Photography

Where is a good place to sell older photography equipment online?

Photography gear: Sell online or refurbish with Sammy's?

Where is a good place to sell? Older photography equipment online. Well, of course, Facebook Marketplace has grown in popularity and I've sold some old pieces on there, but nine times out of ten. I will. When I when I upgrade my gear to the latest and greatest, I will usually send my gear over to Sammy's and they will refurbish it and clean it up and get it back on the market to somebody else, who's ready? To give it new life, I That if you are buying used gear using a an organ or a company like Sammy's or be in a Torquay eh at least you'll know it has been looked over and you know that it's functioning and has been sort of graded in a way but for me that's why I tend to sell to companies like Sammy's so that I know that it's getting looked over getting cleaned up and going into good hands.

When selling older photography equipment online, Facebook Marketplace is a popular choice, but it is usually better to send the gear over to companies like Sammy's who will refurbish and clean it up before reselling it. This way, you know that the equipment has been looked over and is in good condition before being sold to another customer.

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A good place to sell older photography equipment online is Facebook Marketplace, which has gained popularity for such transactions. However, personally, when I upgrade my gear, I prefer to send it to Sammy's. They refurbish and clean the equipment, ensuring it is in good working condition before putting it back on the market. Selling to a reputable company like Sammy's provides assurance that the gear has been inspected and graded, giving me confidence that it will find a new owner who will appreciate it.

What incidentals do you have in your camera bag, aside from cameras and lenses, and why?

Camera bag essentials: Gaffers tape and toilet seat covers?

What incidentals do? I keep in my camera bag. And why? Well, I have to say, first and foremost, Gaffers tape is some of the best things that you can keep in your bag and it can help you in a number of different ways. Whether you want to tape a flash some way or, you know, you've got something you need to pin down. It's really, really helpful. The other thing, I keep in my bag and because I do portraiture are these papers that you can get to reduce the shine on people's faces, Has I know this is going to sound really really strange but the same tissue paper that you can buy. Commercially is actually the same as you would get on a toilet seat cover. Now, if you open a fresh box then you can just cut them up into little pieces and that's a fun little hack for your bag. But those are the two that I keep my back.

Gaffers tape and tissue paper are the two main items I keep in my camera bag. Gaffers tape is great for taping down or securing items, while tissue paper can be used to reduce the shine on people's faces in portraiture.

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In my camera bag, aside from cameras and lenses, I have a few incidentals that I find incredibly useful. First and foremost, I always carry Gaffers tape. This versatile tape can come in handy in various situations, whether I need to secure a flash or fix something on the go.

As a portrait photographer, I also keep papers in my bag that help reduce shine on people's faces. It may sound strange, but the same tissue paper used commercially is the same as what you find on a toilet seat cover. By cutting them into small pieces, I have a handy hack to control shine during portrait sessions.

These incidentals have proven to be valuable additions to my camera bag, providing practical solutions and enhancing my photography workflow.

Ideal lens for action shots: It depends on the look, situations, and creativity. But a fast lens is crucial.

What lens do you use for action shots? Well, I think that depends. It depends on what you're going for. The look, you're going for and the situations. You find yourself in. If you are Trackside at the Kentucky Derby, you're probably going to want a little bit of a longer lens. If you're trying to reach across the track and photograph them, maybe a 400 or a 70 to 200, it'll give you some range and some reach but you can go a little bit wider towards the toward the finish line. Or if you're out there running and gunning and things are going super fast, you might want a lens that that is fast. So that will, you know, maybe limit your focal length. But if you can get a long lens with a fast with a fast lens combination, then you're all the better off. But again, I think it really comes down to what you're trying to achieve creatively compositionally. But in the end action shots really do require a Is fast lens.

The lens used for action shots depends on the look you are trying to achieve and the situation. Generally, a fast lens with a long focal length is ideal, but it can vary depending on the context.

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For action shots, the lens you use depends on various factors. It relies on the look you want to achieve and the specific situations you find yourself in. 

If you're Trackside at the Kentucky Derby, capturing shots from a distance, a longer lens like a 400mm or a 70-200mm can provide the necessary range and reach. You can also go a bit wider towards the finish line for different perspectives.

On the other hand, if you're in fast-paced situations where things are moving quickly, you may want a lens that is fast. This might limit your focal length options, but if you can find a long lens with a fast aperture, it's even better.

Ultimately, the choice of lens for action shots comes down to your creative and compositional goals. However, it's important to have a fast lens to effectively capture the fast-paced nature of action shots.

What is your go to or favorite lens cleaning system?

