I guess you need to decide what are the rewards for getting this degree. Will you recoup your expenses down the road as a professional?

Myself I find education cannot teach you what experience does. Experience is the ultimate specialist learning environment. No text book will compare.

I am a senior hydraulic cylinders designer in my firm and proficient in 3d Modeling. No formal education in the field or software. I have been here close to 22 years now. Drive and ambition has got me where I am today not schooling. I would rather be making money vs spending it and paying for it the next 20 years. College can leave you with a mountain of debt as can be seen in the US today.

I have approached photography with the same drive and ambition and have paid for all my equipment in doing so. I have been published 12 times in the past 2 years and am still looking for that elusive photo. The one all photographers are looking for.

I post mine online but I am working to make the a paying venture. I can say all my gear is paid for now by doing this. You said you take 3 to 150 photos? I can't imagine going to those places and only coming back with 3. I went to Badlands and pan handle of Nebraska and came back with 3000.

As far as your memory being better maybe so but you can't share pictures in your head, visually to others.

I like the sunflower. I can smell them in my mind. A real distinct odor in a field of them.

How much money? Seriously I would look for a 7100 or 7200. Used or refurbished a lot of good prices out there on these now.

You seem to enjoy giving critique on every ones images. You may think you are being helpful but in fact it is rude behavior. Unless asked for keep it to yourself. And that concludes my critique of your critiques.

What do you consider mid range? Also the more sections you have on the legs the more shake that can be introduced. I stick with 3 sections for this reason. With all that said I have a Vanguard and am very happy with the performance, price was around 130.

Jesus. Relax and realize it was a typo not "eronious" info.

Focus appears to be on the trunk of the tree and not the nest which is behind the trunk a little. A higher f stop will give you better DOF. The main blurred area is from a leafed out tree branch between you and the subject. Another way would be to focus on the birds and use your lock focus button if your camera has it.

I agree mine travels everywhere I go extreme cold of heat has not harmed any of my equipment for the past for years. The camera is acclimated to the environment this way also.

Someone said avoid wet rocks. These rocks don't appear wet at all. Another asked about wave action. Clearly the sea was pretty calm. Now about those boots not made for climbing nor are the tight jeans. Climbing boots and loose clothing to allow freedom of movement. Would I do the same? Absolutely but not climbing a fence with posted signs.

Life is full of risks and dangers. Everyday we place ourselves at risk in Automobile travel. Some people live their whole life in fear and miss out on life itself. Some people risk it all but I doubt this shot is risking it all with current conditions. This is more about selfishness and thumbing her nose at the law.

Boy there's a surprise (sarcasm)

Really? All I ever see from you is negative post and dark is all you can offer for critique. Thanks for reminding me why I blocked you.

As for the first shot it is the one I like the best. Beautiful...one can see it was shot in the shadows and the light in the distance adds to the scene. Great work.

One of the biggest reasons I do not use "subscription" based software. Too many updates released too quickly results in users finding the bugs, like beta testers, plus you get to pay them to test it.

And the left never lies? Give me a brake. Talk about juvenile pointing out spelling and grammar errors most likely caused by auto correct is more juvenile. And yes I did the brake thing on purpose to make a point to your juvenile mind.

You have two card slots use them both and smaller cards. Not good to have all the eggs in one basket.