US trip... - DPChallenge Forums

04/08/2005 08:57:01 PM · #1

Hey all, im enjoying watching! i will get into gear one day soon and get something in here! Promise!

If it happens to happen, i will possibly, (yes i am a little uncirtain)be taking a trip to the states!
I am very exited about it, and dont think that i will be sure, or even believe it for that matter, until im there.

It is a very important event, for me, and i think that i could miss a lot just taking my little point and shoot thing!
Do you have any suggestions for hiring a camera or something of the like over there? LA and surrounds.
Actualy!, what price could i pick up a 20d, 300d, or similar there?
Man id be stretching the budget then, with an arms length tool list too!

I really need to do some research on night shooting. Any hints?
The other thing that i should get to know is the best way to shoot a very bright subject in relatitivly dark surroundings? I need to capture the heat of the subject, which is the brightness, but keep all the detail, with a good background as well! The background, i would think doesnt need detail, just a good feel of the surrounding, DOF?
Sounds great to start trying to get technical on!, i shoulda started years ago with... fruit bowls or something.

This is all rushing up very quickly, so i leave it to you, whome i feel are friends already, to do some thinking on this for me while im tearing about just trying to get things sorted here, let alone put the funds together, for any sort of budget!

Rossco

Azrifel

Nikon Coolpix P340

04/09/2005 12:11:11 AM · #2

Originally posted by Rossco:

Actualy!, what price could i pick up a 20d, 300d, or similar there?
Man id be stretching the budget then, with an arms length tool list too!

Watch out when you get back in your own country. Customs could demand that you pay import duties, making the camera just as expensive as in your own country. And if you don't report (declare?) it before they search you there could be a fine as well.

Azrifel

Nikon Coolpix P340

04/09/2005 12:19:51 AM · #3

Originally posted by Rossco:

The other thing that i should get to know is the best way to shoot a very bright subject in relatitivly dark surroundings? I need to capture the heat of the subject, which is the brightness, but keep all the detail, with a good background as well!

If the subject is close enough for the internal or a powerful external flash, balanced fill flash could do the trick. A smart system like Canon's (E-TTL2?) or Nikon's (i-TTL) could help a lot, but it is certainly something you need to experiment with before you go.
For distant objects, shoot with a d-SLR in RAW mode. Expose for the highlights and bring out the shadows in postprocessing. Also something you need to practice with, because there are limitations to the amount of shadow detail and shadow color recovery. Just remember that it is easier to bring back shadows than lost highlights.

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

04/13/2005 09:06:14 PM · #4

Thanks,
Im going out for a test run with the subject matter, (jet engines BTW), this weekend. Ill have a play with some different methods and see how i go.

A pro is coming to stay with me too, for the week, so ill drag her out there and see what she can do with a camera. Ill post some here to see what you think. She might be coming on the trip with me yet, so that will have it covered!

No pressure, shes just the only photographer there on a world wide, once off meet!

Rossco

nsbca7

04/13/2005 10:27:40 PM · #5

Where do you live and where in the states are you going?

You mentioned LA (Lower Alabama)

Message edited by author 2005-04-14 02:29:50.

DanSig

04/14/2005 02:06:27 AM · #6

Originally posted by nsbca7:

Where do you live and where in the states are you going?

You mentioned LA (Lower Alabama)

I think heÂ´s talkin about Los Angeles area..

If I was taking a trip to the states for the first time, Alabama would defenetly NOT be my first choice.. LA is full of famous people wich some people find interresting, but what is in Alabama.. ?

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

04/14/2005 03:06:36 AM · #7

Originally posted by DanSig:

but what is in Alabama.. ?

A famous photographer "nsbca7".

:)

Beagleboy

Canon EOS-30D

Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX

04/14/2005 03:30:23 AM · #8

Originally posted by Azrifel:

Originally posted by Rossco:

Actualy!, what price could i pick up a 20d, 300d, or similar there?
Man id be stretching the budget then, with an arms length tool list too!

Watch out when you get back in your own country. Customs could demand that you pay import duties, making the camera just as expensive as in your own country. And if you don't report (declare?) it before they search you there could be a fine as well.

Declare the camera equipment you bought in the US at the border and you'll have to pay is the sales tax on the value of the equipment minus your exemption (if you're returning to Canada that is). Camera equipment is duty free. Some electronics, like computers or computer parts, are not.

cbeller

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

04/14/2005 05:01:13 AM · #9

Looks like he is from Australia, according to the e-mail addy.

Pedro

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

04/14/2005 05:49:43 AM · #10

a year and a half ago I was in San Francisco with my little Coolpix 5700. After about 5 minutes watching Alecia shoot with her 10D I decided I needed to upgrade to a DSLR, which I bought about 2 hours and 5 stores later. Never having used one, most of my photos sucked because I had no idea what I was doing.

If your photos are important to you, spend the extra few beans and buy your camera at home and learn it first. Otherwise you're likely to be very disappointed. Not sure the tax or duty implications in Australia, but it may well negate the benefit of the slightly lower prices in the US.

I understand you may be on a tight budget, but how much are these photos worth to you?

04/14/2005 05:56:21 PM · #11

Yes, im Aussie as they come!
I must go check my profile, and of corse if i got some pics in here it would be much more obvious.

OK. Good thoughts on buying a camera over there, and im looking into the tax and duties situation. Thanx.
Looks like were picking up a 20D! here, there, dont know, but the point on learning first could be of huge value. Yes capturing and recording this trip is a must, and personaly very valuable. So the extra may be well worth it.

I am indeed going to Los Angeles, then through to Santa Barbra. I dont have a clue about the states, and will gain a lot of great experience all in a hurry!
As to the comment about famous people, well, not such an interest to me, i feel absalutely no connection to them at all. But famous photographers or artists palatable art, is something else!

Thats what anyone in the erea could really be a huge help with, what would be the best, must see gallery or exabition? And i really need to find some photo opportunity, sites and sees to cram into my schedule.

Film is art, i know (well, some more than others), and i admire their work, but dont feel any urge to go oogle at their actual lives.

As for nothing in Alabama, well? "eye of the beholder". I am traveling all that way primarily to go camp in an otherwise empty field! So its all up to what your looking for i suppose.

Rossco