Redbubble

The thing I like about Redbubble is that it's a site that appreciates your art for its aesthetic quality and just purely for its monetary value, although it is rewarding when some buys your imagery. I have considered joining sites like iStock Photo ; however, I find the challenge of producing imagery with so many specific requirements boring and contrived. Don't get me wrong, not wishing to appear flippant, there are brilliant photographers on istock but it just doesn't suit me. I do understand it's about retaining quality and using imagery for commercial use, but for me, imagery is not just about how sharp or how many megapixels your packing.

I may be going off tangent a bit, but I've observed many photographers who look at photographs only to comment on how sharp they are and not appreciate the image. Although, I have been able to take advantage of this megapixel surge. Both my cameras were purchased second hand from a small photographic shop the Camera Box. The advantage of buying from a local camera shop is that you can always go back if anything goes wrong. For the same price as a new compact camera, £150, I purchased a Lumix fz50; 10MP, 12x optical zoom and 35mm - 420mm. The second camera I purchased was the Pentax K10D; 10.2MP with a  Pentax lens, SMC-DA-18-55mm-f35-56.

Checking out the reviews and prices I was surprised. Both were held as flagship cameras at the time, the Lumix more for its Leica lens. The Pentax is steel cased and sealed so I don't have to worry about humidity and the finest dust particles. At the time, the Pentax and lens would have been over £1000, I payed £300.

The point I'm making is this; the dealer in the shop informed me that both cameras were only a few years old and the owners sold them merely to get more megapixels, and that's fine. It means that if your looking for a camera on a budget that gives you pro quality and feel, buy second hand. Have had the Pentax for over a year now and its only cost me £36 for a sensor clean and inspection. It is expected to have this type of camera serviced occasionally to insure quality of performance. It is worth it though, have purchased expensive compacts before that only lasted a few years and weren't worth repairing. The Pentax and Lumix perform very differently from each other as one is an SLR and the other a bridge camera. I prefer the Pentax.

To get back on track, for me, Redbubble is not only a site to sell your art, but where other people give you positive feedback and take an interest in your images. Photography is one of my main passions but unfortunately is no longer my main occupation. For me, Redbubble is great drive and way to keep me linked with other photographers.

                                                                      Lumix fz50/Bridge

 

 

                                             

                                                        

                                                                  Pentax K10D/SLR

 

 

                                                                    RjD of The Amber Thieves
                                             

                                                                                Portfolio

Phone photography and apps.

I recently purchased a Samsung GalaxySII 8 mega. Android phone. I  was initially drawn towards the iPhone; however, having read a few reviews I felt the Galaxy suited my needs more. One particular fault I had with the iPhone is that you can not place your photographs into separate folders. This can be annoying when locating or grouping photographs.
The features I am most excited about with the Galaxy are the camera apps.  Having tried most of the apps., they more or less give you the same features; however, it's worth trying free apps. I particularly enjoy using Retro camera which gives you six camera types. Effect Booth allows you to create mirror, distortion and other effects. I also use two other camera apps for editing; LittlePhoto,  nice Lomo effects, and Pixir-o-matic for vintage effects. Both these camera apps also take good photographs. The Galaxy's 8 mega. camera is also handy when I haven't got my cameras at hand. Have used it to take group shots, which will blow up to 10x8 prints.

 

 

                                                                  GalaxySII: Mirror - bnd photography

 

                           

                                                           GalaxySII: Retro Camera - bnd photography

                           
                                                                      bnd photography - instagram
                                                                                   instagram

                                            bnd photography www.redbubble.com/people/brettndodds

                                                      further Link: Drop test - iPhone vs. GalaxySII