1st 2 pics with my Nikon D40

[Washburn]

Lame probably, BUT this is the 1st time I have ever operated a DSLR and in full manual mode for that matter...I have no clue what the settings are...I focused manually.

Until I learn the basics well, I will stay with the 18-55. A VR lens would be nice, though, down the line...
These are pretty much my 1st pics that i liked.
Nothing special, but I love how I can select where I want to focus with 100% freedom:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/DSC_0033.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/DSC_0030.jpg

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I like golf, so it's a thumbs up from me.

Onward and upward.

[danewilson77]

Very nice....

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[kayger12]

Off and running!

Nice shots.

[C Withers Media]

The bug has bitten.

I noticed you said you focused manually....My recommendation is to use manual settings but let the camera focuse for you. You still have a feature that allows you to pick your focus point, but let the camera do the work. It is advanced and accurate.

[Johnmadd]

I want a cool camera too.

[Alphatek45]

Good Stuff, Wash. Keep it up.

[Washburn]

Thanks for all the encouraging comments, guys - sometimes I get overwhelmed when I think of how much (even in basics) I will have to learn...

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Just keep practicing. That's what Casey says.

[danewilson77]

Yeah.....but Casey has.....has.......has......ahem.....things to practice on..........and.....and....we don't.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I think Casey started off with cars. Wash has a car. Therefore, time to shoot the car.

As for the models, they will eventually come.

[C Withers Media]

I have close to 125,000 pictures saved on two different external hard drives.

About 4,000 of those are of models.

The point being, keep shooting and practicing. For every photo I share there are literally hundreds that wont be seen ever.

The difference between a pro and an amateur is the amount of shots that you will never see. I shoot a minimum of 100 frames a day, even if its just crap around the house. Changing settings, experimenting, moving lights around to see effect and so on.

[Johnmadd]

I'm not a pro like Casey but I would say 90% of photography is natural talent and a good vision of seeing things as more than just the obvious.

The other 10% is where you become able to have chicks ask you if they can get naked and let you take pictures of them...lol.
Pc

[Smilez]

read :D

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/learning-exposure-in-digital-photography

[Washburn]

Hey thanks for that link - BM'd.

Macro - manual focus - with flash...

[PKR]

The world is FULL of interesting things to photograph, but, as usual, its the details that are often most interesting. Slow down for a change ... and take the time to notice the details. They're everywhere!

[mimalmo]

I need to get a real camera.

[danewilson77]

I need to get a real camera.

+1

[Washburn]

mimalmo:
Do what I did - A bit of patience with Craigslist, and you might be able to find a local deal for around $300 for D40 (or similar) ... I am very glad I went that route.

[mimalmo]

I hear ya but right now all my play money is going to my car. :)

[Washburn]

I do have one of these for sale (see link at end): it's an old work horse and in good-excellent condition with a huge zoom. It's NOT a DSLR, BUT it can be operated in 100% manual mode and have P,S,A, and Manual modes, etc. It's only 3.2 MP (more than enough unless you print a lot) but I consider it a pretty "serious" camera because it can be 100% auto or 100% manual if you want to. Great "learner" camera!
I might let it go for $100 or so, Let me know if you're interested.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/Z10/Z10A.HTM