New to photography - What kind of camera do I need to make photos like this?

[WorstMetal]

Hi,

I recently came across these photos on the web, and I really like their dreamy, nostalgic look. Does anyone know if a specific camera or lens is needed to take photos like these?



Thanks

 

[New Wrycuda]

Hi,

I recently came across these photos on the web, and I really like their dreamy, nostalgic look. Does anyone know if a specific camera or lens is needed to take photos like these?

With the possible exception of #3, these are very poor images.

#1 is not exposed properly, with very dull foreground.

#2 is out-of-focus.

Any modern camera will give you more pleasure. This from a basic Sony a7…









No percentage in either poorly exposed or blurry images.

Some people smear grease on the front lens for an “effect”. Not recommended.

 

[NicholasD]

Hi,

I recently came across these photos on the web, and I really like their dreamy, nostalgic look. Does anyone know if a specific camera or lens is needed to take photos like these?

Thanks

The big picture answer is almost any modern camera can take pictures along these lines. The real question - what techniques were used or what circumstances were these pictures taken? I don't know but a couple of guesses -

I took an image somewhat similar to the first (if you want me to post, I'll dig it up) - it was taken while on a bus tour through a heavily tinted window. You could use a filter but what type or how strong - I have no idea. The EXIF says it was taken with a Nokia 6300 (nice phone from about 20 years ago. Certainly nothing special from a camera standpoint, if in fact the original image was taken with the 6300).

To me, the last looks like a moderate telephoto pointed somewhat towards the late afternoon sun. I think everyone has taken countless versions of this, mostly by accident.

I think the real question is how can I take the types of photos that appeal to me rather than how to copy something I've seen elsewhere. Quick to say we've all gone out and copied or tried to reproduce something done by someone else. But trying to figure out what camera was used to produce a certain look is not the approach to be taken.

Nick

 

[WorstMetal]

Yeah, I know they're not high quality pictures, but... I like them, for some reason. They make me feel something. I guess what I'm asking is, how can I take bad photos?

 

[WorstMetal]

I think the real question is how can I take the types of photos that appeal to me rather than how to copy something I've seen elsewhere. Quick to say we've all gone out and copied or tried to reproduce something done by someone else. But trying to figure out what camera was used to produce a certain look is not the approach to be taken.

Nick

Thanks for the informative answer, Nick! You're right, it's not just about the camera, there are other things to consider too. Knowing next to nothing about photography, my first thought was simply "what tool did he use?" and it didn't occur to me that the technique or time might have been big factors.

I'm a bit confused by your advice: what's the difference between "taking the types of photos that appeal to me" and "copying something I've seen"? In my case, these are the types of photos that appeal to me... I'm not exactly sure what they have in common from a technical standpoint, but to me they seem to share a certain look, which I'd like to achieve in my own photos.

Once you know what you like (more or less), what's the right approach to take?

 

[New Wrycuda]

Yeah, I know they're not high quality pictures, but... I like them, for some reason. They make me feel something. I guess what I'm asking is, how can I take bad photos?

Most of us concentrate on taking the best photos that are within our capabilities and also taking advantage of the technical qualities of the camera and lenses.

Two possibilities for artistic manipulation of the image are…

1. The use of special filters on the lens, such as the grease mentioned earlier, or colour filters.

2. More recently, the use of effects provided by digital editors. Here’s some examples from a very basic editing program (Photostyler) …

Artistic & Creative Effects:

• Filters: Apply various filters like retro, vignette, and artistic styles to transform the look of your photos.
• Layer Styles: Add effects like drop shadows, strokes, color overlays, and more to layers for specific visual enhancements.
• Cloning: Use cloning to remove unwanted elements or add objects to your photos.
• Color Matching: Match the colors of your image to another image or a preset.

 

[UncleVanya]

Hi,

I recently came across these photos on the web, and I really like their dreamy, nostalgic look. Does anyone know if a specific camera or lens is needed to take photos like these?

I would look into post processing apps. Those that work on your phone might be a good place to start.

 

[NicholasD]

I think the real question is how can I take the types of photos that appeal to me rather than how to copy something I've seen elsewhere. Quick to say we've all gone out and copied or tried to reproduce something done by someone else. But trying to figure out what camera was used to produce a certain look is not the approach to be taken.

Nick

Thanks for the informative answer, Nick! You're right, it's not just about the camera, there are other things to consider too. Knowing next to nothing about photography, my first thought was simply "what tool did he use?" and it didn't occur to me that the technique or time might have been big factors.

I'm a bit confused by your advice: what's the difference between "taking the types of photos that appeal to me" and "copying something I've seen"?

I suppose they start from the same spot but hopefully as one develops, taking photos of appealing objects is the result of 'I like that and I'm going to take a picture of that....' with the reasonable expectation that you're going to get an anticipated result rather than just simply trying to mimic other people's work without any attempt to develop your own style, skills, interests...

In my case, these are the types of photos that appeal to me... I'm not exactly sure what they have in common from a technical standpoint, but to me they seem to share a certain look, which I'd like to achieve in my own photos.

Once you know what you like (more or less), what's the right approach to take?

Oh, I think it's entirely up to you. For me, it's simply a hobby and I think I know what I like so I try to end up with an image that reminds me of what drew me to the subject matter in the first place. Probably entirely different if you are a working pro (getting paid and answerable to your customers). It's easy to overthink things.

Looking at the images below, they all have a predominant mood and I think that's more subject matter than a set of technical parameters. I think having a good grasp on fundamentals is necessary no matter what but my take is that's only a small part of what you're after. Certainly, type of camera is not going to make much difference.

