Hi All

Even though I have taken some very nice pictures with a Kodak Easy Share, the lack of hardware sophistication became painfully obvious while on a whale watching tour. I also got a case of hardware envy being among other photographers with much more sophisticated hardware than mine. It was very un-nerving to be stuck with a VERY VERY slow shutter button and very limited zoom. After viewing the session’s pictures it became obvious that I need to get some different / better hardware.

I made a heap in technology from the Kodak to a Canon T3 Rebel. Along with the T3, I obtained EF-S 18 – 55mm, EF-S 10 – 18 mm, and EF 70 – 300mm lens. Talk about a BIG difference in the quality of the pictures.

Now that I’ve addressed the hardware aspect, I’m wading off into the realm of Post Processing with PhotoShop Elements. I knew it would make a difference in the final product, but had no idea how dramatic it would be.

UHH has been extremely helpful. Certainly learned a lot from other person’s trials /tribulations /questions and all the advice given.

Regards,

John

Deep In The Heart of Texas

If you now or in you future get yourself a DSLR or a Mirrorless Camera, one of the first things to learn is the "Exposure Triangle", balancing your ISO, Aperture & Shutter-Speed for a properly exposed image, For this you will use "Manual-Mode". You also should learn about the "Priority Modes", Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority. As you are Learning, you MUST Practice everything you are learning. Repetition is the Mother of knowledge. So, as another Professional Photographer said; "Get out there and take some dam Photos".

hi StaceyJeannette, welcome to UHH. Believe me, you will be shooting images just as beautiful as the ones you see here. Suggestions: Learn your camera first. Then go out and shoot. Start small, like your back yard, and branch out from there. Keep looking at other peoples work and put yourself in their eyes to see what they saw. Ask questions....! Post some of your images and get critiques. Like I said in other replies, most will give you a good critique. Others will make jokes and still a few others will not be complimentary at all...DISREGARD them! Talk to people here. See where they are coming from. If you feel comfortable, private message people and get answers. Everyone is here for you. But above all...HAVE FUN.
Rich...