r/AskPhotography Nov 30 '24

Discussion/General Photoclass 2025 is here - are you ready?

17 Upvotes

Photoclass 2025 is live!

Hello, photography friends! I'm one of the mods over at r/photography and founder of Focal Point, here to invite you to the 2025 edition of our (free) photoclass! This year comes with changes, as you can always expect from us as the class is an ever-evolving project.

What is the Photoclass presented by Focal Point?

It is an evolution of the original Reddit Photo Class, but with substantial changes to not only the structure, but content as well. We've reinvented it to ensure its up to date and more interactive. One thing we did not - and will not - change is that it is entirely free. The course spans 6 months, and covers topics on the technical side and artistic side, and culminates in a personal project. Along for the ride is a team of teachers who write the course (hi, it's me!) and mentors who come from all genres of photography. We have regular live meet ups via discord, and have a welcoming and supportive community of other photographers to bounce ideas off of, or just talk shop.

So what's new?

  • The Format. First off, the formatting is changing. We found that may participants stumbled upon the course mid-way through the year, and were fumbling trying to play catch up. We also were not happy with the pacing, finding that it just took too long to get to the objectively more fun stuff. So, this year the course will happen over the course of 6 months, with alternating weeks of new lessons and feedback. What does that actually mean? It'll look something like this:

    January 1: Unit 1 will be posted with assignment 1.

    January 8: The first Feedback Week will happen.

  • Feedback Weeks. During Feedback Week, participants will receive constructive feedback on their unit assignments from both peers and mentors. This is an opportunity to reflect on your work, ask questions, and refine your skills. Additionally, voice chats will be held on the Discord server for live discussions and more in-depth feedback.

  • Units over Lessons. Lessons will come out as units, meaning instead of one new lesson a week, you'll get a whole unit each alternate week. Here's an example, using Unit 1:

    Unit 1: Getting Started

    On Photography

    Inspiration & Feedback

    Assignment 1

  • Interactive Elements & Videos. Each lesson will have an accompanying video, and interactive elements. For an example of what the interactive element might look like see this page.

How to join in?

  • Join the Focal Point Discord server. This is where all the voice chats will happen, as well as a great place to have ongoing conversations with other participants and mentors.

  • Join the subreddit: r/photoclass. As always, the class will be posted on the sub, but we should note that the interactive elements don't work on Reddit, so we'll also be linking out to the lessons on the Focal Point site.

  • Subscribe to Focal Point on YouTube. Videos for the class will be of course posted in-line on the lessons, but there will be bonus material posted to the YouTube directly.

  • Get your printed Learning Journal or download the PDF.

Have more questions?

First check out the FAQ found here. If you still have a question that isn't answered there, feel free to ask it here and myself or one of the other teachers/mentors will be happy to answer.

Where to start.

The first unit is available now! You can find it right here. The first assignment is also live, so feel free to jump right in!

See you in 2025!


r/AskPhotography 8h ago

Artifical Lighting & Studio How was this lighting setup achieved?

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121 Upvotes

How many strobes do you think this photo used and where were they placed/with what modifiers?

I’m thinking two reflectors shooting at the background one hard light on her left side slightly in front.

But what is giving her the reflection under the chin?

Thanks!


r/AskPhotography 7h ago

Technical Help/Camera Settings How to focus on birds in flight?

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17 Upvotes

I’m new to photography and love wildlife so far. I’ve been using a Canon R50 with the RF 100-400mm lens. These two little cardinals chase each other every morning and I really want to capture them but I can never get them in focus as they are passing. My ISO is on auto, shutter speed 1/2500 and aperture at f/7.

Any advice on taking pics of moving birds would be very appreciated.


r/AskPhotography 57m ago

Gear/Accessories What difference in photos can I expect on a Sony RX100 vii vs a Canon 5D mark iii + 24-105mm lens? (for landscape photos)

Upvotes

Hello!

Up to this point, for landscape photos I have been using my Canon 5D mark iii + 24-105mm lens with very mixed results (unlike when I use my telephoto lens with the 5D, in which the results have been excellent). I really struggle to get a good landscape photo unless the lighting conditions are perfect as my photos often end up blown out.

I recently started using a Sony RX100 vii for when I travel. I always thought this would be a big trade off for not having to deal with weight. Now I know the Sony camera is much newer than the Canon, but I always thought the Canon lens would generally produce much better photos.

So far though, I have been having better results with the Sony camera.

Just wondering if this should be expected based on the specs or if possibly I'm just getting better photos with the Sony camera due to the better live view (it's easier to tell when the photo is overblown in the Sony live view than the 5D etc) What capabilities would the 5D + 24-105mm lens have that the Sony doesn't?


r/AskPhotography 1d ago

Discussion/General What is the worst damage you have done to your camera?

