New to digital photography

[JWellman]

Hi everyone!

I've enjoyed cruising the forum and learning a little about the site.

I'm embarrassed to say that I just entered the digital age a few years ago. I have boxes and boxes of unorganized photos from an ancient 35mm camera that I refused to part with. My house overfloweth with snapshots of pretty much 'nothing-ness.'

I finally broke down and bought a cheap digital camera in 2005 (?) and I can't get enough now.

Fast forward to 2010 and I'm still snapping nothing-ness but I'm just having so much doing it! I purchased a Canon 50D in May of this year and I've taken tons of photos with it. I just wish I knew more about my camera... and I guess that's how I landed here. Maybe I'll be brave and take some classes one day. I'm getting tired of not understanding even the simplest of terms. ISO, F stops, White Balance ... it's all Greek to me.

I just ordered a new lens hoping that shots like the one below (curious deer) will help me to get the focus I need. I'm sure it will be weeks of stumbling just trying to attach it to my camera.

Besides my humble hobby of photography, I'm also a mother, grandmother, a gardener, and I occasionally do a little work on the internet (understatement of the year). :er:

This looks like a great site and I look forward to feeding off the knowledge of everyone here!

Jessica


~Apologies for the signature on all the photos - I just pulled them from my site where it's automatically added. Most of the photos on my site were taken with a point and shoot Canon before I bought the 50D, but you are more than welcome to come and see the rest if you like. I just love having company! Jessica's Website

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

Hi and Welcome!

I too am a 50D user... and I started out with 35mm as well. My last 35mm was/is (I still have it... Collecting dust mostly) a Canon Elan II. I really like it... But I must say, I really love the 50D. And digital is sooooooo much more convenient.

I am hoping in the near (semi near) future to devote ore time to photography and learning a bit more about PP and Gimp.

I love your Dolphin shot. Great subject.... Too bad the sun wasn't playing very nicely... Could have been great! Nonethless, a good memory I'm sure.

 

[JWellman]

Thanks for the welcome, and yes the dolphins were so much fun to watch. I do all kinds of graphics on the web and I've used Paint Shop Pro for years. I've never bothered forking out the money for Photo Shop. One day maybe!

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

Gimp= Free and does most of what Photoshop does... You should try it.

 

[Hardrock]

Welcome! I think this will help you to better understand your camera. Its a great read.

 

[JWellman]

Edited to add: Thanks Hardrock!

BusRider,
I downloaded Gimp once and got a ton of errors. I'm not sure what was wrong but it took me about five seconds to dispose of it.

I MIGHT be getting Photo Shop from a generous person in the very near future! Time will tell. I've seen it in action a couple of times but there's just something about altering images that really bugs me. For instance, making waterfalls blurred and other types of manipulation.

I guess it's just me because now days it's use Photo Shop or you're out.

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

there's just something about altering images that really bugs me.

I only use Gimp to do slight adjustments and corrections or to re-crop a photo or convert to BW/Sepia... I am not big on "changing" the photo... Just touching up or giving poeple the opportunity to see whats already there in a different way.

For example...

From this....

to this...

 

[JWellman]

I've been cropping, altering, using sepia and B&W with the software that came with the 50D. Have you played with it any at all? I've been having a lot of fun with it.

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

I've been cropping, altering, using sepia and B&W with the software that came with the 50D. Have you played with it any at all? I've been having a lot of fun with it.

Yeah a bit... But I've been using Gimp longer than I have owned the 50D.... So I just stuck with what I knew I guess...

 

[JWellman]

LENS JUST ARRIVED! I ALMOST KISSED THE UPS MAN!!!!

 

[Hardrock]

LENS JUST ARRIVED! I ALMOST KISSED THE UPS MAN!!!!

What lens? If there is a pic I cant see it due to websense.

 

[JWellman]

Sorry Hardrock! I was outside playing! I had a meeting this morning and missed the UPS man. I was so upset. Thankfully he made a second pass by the house and delivered my new lens. It's going to take me awhile to get the hang of this contraption! I bought the Canon 100-400mm

 

[JWellman]

Out and about today! It's going to take me awhile to get used to this new lens but hopefully I'll get the hang of it. :meh:

 

[reznap]

^ Those are both very nice.

 

[JWellman]

Thanks Reznap... I really wish I knew more about my camera. I would kill to have a couple days with someone who knew what they were doing. I started to get very discouraged with this lens yesterday. My husband said, "Chill! It's your first day out!"

This was my very first shot. At first I thought I just got trigger happy because I was so excited to see these turkeys so close, but I think it had more to do with lighting. As long as I have plenty of light the photos look good. Any type of low lighting and they are blurred. I'm sure there is a way to correct low lighting but I'm clueless as to how. And the thing is, when you see a shot like this one you only have a short window to snap and go! Who the heck has time to make adjustments?

This is what I'm craving to do... how awesome is this?!?! See here