FunkySpoo

First off, you're going to have a great time there. I was there a few years ago and can't wait to go back. Hopefully I can shed a little on your question. When I was there all I had was the a6000 ...

Oh sorry, I thought you wanted some opinions on your shot . Not just praise. My bad. Here are some ice cream shots you might learn something from. And I'll add that your exposure and PP sucks also.

Thanks. The first and third are with a Kiron 105. I think it an f2.5. It might be f2.8 and the others are with the LensBaby Velvet56

I agree with the comments already made. The lighting looks like it's just the overhead room lights so it has a bit of a snapshot feel to it. In the first shot I'd crop it to just above the ice ...

Nice balance between flash and ambient. My only suggestion would be some kind of diffuser to soften the shadow the flash is creating. Unless that's what you were going for then it's all good.

Yup. I use Simple DOF. I think it costs $3.99

Love the dog pics. Here's my girl

Certainly worth a shot. HaHa, get it? Shot? I crack myself up. Now where's the coffee

Yikes, I had no idea. In that case I think your original idea of a UV/Skylight filter is the way to go. As far as which one I think any of the standard cheapish ones would be fine. You can get a ...

How about an underwater housing? I've never used one so can't recommend. just a thought

Time for a short ear snack

Or maybe point the camera at something colorful. Really vivid a saturated grey door, cement walls and brown boxes would look kinda fake. The blue sky looks pretty good though

SamYang 12 F2.0 at B&H for $279

I usually print my images in a variety of aspect ratios. Not sure what they are as I usually crop freehand. Then I print on whatever size I want wether it's 8x10, 8.5x11, 11x14, 11x17, or 13x19. ...

Off topic and nice kit but where did you fine a shutter count tool for the a6500? So far I can't find one that works on a Mac. Thanks

Considering it's underexposed it I'd say it looks really really good. And yeah all your other examples are waaaay underexposed. As the others have suggested try some of the auto exposure modes or ...

I do. I can print up to 13X19 or 13X42 or something like that on my ancient Epson R1900. Only time I print from an online printer is if I want bigger, which is seldom.

Nice kit but if I'm going out with just the camera and one lens attached then I don't bring any bag at all. Just camera on strap on my shoulder. Spare battery in my pocket.