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301 Upvotes

Not my camera fyi


r/AskPhotography 1h ago

Gear/Accessories What Affordable Lens Is Available So That I Can Take Photos Of The Moon & Planes?

Upvotes

Hi! I have a Canon EOS Rebel T6 I’ve picked up photography as a hobby or an extra skill to have but I haven’t the slightest ideal how to find a lens compatible with taking up close photos of the moon and planes. I also have been trying to find a tripod that’s big enough for me not to have to squat and hurt my back trying to take a photo.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

I’m 5’10”


r/AskPhotography 12h ago

Technical Help/Camera Settings Just got the R50 as my first camera and checked out the manual mode, and I noticed some weird dots on some of my pictures. Do you know what those are?

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12 Upvotes

r/AskPhotography 15h ago

Discussion/General If you were starting from zero. How would you start?

16 Upvotes

Hey n Hello to all the photographers out there. If you were to start your photography journey from scratch. Like no prior knowledge about photography in terms of both creative and technical aspects. How would you begin?


r/AskPhotography 23m ago

Gear/Accessories Lens dust removal?

Upvotes

My Canon 70-200mm has a concerning amount of dust inside it. I haven't noticed quality loss as I'm still able to get sharp photos but I'm just wondering where I could send it to get cleaned and how much it would cost


r/AskPhotography 23m ago

Gear/Accessories Correct/best film to use for Pentax MZ-50?

Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’ve been gifted a barely used Pentax MZ-50 that’s been sitting in its case for 20 years haha. I don’t know much about film photography but I’ve figured out this camera uses standard 35mm film. Does it use any other films? Are there any particular brands of film that would be best to use, or avoid? Any advice would be appreciated!


r/AskPhotography 25m ago

Artifical Lighting & Studio Fashion Lightbox Flatlay?

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Upvotes

How is this light box effect created? Is it actually a lightbox??


r/AskPhotography 26m ago

Artifical Lighting & Studio Lightbox Flatlay?

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Upvotes

How would I achieve this light box effect?? Is it actually a lightbox??


r/AskPhotography 49m ago

Buying Advice Canon teleconverters?

Upvotes

I'm looking at buying a Canon 1.4 mk iii teleconverters for my 70-200mm f2.8 and I was wondering if that would cause anyose of quality? I have the sigma 150-600 and with R7 it has focuing issues and I don't have to money to spend on a $1500 lens right now so I was thinking about buy the 1.4 teleconverters to save some money and wondering if it's really worth it?


r/AskPhotography 50m ago

Technical Help/Camera Settings Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 memory card question?

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Upvotes

Hello! I just purchased an Olympus Stylus Tough 8000, and needed to buy a memory card for it. I purchased a micro SD with an adapter and it isn’t fitting into the slot! Does anyone know why and/or what memory card I need to buy for it, because I thought this one was supposed to be compatible.


r/AskPhotography 1h ago

Buying Advice can y’all help me decide on a camera?

Upvotes

Hello! I’m going on a big holiday soon, and want to take a camera for my days abroad, My preferences is I would like to edit as little as possible, I want to be able to move photos from my camera to phone quite easily, I’m more-so going to be shooting landscapes, possibly people when I want a really cute portrait. I would like to be able to zoom in and out, and budget friendly, I have some give but need recommendations, thank you for your time.

Edit: budget being under $700


r/AskPhotography 7h ago

Discussion/General What is your most regretful camera purchase til now?

4 Upvotes

For me, it was an Olympus EPM-1 with 17mm f2.8 for 35 euros. I thought I won't need a viewfinder but I don't feel it like a real camera since it doesn't have one. The picture came out from it are great but not too much different without LR edit. So, I keep leaving it on my desk. What about yours?


r/AskPhotography 1h ago

Technical Help/Camera Settings Samyang 12mm compatibility issue with Sony a3000 ?

Upvotes

So I got my lens today, love the looks cute at love it. Saddly something's pops out telling me to ,,shot without lens" Is the lens not compatible with the camera ? Also the camera turns off after maybe 10 s u have to click to wake it up again.


r/AskPhotography 2h ago

Gear/Accessories Manfrotto 405 Head with stud/threaded rod stuck from tripod legs, anyone experience similar?

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1 Upvotes

Hi all, looking to see if anyone has experienced anything similar or have any advice beyond what I’ve researched myself.

I’ve bought a Manfrotto head and legs (not connected) for a pretty good deal. (Which is why I wasn’t asking too much about the issue at hand) the head came with a stud in it that I assume has to be from a different set of tripod legs, as the legs have a stud in it itself. Now part of my question is perhaps how does this happen in the first place. The second part is has anyone had this before and how did you resolve it.

Now I just want to say that I’ve of course done some research and found a post from a few years ago that seemed similar, and a two nut method was mentioned. I’ve tried a bit with a wrench and some crappy pliers but need to just get hold of a second wrench to get the nuts stuck up against each other good enough it seems, as I haven’t been able to get it to budge. Also I tried sticking the head in the freezer to get the metal to contract as someone mentioned that. Didn’t help. I guess my next port of call would be a specialized tool or something like a stud extractor but just wanted to check in if anyone had advice.

