Photography Enthusiasts + Photographer's Group (Compiled)

[MeowPrince]

Some of the DSLRs you buy may come with a free "course". Go for it to learn how to operate your camera (esp if you are not into exploring the manual). Other than that, you can practically ignore most of the "courses" in the market. Unless you are willing to pay for a customised 1-instructor-to-2-students thing. For the willing-to-pay student, there are quite a few professionals who'd be willing to draw up private coaching (3-4 sessions, spread over the same number of weekends). Just make sure you look for the ones who suit your desired direction.

eg 1

If you intend to join the local clubs/societies and are willing to pay $$$ to get your staged shot (yes, saloon photography is 90% staged), then you should look for an instructor who has been on those clubs' judging panels for many years, with long titles (F.PSS, F.SAFRAPC, blah blah)

eg 2

If you intend to shoot the natural world (birds, animals, African safari, insects, flowers), and want to shoot them in the wild, then look around for the low-profile shooters with international awards in the field. There are a handful of them, but be prepared to fork you lots of $$$ to buy the gear necessary for this genre

eg 3

If you are looking to shoot Chingay and model catwalks to gawk at the photos or wank over the models' pictures, then you are best off going to look for those folks over at Crapsnap and pay to join their model shoots. Oh, prepare to spend $$$ buying those f1.4 and long 200mm f2.8 lenses along the way.

eg 4

If you are looking to just shoot for fun on the monthly weekend by walking around Singapore River or Botanic Gardens or the nearby park, then stick to your camera and kit lens, go find others who like the shoot the same genre as you do, and join them for outings. Learn along the way.

eg 5

You want to make a name for yourself, and become the next hobbyist to make a name with his NatGeo photo. Go find a practicing professional who has got multiple international credits to his name, in as diverse a range as possible. There are very few, but they do exist in Singapore. If you want a formal course from them, be prepared to pay for it. Otherwise, negotiate with them to take you under their wing (once in a blue moon they do) for the right reason. Remember - nothing is for free.

Oh, and if you want to know what makes "international grade" - IPA, PDN, LICC, Px3, NatGeo (not Asian Geographic!), Magnum, WPPA. You can safely ignore those given by camera brands other than Nikon International, Leica and Hasselblad.

Hope this short essay answers all the questions.

[jaden]

Thanks. Think I belong to the casual shooter category. Just want to capture all the beautiful stuff when I'm overseas or feeling inspired. Hope to join u and gang in the future outings if u don't mind a noob tagging along..

[MeowPrince]

Thanks. Think I belong to the casual shooter category. Just want to capture all the beautiful stuff when I'm overseas or feeling inspired. Hope to join u and gang in the future outings if u don't mind a noob tagging along..

That's easy then.

The only thing you need is to know how to operate your own camera. The rest of the stuff learn by joining outings.

For your camera know the following (they can be found in the user manual too) :-

- how to change ISO

- how to change modes (P, A, S, M or P, Av, Tv, M)

- how to change/mount/dismount your lens(es)

- how to download your photos

- how long your battery can last on a full charge

- what the buttons on your camera are for

And you are set to go!

[Guest Marad44]

Without multi-posting, my first Calgary photos (taken yesterday) are here: http://www.blowingwind.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=28421&view=findpost&p=355415

[MeowPrince]

Going to host a little gathering-cum-outing this Sat evening.

[jaden]

Going to host a little gathering-cum-outing this Sat evening.

Afraid I already made plans this sat. Join u guys for the next outing. Have fun

[MeowPrince]

Too bad lor.

There'll be a couple of other enthusiasts going. Free snacks and drinks and a view over the CDB and Marina Bay

[MeowPrince]

A great gathering on the 66th floor, lots of photos taken, and lots of good food. Evening scene was taken on Fri night, while the IR shot was yesterday afternoon. I'm sure everyone enjoyed the range of goodies to try out. Hope no one had a sore arm after that

Those who missed it, wait for the next sharing session to see the photos!

Edited December 11, 2011 by MeowPrince

[MeowPrince]

Next couple of mornings going around shooting.

Probably Sat and next Tue/Wed as well.

