparent ones, give back an awful light reflection that usually ruins most of the atmosphere.
How do I fix that? Is there a post processing trick I could use or maybe I need to do some trickery with some piece equipment?

Pic is an example of the effect but I guess you guys should know about this already

[Pedrostopthisshit !I.2ozs6.Qg!!QhMq8p9nrQe No.6627008]

>>6623029
Gives you a good idea on the limited capabilities of the kit lens.

>>6623263
Better to have an overexposed raw for editing

>>6623313
worry more on the shutter speed

>>6627000
Always stick to the manual settings

>flash usually wigs and stockings, especially those transparent ones, give back an awful light reflection

You need a makeshift soft box or ignore the flash altogether. Do you have a tripod?

[LibraLibraLibraLibraLibra No.6627010]

>>6623029
Gives you a good idea on the limited capabilities of the kit lens.

>>6623263
Better to have an overexposed raw for editing

>>6623313
worry more on the shutter speed

>>6627000
Always stick to the manual settings

>flash usually wigs and stockings, especially those transparent ones, give back an awful light reflection

You need a makeshift soft box or ignore the flash altogether. Do you have a tripod?

[Anonymous No.6627014]

>>6627000
I'd go to a library (or book store that doesn't mind you reading) and find photo books of fashion photography. Take a little time to examine each photo, think about what you like or dislike about each and why. Then you can try to emulate (note: not copy) what you liked about them. This can also be done online, but books have the advantage of being reputable.

Basically: look at lots of photos.

As for the flash reflection issue: using an off camera flash, utilize a diffuser of some kind. If you're indoors, try bouncing it off the ceiling or a wall. If you're outside, you'll want to attach something to your flash. There are a bunch of things you can buy to do this, but you can also find a lot of instructions for DIY diffusers online.

[Anonymous No.6627022]

>>6627010
I have a tripod but it's not really practical to bring around, expecially at cons.
I can't do without the flash in dark places or after a certain time, I still like to have a good image without any blurriness that would result from raising ISO or greater exposure time.

Tell me more about this soft box though please

[LibraLibraLibraLibraLibra No.6627044]

>>6627022
>not really practical to bring around, expecially at cons.


Then a monopod? The kit lens is enough for low light places if you widen the aperture and slow down the shutter speed.

> flash in dark places

Depending on how dark it is the sensor can easily absorb the light of the area for a more natural look.

>any blurriness

Yeah until you lower the shutter speed and the movement of the hand is multiplied.

> soft box

Google
"How To Build 24 DIY Softboxes"

>Nikon D3

Let me get this straight you have a Nikon D3 but no external flash? Amazon has some cheap yongnuo external flashes with the diffuser box

[Anonymous No.6627077]

>>6627044
but I do have a flash, in fact the camera itself doesn't even an internal flash

[Anonymous No.6627080]

>>6627044
Anon has a flash, just doesn't know how to use it very well. Hence the question.

[LibraLibraLibraLibraLibra No.6627089]

>>6627077
I put the wrong body name

>>6627080
The internal flash on crop sensors are not very good. Having an external flash requires a bit more known how since it has more settings.

[Anonymous No.6627094]

>>6627089
as I said, D3 has no internal flash.

The flash I use is an SB-900 most of the time but I have really no clue how to use it, I'm just borrowing it from my parents

[LibraLibraLibraLibraLibra No.6627102]

>>6627094
>D3 has no internal flash

I know but I was talking about the Nikon D300 the entire time and wondering why you didn't get an external flash in the first place instead of jumping onto a probody.

>SB-900

I recommend that you stick with the D300 until you know what you are doing. The flash itself requires a lot of fiddling...

[Anonymous No.6627113]

>>6627102
I've been using that same flash with the D300 too, never used the internal one actually

Also I can't really go back to the D300 because it broke since it was so old, all I can use now is the D3 and a D700.
Either way, I'm still stuck with that flash, my lenses are too long for the internal flash in any case

[Anonymous No.6627124]

>>6588631
>mfw I messed up many shots, underexposed not over

well fuck you anon.
some came out okay tho, pic related

[LibraLibraLibraLibraLibra No.6627127]

>>6627113
Then I suggest learning the functions of the buttons of the flash before taking anymore pictures.

[LibraLibraLibraLibraLibra No.6627128]

>>6627113
Also check out the importance of a tripod

http://www.prime-junta.net/pont/Pontification/a0099_Tripods_101/_Tripods_101.html

[Anonymous No.6627130]

>>6627124
That is some terrible pepakura craft.

[Anonymous No.6627131]

>>6627130
Look at her nose and freak out.

Anyhow these two were much better but it was one of the terribly underexposed shots.

Also I really need a pentaprism for this camera, all the pics should have been framed vertically but with a waistfinder it's almost impossible.

[JailBreak !!W0CDbh7bjNj No.6629322]

>>6627010

No way, yo. If you overexposed an image, you cannot fix the highlights to restore detail. Raw conversion software is capable of simulating highlight recover.. some. but it's done by creating detail using what is in adjacent pixels.On the flip side, if you underexpose an image, there is shadow data there to be used if necessary, but it will have noise as if you had used a higher ISO.

Best bet is to do neither of the 2, but in some cases a photo may require you to underexpose to retain certain details and then fix it in post.

[Anonymous No.6632717]

This probably isn't the right thread to ask but

How do all of the popular jfashion girls on tumblr take such good iphone pictures?

Whenever I try it ends up being grainy, full of noise, like beyond repair

[Anonymous No.6632720]

>>6632717
the grain is caused by your auto ISO compensating for your shit lighting. Take the pictures in a better lit area or outdoors.

[Anonymous No.6632723]

>>6632720
Ah, I guess. But they always take pictures like, inside their rooms with just artificial light so that's why I was wondering

I guess I will try something outside next time

[Anonymous No.6632742]

>>6632723
>Ah, I guess. But they always take pictures like, inside their rooms with just artificial light so that's why I was wondering

Example?

[Anonymous No.6634218]

>>6632742

yeh, go here: boards. 4chan.org/cgl/