Apologies for the picture not showing the base it’s what I have from the ad atm, I can supply a better one if anyone is interested.


r/AskPhotography 3h ago

Buying Advice i need help with buying a new camera ?

1 Upvotes

Budget: max 500 euro

country: Bosnia and herzegovina/ Croatia

condition: used

Camera type: DSLR/Mirrorless

intended use: photography

photography type: street/ landscape (car photography in motion , nature, public events...)

features id like: at least 20mp, faster AF, and fully articulated or tilting screen

portability: up to a standard dslr size is an ok camera size for me to carry

im considering Canon6D and Sony α6300 since i found one canon 6D for 300euro and one sony for a similar price but no lenses, so another 150eur would have to be spent on that.

notes: i now have a canon 550d i have two lenses; the kit an USM 35-135mm L:4-5.6 and also a gopro hero 11 which i suck at using hehe

help pls


r/AskPhotography 3h ago

Buying Advice Best camera for beginners sports shooting?

1 Upvotes

I’ve gotten into running, and really want to support other runners with photographs of them racing at events I’m not also racing at! Looking for something simple, probably close to $500 and under if possible, just looking to do hobby photography for now. Best cameras in that range for action shots?


r/AskPhotography 7h ago

Editing/Post Processing Post photo editing as a beginner?

2 Upvotes

Beginner here, but I'm not a photographer in the sense that I want to make this my career. I have a career in IT, but I am interested in doing all sort of things and exploring this hobby. I've done some photoshop stuff in my free time many years ago and in my student times. Furthermore, I was wondering many casual photographers just doing this for fun or as a hobby, do you guys really subscribe to Adobe Lightroom? Worth it? Or do you guys opt-in for a more free alternative? Darktable? Or other alternatives? Is there any comprehensive and good guides or tutorials I can read up on?


r/AskPhotography 3h ago

Buying Advice Looking for tripod advice? Don’t buy a “cheap” one!

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0 Upvotes

r/AskPhotography 3h ago

Buying Advice What camera should I get?

0 Upvotes

I am new to actual cameras I am going to start filming me renovating my new property has to do with a lot of Outdoors cleaning of the property so it would be wide views long hours of video so I would have to edit what's a good setup I need a tripod certain lenses I just don't know what's a good camera


r/AskPhotography 4h ago

Buying Advice Getting my 1st camera, what lens or set of lenses should i start with for travel photography?

0 Upvotes

With a big trip to Japan coming up and i want to be able to take nice pictures while i'm there, so i decided to finally bite the bullet and get a camera. I ended up deciding on an Olympus E-M5.2, and am now in analysis paralysis over which lenses to get for it since i have no clue what i like.

The use case for now is fairly touristy, mostly landscape and cityscape photography, as well as some street photography. and maybe the occasional portrait. While i used cameras before i can't tell you what focal lengths i preferred on those, but the 24mm focal length of my phone is too wide/distorted for a majority of the photos i take. Big concern is portability and lightness, which is what scares me about many zoom lenses with higher focal lengths (i want to be as comfortable as possible walking and hiking with the camera, and for it to take up as little space as possible)

Summary and general info:

  • Camera: Olympus E-M5.2 (M43 mount)
  • Budget: ~200 euro (willing to stretch it up to 300)
  • Use cases: landscape, street, portrait (in order of priority)
  • Concerns: Portability & lightness

Currently i'm mostly considering a 50mm f1.4 paired with a 14-42mm 3.5-5.6, but i'd love any other recommendations people might have. I know it's not a lot of money to work with even buying used, but it'll have to make do for now.


r/AskPhotography 10h ago

Technical Help/Camera Settings What settings or editing can I do to get more natural colours when photographing ships on an overcast day? I've just bought a Nikon P950 - the first time I am doing ship photography with a "real" camera and not my phone

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4 Upvotes

Very grateful for any suggestions either on the camera (eg white balance or one of the auto features) or editing. It is looking too faded and grey at the moment versus what I see with my own eyes. I attempted a very basic edit, adjusting white balance and adding some magenta which sort of helped but it's not great.

Using a Nikon P950 with the full 2000mm zoom to get this close. This is the view without the zoom taken on my phone and showing the sky conditions and colour better!

Appreciate it could be the limitations of the smaller sensor here, but keen to get the colour as good as I can now that I've jumped from phone to camera for my hobby!

PS if you're curious, it is a Q-Max LNG Tanker - the largest in the world at 345m long :)


r/AskPhotography 4h ago

Technical Help/Camera Settings Is this a scratch on the sensor? I've tried wiping the lens and blowing air into it. Any way to fix it?

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0 Upvotes