Another great thought Thank you Norm11... I certainly didn't mean to stir up such a debate! I appreciate everyone's opinion and response.

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies. I can always count on members here to give a viewpoint that I haven't thought of!

I read an article on another site that talked about the propensity of some photographers to look at the captured image immediately after taking the shot. The author referred to this as "chimping", like something a monkey would do. This was considered by the author to be unprofessional behavior. So I was at a wedding last night and sure enough the photographer was "chimping" after every shot. (It's amazing the things we notice isn't it?) So I ask all you experienced hoggers out there. Is this unprofessional behavior by the photographer or maybe the inevitable result of the digital media? Instant gratification for the artist so to speak?

It's hard to be critical of a capture without the essential information along with it. I don't think they look like cartoons per se but I did notice the wingtips in the bottom capture that I looked at closely were out of focus or motion blurred. Having the capture details could help determine if this was the result of DOF, shutter, etc. But this is the perfect example to show that it doesn't much matter what the in camera sharpening is set to if the rest of the exposure isn't quite right.

I have the D7200 and found that the kit lenses were a bit "soft" but easily corrected by fine tuning them. Also I reduced the number of focus points unless I am shooting a moving object. This has ensured that the object that I want focused is, 'cause like dngallaher said... out of focus is out of focus and no amount of PP can fix that!

For what it's worth Nikon isn't the only manufacturer with the "no repair" policy:

http://www.tamron-usa.com/lenses/gray_market.php

As an owner of a D7200 I must say that I do not regret in the least my decision to purchase it (other than the fact that I could get it much cheaper now as a refurb unit! ) It takes fabulous pictures and has wonderful low light performance. There is a bit of a learning curve initially but after 6 months use I've found I like it more each time I use it. Good luck in your search!

C

Interesting. Your work often makes me say to myself "I wouldn't have thought of that"... and that's a good thing

I think I need a higher bench. I was hand holding and standing not quite 90 degrees to her. Using that suggestion I could possibly end up on the floor

First the technical stuff:

Nikon D7200
Nikor 18-55 VR II
50 MM @ F8
1/125
ISO 100

Single umbrella softbox 90 degrees to subject about 45 degrees elevated with a 60 watt 5000K modeling light & flash set at 1/4

The better half graciously put up with my "hubby hobby" and played model for me. IS there hope for a second career? I'm told that once I learn how to use one light I can add more!

(Download)

Isn't this what we all strive to achieve? Every time I look through my lens I am attempting to capture what I have already envisioned in my minds eye. You appear to be extremely adept at making that a reality. And, at the end of the day, whether you're shooting a "penthouse pin-up" or a "suicide girl", the art is in the eye of the beholder. And most of your shots make me think "Hmmmmm wish I'd thought of that"

A good friend of mine said to me once about shooting in RAW and then post processing in Lightroom..."It's like taking the picture a second time".

Very nice work Artist. With photos like this why are you starving! -C

I like 2 and 4... I think the color of #2 just pops!

SO much information! To strobe or flash are thing I hadn't considered. Thank you all that have taken your time and given thoughtful responses. So much to consider, but this is one of the things I like about the hog, no one makes you feel like your stupid for not knowing something, and all of you willing to share your knowledge. Thanks again!