[mikolotko]

Being an amateur who's trying to learn by being a back-up photographer can be a bit daunting. The problem lies when the backup only has 35mm prime lens while the main, a zoom. One can't really get near enough to get into the sweet spot without ruining your main's shots. My advice is to have a zoom lens. But for those with limited funds, go on and get your shots. You only need a few.

https://500px.com/photo/134507969/glance-by-mychal-phillip-sajulga
https://500px.com/photo/134508067/sisters-by-mychal-phillip-sajulga

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Last edited by mikolotko; 01-20-2016 at 03:16 AM. Reason: image didn't upload

[rod_grant]

In landscape photography always be very aware of your surroundings. It is easy to lose perspective of where you are when looking through the viewfinder: slippery rocks, cliffs, incoming waves, traffic and even wild animals are not your friends. You can't show your family/friends the beautiful seascape that you took from the very edge of the cliff if you are a broken body at the foot of the cliff!

[arkav]

Have you ever had a problem with your camera fogging up when you go into a hot, humid environment like a greenhouse?

An easy fix for this is to bring along a blow dryer and warm your camera before going into the greenhouse. As long as your camera is warm, the humid air will not condense on it.

[ChristianRock]

If you are stuck in a rout and don't feel inspired to take pictures:

- Stop buying gear. In fact, it might be time to sell the gear you haven't been using in recent months.

- Buy photography books. This is a sure way to bring inspiration back into your life!

[BHamms]

When you go for a hike. A good sturdy mono-pod not only helps steady your camers but makes a wonderful walking stick

[palindrom]

Flash failed to fire? Lens not detected by body?
- Get a contact cleaning spray: Halfords Electrical Contact Cleaner 400ml
- Apply to cotton pad or swab, wipe flash contacts (yes, body also), clean flange of lens, body mount, battery and SD card contacts. Use only a bit not to attract dust.
- Contact cleaner usually contains lubricant, do not contaminate lens. If you plan to clean image sensor, do it first.
Your gear just became much more robust.

[stillshot2]

If you have never shot with a large aperture legacy Pentax lens, then you must try one! Many of them do not cost a whole lot but shooting with a manual lens in manual mode will drastically improve your photography skills and understanding of how aperture, shutter speed, and iso work together. Also, the buttery smooth manual focus on these lenses will give you more control for your precise focusing needs when using a large aperture, as seen below:



With: Pentax A 135mm f2.8

[pfennell]

Using the Pentax O-GPS1 Hotshoe Mounted GPS unit with the built in Astrotracer program is a great way to gain insights and some cool photos of the night sky. The system lets you use an ISO as low as 100 to capture deep space objects with exposures up to 5 minutes depending on the lens used. This is a 5 minute exposure of the Galactic Center of our galaxy taken May 20, 2015. Shot using a Pentax K-30 with the Pentax OGPS-1 and Astrotracer using a Pentax 50mm lens at f/1.8, ISO100, 1:38 AM. From Scarbough Beach, Maine, USA, Earth.

[Big Dave]

My 55-300 zoom was always noisy focusing and it would rack in and out hunting for focus, especially at the long end. I discovered that using spot mode on my K5II corrected the problem. It would focus quickly, even in low light with no hunting. It is like a new lens.

[nucleon]

A Camera does NOT matter:

A guy who breaks a wrist and asks his doctor: "Doctor, will I be able to play the piano after this heals?" The doctor replies "Absolutely, no problem!" The man laughs, and points out that that's great, because he never could play the piano before!

IT IS THE LENS! :-)

Leo
PS the photo title is: "After a rain storm"

[Sofa]

When not mounted on camera keep your bellows covered and stored in a bag. Otherwise it quickly become a dust trap ready to flood your mirror box and your sensor the second you put in use.

[Dr Orloff]

The best photographic accessory you can buy is an alarm clock. Get up ridiculously early, it's when the magic happens:

[hoosierdome]

Got to get up and get out for the shots

[lukulele]

I'd like to second what Adrian (Dr. Orloff) said. His work is terrific. This morning's sunrise prelude with snow following in the afternoon.

[Saltwater Images]

Eliminate shutter lag and shoot sports and/or action with Pentax!!!

I always struggled with shooting action. The lag between obtaining accurate autofocus and fully releasing the shutter often resulted in more missed shots than good ones. There are a couple of things you want to do:
1) Choose your fastest AF lens (I like the HD DA 70 for football to shoot from the sidelines when coaching).
2) Go into your camera menu, under camera settings go to button customization.
3) Enable the AF button. Disable shutter half-press for AF.
3) If you have a K-5II ensure the AF switch is on AFC.
4) Use your thumb to hold the AF button while panning on a moving target.
5) Squeeze the shutter to capture your moving target - in focus!

Using method I only miss AF on 1 in 4 shots!