[Guest Marad44]

Photos by Maria Kazvan of Ukraine, with a $12 camera: http://www.nonsensesociety.com/2011/04/maria-kazvan/

[MeowPrince]

Taken on Sun morning using my phonecam.....

[MeowPrince]

Upcoming outings -

Tue 20 Dec 0800 Woodlands

Wed 21 Dec 0800 Tiong Bahru

Both will run till 10.45am before breaking for brunch, with the option to continue afterward.

[Guest Marad44]

After the snow storm...

My condo.

Edited December 16, 2011 by Marad44

[finosg]

Hi, guys! I'm into photography too. Can i join you tomorrow for outing?

[KittensandBjorn]

Anyone here into Fine arts photography?

[MeowPrince]

Hi, guys! I'm into photography too. Can i join you tomorrow for outing?

Ahhh.... I'd only just saw this, just got home after the outing. PM me if you are still keen, coz there is tomorrow (Wed) and day after (Thu) outings.

Anyone else, PM me directly, I check my PM once a day where I can. Posting photos is something else, since I'm out rather often these few days.

Meanwhile, a couple of photos from recent shoots.

and an excerpt from today...

Edited December 20, 2011 by MeowPrince

[jaden]

Nice. Hope to join u next time during weekends

[MeowPrince]

Tue, Wed, Thu, three lovely outings back-to-back. Hope those who joined enjoyed.

(Yeah, with the drizzly walks as well!)

[MeowPrince]

opportunities in this weather....

[finosg]

Hi guys. I was wondering where's the best place to have my films processed and scanned here in SG.. any tips would be appreciated. thanks!

[pleasantcoup]

Hi guys. I was wondering where's the best place to have my films processed and scanned here in SG.. any tips would be appreciated. thanks!

Hey there, for having your films processed you can either head over to Triple D at Burlington Square Bugis or head over to Peek! at 36 Armenian Street, www.peek-ture.com

[MeowPrince]

Hi guys. I was wondering where's the best place to have my films processed and scanned here in SG.. any tips would be appreciated. thanks!

You are actually choose almost any Fuji FDI lab you like. Though the most important thing is that you have to find one where you feel comfortable with the proprietor/operator. For myself, I prefer to go to one where the owner/operator is a working photographer (ie, shoots for a living) himself. That's why I do mine at Professional Art at Redhill Close. Plus it is convenient for me.

Used to go to the one at Liang Court basement, but ever stopped after they renovated back in 2009 coz they don't handle the negs carefully anymore. TripleD is okay if you are a student near there, otherwise I'd recommend against, since the uncle, Mike, can be rather arrogant and rude.

If you stay in the west, Grace Digital (if they are still around) is another decent lab to use. Miao Lan at Bukit Batok I'd pass on them coz they are inconsistent, and they have a rather stuck-up "plofezzzionale" photographer there.

Down south, Kim Tian at Hong Lim Complex is rather iffy on their service standards. Shalom at Bras Basah and Konota (at Peninsula) are ok for processing and scanning of film, but I'd pass on their printing - colors consistency is just not there. ColourLab is not bad but pricey. FotoHub...don't bother ugh!.

East side I do not know of any decent ones, ditto for North side, so if you are living in those areas, sorry!

[finosg]

Thank you guys! really useful info there.

[MeowPrince]

Going out to shoot water later, and cityscapes tomorrow morning. Woot!

[MeowPrince]

Wishing all my fellow photog-enthusiasts a happy new year, with the last sunrise of the year!

Edited December 31, 2011 by MeowPrince

[Guest Marad44]

May you all have 20 times 12 months of prosperity & happiness!!

[wayneson]

Hello, not sure if I'm posting in the correct thread but seeing this thread gathers different photographers I was wondering if i can get some opinions.

I'm deciding between the Olympus E-PL1-3 models and Panasonic Lumix GX series. If possible can someone list or give advices on their performance, pros and cons? I'm quite clueless when reading up on the specifics each type of camera gives.

Many thanks. =)

[Guest Marad44]

... between the Olympus E-PL1-3 models and Panasonic Lumix GX series. ... on their performance, pros and cons...

wayneson, go to http://www.dpreview....compare/cameras and type in the two or more models you wish to compare. Hope this helps. Happy purchase!

