Hi folks
Just joined up and wanted to introduce myself - I figured it was the right thing to do before asking for all the advice I so badly need!!
I'm a late-comer to photography having started with point-and-squirt comact digitals maybe four years ago, with "reasonable" results. At the beginning of last year I invested in a Nikon D40X + 18-55mm lens kit, which sadly - due to work and personal commitments - remained unused until a few months ago. I'm now playing "catch up" and getting to know what, to me at least, is my "new" camera (despite now being an old model!). My selection of lenses were somewhat rashly collected before I knew enough to choose well. They are limited in performance; that said, I like them. For the most part, I'm getting pleasing results (way better than my digital compacts) and I think I have a setup which is currently way more capable than I am!! I'd like to get the most out of this kit over the next couple of years after which - if I genuinely find myself limited by the equipment - I may consider upgrading.
I'm past the point of relying on the D40X's auto settings, and slowly becoming more confident in using the fully manual mode (as well as the shutter and aperture priority modes, though I prefer full manual).
I'm an "IT" guy at heart, and so - while I understand the importance of getting the best quality picture from my initial shot - I have no shame in using software to post-process images. I've been using Photofiltre for some time but I'm slowly migrating to GIMP.
What else...? Oh, after reading a recent article in Amateur Photographer magazine, which showed some photos taken with a Holga. I loved the vignetting and softer edge focus produced by this "toy" camera, and couldn't help but buy one (a new Holga 120N). I've never done anything with real film, and I don't intend to get into developing my own photographs (I'll find a lab to do that). I haven't tried it out yet, but I just ordered some Ilford XP2 Super 400 - 120 film, and I'm looking forward to seeing what my first attempts result in (I have suitably low expectations!). I'd also love to play around with GIMP and learn how to reproduce the vignetting and distortion effects on my digital pics.
Well, I've rattled on enough. I'll apologise in advance - I think the majority of my early posts here are going to be asking for advice, tips and critique. I'm not sure I'll be adding much value, but I'll try!
Cheers for now...
Mike
Just joined up and wanted to introduce myself - I figured it was the right thing to do before asking for all the advice I so badly need!!
I'm a late-comer to photography having started with point-and-squirt comact digitals maybe four years ago, with "reasonable" results. At the beginning of last year I invested in a Nikon D40X + 18-55mm lens kit, which sadly - due to work and personal commitments - remained unused until a few months ago. I'm now playing "catch up" and getting to know what, to me at least, is my "new" camera (despite now being an old model!). My selection of lenses were somewhat rashly collected before I knew enough to choose well. They are limited in performance; that said, I like them. For the most part, I'm getting pleasing results (way better than my digital compacts) and I think I have a setup which is currently way more capable than I am!! I'd like to get the most out of this kit over the next couple of years after which - if I genuinely find myself limited by the equipment - I may consider upgrading.
I'm past the point of relying on the D40X's auto settings, and slowly becoming more confident in using the fully manual mode (as well as the shutter and aperture priority modes, though I prefer full manual).
I'm an "IT" guy at heart, and so - while I understand the importance of getting the best quality picture from my initial shot - I have no shame in using software to post-process images. I've been using Photofiltre for some time but I'm slowly migrating to GIMP.
What else...? Oh, after reading a recent article in Amateur Photographer magazine, which showed some photos taken with a Holga. I loved the vignetting and softer edge focus produced by this "toy" camera, and couldn't help but buy one (a new Holga 120N). I've never done anything with real film, and I don't intend to get into developing my own photographs (I'll find a lab to do that). I haven't tried it out yet, but I just ordered some Ilford XP2 Super 400 - 120 film, and I'm looking forward to seeing what my first attempts result in (I have suitably low expectations!). I'd also love to play around with GIMP and learn how to reproduce the vignetting and distortion effects on my digital pics.
Well, I've rattled on enough. I'll apologise in advance - I think the majority of my early posts here are going to be asking for advice, tips and critique. I'm not sure I'll be adding much value, but I'll try!
Cheers for now...
Mike
