Hi, Welcome,
I'm afraid that once bitten by the 'photobug' there is no known cure!. Fortunately for you, there are hundreds of folks on here that are similarlly afflicted. We all try to help each other, both experienced amateurs and professionals alike. You will make many friends on UHH and hopefully, you and they will benefit from the experience. I look forwar
d to seeing some of your photos..Norman

Hi Angel,
Welcome, I have recently retired and have photographed dozens and dozens of weddings. If I can help in any way at all just let me know. I never ever advertised my business, all my jobs came by way of recommendation, so I must have been doing something that people liked !
I judged that every wedding that I photographed involved at least 35 hours work. If you would like a breakdown of how I arrived at this figure, please just let me know!.When I first started, an old time pro said to me, " failing to prepare correctly is preparing to fail ".. Hope to speak soon. Norman

Hi Solley,

Cmon lets see some picis Norman

Hi Jessica, and welcome to the hog!.
The easiest and quickest way to learn is to post some of your images, but don't forget to click on 'store original' box. There are many many friendly folks on the Hog that are only too willing to offer help and advice. Both experienced amateurs and seasoned professionals alike, we all have a common love in life.
Looking forward to seeing your images. Norman

Hi Gaby,
And a very very big welcome to the Hog.
You're photos show a lot of promise, and I can guarantee, that in the not too distant future you're photography will improve out of all recognition...All you have to do is post some photos, tick the store original box and you will get help from people across the globe, both experienced amateurs and seasoned professionals alike.
From the outset it is obvious that you have a good eye for a photo.
Once again a very warm welcome..Norman

Hi,
What can anyone say? but WOW, for a first attempt this is exceptional!.
I have taken the liberty of sharpening it slightly using the 'High Pass' filter in CS5.. Lovely image !. Norman

Hi,
May I suggest how, I believe, this photo can be improved dramatically.
Firstly I would crop in quite tightly into portrait format,
Secondly, I would ( If you have PS)make a selection roughly round the bird > select inverse, feather the selection, then soften the image just slightly using the blur tool. I suggest trying Gausian Blur.
Finally, I may be tempted to slightly burn the corners of your final image, just take care not to overdo the burn , start at around 5 or 10%.
The bird is lovely and pin sharp, and is well worth framing !!!.
Congratulations on a lovely image !...Norman

Hi all!
Thank you so much to all of you who have replied.
Lots and lots of help is here. Now it's just a matter of getting to grips with it all !.
Thank you all once again. Norman

Hi Toady,

I don't know if you have considered Canon's 'L ' series lenses. I have two of them and can only describe them as truly superb.
On the negative side you will have to pay!......... 'an arm and a leg' comes to mind, . However, if you can afford to buy an L I promise you that you won't be disappointed. Good Luck.
Norman

I have seen a few examples of 'out of bounds' images on here recently. My question is. How do I go about creating this effect using CS5?
I am going away for the next 2 weeks, so should anyone be able to help I will be eternally grateful, I'm afraid that I won't be able to reply to you until I return.
I keep my fingers crossed and really hope that someone can help!
I have been scratching my head trying to find the solution, but so far I have drawn a blank. My thanks, now, to anyone who may be able to point me in the right direction. Norman

Hi Chris,
Absolutely magic !!!!, and perfect in mono,for me, the fact that the branches, which frame the shot are a little soft, and that only goes to enhance the clarity of the boat. A lovely shot. For me Perfect D O F. Norman.

Hi Gary,
Fantastic images!, Did it take you long to master this technique?. Norman

Hi Paul,

I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of modifying your 3rd photo a little. I, as you can see, Re-cropped it, slightly sharpened it ( Using the High pass filter) and put a slight vignette around the edges. Has it improved the image?, what do you think?. Lovely pics. Norman.

Modified

Hi again,
Further to my last, I have taken the liberty of removing, what I think are, minor distractions. Hope you don't mind . Norman

Modified

Hi Ebrunner,

Lovely pics. Without doubt the mono is head and shoulders above the others, good balance in exposure, composition great, what more can anyone say. Really lovely image. Norman