Ya, extremely difficult for a selfie haha Especially one which you don't even hold the camera haha
I think your original shot is very impressive already la

Macro macro
Not much time to take photos lately due to the rain wuwuw... and my sensors' getting really dirty

Evarcha flavocincta ♀ by PF T.J., on Flickr

Pseudagrion cf. pruinosum (?) by PF T.J., on Flickr

Bactrocera cf. albistrigata by PF T.J., on Flickr

Signal fly by PF T.J., on Flickr

Shots taken with 105mm F2.8 + 36mm + 12mm ET
Flash fired at mostly 1/13

Good to see that you are shooting yo
I think the background makes the overall look a bit dark

Usually for pet shots, its best to capture action moments; otherwise the shot will be "too common". Even so if you put in 3 replicate photos of the same sleeping cat

Of course, sometimes its not that easy la haha, since you don't always get what you want
But if you have a cat, you can always ask a friend to play with it, then you take that action shot, perhaps one like this:
Taiwan 63 by PF T.J., on Flickr

Its not a great shot but just wanted to share as example~

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Apr 14 2014, 06:25 PM

Yeah, its a pet restaurant (only stray cats and dogs) in Taiwan
Not sure about KL, but there's a cat restaurant in Penang

Ahh I see, hope the cat gets well soon~

It might be easier to get these action shots with a good background outdoors. I had a great time learning to shoot at KL Bird Park last time though not exactly cats in there haha
Since there were so many "subjects" to shoot from - plenty of practice

Cats are not easy to shoot since they are fast moving and sometimes arrogant

My portrait orientated shots always senget one

Welcome again haha! Nice of you to drop by
Good to know that you have read around before asking~

Like what the other sifus have mentioned, the 18-55mm focal range is one of the most versatile and most often used, so its a great lens to being around for your trips, especially so since its so small and light The 18-105mm/140mm kitlens are great too, offering more zoom- suitable for zoo, bird watching, lengloi spying etc., but of course its heavier and more expensive la haha

Usually for starters, its best to just start from mode P > S > A and finally M. The learning curve is extremely steep if you start straight with M mode, and if you are not determined enough, you might just become so demoralized that you stop photography altogether (some of my friends went through that ), the idea is to take it slow and enjoying the process
Each mode will let you know how and when to adjust the settings i.e. ISO/Shutter speed/aperture, and their link to one another to get the final photo you want

Which one to use depends on your level of skills now, you can't always shoot at P mode since there's really not much for you to adjust haha If you already know the basics, then you might want to try out Aperture mode. Its pretty simple as long as you are shooting outdoors and in the sun~

Learn to use higher F values (smaller aperture) for scenery shots (or scenery shots with a person in front) e.g. F8-16 for instance: so that everything in the shot will be in focus

Learn to use lower F values (larger aperture) for portraits etc. so that the main subject is in focus, while the background becomes blurred out: to attract the viewer to look at your subject


* Shots were taken during my Taiwan with an 24-70mm, which is sort of equivalent to the 18-55mm on a DX camera like your D5200
* Oh ya, I usually shoot with Aperture mode too haha XD I only use manual when I shoot macro, or want to shoot long exposure shots

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Apr 14 2014, 11:02 PM

Aiya, I don't have that much trip shots that show good differences between large and small apertures
How about this one?

Taiwan 127 by PF T.J., on Flickr

I think its very hard to get attractive shots without retouching nowadays The closest you can get is through strobes I think

D90 is pretty okay ma, not really worth upgrading to D7000 or D7100.. better wait for more advanced DX cameras only jump?
In the meantime, improve skills or glass 1st

I squatted down, expecting the dog to turn around and look at me then I snap mana tau

Well, I did promised to take a photo like this in the last thread haha, though no HDR yet

Practice makes perfect~
Watching videos help too! You'd be amazed how much a simple adjustment will affect the final effect of the photo yo

Oh no, I wasn't referring to the videos on photo editing haha, even I don't really fancy those..
I've seen some that teach you how to deal and make good use of natural light (from B&H I think). Its amazing how much improvement you can achieve by simply changing a few things (like taking shots under shades, avoid having the model directly under harsh indoor lights etc.)- many of which we often overlook while taking photos

Yes yes, go set up account so that we can stalk you haha

I don't know when baru will I get the urge to learn landscape sifu

Long time no see bro
3rd shot is amazing!!

Welcome back man
Great shots, the weather looks so nice over there haha~~
In general, I think the photos will be nicer if taken from a lower point, and closer to the main foreground subject (which should be present for each shot imho).
I think the colours (especially the greens) are a bit too saturated

I love shots 3 and 5 a lot~ Especially 5, the sky damn majestic

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Apr 18 2014, 11:22 PM

Took 15 minutes out today to take some macro shots in the garden

Cycad blue sucking nectar by PF T.J., on Flickr

Oxyopes birmanicus ♀ lynx spider guarding spiderlings by PF T.J., on Flickr

Shots taken under natural light, shot in A mode
105mm F2.8
ISO 1600
F13

If you have a Tammy 17-50mm F2.8, then that's the only lens you will need to bring for your trips
Based on my experience, sometimes the less you bring, the better you will be able to make do with what you have, and in the end, taking better shots

Update: Ops, just read that you are using a normal kitlens, if that's the case, depending on your budget, a Tamron 17-50mm (selling off kitlens) or a 35mm F1.8 would be good picks

This post has been edited by [PF] T.J.: Apr 21 2014, 05:44 PM

Nice summary haha
At this point I think there's really no point in buying D lenses already I think
How come you have so many different 50mm lens?

17-50mm and flash good enough bro
Save space to help girlfriend carry stuffs

Agreed haha

So many haha
Which particular photos?

Best price?
Maybe can look for "digitalfm14" here in Garage Sales
If best service, then definitely bro Yannick here haha: https://www.facebook.com/yannick.ng.75?fref=ts