I want to be a portrait photographer, what is my next step?
I currently have a Nikon D70s (this is my first camera) I have taught myself how to take good shots, and it is something which I really enjoy. I get a buzz out of taking a picture and editing it to make it look fantastic. I have previously been taking pictures of everything, but have recently decided I want to take shots of people - I find it a lot more interesting and I want to capture every moment.
What is the best lens to purchase which will be fantastic for portrait photography? Baring in mind that I'm 17 so do not have lots of money! I have put my name down to do photography at college next year. I also would like a portrait studio kit, which I can use at home… Just to try out and get the hang on things! I'm also thinking of purchasing Photoshop.
Canon 50mm f/1.8 - Fantastic lens for portraiture.
Check out this site the basis of which is using cheap manual flashguns off camera, everything manual.
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/02/welcome-to-strobist.html
Look in the 101 Archive for techniques.
I don't believe you should be worrying about the lens as much when it comes to portraiture. Nikon's are a very good make and easy to use, so a good start! I believe it's all about lighting for portraits. Even if you're going to do a course on photography, i'd start looking for voluntary work as an assistant; it helps alot. I used to assist a wedding photographer who would use a hand-held flash and gold/silver reflectors which means he wouldn't have to do alot of editing afterwards as the light would compliment the skin.
also if you want to buy photoshop then fair enough, but have a look at a programme called GIMP, it's free and it's just as good for beginners.
50mm f/1.8 is a great lens, usually afforadable! You can get lighting and backdrop kits off ebay for CHEAP! That is how I started mine until I knew it was something I was ready for, and it I still use that very frist backdrop stand when I travel!
Lot of questions…
1. Get a nikon 50mm f1.8 AF, nikon just released a new model, the AF-S so I expect quite a few AF lenses on the used market soon.
2. Start reading on the subjject. Strobist is the standard work on cheap lighting tricks, http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html
3. Photoshop may be more than you need, photoshop elements is enough for most people and it's significantly cheaper. See if you qualify for a student license.
http://www.adobe.com/...licensing/
Alternatives that are free: The gimp, photofiltre, raw therapee.
Not having a lot of money is going to be a serious hurdle to overcome.
If you want to do photography professionally, it means opening your own business, and that means spending A LOT of money. Meaning in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Also, if you really want to get in to photography, I would focus on honing your skills before you go out and buy more gear. Especially a studio lighting kit. Studio lighting is very complex if done right, and a basic lighting setup is going to cost anywhere from $2, 000 to $10, 000.
Instead get a reflector for $20 and practice with natural light. Window light and outdoor lighting look great and you don't need to spend a ton of money on it.
50 mm f/1.8
Buy a used lens from Keh, Adorama, or Ebay. You can find a great deal on a used lens. You should also look into getting an external flash if your doing portrait photography. It made a big difference in my photography.
Download a trial of Photoshop Elements 9 from the Adobe website. Try it out and get a feel for it before you spend a chunk of money on it. It's free for 30 days.
http://www2.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc38/?product=photoshop_elements