A new photography podcast has seen the light of day: Daily Photo Tips with Chris. Subscribe here.
Also: a closer look at shooting modes, some thoughts on jewelery photography and today’s main topic: easy sells. What are the things salespeople are trying to sell you even though you might not need them?
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Just a few comments -
protecting lenses - for some camera lenses (eg Canon 16-35mm) requires a filter for the lens to be weather sealed. I always buy high quality filters for my lenses (Hoya Pro-1). I’d prefer to scratch/damage a filter, rather than the lens. I also, always use the lens hood too.
Camera strap - I always find it very useful, since it keeps the weight from hanging from your hand, especially with larger lenses. But, I tend to buy more supportive straps, rather than the Canon lens.
Insurance - many household contents insurance policies will cover your camera gear, or you can add them for a very small fee. For anyone doing any professional work, you’re more than likely going to need Public Liability and/or Professional Indemnity insurace. These can be legal requirements in many areas/countries for wedding photographers. I do agree that the “extended warranty” sales are a waste.
Great podcast, as always
Had to chime in on the poll question from today’s show - what mode do you shoot in? I’m a 100% manual exposure mode shooter, as I know when I look at a frame what the important section of lighting is, and the type of image I want to create.
I shoot a lot of sports - and in field sports you always have a dark color uniform, and a light color uniform, and often against a dark backdrop of trees. What you have to get correct is skin tones. Shoot in any mode but Manual and you will be wrong a lot.
Even in non-sporting occasions - like a recent aquarium trip - knowing exposure and how the bright and dark areas of an image relate is one of the most important skills for a photographer.
Thanks for taking my question, Chris! I never considered the idea of a macro lens. I also had tried simple white paper, and again, I had a difficult time being happy with the lighting. That probably wasn’t the paper’s fault though. I definitely should try the white balance and gray card ideas.
Unfortunately (or not), we found another photographer with a wider array of tools to finally take over the photography. This was all for my sisters’ business (they’re jewelry makers here in Michigan), so this job basically got outsourced since I called. Oh well, doesn’t mean I can’t play around a bit.
I also wanted to point out that I was being slightly sarcastic with the 18 1000-watt lights comment.
That leaves me with two pieces of acrylic that are just sitting around. I have some photography-related ideas for those.
Again, thank you for the great podcast!