Why am I talking about JPEG? I’m going to be shooting RAW + JPEG for a little while with my Canon G9 and my new Nikon D300 (when it arrives). I would normally shoot only RAW with both cameras but I got my hands on a copy or Pixelmator and I am going to do a longish term review of the software and I want fresh JPEG images to use for the review.
I realize there are many photographers who just shoot JPEG and I want to experiment with a JPEG workflow. I think there are times when shooting JPEG will save time and be more efficient.
I’m so excited! I just got my confirmation e-mail. My order for my brand spankin new Nikon D300 has been processed. I should have it within a week.
So why the switch to Nikon?
I’ve been a Canon shooter since 1999 (first film, then digital), and previous to that I shot with a Contax SLR and Mamiya medium format. When I first embraced digital photography there we few affordable options. Nikon’s offering was expensive while Canon’s offering had a CMOS sensor and the image quality at that time was hard to beat. The decision was pretty easy. I was lucky enough to get a Canon 10D within the first few weeks of it being released. The camera took still takes great pictures, but I never fell in love with it like I did with my previous cameras. Something wasn’t quite right and I only brought it out for paid shoots and the occasional portfolio shoot. The other thing that irked me was Canon’s, “We won’t build one camera that can do everything.” philosophy. If you wanted to shoot sports/photojournalism (1.3x crop factor) you need to get a 1D. If you wanted to shoot in the studio (full frame) you needed to buy a 1Ds. And the 5D was a half-assed attempt at a mid range offering with some pro features in a not so pro body.
Then, last year Nikon announces the D300 and D3. My jaw dropped. CMOS sensors, 12 megapixels, pro level auto focus and much more. I waited for Canon to drop the bomb and announce their offerings to directly compete with these two cameras, and I waited, and I waited, and waited some more. Nothing even close. So I decided to go out and hold the D300 in my hand and see how it felt. It felt great in my hand and the build quality was excellent. I also started to feel that lovin’ feeling again.
Is this post biased? Darn right it is! I just bought what I consider to be the best camera for my needs that is available today. Is the D300 the perfect camera? Almost. I can’t afford the perfect camera, the D3, just yet. But I know the perfect exists and it’s a Nikon.
To all the Canon lovers out there. I know your going to hate me, but this my opinion and you are entitled to your opinion. I don’t hate Canon, I just think Nikon has the best camera for me.
Tomorrow is a big day for any Vancouver area Mac user, or anyone who wants to find out more about Mac computers. It’s the grand opening of the first ever Apple Store in BC! Check it out here.
I spent part of my day creating this Exposure Adjustment Chart:
The chart is pretty straight forward and I hope the instructions are clear and easy to understand. The PDF is sized to 4″ X 6″ so you can print it out and keep it in your camera bag.
If you wish to post the video and the PDF on your site, Please feel free to do so. The only thing I ask is that you do not alter the video or PDF file in any way.
I’ve been reading online a lot of people asking about how to become a pro photographer. There are many ways one can do that, but there are few things to think about.
Shoot what you like and what you’re good at.
Remember, it’s a business! There are local laws, insurance and professional services (lawyers, accountants) you need to look into. Do your research!
Talk to other photographers and even assist them to get an idea of what it’s like to to be a professional photographer in your area.
The difference between a professional photographer and an amateur is “getting the shot”. Clients pay the pros to get them the shot they need, when they need it.
Talk to potential clients. You might be surprised what you find out.
Photography is a people business. Don’t be afraid to talk to the people in your area of interest.
Finally, good luck!
There are probably more things you can think of to be a pro. Give me your comments.
How rich will you be in 10 years? According to this website, I’ll be worth $16,021,866 in ten years. What will you be worth? It’s not photo related, but it’s fun.
I have a lot of respect for wedding photographers. They have a tough job dealing with “the most important day” of a brides life and then dealing with everyone else at the wedding. DPS has a post “Wedding Photography Survival Tips: The Preparation” to help aspiring wedding photographers.
When I first saw these images, on photoshelters blog, I was in awe!
