melinda_gaus
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Posts posted by melinda_gaus
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<p>How would you do it with photography?</p>
<p>I was looking for something like this to hang in my kitchen. Just had no idea if this was possible with photography?</p>
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<p>Excellent response from Josh.</p>
<p>What makes me happy in my photography? The process. Creating a vision or scene in my mind and being able to nail it and translate it to paper (or project, or slide show, or wall hanging, or whatever). I am also just tickled pink that my grandmother wants me to lead a project for her wall art in her new patio home. When my aunt saw the photos (she didn't know they were mine) she had wonderful comments. Only then did she find out I took them. That makes it rewarding for me. If anyone came down the line and wanted to pay me or hang anything in a gallery, that would be icing on the cake, but it's not my final goal or destination. I just love the hobby and creative process.</p>
<p>I will brag a bit and say that I have somewhat of a natural eye for good composition. Before I even started photography, I would spot something and comment on how much of a beautiful photograph it would be. So, I think I always did have an eye for creativity. Certainly, to be sure, I was able to add to that through books and classes. Even learning more on how to take some of my natural love for creativity and extend and expand it.</p>
<p>I was severely lacking in the skill of learning my camera, though. In my first days, weeks, months, and years of photography I always knew what I wanted to make. It was hit or miss and I would be excited when I 'hit'. In the early days, getting it right was usually not my skill, but a mistake or happy coincidence. It took me a long time to learn how to make an effort and MAKE the photos I wanted.</p>
<p>As someone said, I can look back and see my work progressing. What looked great back then, looks awful to me now. What looks great to me now will probably look awful a year from now. It's always marching forward - which I am greatful for and enjoy. When it comes to the bottom line, however, my skill was only improved by practice, practice, practice. Some reading, some classes, some equipment, but just getting out in the field and learning from mistakes and fiddling with the buttons.<br>
<br />It takes time. But I do love the process!</p>
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<p>Other set. Looks sturdier. While I don't love the increase in price, it's still within range.</p>
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<p>Would these work? And will it still autofocus or will I do that manually? </p>
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<p>Thanks Michael. I'm on B&H right now. They have a set of 3 by Kenko for 170. More than I was expecting. They also have a set by Zeikos for closer to 75 bucks.</p>
<p>I just bought a house, so I really have to be budget wise. Trying to keep it under $100, if possible, since I have some cash left from Christmas.</p>
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<p>Hi all -</p>
<p>Been awhile since I posted here!</p>
<p>I am in the market for a set of extension tubes. They sound handy, but I really don't have a clue as to what I'm looking for in a set. Can you help me? Any brands to avoid or go after?</p>
<p>I do love macro, and while I understand that macro lenses are better, I just don't have the budget right now. Perhaps I fall in love with the tubes and decide to take it one notch up with a true lens, but that's just not a monetary option right now.</p>
<p>Please let me know if you can help. My camera kit is a Nikon D80 with a 50mm, a 18-70mm, and the 70-300mm. Does the lens make a difference in this purchase decision?</p>
<p>Thanks!<br>
Melinda</p>
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<p>Hi all -<br>
I have a few bucks leftover on a gift card from Barnes & Noble and am looking to get a photography book.</p>
<p>I have a few books at home already - including the manual for my camera itself, an extra user guide for my camera, and an instructional book on photoshop. I've read a lot of the basics already online and taken 2 or 3 classes for fun. So I don't need a basics book, but something a little more advanced. Or something that is always good to have.</p>
<p>What suggestions do you have?</p>
<p>I'm looking for something with educational value. While I appreciate print books (for example, Ansel Adams) that's not what I'm after right now.</p>
<p>I've seen "Understanding Exposure" recommended a lot. What else?</p>
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<p>I thought maybe it was Jewish.</p>
<p>Lens bought! Thanks guys!</p>
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<p>Thanks, guys. I think I will buy from B&H new. I will just have to grin and bear it and wait for the shipping part (always the worst part!!)</p>
<p>Oh, and B&H says the site is not taking orders until tonight because of a holiday observed yesterday. No problem, but what holiday am I missing?</p>
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<p>Edit: Nevermind.</p>
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<p>Thanks. </p>
<p>Sorry I didn't put this in the Nikon forum to start with. :(</p>
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<p>My cat highly protests this thread.</p>
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<p>Okay, yes, I've only been talking about it for ....um EVER... but I FINALLY got my bonus check from work (woo!)</p>
<p>But I am going to buy the Nikon 70-300VR lens.</p>
<p>Should I buy<br>
1. From KEH used for approximately $500 (has a like new rating with "perfect glass")<br>
or<br>
2. From a local retailer new (something like Best Buy or Ritz) at about $600.</p>
