Just Registered

<p>Hi everyone, my name is Tierra and after reading through this site for weeks I decided I'd benefit more if I'd go ahead and join. I'm new to professional photography but it is something I've always loved to do so I decided I wanted to go for my dreams and make a career out of it. I know I have a long ways to go as far as learning the business and techniques but I am looking forward to learning and taking everything in. Hopefully beinng able to even have a mentor. I just moved to the San Diego area so I don't have a huge portfolio (lots of pics of my son). I use him for practice and I try to attend workshops to better my techniques. It seems hard to grow with experience when you don't have many people to shoot(my area of interest is portraits:family, babies,maternity, ect) and of course no one wants to use a photographer that isn't as experienced as other. Hopefully I'll be able to get a few more subjects and build my portfolio and have you all critique my work soon. I'm really looking forward to learning from all the seasoned and even new photographers.</p>

<p>I am using a Nikon D5000 camera with the kit lens(18-55mm) and I also have a 50mm 1.8 lens which I love. I researched and asked around on what dslr camera I should get and while many advised the D90 I went with the D5000(which I'm now starting to regret) It seems as though the D5000 has a very small selection for lens. When I asked what type of lens I should get to add on many advised on the 85mm 1.8. Unfortunately when I went to the store I was told it does not work with my camera and it seems not many lenses work with this camera which is a big bummer.But I'm sure I'll make do.<br>

<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs513.ash1/30243_10150187129530557_567670556_12406594_5980692_n.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="201" /><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?attid=0.8&disp=emb&view=att&th=128e33b6162e4db5" alt="" width="366" height="242" /></p>

<p>Welcome, Tierra. I, too, am relatively new here. I have found it to be a great community and it is serving as sort of an on-line course in photography--I have learned a lot! I always study the photos across the top of the home page each day and I look at the comments. I have also used the search box to great effect...the answer to about any question you might think of can be found that way. Have fun and good luck with your business!</p>

<p>Hi Tierra !<br>

I'm a newbie as well and have learned so much just by reading through the different forums. Right now photography is just a hobby for me but who knows, right?! I'm just excited and eager to learn. <br>

I'm getting my practice in at my church, which is like 1200 people ! We have a photography department and only 1 pro photographer ! I told him of my interest and he said he would be glad to take me as a mentee !<br>

If you belong to a church or organization, offer your free services in exchange for plenty of practice and possible future clients. If your son goes to daycare, you could always ask if you could "practice" on the kids there. Just make sure you get a release from the parents and the management. <br>

Blessings !</p>