I did a naughty

[Ash]

Oh, and most important thing, don't worry about buying lenses and crap, learn to shoot the camera well. You can have the best stuff in the world, but not know crap about the camera, and take horrible shots.

I highly suggest taking a DSLR course through a local college if you can.

I dont currently have a college lol part of the reason this is a gift to me. I got the DSLR and Photography for dummies book with my camera and that has taught me a smidge but then again I am only on chapter 3 of like 12 or so. I do have a friend that owns a nikon something or another and he is really good a photography and he said over the weekend (i work this one so maybe next) he would teach me how to use it =] I cant afford another lense at the moment so I would like to to see how I make this one work for me. The book pretty much said what you said lol. I think the camera has great potential once I figure out how to properly use everything in the correct way. I know the camera lacks some features that higher end models have- but overall it has a wide range or features/settings that are not bad and given the oppurtunity to work it right I think it will produce some great photos.

On another note here are some random photos I took on some random settings... so again just playing around to see what does what:

 

[reptech]

ooo not what i was expecting lol

 

[Caoboy]

Your first fruit shot is good, but look up 'rule of thirds.' Off center your subject a bit, and it will make a 'meh' picture, to a 'whoa' picture. Like your dog picture with no flash, your eyes take in the subject. The dog picture (far away) the dog is centered, and with so much stuff around it (stairs, tree, nutcrackers) you look all around the picture. The first flower shot is nice too. See how the subject is the left of the picture, the background is all the right.

 

[Zoodiver]

Outdoor and fish shots are awesome. Just get out and shoot a TON. Find what fits you best.

Another great tool to play with is post pic editing. You'd be surprised at how much pics can be edited these days with just a day or two of playing with any of the programs out there.

 

[Ash]

Alright I will see what I can try to do tomorrow. I think I may finally might have figured out manual mode but we will see. I try to work with the background but I am not really sure how yet. It's kind of like making a flower arrangment you use the rule of thirds and the triangle rule. Thanks for the feedback its appreciated!

As for photo editiors I do have a program but I am waiting untill I get some better photos and get to that section in my book so I know what and how to use the program. Its a 2 month trial so I want to save it for now.

 

[Red Devil]

love them Ash.. your dog is so cute... loves his picture taken,..looks straight at you...haha... keep these great pics coming.. and what kind of fruit is that growing..never saw that before...

 

[mike dunagan]

oh noes ash, you went Nikon... should have sprung for a Cannon 40D. lol....

 

[bl00]

Nice shots, Ash...I just got a D40 and I'm in love.

 

[Aqua Sanctuary]

Nice pics. Doesnt seem like you miss you old car at all!