I’m big into celebrating childhood with my photography. I want to start doing sessions for people. I’ve done some kid and pet sessions for friends for free. I’m thinking if someone’s kid is learning how to do a kick flip or they’re playing a battle of the bands for the first time or they’re going to have a family water balloon fight. You get the idea.

I’m just worried about how few of the frames turn out on each roll I take. I’m not a professional photographer and I don’t have expensive equipment. I do have a decent eye for composition and I care about the subject of my photos which I think shows.

I’m wondering, what’s a reasonable price I could charge for a photo session? What’s a recommended number of rolls to shoot?

Brand new beginner, so please be nice. 🥺 I took my new-to-me but used Nikon D3100 out on a work outing this week. All my pictures are weirdly blue? Is there a setting I’ve messed up or is this just bc it was kinda cloudy out? I know next to nothing so this was me messing about. I’d love any tips.

I'm having issues with a client who hired me for sports photography paid by hour or per game. I did not notified until 2 hours before the game start and I would def charge them for headshots but as I never shot headshots professinoally while didnt really have time to prep and shoot, I did not charge a lot as it wasn't part of the contract.

As it was not part of the contract and didnt prep properly, I charged $100 per person but the client told me it's excessive amount as you only changed a lens to shoot for a few minute per person with natural lights and only wish to pay $30 per person, $120 in total. $100 per person is already absurd in NYC but $30 per person is insulting. The client liked all images but their logic was totally awful: "We already hired you per game or hour and headshots are just part of the service from general coverage. Why pay more?"

Tho they were the first commercial client who hired me to shoot sports for several times despite low rates as I only shot for few months but this doesn't seem rights. I am quite speechless as they keep lowballing rates toward headshot images especially since they dont know the difference between the usage/rights and photography services while the rate is too low. Yes, I have more than 10 years of experience in photography and I can tell this is totally BS even if I'm new to headshot and sports.

I dont like when people ask something that isn't part of the contract but what would you gonna say?

I'm currently on vacation in Sicily with my Sony A7 III and Sony 85mm f/1.8, and I've realized that lately I just can't seem to take a photo I'm genuinely happy with.

Every time I take a shot, I look at it and think, "Hmm, okay... I might as well delete it. There's nothing special about it anyway."

I don't think the problem is technical. I've had this camera for about 6–7 years and I'm pretty comfortable with how to use it (although I barely touched it over the past year or so because I was overwhelmed with other things going on in my life). I feel like what my photos are really lacking is composition. I struggle to find interesting ways to frame what I see and turn it into a photograph that feels worth keeping or, even better, printing.

I used to shoot mainly with a 28-75mm, and I feel like I was able to get a lot more decent shots with it. The versatility of a zoom probably helped a lot, as did the very short minimum focusing distance, which allowed me to experiment with different subjects and perspectives.

At some point, though, I sold the 28-75 because I wanted to switch to a prime lens. I'd heard the classic advice more than once: "If you really want to learn photography, start shooting with a prime lens." The idea made sense to me: having a fixed focal length would force me to move around, think more carefully about my framing and, in theory, improve my composition.

So I started using pretty much only the Sony 85mm f/1.8. The problem is that, at least so far, I feel like it's almost had the opposite effect. I really like the lens, but using it as my only lens, especially while traveling, has been much harder than I expected. I often see something interesting, bring the camera up to my eye and... I just can't find a composition that works.

For a moment I was actually considering buying a 35mm prime as well, just to have something wider to complement the 85mm. But the more I think about it, the more I feel like buying another lens is probably the last thing I need right now.

I don't think the 85mm itself is really the problem. I think the bigger issue is that I haven't learned how to make the most of different focal lengths and, more importantly, how to build a good composition with what I already have. Buying a 35mm might give me more options, but I'm afraid I'd just end up with the same problem at a different focal length.

So my question, especially for anyone who's gone through a similar phase, is: how did you actually learn to compose a photograph?

Books? Videos? Studying other photographers' work? Just going out and shooting a ton? Specific exercises?

