I do wedding and portrait photography on the side. I also have a large portfolio of stock images that I have sold here and there. Are there any other photographers here? Maybe we can get a little contest going for monthly bragging rights or use this thread as a show and tell tell thread or something if there is interest. This photo was shot tonight, and its my first ever shot of lightning. I've been waiting for a chance to get a lightning photo for several years now. This one was a 10 second exposure (Shutter priority) on a tripod with a remote control, manually focused, no flash, with a Nikon D80 with a 24-120mm, at 36mm. So, lets see your photos!
I got a Nikon D40 recently. It's my first SLR, and I got a beginner's photographer book (tailored to that camera), but haven't had the chance to use it a lot yet. Mostly taken pictures of my dogs.
Stitches, the D40 is a good camera. One of the best shots I've ever taken came off a D40x that I was field testing right after it was released. If you haven't gotten these already, I'd recommend getting a good tripod (as in a Bogen/Manfratto) that won't move if there are high winds. Also, the ML-L3 remote is less than $20. You'll be amazed at what you can shoot with just those 2 items...well, 3 because Bogen tripods don't have heads on them. You have to buy them separately. If you have any questions, just post it or hit me up with a PM.
I'm probably going to have to wait until xmas time for that stuff (I want an external flash too), as I am trying to curtail my spending. But thanks for the head up.
No. Just a battery powered flash. I want a different lens (more zoom maybe), but I doubt I find something at the pricepoint I want unless it's on craigslist.
I got a used one off ebay w/some accessories for at least 20% less than retail cost of the camera kit. I can't recall the exact price. I had been watching slickdeals, and it was cheaper than some of the best kit prices I could find on there by at least $40.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/532255-REG/Nikon__D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html That link has an 18-55mm lens and a 70-300. The 70-300 is a VR (Vibration reduction) lenses. That 70-300 is almost $500 by itself. Here's the D40 with just the 18-55. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/471716-REG/Nikon_25420_D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html However for $100 more, you can get a D60 with the 18-55 VR lens and the 70-300 VR. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/559230-REG/Nikon__D60_SLR_Digital_Camera.html Considering the price difference, I'd go with the D60. Its also a 10 megapixel camera, where the D40 is a 6 megapixel. And, both lenses being VR, its a better deal. Also, you can trust B&H photo. I've spent a bunch of money there on equipment. Its the main place that pro photographers get their gear from.
Well I can't afford to buy a telephoto lens that can view as far as I'd like, but I did just get a lens that I think is a good second lens to have to go along with my kit lens. I got a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Motorized Telephoto Zoom Lens, for my D40. While just my 2nd lens, it will be my 1st lens experience outside the 1st party lens (Nikkor/Nikon). It got pretty great reviews for the most part, and should be more than enough of an entry lens for a novice like myself. It'll be much better to use at the Fins/NO preaseason game than my 18-55mm kit lens. Still not ideal, but hopefully I have some close seats, lol.
