Can you be honest with me?

cvcraven

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#1
:) I need you to be honest with me. I'm trying to talk myself into or out of a really really expensive camera. Will you take a look at these pictures and tell me if you see any type of talent? If they look like regular pictures taken at any B-day party, be honest with me.You won't hurt my feelings.

These were taken with a basic point & shoot camera.






*more*
 

cvcraven

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#3







http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b39/cvcraven/Photography/

DH and I are having a discussion on if this is a "serious" interest for me that I would have some talent in or if I'm jumping on a bandwagon. ( That sounds mean but it's meant more in a "Are you really serious about this?" kind of way) I don't plan on doing this for a living or anything... I guess that's why it's hard to get him to agree to the $$


I guess I'm just trying to decide if I'm holding on to a childish dream..y/k?
 

cvcraven

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#4
Thanks! I appreciate it. I thought they were decent pics but I was afraid that I was just seeing what I wanted to see... LOL
 
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#6
Some people have the knack for being able to catch the "moment". I think you have it. I thought all those pictures really captured the emotions really well. Especially those in the first set.

I say get the camera. maybe you have to cut back on things not as important as a childhood dream. Plus you'll only get better as you learn a camera with many more options and as you shoot more subjects. I"m sure he has something he spends money on that is important to him.

I look forward to seeing more. Good luck
 

Chewbecca

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#7
I think you should get the camera. What camera is it, btw?

What will you be photographing? Will you want to take pictures of children/people? Buildings? Nature? Everything??:D

Also, how much do you know about photography? A lot? Little? If a little, are you willing/wanting to learn more?

I see definite potential in those pics. You really DO seem to have a knack for taking pictures beyond "snapshot" quality. Though, they would technically define snapshots, they go creatively beyond that, I think. You get in there and take pics in the moment, you angle your camera to get perspectives that aren't always seen, of if they're seen, they're forgotten. And that is why I think you definitely have potential.:D


You could always try the whole "get-your-husband-involved-in-your-hobby" route, like I did. I asked his opinion, and for his help with certain photographs. I told him of a photo project I am wanting to do, and now the wheels in his head are turning and he told me last night where he wants to take me for my next fun "shoot".


And you say that you don't want to make a career out of it (and neither do I), but you never know how good you'll get and you might find yourself stumbling upon some freelance work unintentionally.:D
 

cvcraven

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#8
It would be mostly children & animals.

I like the feel of the Nikon's in my hand better but the camera store guy said that the Rebel XTI would have a larger selection of lenses and I could upgrade easier. ( The Rebel was cheaper as well so I don't think he was trying to push me into something higher $$ just for commission) I'm not sure yet...... but I should have the $$ in about 2 months and I know there are other things that I should do with it but I really want a camera.

I was planning on getting the camera ,2 lenses, photoshop elements and probably one of those pop up photoboxes. I think it would be enough to really start me out.
 

borzoimom

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#10
That camera takes great pictures! Not grainy at all.. I agree- get the camera.. :D
BTW- the pictures are precious! :D
 

cvcraven

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#11
What's wrong with those ?? Look good to me !
The camera is a free camera that I got using my coke reward points..:rofl1: ( DH doesn't like spending $$ on anything...) It doesn't have all the options I want. It's really a very basic camera. Sometimes, I know what I want the picture to look like but I can't get the camera to do it.
 
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#12
I feel your pain, Valerie.

I don't even like taking pics anymore now that I'm stuck using a P&S. The only reason I bother is that I know there are things I'll regret not catching even a lousy shot of later on.
 

Chewbecca

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#13
It would be mostly children & animals.

I like the feel of the Nikon's in my hand better but the camera store guy said that the Rebel XTI would have a larger selection of lenses and I could upgrade easier. ( The Rebel was cheaper as well so I don't think he was trying to push me into something higher $$ just for commission) I'm not sure yet...... but I should have the $$ in about 2 months and I know there are other things that I should do with it but I really want a camera.

I was planning on getting the camera ,2 lenses, photoshop elements and probably one of those pop up photoboxes. I think it would be enough to really start me out.

ah! Well, You can use most lenses on the Nikon D40 (assuming that was the one you tried?), but only certain ones will auto-focus. You can great zoom lenses that will auto focus, but for primes (er...one focal length lenses), they don't make many auto-focusing primes (that don't cost a lot of money).
Had I to do it over, as much as I love my D60, I would have gone with at least a D80, or possibly higher, but that's knowing what I know now.
I want an in-body focus motor (which the D40, D40x, and D60 do not have) AND I want something that produces better pictures at higher ISOs.
Heh, I'd probably have to look into a D200 or D300. :lol-sign:
I wouldn't leave the Nikon brand, though. But that's just me. Not that Canon is bad, they're not (they definitely make better point and shoots), it's just my personal preference. I think Nikon's glass is better.
 
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#14
I can't be honest with you because your images won't load on my work computer (certain photo-sharing sites are blocked - but I'll check them out when I get home tonight). However, if you want to learn more about photography and controling the camera to make the images you want to make, then an SLR is the way to go.

As for the brands you're looking at, don't pay any attention to the name slapped on the front of the camera - they're all about equal in terms of quality and the number of lenses available for you to choose from is irrelevant....they only need have the lenses you want to shoot with - you won't be buying the entire system ;). Go for the body that feels best in your hands and you won't go wrong. :)
 

Saje

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#15
You're definitely creative and not shy about trying new ideas and new angles. That's an excellent start. :) I definitely think you should get it. Especially since you obviously love it. it's always good to be able to express yourself artistically and the more you learn the more you'll be able to do that!

As for camera choices. Here's the way I can see it.

You can either:
1. Get the canon. The canon is a good camera and it does have more lens choices. But you said the nikon really feels right for you. That's a big issue. You might use the canon for a few years. Collect a few lenses and then change over to nikon. Then you'll have to sell your gear (difficult and the body won't get you much $ in a few years). Or you can spend years stuck with a camera that just doesn't feel right.

2. You can shell out the $100 or so to get the d40 (depending on where you get it) and suck it up with just one or two lenses. Then you can either learn to mf with lenses or upgrade your camera body when the time is right. Either way you'll have a collection of lenses that you can use with your current camera and future cameras. And you are working with a body that you like.

I shot canon for two years and then bought myself two nikons. I just like how they feel and I'm glad i did!
 
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#17
Finally got to see the pics....

Now that I'm at home and have seen the photos I think you're definately looking beyond the "snap-shot" images. You're not afraid to try tilting horizens or getting in close on details that others wouldn't think to try.

I really like what you're doing! :)
 
S

Squishy22

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#18
I think you've got talent. I say go for it! Nothing wrong with doing what you enjoy.

As far as cameras go. I'm I total Canon person as far as point & shoot cameras go. As for SLR cameras I'm a Nikon person. I got myself a D40 and I'm very happy with it and still learning.
 

Lilavati

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#19
If you want to get something that is a bridge, try the Cannon G9. Its technically a P&S, but it has many of the features of an SLR, including a limited ability to change lenes. I shot with a film Cannon SLR for years, but I love my G9 . . . its portable, powerful, and didn't break the bank. I'll probably upgrade to a new Cannon SLR eventually (I have the lenses after all and get on well with Cannons) but if you are just starting out, you might want to look into the G9. Its a lot cheaper, and its powerful enough to learn alot using it.
 

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