Your point is well taken, Pauloresende, thanks.
can I hear more from the Mac users?

I know this sounds like the Nikon vs Canon debate all over again (I don't mean to go there, sorry  )

thank you for your answers it sounds like I should stick with PC for the value and computing power it offers. I have a desktop PC which is my "if all fails PC/backup" and that never crushes (as opposed to my laptop PC). Yes, one consideration for me is also that Mac costs 2x more for the same speed/specs/power

I guess Mac is more suitable for those who do more design/3D /flash work or music production.

It also did not sound like it is worth my while to run both platforms, will drive me nuts keeping both updated and costly for the licenses. (yes, if I have the bucks , that would be an ideal)

Glad to hear Vista is pretty decent. I have read some complaints about it from friends. The guy whose HP 9607 (w/17th inch and Vista loaded) I am considering buying from said he was not happy with Vista and he said I should load it with XP Pro..

thanks again.

Hey guys,

Need to hear your thoughts on whether you use Mac or PC for your photography/creative art work and why?

My current laptop, a PC, is about to give up so time for a new one. I am debating whether to go for a Mac this time around or stay with a PC. I know just a little about Mac. I use my laptop for all my work, it is my whole life really, lol, write articles, edit my photos (use Photoshop extensively, and GIMP occasionally), plan to start using illustrator. I am also learning programming.  The question is how different are the two platforms and what should I be aware of before I make the switch (especially if I need to move my files over. (word doc's) photo stuffs will be fine I imagine). I could have both but is that really necessary? What do you use/prefer as a photographer and why?

Was going to post this in the Photography equipment section, thought it might be ok here. I apologize if this question is in the wrong place.

Thanks you in advance for your advice.
jc

For me, if I can just earn back the money I have spent on my camera gears over the last 2 years, I would consider that the first milestone. It is like a mouse that just keeps running away (the urge to buy more gears you know what I mean

I am so far from being successful (from a ROI point of view) at this thing that I decided I should treat this as a hobby for now just so that I am not so hard on myself that it takes the fun out of it for me

I have sold a couple of ELs on Fotolia but somehow only managed to find one tear sheet. Oh well... I am long way from home lol

here is the link to mine: http://www.neumann-wolff.de/products/view/91

the photo above: "top 10 Albums" by Diego Cervo is really neat. great shot! I saw it used somewhere else as well.

jc

I second what Michealo said, lens is more than important than the camera body, and the person behind the camera is more important than the camera. As long as your camera has basic to intermediate functions, you won't go wrong whether it is a Nikon or Canon (the debate never ends).

As for a walk around lens. I recently added the Tamron 18-250 Di-II on my Canon 10D. I was hesitant to get a non-Canon lens at first and have always found the 70-200 f/4L (which I owned once) not wide enough and the white body very intrusive. The reviews on the Tamron were very good all around (even by the pros) .I decided I shall get a less conspicuous lens this time around. I have been very pleased with the results.

jc

Happy New Year to all and especially many thanks for everything I have learned in this forum.

My one big goal is to improve on my photography skills and take better stock photos in 2009

Cheers
jc

In case you are interested in an article I recently wrote for AC:

How To Create A Sticky Blog - Advice and Pitfalls

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1343023/how_to_create_a_sticky_blog_advice.html?cat=24

It is a bit long but hopefully you find useful information and tips for your blog.

Cheers
JC

Agreed. One can have the fanciest camera equipment but if one has not mastered the ability to see the light as the Grand Masters see them, alas, it would not make my difference. Of course nice camera and lens make head turn but that is about it 

The more I learn about photography, the more I realise I need to go back and revisit the basics.  A lifelong avocation indeed but a fun one nevertheless.

jc
http://socalislandgirl.blogspot.com

I don't trust my laptop, it has got too much "garbage" in it that it has crushed or frozen me out a few times. So I save all my RAW files on an external 1/2 terrabyte drive and work off  that drive (and all my other important files on an external portable/mobile drive as well). I bought that 1/2 terrabyte drive at Frys for $129.99 2 years ago and it was a steal then. Now one can get a 2 terrabytes for $250 and 4 terrabyte for $581 on Amazon, I just had a look on their site, simply amazing!!! Well, global manufacturing in lowest cost location has definitely brought some fringe benefits to us all

jc

I can definitely contribute to the quality versus volume debate. I am no photographer in comparison to most of you. My work is improving but it is on going process 

I am exclusive on Fotolia (600+ images) , and I opted out on Sub, and since I was able to raise my price after reaching Gold, and my work got a little better, my earnings/month improved. So 2008 was a much better year for me. I have been at this thing for a little under 2 years but more actively last 8 months.

Everything else not accepted by Fotolia went to 123rf, and BigStock and despite having a larger portfolio on 123rf, I made far less each month. I have started sending landscape images and people w/o release to Alamy, will see how that goes.

But definitely, it is the quality that counts. vol helps but good photos will sell. If my work is a third as good as most of you, I would definitely sell more  .

Happy Holidays

JC
P.S I have been a member here but have not participated much in the forums. I  have been reading the posts though and have learned a great deal from everyone. Thank you.
http://socalislandgirl.blogspot.com

Thanks, Adelaide for the posting and bringing Kiva to my attention. It is awesome what Kiva is doing and a  great way to help others in need directly

I have just joined as a member and will make the loans soon.

http://pinkjava.blogspot.com/
http://www.kiva.org/lender/jc5355

JC