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Returning to Photography, Frustrated, Need Advice

Started Jun 10, 2015 | Discussions thread
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photozen New Member • Posts: 11
Returning to Photography, Frustrated, Need Advice

Hello,

I have recently returned to photography and could really use some advice. I'm not sure if my gear will show up, so I'll post what I think my best gear is.

Canon T3i

Lenses

Canon 24-70mm 2.8 L , 70-200mm L/4 ,50mm 1.4 , 24-105mm L4/ IS , EFS 18-55 IS,

Sigma 28-300 3.5-6.3

Powershot SX50 HS

I feel that I have some good equipment, but rarely am I ever happy with my shots. I primarily shoot nature, (landscapes,birding....etc) ... and family events. Photography was a hobby. I use Photoshop (beginner with Scott Kelby's books). My biggest complaint is that I can't ever seem to get a sharp picture. What I see on my view screen, looks bad and unfocused on the monitor.

Usually shoot jpeg in Aperture priority. When I do go to sharpen I use Kelby's recommendations...he has some presets that can be easily found. However I feel like I have to sharpen and correct everything in post process. In the past I've tried shooting manual focus and auto..with auto set to center point.

I could really use some advice on restarting. I was considering one lens to work with for a week or so...but I'm not sure which one..and really trying to master the lens and camera settings. I'm unsure of metering, which one to use and why.

What lens would you recommend out of my list? Any thoughts on sharpening ? I've tried adjusting my diopter too. If I shoot out in very bright sunlight..sometimes I get a focused good shot. I believe my equipment is working correctly..and the problem lies with me and my understanding.

Sorry for the long post, but I'm really looking for some help. Photography has been such a frustrating experience with the focus issues..etc.

I'm looking to start over and would really appreciate help on where to begin. (I've considered taking test images at different f-stops, iso - etc to compare..probably all on a tripod..but normally I shoot on the go without a tripod.

Thanks for any and all advice. Looking forward to getting back involved in the forums.

 photozen's gear list:photozen's gear list
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Canon EOS 600D Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Canon EF 70-200mm F4L USM +3 more
Canon EOS 600D (EOS Rebel T3i / EOS Kiss X5) Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
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