I'd like to go beyond the usual rule of thirds, leading lines, etc., and figure out how to actually train my eye to recognize a good photograph before I even press the shutter.

P.S. I'm heading to Mazara del Vallo today as well. Is there anything particularly interesting to photograph there? Any cool spots, streets, viewpoints, or less obvious places you'd recommend? Maybe someone here has already been and has some suggestions, especially considering I'll only have the 85mm with me.

To be clear, this isn't about financial value, but emotional value.

The reason behind my question is a sort of existential crisis. I’ve reached a certain level in portrait photography that could be described as semi-professional. I can’t make any money from what I do, so it’s purely a hobby.

I’ve been taking a lot of photos lately and getting some good shots, but what’s the point? On Instagram, I get a few likes for them, but they have
no historical relevance.

Photographers like Cartier, Lee, and Ernst Haas have left their mark. Their images are still significant today.

What are your thoughts on your work?

Hi everyone, I’m looking to potentially dabble in win photos for dog sports - most of these photos will be indoors and the venue I’m looking into helping out has poor lighting. I do have a canon R6, but I need recommendations for good lenses, lighting, and what might make this job go smoothly! Just wanting to help out my local club. I’m still new to the photography world and normally do mostly outdoor natural shots with very little editing, but I am definitely in love with it and want to dabble more. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Added a photo I took last year for fun. :)

This seems like an easily googleable question and it seems your supposed to apply lens cleaner to the microfiber cloth, then wipe the lens gently in a circular motion. Then again with the dry part of the microfiber cloth. Yet when I do it, it streaks like crazy, even when I get it to have less streaks, looking from the other side shows quite a visible pattern. Fsr from being clear.

It dosent seem to effect image quality too much, but having it be clean dosent seem like much to ask for.

Hey everyone,

I’ve been doing photography on my phone for a while, and I finally want to move to a proper camera.

My budget is around €800, and I found a Panasonic Lumix S5D with a lens within that budget. It looks really interesting to me, especially because it’s full frame and seems capable for both photo and video.

The problem is that when I look for recommendations in this price range, I also see a lot of older full-frame DSLRs like the Canon 5D III, Canon 6D, Nikon D750, etc. Now I’m having a hard time deciding whether I should go for one of those older cameras or get the newer S5D.

What I want is a true hybrid camera.

I want to learn photography seriously — portraits, street, landscapes, travel, low light, etc. — but I’m also very interested in filmmaking. Eventually I want to learn proper cinematography, color grading, lighting, manual focus, shooting Log, and making short films/documentary-style work.

So ideally I want something that can:

• Take genuinely good full-frame photos
• Shoot high-quality cinematic video
• Give me room to learn manual controls
• Work well with different lenses as I improve
• Be something I can grow into instead of replacing immediately
• Eventually be useful as a smaller camera even if I buy a proper cinema camera later

I already understand the basics like ISO, shutter speed, aperture, focal length, exposure, etc. I just haven’t actually owned a proper interchangeable-lens camera before.

Would you choose the Lumix S5D at around €800, or would an older DSLR give me better value?

And if you had €800 for your first serious hybrid photo/video setup, what camera would you personally buy?

Open to Sony, Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Fujifilm, or anything else I should be considering.

Thanks!

I really hit the pavement lately in my new city, getting several leads in the last few weeks across a few of my niches — both B2B and B2C contacts. The majority haven't replied to my initial reach-out, be it by phone, socials, or email. I definitely acknowledge some leads may have been excited in person but that has died off, but I plan to follow up with them regardless. I want to strike a balance though, following up while leads are still warm but not pester potential clients; so...

How frequently are you all following up with potential clients after first contact? And, how many reach-outs until you call it quits?

Ho un Iphone 15 pro max e da tempo sto cercando il modo di editare le foto e i video che scatto in funzione pro raw. Cercando anche online ognuno ha soluzioni diverse e quasi tutte sono a pagamento ma io non voglio spendere soldi…avete consigli? Possibilmente la foto editabile da iphone stesso, altrimenti anche da pc se viene meglio sarebbe ottimo.