Edited January 1, 2012 by Marad44

[wayneson]

wayneson, go to http://www.dpreview....compare/cameras and type in the two or more models you wish to compare. Hope this helps. Happy purchase!

Wa, godsend! Thanks, this site helps alot. ;D

[MeowPrince]

Hello, not sure if I'm posting in the correct thread but seeing this thread gathers different photographers I was wondering if i can get some opinions.

I'm deciding between the Olympus E-PL1-3 models and Panasonic Lumix GX series. If possible can someone list or give advices on their performance, pros and cons? I'm quite clueless when reading up on the specifics each type of camera gives.

Many thanks. =)

Marad has given you the link to dpreview. That's a good place to compare.

Something else to think about is - what do you intend to use it for?

[MeowPrince]

Something from the last night of 2011.

..... a 327-second exposure at ISO200 and f11.0.

[Blissfull]

Long time since I came back here, it became like a mini-professional forum. :/ Can't fit in anymore with my (lousy) iPhone.

[MeowPrince]

excerpts from my handphone, from the last 3 weeks.

[Guest Marad44]

Something from the last night of 2011. (photo removed for brevity) ... a 327-second exposure at ISO200 and f11.0

Great shot! I noted down the EXIF, MP! Thanks.

[Ethan84]

Something from the last night of 2011. ..... a 327-second exposure at ISO200 and f11.0.

good iso and aperture, but would a lower exposure time affect the overall output of the picture?

[MeowPrince]

Great shot! I noted down the EXIF, MP! Thanks.

I knew you would! See below... heheheheh :twisted:

good iso and aperture, but would a lower exposure time affect the overall output of the picture?

327 seconds gives an exposure time in excess of 5 minutes!

And therein the catch.

Something unusual was in use here, because even if I had waited till past midnight, no way will anyone need such a long timing to get a similar shot. And this was done at 8.05pm. So..... what made it necessary for me to use such a ridiculously long exposure duration?

:ph34r:

Think for a moment. And we'll see if you guys can learn a new trick here.

[Ethan84]

I knew you would! See below... heheheheh :twisted: 327 seconds gives an exposure time in excess of 5 minutes! And therein the catch. Something unusual was in use here, because even if I had waited till past midnight, no way will anyone need such a long timing to get a similar shot. And this was done at 8.05pm. So..... what made it necessary for me to use such a ridiculously long exposure duration? :ph34r: Think for a moment. And we'll see if you guys can learn a new trick here.

Yeah, that's something I don't understand. The longest I went on my previous 50D was a 2min exposure shot, which I already thought it's damn long. Hmmmmm.

[MeowPrince]

Yeah, that's something I don't understand. The longest I went on my previous 50D was a 2min exposure shot, which I already thought it's damn long. Hmmmmm.

Ahhh.... that is right. Under normal day+night conditions, anywhere more than 100-sec is considered overkill (or hardcore).

But, if you want the smooth mirror-like surfaces, uber-long exposures may be necessary. And you'd need to use other tools to reduce overdoing the brighter portions of your subject matter, right? That's where filters come into play. High-ND filters like the Hoya ND400 or B+W110 are the basics. Of course, with 9-stops of light reduced, your exposure duration will have to be substantially increased. Even the boring (seemingly simple) Merlion shot can last 300 seconds in early evening!

In turn, basic accessories like a cable release or remote will be required, as would a sturdy, stable tripod. In the case of the latter, it'd have to be the more pricey Manfrottos and Gitzos that'll make the cut. The cheapo sub-$120 ones mostly won't hold up to the strain, esp if you are at vibrating locations like Merlion (vibrations from the nearby traffic).

