Don't buy a new camera - some other small things that will help your photography and printing

Keith Cooper looks at ways of helping your photography, whether by attention to editing or printing. Includes a simple print viewing light that will improve the consistency and quality of your print work, without the expense of a print viewing cabinet.

The use of adapted lenses is covered (articles and videos) at:

There is a review of the light unit (Grafilite/Ott-lite) at:
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[robertsimpson]

Good advice, the voice of reason in a mad world. I am using a 45year old 55mm micro Nikkor on a D700, manual focus is not an issue, nor is 12mp sensor. Back in the 70's I used to reverse my 50mm for macro, worked a treat.

[richardterrell]

I do agree in all you say here, it begs that set of questions I recall I learnt long ago.
What? When? Why?

[nkd]

Thanks for the insight! Was on the brink of getting the R5.. Managed to lend one today from a contact, we could not tell a difference between my 2015 purchased 5dsR (only pro body for architecture w/ tilts). Images shot where like for like, only around ISO 800 the difference is evident in noise. Instead, I think I look for backup 5d 3/4/sR if the price is right. The thought of the shutter mechanism failing on a shoot has been on my mind lately. The price saving alone, I may pick up that Mayima 35 shift & possibly a 100mm macro for quick handheld interior joinery details & macro fun!

[jbairdexp]

The single best thing I did for my photography was to have 1-2-1 sessions (over a number of years) with a professional photographer who not only produced the type of work I aspired to but was also known to be a good tutor. A good photographer does not always make a good teacher!. The next best think I did was get reading glasses. I got my first pair of glasses today.... I had no idea my vision was THAT blurry! lol

[JoeTourist]

Thanks for the practical advice to keep progressing with photography skills. I have found that assigning myself a project is a great motivator to move through any phase when I'm otherwise "stuck". I don't need a client to have a "project"...in fact, not having a client allows me to take my time to explore more technique.

[johnvaleanbaily]

Good advice as usual... although you made me feel somewhat guilty about upgrading my Z7 a couple of days ago, to a Z7ii. I was happy in almost all respects with the Z7 (certainly with the colour reproduction) but not auto focusing, which always seemed a bit laggardly and slow. The ii is much faster and more accurate... so no more upgrading for me... well... until I see what the Z9 has to offer... :( Thanks Keith.

[thomastuorto]

I would of liked to see how you got that piece of equipment that is in the photo on your monitor looking so clean & smudge free! lol. This vid is a breathe of fresh air from all the future new equipment & review vids out these days(which I have to admit to watching some).

[nlreversespeech]

I could not make out the photo editing software you mentioned, sounded like vanity 6.

[guy-heylens]

Which monitor are you using? I'm looking at EIZO for the moment but do I need a 1500€ monitor.

[pizzablender]

The beginning photographer worries about having a good camera. The somewhat more experienced photographer worries about the quality is his lens. The really experience photographer cares about the light.