Update: 12-12-09



Here's a quick reference guide to many questions asked about photography and the answers we have provided here on DPS.


Should I shoot in RAW or JPG?

Answer: RAW, always.

RAW question
RAW or JPEG

Should I use the in camera B&W?

The short answer: No.
If you want to read what others have said -
"Best way to do B&W?
B/W Question

What are good places to buy camera gear?

Answer: quite a few are reputable.

KEH Camera: Used Cameras, Digital Cameras, Film Cameras, Laptop Computers and More.
Digital cameras, all other cameras and everything photographic from Adorama Camera
B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders
Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Photography Equipment - CALUMET

I just got my DSLR and my friends love my work, am I ready to step up to wedding photography?

Answer: Probably not so much - Wedding are complex creatures and you only get ONE chance to get it right, and chances are you won't
Wedding Photography Startup
Wedding Photography
Advice needed

I just bought a DSLR and I'm amazingly awesome, how can I start charging for it?

Answer: Read Jim's thrice daily columns on the photog biz. Here's a few to ponder.
Want to make $$$$! Educate yourself first
Building a portfolio
How to Shoot sports
How to become a professional photographer part 1
Cost of Doing Business
On being a photojournalist
How to build a website that sells to photo buyers and editors
making money with digital cameras


What are some free programs that I can use for photography?

Answer: GIMP et al.

There are many - check these threads

Whats your favorite FREE editing tool or program?
Your FAVORITE FreeWare
Free PhotoShop plugins


Good places for webhosting and posting photos?

Answer: Flickr, zenfolio, deviantart, jpgmag.com, smugmug

Please help me in choosing web hosting
Web Hosting & Lightroom's Web Module
Website question???
FREE Places to get a website
websites???



What photo editing software is there?
Which photoshop do I buy? Elements, CS4?? Help!!
Editing software!

Should I shoot in RAW?

The answer: Yes, always.
If you don't believe me, read these threads.

Help!!! - JPG and RAW file problem



How do I shoot in low light?

Answer: Very carefully.

Party photo advice
Tips for Shooting at a concert


What is EXIF data?

Answer: EXIF data is the information the camera records of all the properties of a photo, ISO, shutter speed, exposure..etc.

EXIF data...

What do ISO, Aperture and shutter speed do?

Answer: ISO = how light sensitive the sensor is, Aperture = how much light is let in to the sensor, shutter speed = how long the shutter is held open.

Beginner trying to understand settings on camera.
Under-expose vs bump iso

Can I photograph people in public?

Answer: Yes, you can. But be careful.

Photographing people in the public, reactions

What is white balance?

Answer: White balance is a setting in which the camera finds something that should be white based on the amount of and type of light in a given area. This will give all your colors in the photo a certain tint that you may or may not want.

Does white balance affect exposure.

What is a vignette?

Answer: A vignette is a hazy border around your photo.

What is a Vignette?

Should I use a UV filter?

Answer: You can if you want to, no one is holding a gun to your head. Yet.
Lens Filters

Where to get printing done?

Answer: There are many places, Mpix, adorama...etc...

Photo Albums?

Should I use autofocus or manual?

Answer: Use whatever you like.

manual or auto focus, prefer?

How can I watermark my killer photos that people will most likely steal from me?!

Answer: Watermark it
Protecting whats yours
Simple Watermarking...Please Help!
Placing a "watermark" on multiple photos?
How do you/do you tag you're images? [watermarking]

Where can I sell my pictures online?
A Quick Guide on Where To Sell Photographs Online
Photography websites & Photo hosting. Sell photos. | PhotoShelter
Royalty Free Photos, Download Stock Photos and Images Stock Photos Royalty Free Downloads
Stock Photography: Search Royalty Free Images & Photos
123 Royalty Free - Stock Image and Photo Subscription
Stock Photos | Shutterstock: Royalty-Free Subscription Stock Photography & Vector Art

what is a Model release, and when do I need one?
Model Releases

what is a Property release, and when do I need one?
Selling pictures of a church
Legal or illegal[/QUOTE]

What are some good books to read about Photography?

Answer: There are quite a few actually.

I need a good book to read - any suggestions?


How do I organize files/Workflow?

Answer: Any way that works best for you. Yea, that answer is curt, but apt.

Organizing your digital photo collection

Organizing Photos

Workflow processes

Organizing photos from more than one camera body


What would you tell your former self in the future?



If I could tell new photographers one thing...