I'm not the most precise technical critic, but I'd align the boat picture so the waterline is horizontal ;-)

 

[Bob]

Any digital camera from 2005 should produce those results.

 

[UncleVanya]

Any digital camera from 2005 should produce those results.

This is from a camera made in 2006-2007:

https://flic.kr/p/2pLeTtB

https://flic.kr/p/2pNXxW3

https://flic.kr/p/2mzMKhu

 

[Klaus dk]

Annoyingly, "bad" is far more demanding than standard. You can take both standard pictures and arbitrarily bad pictures with any camera including the one in a smartphone, but but to make the picture "bad" the way you envision it, you need to know how to get the result. It's a creative use of the techniques available to photographers, and can't be bought.

Some of your examples could be achieved using image editing (like PhotoShop), but a couple of them (#3 in batch one and #2 in batch two) are made in camera.

 

[FrancoD]

You get simiar results from a low res trail camera or toy camera.

Take a look here and search for similar items

Is This the Worst Camera Ever Made? Fstoppers Reviews the Kenko Tokina DSC Toy Camera Pieni II

If you follow my TikTok or my YouTube shorts, you’ll know I have a thing for toy cameras. Over the years, I’ve picked up quite a few cool and quirky film cameras that I love to shoot with. When I saw earlier this year that Kenko had released a tiny toy digital camera, I had to try it. Before...

fstoppers.com

 

[guy_incognito1]

I think the real question is how can I take the types of photos that appeal to me rather than how to copy something I've seen elsewhere. Quick to say we've all gone out and copied or tried to reproduce something done by someone else. But trying to figure out what camera was used to produce a certain look is not the approach to be taken.

Nick

Thanks for the informative answer, Nick! You're right, it's not just about the camera, there are other things to consider too. Knowing next to nothing about photography, my first thought was simply "what tool did he use?" and it didn't occur to me that the technique or time might have been big factors.

I'm a bit confused by your advice: what's the difference between "taking the types of photos that appeal to me" and "copying something I've seen"? In my case, these are the types of photos that appeal to me... I'm not exactly sure what they have in common from a technical standpoint, but to me they seem to share a certain look, which I'd like to achieve in my own photos.

Once you know what you like (more or less), what's the right approach to take?

You should look into the lomography genre. I'm not familiar with that community but I bet there are resources out there for fans of the style.

 

[ADD9]

I've made lots of photos like that with two dozen different cameras when I accidentally overexposed my shots and blew highlights, then tried to pull it in post (unsuccessfully). They usually get deleted but I've kept a few because I open myself to accidental discoveries when I like the look. So yes - any camera can do that look - it's all in the technique

Just shoot overexposed photos then mess around with them in post, and see what you get with different, often extreme, movements of the different sliders. Or apply and mix filters to your heart's content. The bottom line is, it's not the camera.

 

[j tokarz]

When i first saw them . I honestly thought. Is this a wind up. After reading i could see where you were coming from. EVERY picture means something to someone. Any Camera today will give those results. Any of your pictures with a famous name would bring you untold wealth.

 

[WorstMetal]

What's the best way to learn the fundamentals? Can I just watch some Youtube videos or is it recommended to study from books?

 

[WorstMetal]

Oooh, that sure looks interesting! Thanks for the tip! :-D

 

[New Wrycuda]

What's the best way to learn the fundamentals? Can I just watch some Youtube videos or is it recommended to study from books?

Get a good camera, select “Auto” and view the results. Ignore those who tell you to use “Manual” settings. Most cameras will give you a preview of the shot on the rear screen.

Most YouTube stuff is misleading rubbish.

The camera settings will be displayed in most editing programs, and you can learn from that. See the brief list of settings in the image below (mouse over)…

 

[FrancoD]

What's the best way to learn the fundamentals? Can I just watch some Youtube videos or is it recommended to study from books?

Get a good camera, select “Auto” and view the results. Ignore those who tell you to use “Manual” settings. Most cameras will give you a preview of the shot on the rear screen.

Most YouTube stuff is misleading rubbish.

The camera settings will be displayed in most editing programs, and you can learn from that. See the brief list of settings in the image below (mouse over)…

I don't get it...

The OP is not after a result like the one you posted but the sort of photo that you get using rather basic , cheap camera with possibly non coated lenses....

It seems to me that you are trying to suggest to the OP how to take the typical decent photo that most beginners at least would be happy with (your Auto suggestion...) but this is what the OP is after

 

[New Wrycuda]

What's the best way to learn the fundamentals? Can I just watch some Youtube videos or is it recommended to study from books?

Get a good camera, select “Auto” and view the results. Ignore those who tell you to use “Manual” settings. Most cameras will give you a preview of the shot on the rear screen.

Most YouTube stuff is misleading rubbish.

The camera settings will be displayed in most editing programs, and you can learn from that. See the brief list of settings in the image below (mouse over)…

I don't get it...

The OP is not after a result like the one you posted but the sort of photo that you get using rather basic , cheap camera with possibly non coated lenses....

It seems to me that you are trying to suggest to the OP how to take the typical decent photo that most beginners at least would be happy with. (your Auto suggestion...)

Maybe I’m attempting to educate the OP and direct him away from the nonsense images that have enthralled him.

Posted image is little more than a “holiday snap” to demonstrate the basic EXIF that is available.

”Auto” is a safe suggestion for beginners, and certainly better than launching into manual mode with no knowledge.