[Hooky]

Shoot more - theres always time for reading about it later........

[silkstone]

1. Don't let technology get in the way of framing a good photo. Knowledge of camera technology and what all the little buttons do is very useful indeed, but modern cameras can be over-complex and distract attention from composition etc.

2. Perfection should be pursued by practice not purchase. Unless your current camera has some significant limitations which are holding you back, buying a dearer one is unlikely to improve your photos. Owning a Ferrari doesn't make you a good driver. Give it to me instead.

3. You don't need expensive software to for effective post-processing. Unless you have plenty of money, try £60 applications like Paint Shop Pro before spending £600 on Photoshop.

[Wannabe]

Originally Posted by silkstone

1. Don't let technology get in the way of framing a good photo. Knowledge of camera technology and what all the little buttons do is very useful indeed, but modern cameras can be over-complex and distract attention from composition etc.

2. Perfection should be pursued by practice not purchase. Unless your current camera has some significant limitations which are holding you back, buying a dearer one is unlikely to improve your photos. Owning a Ferrari doesn't make you a good driver. Give it to me instead.

3. You don't need expensive software to for effective post-processing. Unless you have plenty of money, try £60 applications like Paint Shop Pro before spending £600 on Photoshop.

Thank-you!! This was going to be one of my next ?'s.. lol! Is Paint Shop Pro easy to use?

[mr cat]

remove your lens cap...

[silkstone]

Originally Posted by Wannabe

Thank-you!! This was going to be one of my next ?'s.. lol! Is Paint Shop Pro easy to use?

Yes, although there is still a learning curve. The more recent versions of PSP have a 'Learning Centre' which guides you through each function with quick links to tutorials.

I've not tried the latest version PSP X2 (or is that 12?) but it's worth downloading the free trial. You can get the full version from Amazon and elsewhere for less than the price Corel charge. PSP can also be used with many Photoshop plugins.

Have fun!

[Wannabe]

Originally Posted by mr cat

remove your lens cap...

Umm.. yah.. I almost have that one down to a fine art.. *almost*...

[Hacker]

The only tip I would give is not worry too much about the technical aspects but to enjoy what you're doing.


One more, don't eat yellow snow.

[robbo]

As for a software, someone on this site recommended The GIMP to me as a download. It is free, it is fairly robust, and there is plenty there beyond my novice capabilities that will keep me busy for some time. When I know the free stuff inside and out, then I will feel better about spending more money. It appears to me that most of the PS tutorials on this site can be easily transfered to GIMP. Someone please correct me if I have missed the mark.

[Wannabe]

Originally Posted by Hacker

The only tip I would give is not worry too much about the technical aspects but to enjoy what you're doing.


One more, don't eat yellow snow.

REALLY!?!?

[Wannabe]

Originally Posted by robbo

As for a software, someone on this site recommended The GIMP to me as a download. It is free, it is fairly robust, and there is plenty there beyond my novice capabilities that will keep me busy for some time. When I know the free stuff inside and out, then I will feel better about spending more money. It appears to me that most of the PS tutorials on this site can be easily transfered to GIMP. Someone please correct me if I have missed the mark.

Thanks! Maybe i'll give this a try first... after just buying the D80.. need to watch our pennies! lol!

[robbo]

Really! I made the choice for the same reason. I just cloned out two poles and 1/4 of a car against a red brick wall with a huge touchan painted on it and you can't tell. Works for me. There is a new version on the GIMPsite 2.4 (?) - GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program

[Wannabe]

Originally Posted by robbo

Really! I made the choice for the same reason. I just cloned out two poles and 1/4 of a car against a red brick wall with a huge touchan painted on it and you can't tell. Works for me. There is a new version on the GIMPsite 2.4 (?) - GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program

Thanks!