Your images continue to inspire me: the composition, the lighting, the sharpness.

In a word: Spectacular!

from my archives....

Thanks, all, for your positive feedback...and the humor! I probably have 30 images of this guy (gal?), since he was a very patient model and didn't seem to be in a rush to get anywhere. Most are out-of-camera shots given I had plenty of time to make some camera adjustments. (T-I-C) A t-storm had just passed, and I saw it "marching" through the yard. I grabbed the camera before he could get away. What I did not take into consideration before "hitting the deck" is that the grass had been mowed earlier in the day. When I stood up, I looked like a Chia pet.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated. I bought my Sony SLT-A55V in 2011 after retiring a Minolta film camera, and I am now in the market to move up, probably to a full frame Sony??????

Stopped long enough for a photo shoot!

Thanks to all who responded...great advice that has added a whole new dimension to my search. I was ready to rush into ordering one based on customer reviews, but after absorbing all of your responses, I need to give this a lot more thought!

Any recommendations for a camera backpack (?) for a female? I typically carry a DSLR camera and four lenses (the 210mm the longest), along with some small accessories (extra battery, lens cleaner kit, charger, etc.), and I would like to carry a tripod (24 inches). I don't need to carry a laptop or tablet or a water bottle. I shoot on a boat a lot, and when we dock at a marina, we like to walk and/or ride bicycle (on these outings I don't always carry all my lenses). I only fly maybe once or twice a year, but it would be nice to have a backpack I could stow under the seat. I have checked out these brands: Tenba, G-raphy, Case Logic, Digiant, Thinktank, Mindshift Gear, Lovepro, and Tamrac. Perhaps a "messenger bag" style would suit my needs better? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

J Thanks! Just happened to have my camera in my hand!

Near Ft. Pierce, FL along the ICW

Having registered several weeks ago and spent time "lurking," I am finally officially participating in the group! I have gained a wealth of information from the members of this group, and the images that are posted are inspiring. What I really appreciate is that all levels of photographers are welcome to participate, and those of us who are not professionals are encouraged (and inspired) to hone our craft. I purchased my first film camera in 1979 when my daughter was born, and my interest in photographed waned over the years. The bug bit me again several years ago and I purchased a DSLR (Sony a55). We live in south central PA, but we spend most of our time at a marina on Kent Island, MD, in the summer and in Marathon (Boot Key Harbor)and Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, in the winter. I am dithering about purchasing a new camera, and I have absorbed the G.A.S. vs. "it's- not-the-camera, it's-what's-behind-it" discussion. I am considering the Sony a7III to be released the 3rd quarter, along with some new lenses. It remains to be seen if I will take the leap! I am not sure how I discovered the Ugly Hedgehog Photography Forum, but what a find!

Thank-you, everyone, for your positive feedback! It is greatly appreciated, especially since I am reluctant to post pictures because I think they might not be "good" enough. I have gained so much information from this forum, what a wonderful resource!

Chesapeake Bay Bridge, MD

On the ICW on our way to Marathon

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Thank-you very much!

Bentley
Palm Beach

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