<p>Opinions, please...and I can finally put this to rest. Sorry I've been harping on it for so long. I'm the most indecisive shopper ever.</p>
<p>This will be added to my currently owned Nikon 18-70mm, the Nikon 50mm, and my Nikon SB600. I have a D80.</p>
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<p>Yea, they were out of stock at two different stores. Could not even order it or have it shipped to me. The stores were waiting for more from Nikon, but had NO IDEA when the new shipment was coming.</p>
<p>Out of sheer luck, I was able to find ONE at a store half way across the state. The store is closing tomorrow and I was able to get it shipped to me. If I would have called 10 minutes later, I would have been out of luck.</p>
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<p>Thank guys! I put in my order for the SB-600 today. The store was out of stock, but I managed to have them track down one of the last ones in the state! Should have it by the end of the week.</p>
<p>Can't come soon enough!</p>
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<p>Thanks, all. Yes, it is the VR. Sorry, my fault for skipping that important detail.</p>
<p>I do plan on beefing up the tripod, as suggested. I got a very inexpensive version, so I could dabble a bit.... find out what I liked, want I didn't, what I need and didn't, etc. Sort of like the training wheels before the real thing. :)</p>
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<p>I finally have some extra cash so spend on some long awaited photography equipment. Just running my final selections past anyone for final input.</p>
<p>I currently have a D80, 18-70mm, 50mm 1.8, and a cheapo tripod (got it to just start experimenting with tripods, before I plunk any real cash down on one).</p>
<p>My purchase plans:<br>
Flash - Nikon SB600 - For indoor and low light photography. Right now I'm stuck with either the on camera pop-up flash or the tripod with long shutter speeds. Neither is all too great, especially when trying to capture moving targets like my cat or new neice!</p>
<p>Lens - Nikon 70-300mm. For nature shots, animals, zoo critters, etc. I know this is probably not the "best of the best" in terms of this type of lens, but it is much closer to my price range. I can't afford the $1,000+ telephotos right now. What I seem to read, however, is that it is pretty decent for the price range. I plan on getting this one used from Keh photo.</p>
<p>My "other" purchase is another photo seminar course at the local art center.</p>
<p>So.... thoughts? Let ye speak now, or forever hold your peace!</p>
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<p>I also currently have a D80. I have found no reason to upgrade the camera yet. So far I've put most of my money into lenses, photography books, and photography classes. My next plans include a better tri-pod, a flash, and more lenses.</p>
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<p>If digital photography and/or photoshop did not exist, I would not have photography as a hobby. Being a newbie to photography, I've taken my fair share of bad photos. If I was doing everything with film, I would have given up a long time ago. It's a huge advantage to have digital in the learning process. I can delete bad photos, fix up bad photos, and take the same subject with different camera settings. All to learn. I would not have been able to afford doing all of this with film.</p>
<p>I have the same feeling about photoshop. It's helped me learn so much about photography in general. To see what is possible and what I could do better in-camera next time. So, in that sense, it has not made me lazy.... made me better.</p>
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<p>Thanks, Lex. Things were better today.</p>
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<p>Just checked the GB.... still plenty free. The computer is only about a year old.</p>
<p>I'll check the task manager next time around. I didn't go onto youtube yet today, but it may well be fine. As Lex said, it may just have been busy with the holiday weekend, etc.</p>
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<p>Well, looks like I'll have to go be productive and quit goofing off. Or just got to bed. ;)</p>
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<p>No, but then again I'm not so good with that kind of stuff.</p>
<p>Maybe I'm just too impatient. :)</p>
Back to Beginners - Lens Question
in Beginner Questions
Posted
<p>Hi guys -</p>
<p>It's been so long since I've posted that I'm back to the beginners forum! :)</p>
<p>I'm getting lots of questions from family about Christmas presents, and I forgot how long it's been since I've picked up some new camera equipment. So, I'm back at the lens research front again.</p>
<p>My current kit starts with a Nikon D80. Lens are all Nikon brand right now. I have a 18-70mm that was my starter lens. I picked up a 50mm along the way and also a 70-300mm vr. I have an SB 600, that does not get as much use as it probably should.</p>
<p>I'm looking into a wide angle lens to round things out. It's been so long since I've looked that I forgot what options are out there. So, I'm starting again by asking for suggestions. </p>
<p>So, here's what I can tell you to help. I am looking for a wide angle lens. It does not have to be Nikon brand, but I am looking for something of good quality. I'm not exactly sure what I want to shoot with this lens, but my guesses right now are outdoor landscapes and room interiors. I tend to get frustrated right now in low light situations, so I'm willing to perhaps shell out a little more for a faster lens. I can imagine me using this inside my home, inside churches, museums, etc. Where light tends to be even lower. I would like something that ideally covers a range that I'm missing right now. Which would be below the 18-70mm I have right now.</p>
<p>So, fire away with suggestions. <br>
<br />Thanks!</p>