Fantastic Forum Tips

theTinker

As many people have recieved great help over the years from this wonderful forum. I think it would be a good if members would share one piece of knowledge or tip that they picked up from this very forum.

What has been the top best piece of knowledge that you picked up from a discussion here?

Mine? I'd have to say that I was once advised that I should head back to the same landscape sights during different times of the year/seasons/days for a completely different view of the same scene. Never really considerd it before. It blew my mind how different things looked after a season change.

yours?

Ray

Trev M

This link was great when I started out .... always forget who posted it but I regularly pass it on

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/enjoydslr/index.html

baby and crumble

Get a nifty fifty. Never heard of it until I came here (i know, I know!).

Now, I haven't managed to actually BUY one yet, but I'm working on it! Borrowed one once and it was awesome.

sNarah

Use a ND filter for long exposure daytime shots (at the point in time I could just not understand why my seaside pics came out white ).

jpb1974

Always make sure the camera fits nicely in your hands before you buy it.

magicbastarder

never pet your dog when he's on fire.

.Longshanks.

Double check you have a memory card in the camera

sNarah

kev_Longshanks100 wrote: »

Double check you have a memory card in the camera

And batteries....

.Longshanks.

sNarah wrote: »

And batteries....

Dunno about you, but my camera wont turn on without batteries. It will however take a pic :D

thefly

don't give up the day job

jpb1974

It's going to be an expensive hobby.

theTinker

zoegh wrote: »

Get a nifty fifty. Never heard of it until I came here (i know, I know!).

Now, I haven't managed to actually BUY one yet, but I'm working on it! Borrowed one once and it was awesome.

kev_Longshanks100 wrote: »

Double check you have a memory card in the camera

I've done both... :$ Brilliant lens, amazing value, but no saved pictures to prove it

mrboswell

Someone once said to me "try things for yourself".

Sounds obvious but I was relying too much on what people were advising me to do. Now I can use my cameras in a manner that is closer to their full ability.

Rather than thinking I don't think I can do that I give it a try and if I still can;t do it then I ask someone.

Worked for me

humberklog

You won't win friends with swans.

Something I've learned over the past year is that most photographers seem to take pretty good care of their stuff. I've yet to see a wreckless photographer. With that in mind, when buying your first DSLR or accessories, always consider going second hand.

Tin Foil Hat

theTinker wrote: »

I've done both... :$ Brilliant lens, amazing value, but no saved pictures to prove it

Is the nifty fifty really that much better than the 35mm f/1.8?
I have the 35, but never used the 50.

Nforce

In order to avoid looking like an utter fool....remove the lens cap before trying to compose a picture!

theTinker

Tin Foil Hat wrote: »

Is the nifty fifty really that much better than the 35mm f/1.8?
I have the 35, but never used the 50.

My comparison is based on my upgrade from my 2 ZOOM lens. The difference in a prime is obviously a huge leap.
I'd imagine the 35 is a great lens also. I'd often want just a slightly wider on my 50mm.

Hugh_C

Zoom with your feet.

(Actually heard it elsewhere many many years ago from cinematographer Declan Quinn)

oshead

Nforce wrote: »

In order to avoid looking like an utter fool....remove the lens cap before trying to compose a picture!

Don't know how many times I've done that...

So this is not you then?

Nforce

oshead wrote: »

Don't know how many times I've done that...

So this is not you then?

...not me...but I've been that soldier.In my defence, I'm obsessed with protecting the front element/filters on my lens so I only remove the cap when I'm taking a shot.

ThOnda

Use viewfinder and not the LCD if possible.

Steve Reddin

oshead wrote: »

Don't know how many times I've done that...

So this is not you then?

That's what he gets for not holding his camera properly

kelly1

I've learned about back-button focus and the advantages of manual exposure. Thanks guys!

goldseeker

Use custom W/B setings.Print 18% gray card and cary with you to set that seting anywhere you are,in any lighting condition.

smelltheglove

Deleted User wrote: »

Something I've learned over the past year is that most photographers seem to take pretty good care of their stuff. I've yet to see a wreckless photographer. With that in mind, when buying your first DSLR or accessories, always consider going second hand.

Have we not met yet?:D

2 things I have learnt.
1 You can always use voice activated tripods when tripods are unavailable. These are handy to come by really, if you have friends;)

2 There is always more to learn and improve upon!

sineadw

Look ALL around the frame when you take a shot - not just at your point of focus. You'll take much better shots just with that one small thing.