Just one point.... I recommended you study Ken Rockwell for information. There really are many lenses (older and new) you will come across and sometimes the cost is really a great deal. I know of no better reference than the information you will find at kenrockwell.com on almost any lens you would want to see a good technical review on and how it compares to other similar lenses before you spend your money. This goes for Canon or Nikon. Also, you can get very detailed reviews of the most recent cameras and older models... and easily decide if you want to spend $1250 for a new D7300 or maybe $700 for a D7200... Ken also offers good charts like spreadsheets to see the differences in a glance comparing several models. I doubt you will find a better source of "direct experience" in use and a high level of technical knowledge" in figuring how to get the most bang for your buck than referencing Ken Rockwell. Usually, he has bought and used everything he reviews both Canon and Nikon and knows well what he is talking about.... that is what he does for a living.

I use Nikon... they are a little more user friendly than Canon and fast. I also have a sizable investment in lenses. The newer Canons are incredible too. You should read on all this from Ken Rockwell..... He mostly reviews/educates people on Nikon and Canons...but a few others are included now and then if they offer very specific parameters.

www.kenrockwell.com There is no better analysis of the pros and cons of specific cameras and lenses. He is extremely knowledgable and does not lie... only straight honest information. He buys and uses and tests all cameras/lenses he reviews and has great well explained "set up" details for all. I have used him as a source for years and never found him to be anything but "right on" as far as analysis.

Recommended cameras by Rockwell: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

If you read the "recommendations" at the bottom of each review of any specific camera you will see he is all about pointing out how a camera is to be used and the features that he thinks are mandatory or not that important. You will gain an education by just reading his site for a couple hours. He also offers some great insight as far as the cost and benefits and the rationale as to where to spend a little more or less depending on your needs and budget. I have seen no better source of information on deciding which lens or what camera one should invest in. Additionally, he offers smart details on setup for most cameras which is great in deciding how to set up any camera as you learn what each setting does/controls. He cuts through the BS and illustrates what is pertinent and what is not.

Ken Rockwell has no bias as far as choosing Canon or Nikon and clearly points out why he would prefer one over the other depending on the features, model or exactly what he is going to do photographically. If you are starting from scratch, I believe he says some of the newer Canon's are amazing... you also have to look at the cost of a few necessary lenses for your "target set of equipment... camera and lenses". You should always invest in the best lenses you can afford as they will last you years and bodies will be changed as technology progresses. Ken will give you a good sense of a basic set of lenses per what you plan to do with your photography and give you plenty of information to help decide on your budget and choosing the best for that budget.

Ken's only source of income is this website so if he is helpful its nice to paypal him a few bucks.

Good luck,

R

For composition with an interesting camera angle to tell the story... (two guys stopping to talk on the road). .. the interior of the truck adds nothing. Perhaps moving around the the other side of the horse getting a clear shot of the rider from the side with his face showing... showing much more of the man on the ground (hopefully a decent angle of the side of his face) and the horse's head and the door of the truck in the background. The point of focus would be the riders face (candid) talking to the other man... The horse's head and truck door simply background.

As you move around you know it when you see it... a capture the tells the story with pleasing composition and lighting.

Even cropped differently and photoshopped... it still doesn't tell the story as well as an angle from the the other side of the horse behind the rider.
Further, you can see the rider is talking to the man on the ground which kinda tells the story but the impact of the overall image is lacking IMHO.
R

Nice thread... beautiful images. What a wonderful location to be able to see such subjects. Thanks for posting.

This is the only critter I have in a tree...

R

Thanks for the comments... I'm always interested in digital imaging/photography threads and like to keep abreast of technology. I look forward to following this website.

Fair winds,

r

I am a retired advertising photographer that spent over 30 years working in fashion, product, and people illustration photography for Ad agencies and clients. For the past 15 years I have become seriously involved in wooden boatbuilding/epoxy composite boatbuilding and built a couple of boats. Most of my current work is for long time clients but mostly documenting boatbuilding projects that I have performed. My current website is a good review of my current projects and work.


My current website where I do boat repair along with marine photography. The photo category shows some more current work.
http://www.brinkboatrepair.com/index.php

My best build completely documented. Nine long pages on a complete build of a poling skiff for a good friend. This started out as a how to scarf plywood but ended up being a complete year long build of a 17 foot Maverick style poling skiff. This build was on the woodenboat forum and included detailed photos with details on the process. http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?110517-John-Henry...-Easy-scarfing-and-glueup&highlight=John+Henry

Attached are some photos ... my website on boat repair has a complete photography category for Marine related images.

I use Nikon equipment and have extensive experience with Photoshop. I must admit I am much more interested in Boats and boatbuilding the last few years but still am a avid photographer mostly for fun and documenting boat work.
R