Danni

Hi!
I have to say after signing up for this website - I think I am in WAY over my head!!! The pics that are posted are so amazing and all the discussions I've read so far just seem so advanced! I enjoy photography but I don't think I even qualify for the 'newbie' category!! I have a hard time getting all that technical jargon thru my brain with f-stops and meters.... and I don't even use the computer software programs much. The photos that you all post are absolutely stunning! They either take my breath away with the beauty of nature that you all have captured or I find myself getting 'lost' in the scene and just daydream!
So hats off to your talent... very impressed. This post may even annoy you all and for that I apologize - you are discussing in-depth issues and my questions merely revolve around making sure I'm off on the right foot...
I have a Nikon D80... had it a few years... have a few lens.... I enjoy it although I confess that I don't get too adventurous and take it off 'Auto' too much.... embarrassing but it's the truth. I'd like to get some opinions/recommendations on photography as a hobby - I know my limitations and realize that a career in photography is not something i'll attain and yet I'd really like to get better/dig deeper into photography - so I'd like your input on the camera I'm using now...should I change or will it be a good workhorse as I (hopefully) grow... how do I expand my skills without blowing a mental gasket... seriously... how do you all remember all the white noise and speeds and ISO and exposure...most times I get so overwhelmed that I just pack up the camera and call it quits- and yet I am so drawn to the power of a good picture... any advice would be appreciated and again... amazing photographs. thanks!!

Danni

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

No such thing as being in over your head, just start out in the shallow end. Welcome to the forum.

suesart Loc: Sheridan, Wyoming

Welcome!! Questions are good! That is how you learn, don't apologize, for not understanding or being new to this game. Enjoy what you can do and you will learn along the way. I am not a pro by a long shot. I consider myself lucky most of the time when I get a good shot. :) Auto is my friend as well. ;).
Have fun that is what it is all about!!!

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Welcome to UHH.
Please don't feel intimidated, photography is a wonderful hobby. A good idea is to go out with your camera as often as possible and shoot as much as you can. Take pictures of things that you find interesting, not what you think others might like.
When you put your photos on the computer and look at them to identify what you like about the photos and what you don't like so the next time you go out you can duplicate what you like and eliminate what you don't.
A helpful book on moving off Auto is "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. There are many other books available on the various different aspects of photography as well as videos on YouTube.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Welcome Danni There are plenty of wonderful people on this site that will show you and teach you about photography. If you don't know just ask. ISO F-stops Shutter speeds WB noise is all part of the game. Understanding will come with time. Post some of your images and make sure you check the box so we can see your EXIF data and they can tell you how to improve. Find some people in your area and go out with them shooting. Its a lot of fun and don't get discouraged.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Welcome to the forum.
The more you take your camera out and review guides, like composition and such, the better you'll get. ALL of us started where you are! But you'll have to experiment to figure out "What happens when I do this.". Practice, practice, practice.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

This book helped me get off of the "auto" setting.
It is written clear and to the point, for me.
Easy to read and understand, for me.
Welcome to the forum!!!!
Pat

jeanbug35 Loc: Jonesboro AR

Just shoot and enjoy. This is a wonderful forum and very addictive. There are a few comments that will get under your skin but don't let them bother you.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

Baby steps, Danni

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Welcome to the forum.

photophly Loc: Old Bridge NJ

Welcome to the Hog

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

Don't worry about being in over your head. You're doing this for fun, not to beat out everyone here. If there were no challenges left, it wouldn't be fun.

I was also intimidated by photos posted here. I still am, actually. Just have fun with it and post when and if you want to. There's no minimum quality standard for posting.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

We all started in this endeavor at the beginning. Read as much as you can, start slow, its not all that confusing once you get the vocabulary.
This site has a bunch of folks ready and more than willing to answer any question you have. Don't be afraid to ask a question, remember the only dumb question is the one not asked. Good luck and welcome!

JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

Hello Danni, welcome to UHH.