Hello all!!! New guy from Chicago checking in!

[j_mejia17]

Hi,

I just wanted to formaly introduce myself. I'm Jose, I live in Chicago and Im new to photography. Always had "artistic" sort of hobbies. I've been drawing since before I knew how to write. I also paint (oil or acrylic on canvas mostly) and now I want to give this photography thing a try
I got myself a Nikon D5100 with a 17-55 VR kit and a 35mm f1.8. Looking to expand my arsenal with a nice zoom lens (55-200VR?) or something more adapt for micro (any suggestions?)
Anyways, I'm not sure what kind of photography I like the best yet. Been trying to take pics of anything and everything to figure out what I like the most and what my "style" is.
If enyone's interested you can critique a few of my pics:

5_JAM_LightDSC03195 by j_mejia17, on Flickr

4_JAM_LightDSC03179 by j_mejia17, on Flickr
Here's a little photoshop fun:

2_JAM_ColorizedDSC02499co1 by j_mejia17, on Flickr

Well thanks for viewing and I hope to gain much more inspiration and insight in this wonderful field!

Merry Christmas ya'll!!!!