2007-09-21 23:29:29 · 8 answers · asked by aviator 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
If you learn nothing else from this question, please get this point. It's not the camera that makes a great picture, it's the photographer.
If you want to be a pro, then you must absolutely learn the basics. First, learn the basics. Learn how to compose and frame a shot. Learn how to calculate an exposure value, that involves learning how shutter speed and lens diameter interact. Lens diameter is measured in f/ numbers -- learn what an f/ number or f/ stop is. Learn how film speed interacts with an exposure value. Learn what the different ISO numbers mean regarding film speed. Learn how to use depth of field, when you need a shallow depth of field and when you need all of it.
Once you've learned the basics, master them. Master them so that they become second nature to you, so that you don't even think about them when you get ready to do a shoot.
As far as a camera. I would recommend you get a Nikon F3HP with a 50mm f/1.2 lens. In addition I would recommend you get the following lenses: 28mm f/2.8, 135mm f/2.8, and 200mm f/3.5. Lean how to use these lenses. If you want to get a zoom lens, I would recommend a 75-150mm f/3.5 Series E.
I recommend starting out with a manual film camera because that will force you to learn the basics. I recomment you start with Nikon equipment because all the these lenses will work with Nikon's autofocus film and digital pro bodies.
I also would recommend that you take some classes and that you try to find a working pro or serious amature who would be willing to mentor you.
If you learn how to use all this equipment well and master the basics, you will have all the knowledge you need to be a pro.
2007-09-22 00:57:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, slow down.
Having the most expensive, technologically advanced camera does NOT make you a "professional photographer".
You could buy a Formula 1 race car but that wouldn't make you a "professional driver". You could buy a Stradivarius violin but that wouldn't make you a "professional violinist". Unless, of course, you have mastered driving a race car or playing the violin.
Enroll in a photography class at your local high school or community college. If that isn't an option then consider the New York Institute of Photography (nyip.com). They offer correspondence course and have been in business since 1910.
While you're taking classes, find a working professional photographer and work as his/her assistant (gofer) for free if you have to. Tell them your career goals. Check the closest mirror - you have 2 eyes, 2 ears, 1 mouth. That means you should watch and listen twice as much as you talk. Save questions for after a shoot is finished - unless you really don't understand what you were told to do. There is absolutely no substitution for hands-on experience. Just placing a light stand or reflector where you're told is a learning experience.
Learn light, ISO, shutter speed and f-stop. Learn how they work together to produce a correct exposure. Learn composition. Learn what "EV" is and how and when to use it. Learn how to shoot in backlit, frontlit and sidelit situations. Learn why an overcast day is an excellent day for outdoor portraits. Learn how to use flash - and when. Learn how and when to use fill flash. Learn how to take stunning photos of the city skyline at night. Learn how to see photographically. Learn how to see a photo in your mind and then how to achieve it. Learn and practice. Practice and learn.
Sorry there is no "magic wand" or "magical digital camera" that can be used to make you a professional photographer. It requires study, experience and work.
2007-09-22 00:05:48 · answer #2 · answered by EDWIN 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Being an amateur photographer, I would like to talk to u a little bit.
Don't rush for a camera, train ur eyes to find what shall be good in a photo. Sun-set is always nice when u see it yourself, but out of 100 photoes of sunsets, which one is best & why? A tip..a sunset silhutted tree shall be good. The above is just an example. Any good camera shall be ok. Rest depends on u. So be ready yourself first.
2007-09-21 23:38:03 · answer #3 · answered by JJ SHROFF 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start with a photography college course or a degree. WHile you are studying you'll find out what equipment will suit the work you want to do.
College and universities have equipment for students to loan so in the first instance you won't need anything except a notepad, pencil and books.
In the meantime I would read about photography and pay particular attention to the equipment used if it is shown beneath the photograph as they do in some reputable phot magazines.
2007-09-22 02:43:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn about photography first! Have you the skills both technical and artistic to be a pro photographer? It's not just a case of picking up a camera, pointing it and shooting and then waiting for the money to roll in.
2007-09-22 00:03:52 · answer #5 · answered by rdenig_male 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really want to be a pro photographer, then you need an SLR. These days digital is better than film also. Good ones would be from Canon or Nikon.
2007-09-21 23:32:08 · answer #6 · answered by sillyone 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most any Nikon is good. The FM series was decent. Nikon EM can be found for under $100 most places (it was okay). Canon AE1 is good. Had a couple of those. Olympus OM series. (I have an OM10 around here somewhere I used quite abit). Pentax K1000 was one of their better cameras. I found one at a thrift store with 3 lens including a 50mm macro lens for $15.00. There are some crap cameras out there as well. I would stay away from Vivitar, Sears, any of the older Mamiya's. These three had a tendency to break down more often than not. Chinon and Ricoh had some decent cameras but the optics left a little to be desired. Fujica had some nice cameras. I had an old Fujica ST605 that had fantastic lenses. The quality was right up there with Nikon. Feel free to contact me if you see one on ebay or Craiglsit you would like some info on. Some people look at SLR as novelties now because of digital. The price of these cameras is on the rise again because people are realizing that digital is not the end all phase of photography. When I go out I use 3 cameras. One digital, one film SLR, and my Calumet 4x5 view camera.
2016-03-18 22:04:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a cheap one until you get good... don;t spend all that money until you actually have an oppurtunity to begin selling your photos... good luck.
2007-09-21 23:37:57 · answer #8 · answered by zippythewondermutt 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
digital SLR
2007-09-21 23:31:50 · answer #9 · answered by Catherine S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