What to do? Parental issues.

[calebk]

I've been pondering for quite some time on getting a DSLR to replace my dad's old Konica SLR, which is unusable already, and I've decided on the 350D.

The problem here is that my parents don't think it's a good investment. They think I should wait till I start working (in 4+ years) before I purchase a DSLR. Here's where (I think) it gets complicated. I plan to start building up my portfolio (inclusive of photography) now, so that when I finish school, I can find some work for awhile before serving the nation. I have spoken to them (somewhat) about this but they still claim that it's not a good idea as "technology will advance and your camera will become obselete in no time. Then you'll want a new one. blablabla." I've tried explaining the idea of the SLR system of interchangeable lenses, which are mostly what decides the photo, not so much the camera body (although there is an element of truth in it), but they're obstinate.

With the spree of upcoming events that I really want to capture, I don't see how I can convince them that this is a good decision to purchase a DSLR, thus being able to build up my portfolio, and prepare for next semester's photography module. (I study in NP, FSV.)

Has anyone been through this, who can give me some helpful advice (hopefully before mid-August, as that's when Parisilk stops giving the freebies with the 350D kit)?

 

[+evenstar]

seems that your parents are not very supportive of your hobby.

maybe you can highlight to your parents that there are many working professionals who still stick to their cameras even if they are more than 5 years old, and are still producing stunning images with their "obsolete" cameras.


you can also tell them that their handphones are obsolete, so why bother to buy a handphone?

 

[raptor84]

Actually the 350D is almost 18 months old and may be replaced soon. Prices now for this model are really attractive (about 1.3k for a new set) You must take into acount the 'necessary' acessories like a dry cabient, cleaning equipment, memory cards... and so on so make sure you budget at least $200+ more on top of the price of the body. Also you might out grow the kit lens fast and once that BBB virus hits you will be in trouble

An alternative is to rent a DLSR for the duration of the event 2-3 days for about $80+ to get a feel for it first. I shot mainly with film for 6 months before getting my dslr You can try looking for friends with a DLSR that might be willing to let you play with too.

Just to add, my parents were concerned about me spending too much on my hobby too but once i showed them the photos they just said "make sure your grades arent affected" hehe. It also helps if you can make some $$ out of it too.

 

[calebk]

I've been shooting alot with a P&S for close to a year, and I feel very limited. And yes, I've played around with the 350D a whole lot. Thanks guys.

 

[Stoned]

Do you have the money yourself? If yes, just go ahead, cos technology will always advance.
If no, then your parents have the ultimate say. If you really MUST MUST MUST have it, go work. Do you have the money for lenses once you get your DSLR? If no, you have a problem again.

If your budget is low and you are shooting only a couple of events, renting is the way to go. If you're shooting professionally(or semi-pro) or very often(once a week at least) then it makes sense for a student to get his/her own DSLR/equipment. Otherwise, unless your parents have very deep pockets, you'll be unnecessarily spending their money which might be better spent elsewhere, because you really don't need your own equipment.

 

[fWord]

Well, your parents are right to a certain extent. Buy a 350D and as new models come out you'll drool over them and wish you could have one as well. Even discounting that, once you start getting into an SLR system things get really expensive. It might be one lens after another until you reach your ideal set. And by the time you get there, you'd have blown off a few thousand bucks. I'm probably on the way to doing that. :bsmilie:

All I can say is, photography is a hobby. Everyone should have a hobby...a passion...something to chase and something to do. If life is all about working and earning enough money to put food on the table, then I'd rather not be alive. And everyone is different. Some might still be happy collecting insects these days, while others must collect cars. Some can make money with their hobby but others can't.

I just feel that everyone should have that something in life that peps them up and drives them to do things they normally wouldn't do. If you have a hobby and it adds positive value to your lifestyle, then I say go for it.

 

[Razor54]

Maybe you could start saving by doing some part-time job during the school holidays to finance your dream. That's how I got my first film SLR back then.

If you're really interested into going into photography either as a hobby or as a profession, you could start off by getting a second hand set first. As suggested, do factor in the additional expenses should you decide to step into this. Perhaps can even consider a film SLR first?

Good luck....

 

[hanamasa]

are your parents financially ok to buy you such camera?

have you try work out something to earn it?

i started photography for years... but only got to buy my very own camera recently.

dont give up.... keep trying.... think of alternative... " start saving" :thumbsup:

 

[dragos]

are u asking them to buy it for u?

that's crucial..hehe...

 

[n0d3]

Number one, respect your parents. Second, do you really need it? Can you afford it without putting a strain on your parents' finances?

