Speaking of Maine sunsets or in this case sunrise.. one of mine a few weeks ago. No adjustments or filters used. Handheld Canon M6 100mm USM lens

Even though I would consider myself to be very technical, I don't or haven't adjusted any of the ISO settings on my camera in 2 years. The camera has been doing very well on it's own other than my telling it to focus on a particular subject in the foreground or background. If the camera has been using the auto ISO and you like these settings then don't adjust anything.

I've been under the assumption that a landscape shot would or should have a horizontal plane at some point in the image. even if one holds the camera vertical the image should still have a horizontal plane. if the picture is nothing more than a light house without a horizon with the horizontal plane then it would not be considered a landscape and instead could be known as a portrait.

Just ordered ( 2 ) Pergear TH3 Pro Ball Heads for my vintage tripod. Got both of these yesterday and couldn't be happier. One head will be used to support the camera while the other used with a tablet holder to support my tethered tablet. The ball heads were purchased on Amazon for less than $25.00. The great thing about this of course the quick release plate with level bubble. Once both ball heads have been secured to the tripod, I can slide and lock in place with a single twist/rotation of the knob and be up and running in no time.

https://www.amazon.com/Pergear-Photography-Camera-Rotation-Ballhead/dp/B00MGJH5U6

This lens is known for having a small amount of lens flare.. best check your lighting next time.

Cat, I love you..

it can be one or the other or even both. If the camera doesn't mate up with the photographers skills or minds eye, it will not achieve the desired images. yet when the photographer hasn't a clue what he or she is doing. No matter what camera at what ever price is going to make them any better.

The object of this is to be who you are, use what you've got (even if it's broken) and make the best of it. If you don't have enough self confidence in your photography, then you're wasting your time. I'm perfectly happy with my photographic level of experience so who cares if my image is good or bad. I like it no matter how good or bad it is or that it could become.

There's only one person I need to worry about whom has yet to dislike any of my art or photographs since 1994.. My wife of 25 years and that's all that matters.

I'm really finding these stats to be off. For the last 4 years MD/PA have not had any "defined" colors. Mostly going from green to brown with a few spotty colors. Hoping to catch something along the eastern shore in about 2 weeks.

If you're not happy with how the Nikon system is working out, You may have to look into another brand. I've been perfectly happy with my refurbished Canon M6 and 2 lenses, though I'm hoping to get a few more lenses the 50mm & 100mm have been ideal for the moment.

Same here, taught lab tech for years in high school as a teacher. But you're going to love not having to deal with limited images on countless rolls of film. Took me a while to get over this myself. With digital, your world will open even wider and yet in the back of your mind you'll have this though, when will I need to change that roll of film. it will take some time to get use to.

If you know the author/photographer then contact them and ask if you can use the image. 90% of the time, if one develops a friendly relationship with whom ever, One could end up benefiting or working on a project together.

To flat out use images without informing the author/photographer.. at some point you will pay.. But it will be hard to track down. In your case, it would easier to track down cause you're using it as greeting cards. However, if these cards are strictly for family and not being sold, again I would contact the author/photographer.

Just wanted to update anyone interested in this filter topic. A few days ago, I ordered a 58mm Tiffen Polarizer filter from Etsy.com. Etsy has some good deals if one has never explored that craft site. Basically members raid yard sales, flea markets etc and place the items on the Etsy site. I located a vintage tripod I've had back in the 70's and should have never got rid of it in the first place, But that's another story. While searching I also locate the Tiffen filter. Purchased it last week and it's just arrived. This 80's filter has a handle designed into the outer ring that allows my arthritic hands to rotate the ring easier than other :newer" filters I've tried.

if you're interested in purchasing a Polarization or CPL filter for your gear, here's a test you'll need to perform once the filter arrives. Clean the filter thoroughly, hold the filter in front of your computer monitor and rotate the outer ring. Either clockwise or counter clockwise.. what should happen is the filter should go completely or near completely dark. My testing over the last few months to locate a good or better filter, proved that not all filters are designed correctly and have flaws. Several of those I've tested did not go from light to dark or vice versa. testing in front of your monitor will help you select that correct filter before you mount it on your lens.

In other words it would be hard to view any icons on your desktop. Make note of when the filter ends up when mounting on your lens as this would be the max filtration in said direction.

Looking forward to testing this filter in a few weeks.

Rotating the CPL depending on clockwise or counter clockwise will increase or decrease the amount of polarization, That's half the battle. The main thing to remember is that you must be 90° from the sun. In other words, facing the sun, either the left or right from that point would be the best or ideal angle for shooting while using a CPL filter. Otherwise it wont work or it may not work as fluently as it should. One could end up with a dark corner similar to vignetting. It is difficult to master and should only be used while the camera is on a tripod because it would require adjusting the fstop/aperture. In other words, using a CPL directly into the sun will not work.

I prefer to use filters over post processing. A good UV is prob your best filter for starters, then graduate to Diffuser and polarization filters. Although Circular filters are "ok" I would suggest at some point in time upgrading to the square drop in variety as you will have more control of the amount of filtration if using graduated filters. If one has arthritis like I do the circular filters are a bear to rotate. Just another reason to us the square drop in versions. I would avoid the resin or plastic filters, but this means you're going to pay an arm/leg for the glass versions.

Some "friend" you have there.. This is like allowing your friend to drive your car and they get in a accident but never tell you. NEVER hand over your gear or car keys to anyone it's just like your SSN.. NEVER.