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I am not pontificating here and I have tried to keep this as short and relevant as possible
I often see and read articles about artistic style and equipment for photographers. A lot of questions are asked by those that want to break into photography. The questions revolve around the brand of camera lenses, strobes, accessories and such. The problem is most haven’t taken any classes in high school, Junior colleges, or found someone to mentor them. The situation creates confusion and can resolved with a different approach.
Most of the questions come down to the equipment, which I want to talk about. I’ll be honest; I think I have taken one photography class in my entire life. I found it slow moving and lacking a dimension of teaching. I wished not only was there the lecture but the demonstration and you do with the teacher/instructor portion of the class too. I will also say this that that was in the 70’s too, so things may have changed a bit then.
I did have two people that were great mentors, my father, and grandfather. Both were very adept as photographers. Each had their own style of photography too. My Grandfather knew the equipment he had very well and could manipulate in ways to create the image he wanted. My Father was great with light and knew how to manipulate it very well in the darkroom. It took them some time for them to learn, but they started with the basics and built upon the knowledge they had gained.
Today there is a plethora of information on what equipment can do. So much so, that it can be over whelming and is only complicated when it comes to making a decision. My advice, find a mentor, some who you admire their work and it will be an influence on your style. Then work with them learning about the equipment they use. You haven’t bought yours yet because you want to learn some first. I think this advice will go against most others opinions, but that is ok.
Once you have come to understand the basics about cameras and photography. Then decide what you want to do. Will it be a hobby, an outlet to create and sell your work, or will it be a career. This will have an impact on what you will buy to start.
Oh! I forgot to mention. While you are learning about the basic of equipment and photography, you should be saving as much money as you can. The equipment will be an investment that needs to last; especially if you invest the time to learn from a mentor.
If you are going to use photography as a hobby then you need to be will to spend about $2500.00 on a camera and two lenses. It doesn’t matter what brand of camera either.
We are going to start with the body. It is going to be a crop frame sensor. That means the sensor will be less that the size of a 35mm frame of film. Next is it should be close to the newest release as possible. Nikon has several consumer cameras available and I would recommend the D90 ($780.00)or other manufacturer equivalent. This is a superb non-professional entry-level camera that will stay current for many years to come. Yes, you can get cheaper cameras. Remember the adage you get what you pay for.
Lenses to consider provide some very basic applications. I would first recommend the 50mm f1.8D($130.00) or f1.4D($350.00) prime as a starter lens. If you master this exceptional general-purpose lens with you camera body, you will have great results with almost every other lens available. You can use this lens to shoot portraits, and more. Results are great in good light to very low light situations even using low ISO settings.
The next lens I would recommend is a 70-200mm ($2000.00)or 80-200mm f2.8 ($1260.00) lens. This lens can be used in a variety of situations but is another great lens for portraits, family sports such as the kids soccer matches, other outdoor or even indoor events. The lens is a great general-purpose zoom lens and gets you close to the subject you want bigger in the frame.
Now these lenses I think are perfect for the beginners. They are exceptional and you can use them on any DX or FX camera. It may seem like it is a lot more money that should be required start out but say this from experience. Kit lenses are good but the serious hobbyist will want more so why not start out right.
If you have a little extra money to spend on another lens then I would say pick up a 18-35mm f3.5-5.6 ($625.00) zoom or a 20mm f2.8($565.00) lens. Both are great wide-angle lenses and can be used to create some spectacular landscapes. Both are fast enough for normal light and even longer exposures.
If you are going to do something considerably more than just being a hobbyist then I would recommend the same lenses. The change comes to the camera body. If you have a tight budget then I would consider two camera bodies, the D300 or D700 or other manufacturer equivalent. Why you ask? If you look at the capabilities of each of the cameras, you find that they are a prosumer quality camera, the D300 is a DX (crop sensor), and the D700 is a FX (Full Frame sensor). I would consider these great cameras for those who are breaking into professional photography on a part time basis and would eventually become back up cameras.
I wouldn’t change my lens choices from the beginners as they still work for portraits, weddings, landscapes, and more. If you choose to do wild life or sports then you are going to get into the exotic lenses and much more money.
If you are going to go full time and your life will be photography then you will substantially invest in camera bodies, lenses, lighting equipment, and support equipment and software. The investment can be made through business loans or other means. You can also reinvest net income back into your business gradually.
There is so much more to expound on this subject. To learn more is a personal investment of time and money for good books on the art of photography and its periphery. This is personal and professional development and will be a life-long experience.
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