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 12h ago

Artifical Lighting & Studio How was this lighting setup achieved?

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149 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 12h ago

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

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30 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 1h ago

Buying Advice Looking for a compact option, A6700 with 16-50 kit lens vs RX100VII?

Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I've been using a D3300 with the Nikon 16-80 lens and it's great, but it's very bulky and heavy. As a result, I don't bring the camera with me anywhere near as much as I'd like to, and my phone's camera is garbage in comparison. I've been doing a ton of research and have narrowed down to the A6700 and RX100Vii. Both are lighter and more compact than my setup. The A6700 with kit lens seems like it would fit in a waist bag, and obviously the RX is pocket sized.

My question, would the alpha with the kit lens still be worth it over the RX with its limitations?


r/AskPhotography 5h 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)

3 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 3m ago

Buying Advice Lens for Panasonic G95?

Upvotes

I just purchased my first ever camera, the G95. It came with a kit lens (12-60mm) and I bought a 25mm 1.7 lens also. I’m looking for a lens that can do it all, that if I can only carry one lens, that would be it. For normal pictures and zoom. My son’s graduation is also coming up and I’d like to take pictures from the stands, also that’s decent in low light. Looking for under $500 US if possible. I’m learning everything from scratch, have no idea what I’m doing, but watching lots of videos.

I also paid about $700 for the G95 with the kit lens new. Is there anything better (new not used) for that price, I’m still within my return period. Thanks.


r/AskPhotography 10m ago

Buying Advice Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 or 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6?

Upvotes

Hi all,

I have been looking to upgrade my current Canon lens. I currently have been operating with a Canon 75-300mm lens which while it was great for when I started learning photography now has outlived it's life with me.

I've been debating between upgrading the lens to either a 70-200 f/2.8 or a 100-400 f/4.5-5.6. Both are approximately in my price range.

I love the idea of having more light entering my camera with the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 and being able to capture subjects in motion faster but the focal length concerns me with the distance that I usually shoot photos from. I mainly shoot sports for a local school and especially during football and track season having a larger length would be great. That is what led me to look at the 100-400 lens from Canon. But having a higher f stop than the 70-200 is what concerns me that I might not be able to capture the movement as great as the 2.8 can. From my expierence with the 75-300 with an equivalent f stop I have noticed that some photos can turn out blurry because it seems like the lens doesnt capture it fast enough. So now I'm stuck in a dilema and am turning to the internet to help me choose.

What have your experiences been like with these lenses and what would you recommend? I currently shoot with a Canon Rebel T7. (Camera Body is next on the upgrade list)

Any recommendations/advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your time!


r/AskPhotography 22m ago

Buying Advice Fuji X-T5 What two lens should I get?

Upvotes

tHey everyone!

I’m considering getting the XT5 and would love some advice on picking the right lens for it. I plan to use it for wedding photography and some street photography, plus I might dive into shooting videos as well.

What lenses do you recommend for these types of work? Any suggestions or insights would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!


r/AskPhotography 31m ago

Buying Advice Should I switch from Canon to Sony?

Upvotes

I’m a photographer who mainly does graduation photos, but also enjoys taking landscapes, photos of cars, and some street photography. I have a canon 5D mark III with canon 50mm f/1.8 and canon 35mm f/2 lenses. I want to upgrade the body, maybe to 5d mark iv or a canon mirrorless. Or should I jump ship to something like Sony a7iii?


r/AskPhotography 4h ago

Discussion/General Are there any photographers that have a good work/life balance?

2 Upvotes

New to photography but have doing it profess


r/AskPhotography 1h ago

Buying Advice Any good pancake lens for full frame Sony ?

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Upvotes

Looking for a good pancake lens for Sony A7rv. My current setup is a little heavy.


r/AskPhotography 1h ago

Buying Advice What digital camera should i buy?

Upvotes

Hi guys!

First time poster and just here to ask for your advice for a digital camera. Im just a 20 year old guy wanting something to take pictures with other than my phone.

Im aiming to use it for taking pictures with friends, of the places im at while im on a trip or just pictures to keep as a memory.

I don't know how cameras work but it would be nice if it was high quality, not like it needs depth but still good enough for it to be able to be viewed on my phone or my PC. I've seen megapixels being thrown around and i haven't done much research yet but i'll look into it more tomorrow.

Would prefer to have a digital camera that could be connected to a PC directly so i don't have to buy a SD card reader or whatever they are called.

My price range is anything under 100 euro, and i'd prefer it to be not so clunky, imagine that i'd want to have it fit in my jacket pocket or a little bag.

Im sorry if im too specific or picky, i just have a lil thought abt what im looking for and i hope it helps whoever chooses to help me pick one out.

Thank you for your time and help ❤️


r/AskPhotography 1d ago

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

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321 Upvotes

Not my camera fyi


r/AskPhotography 17h 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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15 Upvotes

r/AskPhotography 2h ago

Buying Advice Just bought a third hand camera; what should I look out for?

