I'd go with 1. It looks the most real.

The church that everyone taking pictures of downtown Portsmouth gets is on the corner of Market and Congress streets. From there, it's about 7 blocks to Prescott park. They have some nice gardens and it goes right to the water where I've gotten some fun shots if boats. If you're thinking more of the beach scene, Odiorne Point State park is about 10-15 minute drive and is accessible rocky coast - great tide pools and such. Just across the river in Kittery, ME there's Fort Foster. There are some great shots of sandy/rocky beaches.

These are all I can think of off the top of my head. I'm sure I'm missing some good ideas. I'll check around with friends tomorrow.

I live just outside of Portsmouth. There are great opportunities there. What are you in to? You can get the shot that everyone gets - the church by Market Square, or you can get shots by the water - old piers, tugs, etc... - or get some historic architecture. Strawberry Bank is a great garden/park area. There are bridges, and beaches, too.

I love the bee!

Thanks JD7000. I've heard nothing bad about that lens. I'm excited to see what it can do.

I've been doing some research and I think I'm starting to understand how my 50mm is not really going to be like a 75mm, but I'm also seeing why there's confusion, and there will always be confusion with it. (As a science teacher, I was bothered with the idea of a smaller sensor somehow increasing magnification).

I'll see how it performs for me; I still think it will be an awesome addition to my camera.

Thanks everyone for your warm welcome. In my week or two of lurking, I've realized this is a great community. I'm excited to keep learning. Now to check out the Holy Trinity...

[quote=Meives]



I appreciate your comments. I definitely was wishing I had my tripod, because I was almost falling over. I was just messing around, so I was really seeing if the VR could take care of me. It did better than I expected, but I'd use a tripod if it was a planned shot. I didn't notice while I was outside that my DOF was too short. I will have to be more mindful. Also of my exposure. I had adjusted it the night before while messing around with flashes. I need to remember to check that out while shooting.

The 50mm will act like a 75mm on my crop camera. I thought that would be close enough to be ok for portraits. Am I misleading myself? I'm just getting it because it's a great lens/money deal.

Hi!
I stumbled upon this site a few weeks ago while considering a new DSLR to get back into photography. I took about 12 years off when I got married and had kids, and my film equipment was not stored properly (so I get to start over).

I got a D5200 with the 18-55 kit lens and I have a 50mm F/1.8 AF-S FX on the way (I'm thinking this will be my portrait lens). My camera came with a lot of extras - sling pack, extra cards, extra battery, small vivitar flash, serviceable monopod, and other mostly meaningless trinkets.

I'm feeling like I need a longer lens, so I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm looking at a generalist approach. I'll be shooting children (feels weird to type that), nature, and possibly some events. So I'll be indoors and outdoors. Also, is there any equipment that an average person wouldn't think about toting around that you swear by?

My kids are planting a new "Fairy Garden" and I had some fun with the camera.

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Thank you! It's so nice to hear compliments. I haven't put much effort into a photo for so long, but it comes back.

Thanks! I was really surprised at this lens. I was expecting to get cheap-looking pics, but it does pretty well. I really liked the detail in the anthers on #2 - the shadows were disappointing, but I didn't have time to redo that because I had to chase an 8 year old down for bath time.

I haven't touched a camera for almost 15 years - minus documenting children with a p and s. I just got a D5200 to ease my way back in. These are the first shots with the 18-55 kit lens, just getting to know the camera. These are all quick autofocused shots. I haven't broken out the tripods or flashes, just bumming around the yard. I'm interested in seeing if you can think of settings I could have used better or any of the bells and whistles that would be useful.

ISO400, f/5.6, 1/60, at 42mm

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Macro preset - ISO200, f/5.6, 1/30 at 42mm (I didn't think the flash would go under these conditions - wrong)

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ISO200, f/3.5, 1/125 at 18mm - before I figured out how to change image quality

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