I like #2 the best. It seems a solemn, contemplative moment and the subdued tones of #2 just seems to better fit the mood. But that is just my perspective. The important thing is what is the photographer trying to convey, and which does the subject prefer.
I copy my photos straight off my SD card (usually by inserting the SD into the built-in reader on my desktop PC or laptop) onto the HD of my PC or laptop. The destination on the HD is a particular folder structure. Picasa is set to look in that folder structure, so when I open Picasa, it automatically finds the new images I've just copied in. Then I cull out the shots I don't like. Only *after* that do I edit, if at all.
On my HD the folder structure is .\dropbox\photos\yyyy\mm\dd Description\
Where yyyy=4 digit year; mm=2 digit month; dd=2 digit day
So, for example, a particular set of shots may go in:
.\dropbox\photos\2011\11\24 Thanksgiving\
And I use the online storage and syncing service called DropBox so that my images automatically sync online, with my desktop PC, and with my laptop. That way I have automatic backup and it's easy to share a photo or folder with someone by using the DropBox web app.
red baron wrote:
rayford2 wrote:
I just downloaded Google's Picasa software but haven't tried it yet.
On the first page it says Picasa doesn't save pictures to your computer. So does this mean the pictures are stored somewhere other than my computer?
When you are done editing a picture hit "export" at the bottom of the screen and upload edited pic to your computer. When browsing your pics you will now have a folder called "Picasa exports" where you will find all your saved, edited pics.
quote=rayford2 I just downloaded Google's Picasa ... (
show quote)
I use Picasa and I store the photos on my computer.
Picasa also integrates with Picasa Web Albums, which is online storage of photos for sharing, etc. So that may be what you were reading about. However, Picasa does not *require* you to store your photos on the web.
You can download a PDF manual for that camera here:
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/nikon/nikon_n2020af/nikon_n2020af.htm
It will tell you what battery it takes.
I always thought that one reason for the 'cheap' glass filters is to protect the expense glass lens.
You might try getting a quote from keh.com for the repair. I haven't personally used them, but have heard good things about them and they seem very reasonable on repairs.
I'd compare the full EXIF settings from both shots. But it does sound like WB.
Nice shot, like the vivid colors. Impressive that no PS - looks like HDR.
Great shots. My favorite is the 2nd one.
Also, agree with what you say!
I've seen a lot of Minolta SLRs on eBay. Good luck!
Which camera is best? Only you can decide that. Take your time, talk to people who have DSLRs, shop some camera stores, browse the web etc. There are a great many online resources available to help select and camera and learn how to use it. Then buy a camera and have some fun!
If I were you, I wouldn't buy the top of the line camera just yet. I'd buy a good DSLR and get familiar with the technology, with the art of photography, with photo editing (e.g., Photoshop Elements), etc. It's a lot of fun. If you're interested in wedding photography, take a lot of shots of people and practice, practice, practice.
Then when you're ready, buy the camera you need to take the next step. The technology is rapidly changing, so don't buy more than you need right now.
Anyway, follow your dreams. That is a wonderful thing about how we human beings are designed - we were made to dream dreams and go with them! Go slowly, keep your eyes open, learn all you can, and have fun. Photography can be a great source of satisfaction and enjoyment.
Wishing you success!
It can be frustrating trying to get a shot the way your eye saw it.
I'd try to get more DOF. Can you try a higher f-stop?
Also, try a polarizing filter. That often helps eliminate the glare of the sun and bring out the colors that your eye saw.