I use it all the time as well....learned this a few months ago, and now it is simply habit. However, I just enabled yesterday an interesting menu item. Since the AE-AL button is now assigned to AF-ON, I have no exposure lock. I found that I could assign the shutter button - half-way point, to be the AE-L. So now I have the best of both worlds...BBF and AE-L! Really helps with composition as I can now compose the focus, and then assign exposure, and then take a picture.

Thanks!

Thanks You! It was what I was thinking when I took the shot. Although the points made above are valid when trying for that perfect shot, I also had to act on what was available. The duck was not static, and I had no means of changing elevations to minimize the height of the block wall (I was standing on the other side of the canal). Also, moving left/right would have no effect. In this case it was a matter of snapping at the best time!

Thanks!

Thanks for the critique! I am attaching the same picture straightened...don't know why I did not do this the first time...it is usually Step#2 of my workflow after cropping.

Can't help the red pavers...I asked the duck to move, but she just looked at me funny!!! It would be impossible to get them in the reflection...they are simply too far back. However, I will use these ideas for my next outing to see if I can capture a better moment.

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Always a nice walk along Carroll Creek in Frederick, MD. The ducks on the canal are used to folks nearby, so great pics can be taken. Find four attached for your viewing pleasure!

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Hello, first time posting in this section. Would like feedback on the attached pics. Pic #1 is a duck of course, but attempted a mirroring composition. I like it, but your opinions please.
Pic #2, same area later in the evening, is a waterfall into the canal. I was going for symmetry, the interesting aspect of an "upward" flowing waterfall, movement leading into the center, etc. Again, your opinions. Thanks!

Fellow hoggers, a quick question about a potential camera repair and your experiences.
I called Nikon (Melville) about sending in my D90 in for a CLA as well as looking into the back-focusing issue I am having (I checked my camera on a focus grid with two different lenses and got the same back focus phenomenon). $40 for the CLA...no problem, sounds good. However, the "service" for looking into the back-focusing problem will be $76 - $304...depending on the problem (CLA included). The range is for fixing whatever the problem is, up to and including replacing parts that are not covered under warranty (??? it is four years old...I thought my warranty has expired).
I have taken great care of the camera, so I am sure there is not water, sand, etc. damage, so I think it will be on the low side, but.....
Has anyone had this service performed, and what was the experience and your cost. I kinda do not want to pay $304 for the camera...I think I can get another used one for that!
Thanks for the help!

The majority of their nests are along a walkway to our driveway. They just buzz around us as we pass by. I actually talk to them as I pass by......."don't worry about me...just passing through..." Thanks for the compliments!

Thanks!

They do have a bad attitude...just not to people....or maybe I have just been lucky :-D

Thanks! Tool a lot of patience sitting by their nests to get these.

Interesting contrast between young and old....new life (fawn) and those that have passed. Good shots, and yes, I like #3 the best.

Hope you like the attached pics of "cicada killers"....big wasps who sole purpose is to stun cicadas and drag them into their lairs for future generations to feed on. Used to be terrified of these guys, but have found them harmless. They are usually over 1" - 1 1/2" long, huge actually, and intensely territorial of there own kind. Fast too...had to take a bunch of shots to get these two.....

Cicada Killer 02

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Cicada Killer 01

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Congrats getting into the fun and soon to be expensive world of photography! You will have a blast!
I had taken pics for years, but only started to get "serious" early this year. It is amazing how much I have learned....but putting it into practice is where it is both fun and challenging. There is a plethora of information on the web, but I would recommend the following fellow: Mike Browne. He has a great video course online for free:
https://www.youtube.com/user/photoexposed. I can assure you that by watching these vids, and others you find, you will quickly understand quite a bit about photography.....