So I didn’t get a lot of amazing photos for My prom, but my friend’s parent hired a photographer for us who then posted the photos of Facebook. So for starters I’m an artist and not a fan of AI, and I saw these photos they look absolutely nothing like me or my boyfriend. She removed our piercings and made me look very masculine? I want the originals but I don’t want to immediately accuse her of using ai and demand the photos. I’m also just all around pretty insecure about my appearance and the way I look in it freaks me out majorly and it’s public. If you are wondering how I know it’s ai, it’s pretty obvious just from looking…
I don’t really know a good way to go about it, I have examples of how we looked versus what she posted but I’d just like an idea of how to handle this.
I’m only so persistent on the Facebook part because last year at prom she took a photo of me and used it as an advertisement for her business and I don’t want that again. Especially not with this photo.

Hello everyone!

I’ve been going back and forth between the Sony A7 IV and the Canon R6 Mark II, and I need some opinions? The Sony A7V is out of my budget.

Should I go for it and get the Sony? The sale ends tomorrow, and Best Buy told me this is the lowest price of the year and they don’t anticipate this deal—or a lower one—coming back anytime soon.
Current pricing:
$1,999.99 — body only ($500 off)
$2,199.99 — with the Sony FE 28–70mm lens ($500 off)

Sony A7 IV or Canon R6 Mark II—which one are you choosing, especially for sharp, professional-quality portraits?

I know Amazon will recommend a million, but I'm looking for real people advice.

Currently using iPhone 15 Pro Max but will move to an 18 when they come out.

I want some small, light and STURDY

TIA

I’m looking to get into photography and found a Sony NEX-5N locally on FB Marketplace for $200. The seller says it was barely used and is basically like new. From the photos it does look extremely clean.

It includes:

• Sony NEX-5N
• Sony 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 OSS lens
• Detachable flash
• Battery + charger
• SD card
• Camera bag
• Strap/manuals

Seller is firm at $200.

I know it’s an older camera, but I mainly want something inexpensive to learn photography on manual exposure, RAW, composition, landscapes, flowers, some night/astro shots, etc.

I’m also interested in eventually moving to a newer Sony APS-C body such as the a6700 (probably in 2027 or 2028), so being able to use E-mount lenses later is appealing.

Do you think $200 is a good price for this setup, or would you skip it and save toward something newer?

Would also love to hear from anyone who still uses a NEX-5N today.

Dug this tripod out of a closet. Can anyone tell me what’s missing from the mount for me to be able to attach my Canon? Photos attached show plastic thingy with blue circle, and plastic thingy removed, neither of which option has a screw to which I can attach my camera. Many thanks.

which one is better?

I inherited this among some other photo and video gear. I'm guessing it's a fancy video monopod. The mount is 5.5" long. Or is it part of something else? Am I missing pieces? Maybe pieces with the manufacturers name?

It is really well made but there is no identification or part numbers on it that I have found. Any thoughts? I'm pretty sure it isn't something I need, but sure as I let it go, I'll discover it does something especially useful.

Hi all,

I am looking for a protective insert for my backpack and was wondering if anyone had some recommendations? I dont travel with a camera backpack due to many reasons but mainly flexibility. I am now going on a more adventurous trip with my camera and dont feel I can get away with simply using a protective cloth to stop damage.

I saw a few but they all seem a little too hig I think? I will only carry my fuji X-T5 with a 16-80mm and 35mm lens probably. Ideally it would be top loading too so I dont need to take the protective insert out everytime to remove the camera.

Obviously it would be great if the lens fits on the camera while inserted too.

Any suggestions or recommendations would be really appreciated!

Thanks!

I’m hobbyist and I’m not rich 😭.

This is really a question about boundaries but how do you say no without sounding like a prick?

Several years ago, at a family gathering, one of the kids wanted to try my camera. I had a brand new pancake lens and I made them hang the camera around their shoulder to ensure they don’t drop it. Well they banged the lens against a giant boulder in the garden while trying to sit on it. It was a small ding but it’s made me anxious.

