Author Topic: Seeking Nikon D3000 Advice (Read 4005 times)

Chantelle · « **on:** December 12, 2012, 01:31 »

Hello everyone!

I'm new here and hungry for some advice. I'm going through all the threads and the wealth of information here is just amazing.

I have a Nikon D3000 with the kit lens. I don’t have any other lenses or studio lights. Is it possible for me to successfully venture into food photography (also interested in stills/portraiture with my limited equipment?

I'm learning about (and love) natural light but the days are getting shorter so I'm absorbing all the knowledge I can about artificial light.

I plan on getting my hands on some fast glass but my budget is very low at the moment.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

a1bercik · « **Reply #1 on:** December 12, 2012, 02:18 »

I think that's not about gear... People sell images taken with iSomethings, soap trays ;-), etc.

emblem · « **Reply #2 on:** December 12, 2012, 03:22 »

You can certainly start with camera you have...but I'd leave the new lens out of it for the moment and get some artificial lighting whether it be strobes or continuous lighting. You can get good deals on Chinese made lighting on ebay...the build quality is low on these lights but they'll get you started.

gillian vann · « **Reply #3 on:** December 12, 2012, 04:11 »

i'd get a 50mm lens, they are cheap (the 1.8 is only $150). your kit lens won't let you shoot under 5.6? also for food I am a stickler about using a tripod, esp if you are going to shoot at ISO 100 or 200. at least then you can do lovely 1/2 second exposures to really let the light pour in.

the 50 will be something like an 80mm on your cropped sensor so it'll actually be quite nice for portraits and getting some people shots happening. you will probably want the 35mm at some point but it's a touch pricier.

Chantelle · « **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2012, 23:18 »

Thank you all for the great advice. I've had my eye on the 50mm for quite some time.

@vannphoto I do have a tripod and it helps tremendously.

Any suggestions on studio lighting I should take a look at? Preferably something under $400. Strobes seem like a better idea.

traveler1116 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 13, 2012, 23:55 »

Alienbees are probably the best value, if you are in the States.

Chantelle · « **Reply #6 on:** December 14, 2012, 00:43 »

I live in Canada. The shipping will probably make my wallet beg for mercy.

leaf · « **Reply #7 on:** December 14, 2012, 02:31 »

Quote from: Chantelle on December 14, 2012, 00:43

I live in Canada. The shipping will probably make my wallet beg for mercy.

Yeas, get some alien bees. They are very cheap for their quality, the perfect mix for Microstock really. I don't think you'd want to bother with less quality gear than this. You'll just end up having to replace it at a later time. Save up for a single strobe if that's all you can afford. Sjlocke uses these strobes, so yes they are good enough.
A reflector is another cheap versatile must have.

Chantelle · « **Reply #8 on:** December 14, 2012, 02:53 »

The AlienBees are tempting however shipping to Canada gets really expensive. I'd end up paying $100+ just for shipping and fees.

traveler1116 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 14, 2012, 03:00 »

I think Elinchrom's are another well liked brand that should be available there.

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Author Topic: Seeking Nikon D3000 Advice (Read 4005 times)

Chantelle

a1bercik

emblem

gillian vann

Chantelle

traveler1116

Chantelle

leaf

Chantelle

traveler1116

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