Cool_It Loc: Whitehall, PA

I bought my first digital DSLR, a Nikon D5000 with the standard kit lens, in 2009 on my way to vacation. I forgot to pack any camera and used this as an excuse to purchase a new camera. My daughters were in competitive gymnastics and my wife was spending quite a bit of money on pictures. I began renting a Nikon 70-200 lens for $35 a meet and soon purchased a Sigma 70-200mm lens. Shooting my daughters, on separate teams, slowly became shooting the teams. This provided me with both a challenge and gaining experience. The low light of the different gyms, the speed of skills and prediction of the person in the frame and getting it all right can be quite rewarding.

2012 has been quite the year, I sold the D5000 and purchased a D7000. I now occasionally shoot sports photography for a local paper. I added a Nikon D3 to my arsenal, what a great camera, and landed a free lance job shooting competitive gymnastics.

Sadly 2012 my oldest daughter, 12, sustained an injury to her elbow which ended her career in competitive gymnastics. On the upside, she has watched me enjoy photography over the years and has asked for a camera for Christmas. Just before Christmas I bought her a D5100 and as luck would have it Santa sent me via B&H a new Nikon 70-200 2.8 freeing up my Sigma version. It has been great watching her go and spread her wings. She shot her first gymnastics just before Christmas and given the lighting (6400iso) she didn't do that bad.

Yes I am a proud father, just thought I would share my story.

Bob

Yes, I know she amputated the feet, we are working on that.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Welcome to UHH

Al FR-153 Loc: Chicago Suburbs

Welcome to the Hog Bob. Have found memories of Whitehall, Munhall, Baldwin Twp area.

Be careful, I understand it is slippy outside today. Don't forget to turn out the light when you leave a room, and yes, I am still a Stilers (Steelers for the rest of the world) fan, even this year.

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

I grew up in the Mon valley, attended Thomas Jefferson high school and graduated in 1971. I was the finance manager for Century III Dodge in the late 80's and 90's. I Know your area very well.
Welcome to the site.

pappy

photonphysicist Loc: Texas

Welcome to UHH! :thumbup:
That's awesome that you can spend time with your daughter!

JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

Welcome to UHH Bob.

Cool_It Loc: Whitehall, PA

Thanks for the warm welcome all. Funny, I read through the posts I realized I should pick a different location. There are 2 Whitehalls in Part. I am in there one next to Allentown.

BuddyLars Loc: Rockton, Illinois

welcome to the club
I bought my wife a dslr for christmas and it will be fun to shooting pictures together

AuntieM Loc: Eastern NC

Welcome. Your daughter is doing well with her photography so far, and taking pictures will be much easier on her joints, and on your nerves. :-) Will be interested in seeing more of her, and your pictures in the future.