You won't necessarily be confused as the extensions on the files are different. I always name my RAW files by the name of the jpeg file with RAW. For example apples (1).jpg and apples RAW (1).nef. Never have trouble telling them apart that way. You can't view RAW on Windows viewer as it is way too slow. Everyone has different uses and needs so only you can make the decision as to what suits you.

I do exactly the same thing, for the same reasons. Windows 7 makes it easy to view jpeg images, but not RAW. If I just want to print or show someone a photo, it is quick. However, to edit photos, I use the RAW files in Lightroom, or PSE. Shooting this way takes up more memory on your camera card, and on your computer, but it works for me.

I am also thinking that maybe colleges and universities might have different meanings in the States than they do here in Canada. They work together, are located in different areas, and teach different things. For example you could take a business administration certificate course at a college, then use those credits to go on to a university to get a business degree. I hope that makes sense?

As noted in my earlier comment...the university I attended focused on critique of photography, not so much on the technical. If you had a technical question, they would help you find the answer, or the profs would explain the information to you. That's how I learned about pinholes, film developing etc. At university for example, I never learned how to set up lights for a fashion shoot. Our city college, on the other hand, teaches the more technical aspects like lighting, posing etc. that were not taught at the university. Therein lies the difference. There are many ways to learn about photography. No one is better than the other. It depends on learning style, funds and time available and what you can get your hands on. The important thing is to constantly keep on learning.

Yes, I've taken a fine arts degree with a thesis in photography. One of the first things you learn is what is an aperture, etc. I understand them well. A university setting will not give you all the technical information that a college photography course will give you. The university setting is more about the aesthetics of photography. You discuss the work, get helpful suggestions and work towards fine art photography. In my experience, if you want to do commercial work, you are better off taking a college class. I have taken PP courses at a college to help me understand digital processing as my classes at the university level were film related. You can learn a lot from books and videos, however, these courses don't allow the interaction and questions that you get in a live class. Hope that helps you make a decision.

Sometimes it's nice to just pause and look at a scene, rather than photograph it. We tend to take the pics and then leave. By pausing, we burn the memory and the experience in our mind. As for looking like a tourist, I hang my camera around my neck all the time, and I don't care what others think or say. By the way, tourists and Americans are not ugly! LOL (Neither are Canadians and other nationalities). So enjoy your scenes and your cameras. Welcome to the Hog.

Thanks for the link. There's a sense of isolation and beauty in these photographs that compels us to have a second look.

It's summer! It's OK to slack off. LOL

Interesting discussion. Whenever you make a choice, in this case pushing a button, you are the artist. The choice and the action make you the artist. The program is just a tool. An artist is someone who has a vision. That person keeps working towards that vision until they get it right. That can take a life time.

Why does the mention of God scare you so much? I would say just ignore what you don't believe in or like.

The B&W is very beautiful. I like the placement of the flowers as well as the tones. Thanks for showing us some lovely work.

You have some interesting, but weird bugs in Georgia! Nice work.

I am about half way through reading Book 1. I am really enjoying the book as it is thought provoking. I have chosen to follow Andrew Gibson's Advice to create a project. I am starting to photograph dolls. I will try to post some pics soon. How is everyone else doing? we are already half way through the month of June.

There's no question the image is compelling. I like the way the woman lifted her arm, and her gaze is focused outward. I don't have any objection to grain per se. It's just the first thing I noticed in this case, and I think grain should support the image, not take over. I do like the sepia. As you say, sometimes circumstances make it very difficult to take a shot without grain. It looks like this was one of those cases. Have you thought about releases? If you want to sell or show your images, you will need those.

I like the composition of the photo itself, and the pose and expression of the woman. I am not so sure about the grainy, gritty look though. I find it a bit distracting. I'm not sure if that was your personal choice or if it was as a result of a telephoto lens, lack of light, or too high ISO. You did not check "store original" so we can see the information. Could you try some photos with a finer grain? Please post again. I think you have a great sensibility and I will be watching for new work. You definitely have the makings for a body of work and exhibition.