Pretty new to this.

[rich a]

So, as per the title, I'm pretty much a newbie to photography. I've always shown a real interest for it, so a few years ago, my parents bought me a Nikon D40 kit, which (embarrassingly enough) I never quite weaned off of auto until about 6 months ago, when I started seriously shooting. Since then, I've been reading nonstop about techniques, etc. and really applying myself and getting off the auto mode (which I now have done). I'm going to start saving for an upgraded body, and I just purchased a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 which I love and is now my everyday lens.

I doubt I'll ever be able to make a career out of photography, as much as I love it and even though I'm getting better. I'm not schooled in photography (I have a MA in political science), but I love the artistic expression that it allows me, and I'd really just be happy with having shots that I'd be proud to hang in my apartment or maybe even display somewhere. But that's down the road.

Anyway, this is one of my favorite shots of the now abandoned Empire Diner in NYC. I spend a lot of time walking around, and I love street photography, especially of buildings that have some character where I can get a closer shot than just the entire building.

Let me know what you think, what I should be doing differently or what I can change. I want to learn.

Thanks!

 

[Trever1t]

never say never but keep it realistic.

There's nothing wrong with the D40, if it's what you got, use it!

This pic has great texture but otherwise lacks composure.

 

[rich a]

Yea, I thought so. That's probably what has been giving me the most difficulty at this point.

 

[Trever1t]

composition? It's easy to conceptualize but difficult to materialize. Practice, take lots of shots from many angles. Frame your shots in your mind's eye.

 

[SrBiscuit]

dont sweat that D40.
i have one, and it served me fantastically while it was my primary rig.
keep shooting and enjoy it! that's the main point after all right?

 

[rich a]

Thanks, guys. I definitely have some practicing to do! Now that I really think about it, I haven't really been at this as long as I thought (only really started right before Christmas), so there's room for lots of improvement.

The D40 has been great for me. It's easy to use and pretty lightweight, especially with the 50mm lens on it, so I usually just have it in my bag when I go out. I love shooting, but I also want to be good at it. Being able to get the most out of my photos and telling a story rather than just image capturing is really important to me, and I'm still getting comfortable with 'working a scene' for lack of a better term.

Hopefully I do get to the point where I want to someday be. Just need to keep getting out there and shooting, trying new things and seeing what happens.

 

[JoshC.]

You have an awesome attitude and really seem to love it. That alone will bring you far!
As stated, its a cool image but the composition is just lacking. Keep going, you have a lot of potential!

 

[Forkie]

Don't dismiss the D40 before you know what it's capable of!

I've been using mine for almost 3 years now and if I looked in my camera bag one day and it wasn't there, I would CRY.

The D40 has really opened up my eyes and helped me take some of the best photos I could ever hope to take before I started photography, and I have no intention of "upgrading" (a word which I don't even think exists. Upgrading a camera won't upgrade your photos) for the forseeable future. I may buy some more lenses eventually, but for now my 50mm F/1.8 and my 55-200mm (non-VR) are all I need (my 18-55mm broke ).

Make sure you've worked the sh*t out of the thing before changing it. Seriously, you will learn to adore this little camera.

P.S. I really like the idea of the photo you posted - that's the sort of eye that will get you far. Just work a little on the composition and you're almost there. Before taking a photo think about the ideal photo in your head and then try to match it in the viewfinder before hitting the shutter button. You'll get there. Good luck and have fun!

 

[rich a]

Oh, I am in no way dismissing the D40. I should have phrased it differently. I actually do love this camera and it's completely perfect for me. I'm learning more with it than I could have ever hoped, and picking up the 50mm f/1.8 really made a world of difference both for my education and for the photos I take. And you're right, a more expensive camera doesn't make better photos - I'm the only one that has control over that.

Thanks for the compliment and for the help. I'll definitely be getting out there more, doing what you said.