Newb to this forum!

[Mandagrl1]

Hello all! Just wanted to introduce myself. If there's a different/better spot for this post, please let me know!

Anyhoo, I am Amanda. 30 years old from Birmingham, AL. I stumbled accross this site last week while looking for some resources on starting to do professional photography. I have been taking photos as a hobby for a few years now. Mostly since my daughter, Olivia was born 4 years ago. I love doing it and in the last year have had the opportunity to do some semi-professional work in a couple of sessions with some friends (maternity and engagement-not the same people though!). The pics I took were pretty good so my friends and family encouraged me to start doing it on the side to make some extra money.

I gave the thought a year, thinking that doing it for money might eventually compromise my love of doing it period, but I've realized it's a dream of mine, so I may as well give it a shot. I have nothing to lose!

Right now, I am "between" cameras. I drooled for years over SLR's-namely the Canon Rebel. I wanted one SO bad, but couldn't afford it and couldn't justify spending the money when I wasn't going to make anything back from it. Luckily, a good friend of mine purchased one and decided it was "too much" for her so she's selling it to me for a song (picking it up tomorrow!), so I am psyched to learn to use it and start taking more photos.

I admit I am completely self taught. I have a good eye-but no training on how to use a DSLR efficiently or on using photoshop (have used picasa or picnik for personal photo edits in the past), so I am so excited to learn and get to know all of you and pick your brains for tips, advice or tricks you have for really getting into this.

So all in all, good to meet and find you all! Have a great day!

[hminx]

Hi Amanda, welcome to the forums, you will find the group a great bunch of people always ready to ofter plenty of help and encouragement. Looking forward to seeing some pics from your new camera.

[n8]

welcome aboard!

[Frog]

Welcome! ! !

[JamesV]

Hello and Welcome for the forum.....

This is a great place to ask question and post some of your picture in the Photo Critique section when you get a chance. Also we have a Photo Project Forum that has different topics to shoot each month. Might be a good place to help you start branching out into different areas.

So take a look around and ask question where you see fit for the topic. Remember, have fun and good luck with your new DSLR.

James

[WesternGuy]

I admit I am completely self taught. I have a good eye-but no training on how to use a DSLR efficiently or on using photoshop (have used picasa or picnik for personal photo edits in the past), so I am so excited to learn and get to know all of you and pick your brains for tips, advice or tricks you have for really getting into this.

Hi Amanda and welcome to the forum. I don't come here as often as I should, nevertheless, you mentioned Photoshop and that caught my eye. What version do you have, or are thinking of buying. I have used versions 4, 6 and 8 and am currently running Photoshop Elements 8 on a Windows 7- 64 bit machine (Dell) with two calibrated monitors. Let me know, and I may be able to give you some good references and a couple of websites which could prove valuable.

What type of photography do you want to do, or are going to start with? From what you have said, it sounds like people, portraits and the like(?). I am sure if you do a Google search, you will find lots of information on this as well, but do continue to come here and share and ask questions. Good luck in your undertaking.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

[Anbesol]

Welcome to the forums! Great place to be, awesome place to learn!

If portraits are your forte (and even if they arent), definitely get yourself the 50mm f/1.8. I am constantly recommending that lens and at ~$90 its a no-brainer. It is a thousand times more capable portrait lens than the kit.

Photography is a lot harder than some people make it look - don't be discouraged if you are not getting the shots you want, put some serious effort into it and you will see the reward of your efforts. Keep on this forum and the community can definitely help you grow as a photographer!

First thing I think needs to be done is weaning you off of any automatic modes, you can't control your result if automatic is doing it for you!

Also, know that there is a huge number of people wanting to do it professionally, the number far outnumbers the demand. As such, you really need to work hard and setting yourself apart from the crowd.

Happy shooting!!!