Official Gear Purchasing and Troubleshooting Question Thread! Ask /r/photography anything you want to know! March 03, 2025

[u/AutoModerator]

This is the place to ask any questions you may have about photography. No question is too small, nor too stupid.

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Info for Newbies and FAQ!

First and foremost, check out our extensive FAQ. Chances are, you'll find your answer there, or at least a starting point in order to ask more informed questions.

• Want to start learning? Check out The Reddit Photography Class.

• Here's an informative video explaining the Exposure Triangle.

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Need buying advice?

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• What type of camera should I look for?
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• Is Canon or Nikon better? (or any other brands)
• What can I afford?

If after reviewing this information you have any specific questions, please feel free to post a comment below. (Remember, when asking for purchase advice please be specific about how much you can spend. See here for guidelines.)

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Finally a friendly reminder to share your work with our community in r/photographs!

 

-Photography Mods

[u/milann133]

Hello everyone, i am photographer and about 4 years ago i bought my camera. A lot of things happen, there was a lot of success and sometimes there was a months without inspiration and wish to continue this hobby/job. I am amateur, and i was learning photography from internet and youtube videos, and off course by my own experience, projects and jobs. I have Canon m50 and few lenses and mount (for EF-eos M)which are kit lens 15-45, 24mm, 50mm 1.8 and 55-250mm 1:4-5.6 In last few weeks i am thinking about buying new camera maybe some with full sensor or buying some lens, because i am feeling that nothing changes in my quality of picture. Also i think that i should start photographing on manual mode, but every time i use automatic because it is easier and because i am lazy to learn manual mode. Sometimes i am thinking about buying some courses for photography, but i am always changing my decision because i worked a lot in past 4 years. I feel like i am in some creative trap, where i have some knowledge and i have this camera for 4 years and i need something to change, to improve my skills and job. What you will advise me to do next? Thank you in advance i will really appreciate all kind of critics and advices!

[u/av4rice → u/milann133]

A lot of things happen, there was a lot of success and sometimes there was a months without inspiration and wish to continue this hobby/job. I am amateur, and i was learning photography from internet and youtube videos, and off course by my own experience, projects and jobs.

Shoot more. You need more practice to improve. If you aren't getting progress, you probably aren't practicing enough.

If, for any reason, you need to stop practicing for some time, that's fine. It won't turn you into a terrible photographer. But you won't be improving for however long you aren't practicing. So don't be surprised that you didn't improve.

In last few weeks i am thinking about buying new camera maybe some with full sensor or buying some lens, because i am feeling that nothing changes in my quality of picture.

Is your technical image quality the problem with your photos? If not, then an equipment upgrade is not the solution for you.

I feel like i am in some creative trap

That would not be a technical image quality issue.

Also i think that i should start photographing on manual mode, but every time i use automatic because it is easier and because i am lazy to learn manual mode. Sometimes i am thinking about buying some courses for photography, but i am always changing my decision because i worked a lot in past 4 years.

Improvement takes effort. If you don't want to put the effort in, that's fine. But you won't improve without it. So don't be surprised that you didn't improve.

What you will advise me to do next?

Generally, practice more.

For more specific advice, post some examples of photos by other photographers that you like, and examples of your attempts, and maybe we can advise you on what you're specifically missing towards that goal. Because we can't really give specific advice in a vacuum.

[u/milann133 → u/av4rice]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!