Photography tips and discussion

I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of knowing what manual settings to choose on my camera for certain conditions. I run a Rebel 350D with a 50mm f/1.8 non-zooming lens I bought because the kit lens was crap. Really a great lens for candid or portrait shots, especially in low light.

But there were other things that was wondering about. I was curious about lens filters. I know there are different kinds and they affect color in different ways, but I don't know much about them at all.

Non-technical questions: Do you bring your camera everywhere you go? Maybe not to school or work, but if you're out and about, or you go to a friend's place. My camera is a little big to really lug everywhere. Do you use a compact as a backup?

What do you think of altering your photos? Like say if that sunset wasn't as red as you had imagined and you Photoshopped the saturation and brightness. I sit on the fence for some alterations and I don't quite know why. I feel like I'm a purist, but I'm quite inexperienced to have a strong opinion. In that same sunset example, I believe that you should achieve your desired shot with the settings on the camera, not with Photoshop. Essentially, you master the camera instead of relying on Photoshop. I'm really curious on people's opinions on this.

Aaaaand... Do you ever feel uncomfortable taking pictures? Sometimes I'm driving and find a nice spot to shoot when someone passes by and looks. I feel really embarrased for some reason. Or if I have to get out of my truck and go into the weeds somewhere, the thought of being seen makes me wanna go somewhere else. Anyway to overcome that?

PS: I JUST noticed that my camera puts a bright red 5x2 pixel rectangle on all of my pictures. It's not a dead pixel on my monitor. What could cause this!?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by PiccoloNamek

Did I kill this thread with my detailed explanation? I was hoping for some nice, stimulating discussion too.

Mega props to you for that giant post! =D That was incredibly informative. I'm definitely going to look into picking up a few filters (ND and polarizing.) I have a feeling they'll come in handy this winter. And by the way, wicked photos!

I guess I'm being a little too apprehensive about editing my photos. Editing is just another step in the art process, I guess. The artist decides where to draw the line. And like you said: If Ansel Adams can do it, so can I.

I think I'll post some photos, soon.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I'm looking to get a zoom lens for my Canon 350D.I 'm not quite impressed with the zoom that the 18-55mm kit lens gave me, so I'd maybe like to step it up a bit. Does anyone have any tips?

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