[Ethan84]

Ahhh.... that is right. Under normal day+night conditions, anywhere more than 100-sec is considered overkill (or hardcore). But, if you want the smooth mirror-like surfaces, uber-long exposures may be necessary. And you'd need to use other tools to reduce overdoing the brighter portions of your subject matter, right? That's where filters come into play. High-ND filters like the Hoya ND400 or B+W110 are the basics. Of course, with 9-stops of light reduced, your exposure duration will have to be substantially increased. Even the boring (seemingly simple) Merlion shot can last 300 seconds in early evening! In turn, basic accessories like a cable release or remote will be required, as would a sturdy, stable tripod. In the case of the latter, it'd have to be the more pricey Manfrottos and Gitzos that'll make the cut. The cheapo sub-$120 ones mostly won't hold up to the strain, esp if you are at vibrating locations like Merlion (vibrations from the nearby traffic).

Interesting, and yeah vibration kills off long exposure shots esp the walkway overlooking mbs and fullerton near the expressway

[wayneson]

Marad has given you the link to dpreview. That's a good place to compare.

Something else to think about is - what do you intend to use it for?

All matters and subjects that I find beautiful, ranging from landscapes, infrastructure to potraits. I normally collect visual references for art.

A camera that can capture with vivid colors or monochrome with adjustable contrast would be nice, but feels as if i'm edging too near to a DSLR which I'd pretty much wish to avoid.

[MeowPrince]

All matters and subjects that I find beautiful, ranging from landscapes, infrastructure to potraits. I normally collect visual references for art.

A camera that can capture with vivid colors or monochrome with adjustable contrast would be nice, but feels as if i'm edging too near to a DSLR which I'd pretty much wish to avoid.

Kaayy.... then the Panasonic m4/3 or a Fuji X-series will be better suited to you, esp for the contrasty colors.

DSLRs offer a lot more control and options, but unless you plan to do a lot of processing of RAW files, or a lot of starting effort to shoot well, contrasty and quality output is a bit more iffy. And you probably fall into the large group known as casual shooters.

[wayneson]

Kaayy.... then the Panasonic m4/3 or a Fuji X-series will be better suited to you, esp for the contrasty colors. DSLRs offer a lot more control and options, but unless you plan to do a lot of processing of RAW files, or a lot of starting effort to shoot well, contrasty and quality output is a bit more iffy. And you probably fall into the large group known as casual shooters.

I'd agree that the DSLR provides multiple options to fine tune the image as you shoot, but the thing about it is it's too bulky and huge to keep and bring about conveniently. Partly a reason I chose the Olympus or Panasonic Lumix was because they were compact enough (and looked pretty slick) I understand the prowess of a DSLR since I handled them before but just meh, not my type of camera I will like to lug around I suppose.

Post processing is common for me since I'm an art student haha. Photoshop is my best friend. ;D

[MeowPrince]

Haha, no worries there. That said, I think the Pana or Fuji will be a better bet, at the least for their colors.

Anyway, I'll be having a cemetery outing this Sat early morn at 7.30am. Anybody keen, PM me.

See pic below for the kind of places and things to see. Dress appropriately for bugs and tall grass.

[Guest Marad44]

This is intriguing gear for the camera!

http://www.edelkrone.com/modula1/

[MeowPrince]

A couple of phonecam snaps today....

pushcart satay

sweet dessert

and an IR shot for a friend out there....

[Guest dark_jedi]

anyone with recommendations for a good COMPACT cam with good MACRO function? (eg insect, dew drop etc)

[MeowPrince]

anyone with recommendations for a good COMPACT cam with good MACRO function? (eg insect, dew drop etc)

The majority of compact cams out there have decent macro capability. But if you are looking for excellent bokeh (blurred backgrounds) and less-than-3cm focusing distances, there will be none. You'd probably have to invest in accessories like close-up filters or extenders. Raynox and Hoya carry those, ask from your favoured camera shop.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/4333175133/buyers-guide-enthusiast-raw-shooting-compact-cameras

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q42010highendcompactgroup/

http://www.dpreview.com/camerareviews/

[Guest dark_jedi]

thank you

[Guest Marad44]

Skype Cam by Sony.The video & sound are great. http://store.sony.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=20153&catalogId=100803&langId=200&productId=8198552921666309722

Just purchased it from a Sony Store for my 55" Bravia Internet HD 3D TV.

[MeowPrince]

Hmmm.... any interest in a compact/fonecam outing?