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