Pro Tips: Dab, Don't Wipe! The Key to Perfect Lens Cleaning

Hey, Ryan. I actually just use the lens cleaning system that I got with my camera. So, I shoot an icon and they send these little sort of almost microfiber type lens cleaners. What I will say is this, you never want to wipe a lens, you always wanted a bit and if your lens gets wet, make sure that you're not trying to like towel dry. It aggressively. Essentially what you'd be doing is any little Micro abrasive debris. That's on the lens will just sort of like sandpaper and grit away. So when it comes to my favorite lens, cleaning systems, a clean lens, cloth can go a long way. And then chem wipes are really good tool to have. I have a lens pen as well, but I don't use that as frequently again, dab. Dry less is more, don't be aggressive.

My favorite lens cleaning system is the lens cleaning cloth and chem wipes. I also have a lens pen but don't use it as often. When cleaning, dab instead of wipe and be gentle.

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My go-to lens cleaning system is actually the one that came with my camera. I shoot with Nikon, and they provide these small, almost microfiber-like lens cleaners. It's important to note that when cleaning a lens, you should never wipe it aggressively. Instead, lightly dab the lens to avoid any potential damage or abrasion.

If your lens gets wet, avoid towel drying it aggressively as well. This can cause any tiny debris on the lens to act like sandpaper and potentially scratch the surface. So, it's best to use a clean lens cloth and gently dab the lens dry. Additionally, chem wipes can be a useful tool to have for cleaning lenses. I also own a lens pen, but I don't use it as frequently.

Remember, when it comes to cleaning lenses, less is more. Be gentle and avoid being too aggressive in your cleaning approach.

How often do you swap lenses whilst on assignment? Or do you use more than one camera instead?

Seamless Lens Swapping: Adopting a Two Camera Approach

How often do you swap lenses while you're on assignment and or do you use more than one camera? Well, I have been a two camera shooter just for this purpose because if I'm in the moment and I'm running and I'm going, and I'm working really fast and I don't want to have to take the time to take a lens off and then move to the next one. So I will have one camera with a 70 to 200 and the other with a 24 to 70, which gives me the ability to go back and forth quite seamlessly without having to stop in the moment and switch. Lenses.

I usually use two cameras with different lenses to avoid having to take the time to switch lenses in the moment.

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When I'm on assignment, I prefer to use two cameras instead of frequently swapping lenses. This allows me to work quickly and seamlessly without interrupting the flow of the moment. I typically have one camera equipped with a 70-200mm lens and the other with a 24-70mm lens. This setup gives me the flexibility to switch between different focal lengths without needing to stop and change lenses in the middle of a shoot.

Mastering camera stability: The key to perfect shots

How do I hold my camera? All right, so if I'm teaching a fundamentals of photography class, this is the very first thing I talk about is, how to create a stable platform for your camera. I had to say, one of my biggest pet peeves is when I see somebody hold their camera and they're doing this lens nonsense or they're like, like doing this motion. Let me go to the side here so kind of over-the-top. Well, notice that At my platform or that could be potentially holding. The camera is actually like up here way in it. So keep your elbows in tight. So your hands are like this. Now holding your camera with your dominant hand or your right hand, some of you are lefties sorry but you know in most cameras are configured for right-handed people but holding with your right hand, elbow tucked into your rib cage, nice and tight. So that's that's the stable part, right? Holding your camera here, and then this does all the, the shutter dials and the moving, and the triggering, and the shutter release, and then this frees you up to do all your you're zooming and fine focusing. So all the stability comes from underneath. So if you've ever held your hand over the top and you've been throwing that Wing out there, stop what you're doing and make your platform underneath your camera. That's the best way to hold it.

To hold your camera properly, keep your elbows tucked in tight and hold the camera with your dominant hand. Use your other hand to control the shutter release, dials, zooming, and focusing. Make sure the majority of your stability is coming from underneath the camera.

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To hold your camera properly, it's important to create a stable platform. One common mistake is holding the camera with your hand over the top, resulting in instability. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Keep your elbows in tight, close to your body.
2. Hold the camera with your dominant hand (usually the right hand for right-handed individuals).
3. Tuck your elbow into your rib cage, ensuring a stable grip.
4. Use your dominant hand for operating the shutter dials, triggering the shutter release, and other controls.
5. This leaves your other hand free for zooming and fine focusing.

By holding the camera with your elbow tucked in and your hands close to your body, you create a solid foundation for stability. Avoid the common mistake of holding the camera with your hand over the top, as it can lead to shaky shots. Remember, the stability comes from underneath the camera, so make sure to adjust your grip accordingly.

Stacy Pearsall answers your Photography questions. See all the advice Stacy Pearsall has and get answers to your own Photography questions.

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Nikon Ambassador, combat veteran, educator, author, speaker, founder of the Veterans Portrait Project, and Producer and Host of After Action