How about you try to convince your parents using various methods, e.g. showing them how much you would actually need to spend and break down the costs for them to see etc. Or offer to do more chores/some extra work to pay for part of it etc.

In the end it doesn't matter which camera you use, but the resulting image that comes from it. For dSLRs, the 350D/20D is a camera which will last you for quite some time, the only thing you have to be worried about are your lenses. Your system will easily last you 5-7 years until it breaks down from wear and tear.

At the end of it, respect your parents no matter what.

 

[NE clicks clicks]

The most pressing question is, Who is gonna pay for it, Your parents or your own saving?
If you are going to ask them to buy it for you, they definetly have the final say. If they say no, do respect their financial constraint if that is the reason.
To be honest, is not a very cheap hobby to start with.

Why not take an alternative route of using a 2nd hand SLR and a 28-200mm lens. It should cover almost all the common situation for you. As you have just said, building up your portfolio is the main aim, hence pictures are the most important issue here. Not the camera.

 

[AReality]

Tell them they will grow old and become obsolete one day.
Tell them you'll send them to the old folks home in 4+ years when u start working.


.

 

[biggmalique]

balance your wants and needs.

 

[hobbit6003]

Well, if you're using your own money, then I'd say just go and buy what you want, if you can afford it.

If it is your parent's money, then you'd probably have to listen to what they say.

If you're my son, you don't even need to ask, as I'd not give u a singe cent for your naive indulgence.

If you persist, 2 tight slaps will be all you gonna get from me.

I'm serious.

Kenny

 

[calebk]

Well, if you're using your own money, then I'd say just go and buy what you want, if you can afford it.

If it is your parent's money, then you'd probably have to listen to what they say.

If you're my son, you don't even need to ask, as I'd not give u a singe cent for your naive indulgence.

If you persist, 2 tight slaps will be all you gonna get from me.

I'm serious.

Kenny

What gave you the impression that my passion for photography is naive? I didn't appreciate the modifier.

 

[incubus]

Has anyone been through this, who can give me some helpful advice (hopefully before mid-August, as that's when Parisilk stops giving the freebies with the 350D kit)?

if ure rushing to purchase in time for this offer and freebies. dun worry. offers and freebies will always be here to lure ppl to buy.
buy the time u have enuff cash. u can afford the latest in technology.

I plan to start building up my portfolio (inclusive of photography) now, so that when I finish school, I can find some work for awhile before serving the nation.

best is save up little by little with watever pocket money u have. its gonna be hard for emplyers to employ u for a while even if your portfolio is really really superb. cos they ultimately know dat u need to go to ns soon. they might as well employ someone who can commit, but i may be wrong as well, so dun quote me on that.


like wat others have said, maybe u can rent. go ahead if its your own money, if not....... den they might start nagging again. heh

conclusion, PRIORITISE! look for alternatives. and never lose the passion for photography ;p

 

[hobbit6003]

What gave you the impression that my passion for photography is naive? I didn't appreciate the modifier.

Dun get offended la, it is my parental instincts and having been down the road that you're now treading, that made me perhaps a little bit presumptious.

Kenny

 

[kex]

y can't u do up a portfolio with a current camera?

are u into some specialised photography ?

 

[behyx]

I got my DSLR during my NS days with my monthly pay. I force myself to save up and buy immediately when it reached the desire amount - So I won't save the money in other unnecessary, unforseen ways.

I began to shoot for my unit. It's fun to shoot oversea exercises and infantry trainings on chinook and UH1H.

I'm one of the photographer covering NDP05, and finally ORD in August 2005.

After I ORD, I spent few months relaxing, doing a few projects and backpacking in Scandinavia, before settling down and do full time photography from Jan 2006 onwards. Getting physically thinner and thinner because workload getting heavier and heavier - which is a good thing

You have to think how many projects can you get these days. Is it sufficient enough for you to invest in a DSLR system now? Or would it be better if you rent a system as and when you need? If you don't have much projects, I'd highly recommend you to rent, and make full use of the rental time to shoot as much as you desire.

 

[Stratix]

honestly, i think when you pay your gears with your own cash, you'll love and appreciate photography more.

well, maybe because i havent really gotten money from parents for all of my hobbies till date (computers and photography), so you're mindset might be different from me.

In my opinion, those who have parents paying for their stuff, usually wont be sticking onto it for long. From what that i've seen, most only have a "3min heat" kinda passion when it comes to such art forms.

photography if taken as a hobby and passion, can last a lifetime. equipment does play a huge part when you have nothing, so get whatever you can.

do consider your options carefully thou, because this hobby here is going to be REALLY expensive, and it'll be a mega waste if you find yourself "cooled" off a few years down the road... =)