rocco

yeah birds are a no go for me too. But they are very good and don't show any signs of your non enthusiasm.

amazing photo's everyone.

Thanking you for all your interesting post. Sure is a insight into peoples minds of photography. I have to admit I have no interest in landscape, scenery, flowers or insects sort of stuff, but appreciate a good photo. I went out once attempting to shoot some flowers at a beautiful garden and just couldn't get into it. I guess that is the great thing about photography just like all the different dogs breeds, we all have our "flavour" and what a boring world it would be if we all liked and did the same thing. Brilliant guys. Possums corner. Would you mind sharing some of your work you have got with your 85mm 1.4? Pretty please. I am hoping this to be my next lens.

Gaylek I like the second shot. Very cool.

No professional here, but agree with others on contrast (easily fixed) and head crop making his head look elongated. I think if I had that on my wall the sun shadow on the shoulder might bug me eventually. Otherwise the raw capture is very nice. :rolleyes: Good job.

Wow lots of great responses and doesn't it make you think what style you want or maybe you are already doing you just haven't realized it yet. I know I will never be a technically perfect operator, but that's OK as I dont want to be. Choles Dad I heard last night that some of the most talented photograhers on the market at the moment are Graphic Designers.... :rolleyes:

I hope you dont think my email was having a go. :p I def think if you have the money and can afford it, then get the best gear. I have a lens that cost me that much and I am in no way/nor want to be a professional. But I love my lens and it was worth every cent. I am putting time into learning it and in my defence started off with pretty ordinary gear to work my way up to a special lens and a practical lens too I might add. I was implying that sometimes people feel the pressure and their first lens choice is top of the line and really, they will never use it properly or well as I mentioned about the people in my email. Beautiful camera gear but I know the operator will always take "happy snaps". Actually interesting topic last night was alot of "professional" photographers have shut up shop since the new age of digital photography. Everyone thinks they are a professional with a digital, come in cheaper and these talented professional dont get the work. I have to admit I was all over the 70-200 VR F2.8. But realizing it's a lens I don't actually need as it's not my style. Next lens is a 85 F1.4 as I know this will get a lot of use. :rolleyes: But get what you can afford and know you will use.

Wowsa is just so beautiful. You are lucky you live overseas or he might go missing... :wink: :rolleyes:

I was talking to a very creative photographer last night that was willing to give me some advice. He was all over the "you don't need to have the best gear or be the best technician to achieve a top photo" (I likey him already )..... just get out there and do it and find your style. He uses fixed lenses 99% of the time. His advice was to learn a lens inside out first and all its capabilities and boundaries. When you know everything you can about that lens move on to your next. :rolleyes: I went through my photo's and realised I like character portraiture as you can see in my work (Rocco's work). This is my interest, be it dogs or humans. I dont want cute and fluffy, I want unusual and this is where my interest lay and I guess my style. But he got me thinking. So my questions are: What is "your style" of photography? What do you like to achieve, interest you and why? What is the lens that most suits your style or you like to use the most?

I have to agree with Ripely. I know some people that went out and bought their first DSLR gear. A canon 40D (is this a flashy camera for canon, if not one of the top canon ranges) and the 70-200 f2.8 - $2.5K lens. All because they got in a zone to "have the best". They didn't need a $2.5K lens to achieve what they do. I cringe at nearly $4K of gear to pot around the house with, but hey, they are happy with what they get I guess and that's what counts. If you have the money then why not, but I def dont think people should stretch themselves.

They're lovely. I particularly like the first one.

My pick would be the 50mm fixed. Thanks for showing us the difference.

You will want the D40x as its higher MP. But it still will be cheap as chips on ebay. As should the D60. Keep in mind with the D40x you will only be able to run the AF-S lenses if you want auto focus as it doesn't have a internal focusing system. But your kit lenses will be AF-S and do you well while you learn. And when you go to upgrade to good glass generally the newer AF-S lenes will be what you want anyway. But if your not planning on getting serious it's a great camera to have fun with and it really takes some nice pictures. I took these with it just the other weekend, so as you can see it's very capable what you throw at it for the money. D40x pictures If you like the D60 go that as it is a step better then the D40x and can run the AF lenses. You really dont need top of the line most expensive camera on the market to get great pics IMO.

Ooooh that will be good to see the different lenses at work *waits patiently* Me too. What do you think of that 70-300 Vickie?

I think you are being too kind. But in all honesty how much saturation is too much saturation? I am always scared of over saturating like a subway worker with a mayonnaise bottle. Original: Saturation:

t(AD)pole that bug picture is great... gross... but great!! Thanks Rugers.... We can all hope one day get to Vickie's and LukeW photographic standard.

I noticed on Rugers link they had the D40x in there as a great camera buy. I seriously couldnt recomend this camera enough. My first camera that I bought to see if I would enjoy photography without breaking the bank. Light weight, easy to use and CHEAP as chips!! I have now given it to my dad as he wants to start photography. I will sadly miss that little ripper camera. So if you want a low budget camera that is great to learn with, I would recommend that. Dont feel the pressure to buy the D90 or D300.... the D60 will def get you started if it's what you want.

Luke that shot of the big lizard is absolutely beautiful. Persephone thanks for the link, had a nosy through. Some great stuff in there. I should look in off topic more often. Tokkie love the SA photo's, must of been an amazing experience. Wagsalot the last lizard, what a character he is....

Vicki I love these, so fantastic. I love your work. yes to the "scary prehistoric". I thought as long as they dont run at me everything will be OK otherwise there would be a huge scene of my panic.

Have you tried Lightroom? Could download the tree trial and give it a crack.

Thanks Kirislin, my lens is great for bokeh. I never go into off topic. chezzyr - stop holding out on us.... you must have a few favs to show, I would love to see any. polomum - Nikon D200 with a 24-70 f2.8... it's my only lens at this stage.

I love this picture. See, the D300 aren't so bad. I actually think you are taking nicer sharper pic's then you were with the D3. Have you Photoshopped an effect on the picture?

I managed to capture more Dragons in the weekend. They are just such beautiful creatures. Has anyone got any "wildlife" photography to share. A subject I am very interested in. Would like to see what people have managed to capture amateurs and professionals. So anything besides dogs.

Tailwag I love the first two pictures. Love the colour.

I guess I can put the Roc'n'Ralph Xmas pic in here. Ralphdog made the dodgy sleigh. :rolleyes: I was going to PS it, but thought it sort-of added charm.