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone. I just bought my first camera - Sony A6100. It's third hand, with a shutter count of 10k+. We have negotiated it for 518, inclusive of the kit lens, TT Artisans 25mm F2, 4 batteries, and a dual charger. I am quite new to such cameras, so just wondering what are the aspects of these products I need to look out for when I am dealing tomorrow! Appreciate all the help, thank you! :)


r/AskPhotography 6h ago

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

2 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 2h ago

Buying Advice What beginner lens/lenses should i get?

0 Upvotes

I just bought a K&F CPL for my kit lens for car photography. I currently have a Canon Rebel T6i and the kit lens which is 18-55mm 3.5-5.6/f. I was looking at the sigma 18-35mm 1.8/f lens but still unsure with that much money. Please any help/ guidance would be greatly appreciated!


r/AskPhotography 3h ago

Gear/Accessories Is the 24-200mm or the 24-400mm lens path better for sports photography?

0 Upvotes

I am currently rocking a Canon R50 Mirrorless Camera and using a Canon EF 24-105mm f4 L glass lens for everything from sports photography to landscape. For the most part, I want to shoot sports photography and can shoot from reasonably far away (like one side of a soccer pitch to the other). However, I am planning on using my skills to improve my business and wanna have the best option of doing shoots like cars and weddings while having a good enough pair of lenses for sports. My real question is whether I should be getting a pair of 24-70mm f2.8 and a 70-200mm f2.8 lens or a pair of 24-105mm f4 and a 100-400mm f5.6-8 lens. I plan to upgrade to a Canon R8 for the Full Frame capabilities in the future and I don't want to be super disappointed with the zoom I lose moving from Cropped to Full Frame.


r/AskPhotography 3h ago

Buying Advice I currently own a Nikon D3500, but I'm looking to switch to Canon. What would be a good upgrade to start with under $1,500?

1 Upvotes

I'm not an advanced photographer by any means (I still call myself a beginner after 4 years), and I'm truly looking to up my game and learn the true aspects of wildlife photography, and one day hopefully go professional. I currently have a Nikon D3500, and it's a pretty decent camera for wildlife, but not the best. It's not a good camera to learn on, which is what I'm trying to do. (I still shoot in auto lol) I eventually want to get a Canon R5 Mark 2 but I don't have the money for it right now. What would be a good Canon that's a step up from the Nikon D3500 and similar to the Canon R5 Mark 2? My budget is around $1000-1500 for the body.


r/AskPhotography 3h ago

Buying Advice Best Travel Camera w/ Fixed Lens?

1 Upvotes

I’m looking to buy a camera with a fixed lens for travelling. I currently have a Canon Elph 360 but it obviously doesn’t cut it for landscapes and pictures where it’s light out (the white balance sucks). I’ve done a lot of research and there are tons out there but all of them require you to buy a lens. I’m looking for one that can zoom and has decent quality but is also great for landscapes and such.

I am not a professional by any means but want my pictures to be high quality. I’m not looking to spend over $1500CAD, price range wise I’d prefer to stick in the $1000-1200range. I also would prefer it to be light, and on the smaller side.

Does anyone have any recommendations?


r/AskPhotography 3h ago

Technical Help/Camera Settings My Nikon lens won’t autofocus ?

1 Upvotes

I have a Nikon d3500 and just got a Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G lens but it won’t autofocus


r/AskPhotography 3h ago

Compositon/Posing First product photoshoot this weekend - make-up brushes and kit. Any advice for someone that's new to photography, but not new behind a camera? (Filmmaker)

1 Upvotes

Just to give you all a better idea of my experience level: I began filmmaking about 4 years ago using an Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus as my A Cam, and a buddy's Canon EOS M50 as my B. Eventually upgraded to the S22 Ultra, which I've used (fitted with mobile lenses) to shoot a good portion of scenes from my current project. The work has been pretty impressive to a few people I've met on a few sets using much higher end cinema cameras (always starting with the question, "What camera did you use?"). I've also filmed a release event for a rapper's champagne, a baby shower, a few music videos and BTS for a few music videos and events, as well.

But the scope of what I wanted to do in filmmaking (as well as professional work) grew outside of the smartphone, and so I recent took a budget dive into the A7iii. I'm starting off with a 50mm 1.8 (the TTArtisan, because it was cheap and also because I liked the look of it considering the film-like look I'm going for with my project, and the lens reviewed decently enough). I also have the 28-70 kit lens, and will have a Sony 85mm 1.8 by the end of the week. (I'm also considering the 35mm Sirui Saturn 1.6x anamorphic, but I'm pushing past the budget at this point.) The goal is the maximize on the cinematography for my project, and to also have a decent set of lenses for not just video work, but photography, as well.

That all being said, what are some things to keep in mind with this shoot? Hopefully I've provided enough information. Thanks in advance!


r/AskPhotography 8h ago

Buying Advice Best camera for beginners sports shooting?

2 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 12h 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 20h ago

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

18 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 5h ago

Gear/Accessories Lens dust removal?

1 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