Back in the game
Discussion
Not too sure on the purpose of this thread, but I'm excited 
After a good few years of 'falling off' when it comes to my photography, I've finally upgraded some of my kit and it feels like I've dumped a tonne of chlorine triflouride on the fire of this passion I've had since I was in my early teens.
I studied photography back in college and got myself a Nikon D80 in the early days – it was great, I've taken some photos with it that I'm over the moon with. Trouble is technology moved on and in order to keep my work current and/or create the look I wanted it was becoming more and more of a chore to either light scenes during a shoot or spend more and more time in post.
Over 12 years I used the D80. and probably for the last 5 I have been meaning to replace it but other commitments have meant it didnt happen, I started just taking more snap shots with my phone as it was easier and gave me instant results, and the enthusiasm to go out and take photos just wasn't there.
Then about 2 weeks ago I went to a car meet up on Portsdown Hill near my house – I chucked the D80 and a bag of kit into my car as I do fairly regularly (but then never use it) as it was night time and I thought there could be some opportunities for some interesting shots. When I got there I met up with a few friends and a new chap I'd never met before who was there to take some photos. I'd seen some of his work before and was impressed.
We started talking about photography and I asked him how he would approach the shoot he was about to do (night time cityscape background, various cars in foreground), we discussed long exposures and I asked him how he would light the cars, he said he wish he had some flashes but will probably use the torch on his phone. AHA! I could be useful. I explained I had some Pocket Wizards and various flashes in my car, shall we have a play around.
To cut to the point, I spend a good couple of hours helping him with his shoot, firing flashes during his long exposures and consulting over the results we were getting. I knew there and then that I needed photography back in my life and instantly started researching cameras and what my options where. I spent every spare moment for about 5 days reading reviews, comparisons, making notes on pro's and con's.
Now I won't tell you what my other options were as I already know everyone has there own opinions. But I settled for a Nikon D750 and also treated myself to a Sigma 15mm f2.8 fisheye (perfect for some of the sports stuff I shoot). My workhorse lens when shooting crop sensor was a 17-55 f2.8 – so I've replaced that with a 24-85 f2.8-4 for the time being (but hoping to pick up a 24-70 f2.8 at some point). I also have a 50mm 1.8 and a 200mm f4 that I can still use with the full frame.
More importantly, I can't think of anything else other than taking photos right now and to be honest I'm a little gutted I feel like I've wasted a number of years and should have done this sooner. Some may ask – why do you need a new camera to feel this way? And quite rightly. The dynamic range and low light performance of this D750 has blown my mind, and actually was one of the main reasons I chose this body. I feel like I can worry a little less on how to make the most of the lighting and just enjoy taking my camera out.
Anyway, sorry for the essay. Look forward to spending a fair bit more time in this corner of the PH forums!
After a good few years of 'falling off' when it comes to my photography, I've finally upgraded some of my kit and it feels like I've dumped a tonne of chlorine triflouride on the fire of this passion I've had since I was in my early teens.
I studied photography back in college and got myself a Nikon D80 in the early days – it was great, I've taken some photos with it that I'm over the moon with. Trouble is technology moved on and in order to keep my work current and/or create the look I wanted it was becoming more and more of a chore to either light scenes during a shoot or spend more and more time in post.
Over 12 years I used the D80. and probably for the last 5 I have been meaning to replace it but other commitments have meant it didnt happen, I started just taking more snap shots with my phone as it was easier and gave me instant results, and the enthusiasm to go out and take photos just wasn't there.
Then about 2 weeks ago I went to a car meet up on Portsdown Hill near my house – I chucked the D80 and a bag of kit into my car as I do fairly regularly (but then never use it) as it was night time and I thought there could be some opportunities for some interesting shots. When I got there I met up with a few friends and a new chap I'd never met before who was there to take some photos. I'd seen some of his work before and was impressed.
We started talking about photography and I asked him how he would approach the shoot he was about to do (night time cityscape background, various cars in foreground), we discussed long exposures and I asked him how he would light the cars, he said he wish he had some flashes but will probably use the torch on his phone. AHA! I could be useful. I explained I had some Pocket Wizards and various flashes in my car, shall we have a play around.
To cut to the point, I spend a good couple of hours helping him with his shoot, firing flashes during his long exposures and consulting over the results we were getting. I knew there and then that I needed photography back in my life and instantly started researching cameras and what my options where. I spent every spare moment for about 5 days reading reviews, comparisons, making notes on pro's and con's.
Now I won't tell you what my other options were as I already know everyone has there own opinions. But I settled for a Nikon D750 and also treated myself to a Sigma 15mm f2.8 fisheye (perfect for some of the sports stuff I shoot). My workhorse lens when shooting crop sensor was a 17-55 f2.8 – so I've replaced that with a 24-85 f2.8-4 for the time being (but hoping to pick up a 24-70 f2.8 at some point). I also have a 50mm 1.8 and a 200mm f4 that I can still use with the full frame.
More importantly, I can't think of anything else other than taking photos right now and to be honest I'm a little gutted I feel like I've wasted a number of years and should have done this sooner. Some may ask – why do you need a new camera to feel this way? And quite rightly. The dynamic range and low light performance of this D750 has blown my mind, and actually was one of the main reasons I chose this body. I feel like I can worry a little less on how to make the most of the lighting and just enjoy taking my camera out.
Anyway, sorry for the essay. Look forward to spending a fair bit more time in this corner of the PH forums!
Good move 'kewy'. - It's great when you feel that passion again after a long break.
Look forward to seeing some images!
My photoblog: https://imageweaver.blogspot.com/
Look forward to seeing some images!
My photoblog: https://imageweaver.blogspot.com/
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