CalevPhoto

So you want to get started in photography

I am a very biased and opinionated person on all subjects I care about – so it is especially true for photography.  I really have not published a ‘beginners photography’ blog because there are so many of them out there already.  However, after seeing a number that I sharply disagree with, I thought I would post my own.

I will not talk about specific camera models or Nikon vs. Canon here.  This is for those who want to become photographers – not equipment collectors.  Therefore, the following are my recommendations for people who want to get into photography.

What should I do first?

This is simple, do not buy anything? Huh!? Before buying any equipment, I strongly recommend you go to the bookstore/library and get one or two books on the type of photography you are interested in.  I do not recommend the general photography books as those aren’t very helpful.  Get books from photographers known for their work.  The book I started out with is John Shaw’s Nature Photography Field Guide – though if you’re into portrait photography you’ll probably want a different book.

The point is you need to understand some things before you buy.  Unless you understand what an SLR does for you and what the differences are between different lenses, you’ll be unlikely to make an informed decision.

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How to buy and sell used equipment

I suspect a great deal of this blog will already be known to many of you, but for those who are just starting out in photography you may want to know what the best ways to pick up used equipment are.  Also, some of this info may be helpful for those who have equipment they no longer use or are upgrading.

For buyers

Buyers have a multitude of places to buy used camera equipment these days.  The following are the major options.

• Buy it at your local camera store.  Most larger camera stores sell used equipment.  Typically the inspect it before putting it up for sale and will price it according to its condition.  In general most of these stores are honest, though you’ll pay a bit more for the item than you would elsewhere.
• KEH.com.  This is the most reliable place on the Net to buy used equipment.  They have a wide variety of equipment and their prices are fair, though a bit higher than if you purchase the item directly from the seller.
• EBay.  EBay can be a great source for used equipment, particularly if the item you are purchasing is hard to come by.  However, you won’t know the true condition of the item until you receive it, so there is a fair amount of risk involved.
• Craigslist.  The variety of items is not high, though the more common items (such as newer camera models) are readily available there.  Prices are all over the place, but you can usually negotiate.  Always have common sense when meeting someone you don’t know.  I have never had issues with meeting anyone through Craigslist to sell gear, but if you are a single woman I would meet in a public place.
• Groups and clubs.  If you are a member of a group or club, this is a great way to buy equipment.  Usually these are people you know and trust, and their reputation is on the line when they say the equipment is in good shape.

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Canon 500D or Macro Lens

On a recent post I received a question over how the Canon 500D diopter compares with a true macro lens.  When I first bought my camera, I knew I wanted to do macro but I didn’t have the money for a true macro lens.  I wound up purchasing the Sigma 80-400 4.5-5.6 OS lens along with the 500D diopter.  I quickly fell in love with macro photography and saved up for a true macro lens and once I had one I eventually sold the 500D.  The following is a shot I took with the 500D when visiting the zoo with my kids.

However, let’s get more specific on the differences between a diopter and a true macro lens.

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