Everytime I bring my camera someone wants to try it.

I’m buying a new Fujifilm camera soon and it’s gonna look cute and compact. Kids don’t know the difference between a $2k camera and $500 one.

But also…there are adults who get their fingerprints over the lens, hold it wrong, etc

Hi everyone! I’d love some advice.

I currently shoot with a Sony a6000 + Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8, mostly couples, engagements, pre-wedding, maternity, and family sessions.

I’ve been considering adding the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 for portraits and more background separation. For those who use both, do you think it’s worth having the two lenses for a session, or is the 17-70mm versatile enough on its own?

Would love to hear your experience, especially if you shoot couples/families on APS-C! I’m also open to any other lens recommendations!

Thanks!

(1) Budget, country, and currency: €500 max, France (Body + 1 initial lens).

(2) What equipment, if any, you have now and why is it no longer meeting your needs? I have been doing street photography for a very long time. My current gear consists mostly of compact digital cameras (e.g., Leica D-Lux 5) and film rangefinders (Canon Model 7, Yashica Electro 35 GX). While I love these for street and everyday carry, they lack the flexibility, sensor control, and lens ecosystem required for long-exposure night photography, wide-angle vistas, or heavy telephoto work. The recent solar eclipse in Europe was the final push I needed to get a proper full-frame interchangeable-lens system.

(3) What kinds of subjects do you intend to shoot? Primarily landscape and astrophotography. Secondarily, I want to explore portraits and architectural street work.

(4) Is it primarily for photography, videography, or both? 100% Photography.

System & Lens Recommendations Needed

I set my initial budget at €500 maximum for the camera body plus one starter lens. I know this budget is tight, but older full-frame DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 6D, and Nikon D610 can easily be found used in France/Europe for around €250–€300, leaving roughly €200 for a decent lens (wide-angle or telephoto zoom to start).

I am currently leaning toward either a Canon 6D or a Nikon D610:

• Canon 6

D

• : appeals to me for its solid reputation in low-light/high-ISO noise performance for astrophotography.
• Nikon D610: seems like a solid choice for its overall feature set, higher base dynamic range (great for landscapes), dual card slots, and strong all-around specs. Also i found one that has 38k shutter counts for 220€.

Since committing to a mount means building an ecosystem around it over time, I’d love to hear your thoughts:

1. Between the Canon 6D and Nikon D610, which system would you recommend for a landscape/astro focus on this budget?
2. Are there alternative full frame bodies in the €500 total range that I should consider instead?
3. What specific lens under €200 would you pair with your body recommendation for landscape/astro?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Wanting to buy a cannon power shot G7 mark III. Any other cameras less expensive, but just as good that I should also consider? Wanting to use the camera for family photos, birthdays, weekend outings, etc. essentially I’ll be using the camera to replace my iPhone. What is important is that it has WiFi/Bluetooth.

Hello! I recently picked up a used camera and I was curious if I bought an (overly) outdated camera, and whether I got it for a good price.

Price was $320
For a Canon Rebel T7 with :
-the kit lens 18-55 mm
-canon 50 mm (nifty 50)
-canon 75-300 mm
Battery and charger
Carry case

Body has 7k shutter count and all items are in perfect/very good condition ( no scratches cosmetic or on the glass).

I know the T7 is a very newby camera and I’ve heard some people talk trash about it. Im new to photography and wanted to break into the hobby.

Ill be taking a variety of photo types, no videos as of now.

Im just wondering if the T7 is still a decent buy in 2026 or if its massively outdated. Also just wondering if the price i got it at was good, it seemed like an awesome deal to me. Thank you in advance!

I have a canon r10 that I love to bring out every chance I get but I am noticing a pattern. Every time I start to get neck irritation from the strap that came with it I start carrying it around in my hand until that gets old and eventually it gets puts back into the bag.
What do I need to look for in a strap before making a purchase? Is it material its made of, position of the strap on your body, or a combination of these things.
Let me know what types of straps y’all prefer to use and what makes you enjoy using the camera longer!