Here are the technical details.

Nikon D90
Focal length 24mm
F/4
1/60 sec
ISO 320

Wow. I am stunned with the depth and value of the comments on the first image I've posted. I thank you all.

A couple of comments. This place was utter chaos. Absolutely packed with almost no place to walk or move--much less set up for a shot--among the makeshift tents, information booths and tables, personal gear and, frankly and unfortunately, garbage and trash of the protesters. Cops were monitoring the activities, although they were very casual and not intrusive. Onlookers and "visitors" all over the place, many (most?) taking pictures--between the guy in the gray hoodie and the tuba player, you can see a guy with his head down changing lenses. This was a pickup band that just stated playing spontaneously, with "hoodie guy" clearly in the lead. There was a lot of crowd interaction and jumping around, so I was a bit surprised most of the shot had little motion blur and the focus was a sharp as it was. I really focused on "hoodie guy" since he was the leader, had the most outgoing expression and just stood out in the crowd. But with the tuba player really looking at me when I snapped, there is a very strong case that he is the most logical point of interest.

Again, thanks for the critique--it is very important to my learning process and as I try to improve the image, it will be of huge value.

I cropped the top of the bell out to get a bit more of the group in the foreground, but I'll go back and relook that. Thanks for the comments.

A guest presenter at our photo club last night said "Don't take pictures of musicians unless you can hear the music." So I went back and found this image from a few years back.

Taken in Zucotti Park, NYC during the Occupy NYC protest 21 Oct 2011.

Nikon D90
Focal length 24mm
F/4
1/60 sec
ISO 320

(Download)

Is it possible to do so? And if so, how?

Thanks.

MOM!!!!

I'm considering getting this for my Nikon D7100 to use with a Manfrotto ball head and QR system. My only concern is that the horizontal and vertical dimensions are both 5.91", so the "side" plane will extend about 1 1/2" or so above the top of the camera. The great customer support folks at B&H said this is good since it "...affords some extra protection." That may be true but I'm not convinced it won't be a pain in the neck, affecting access to some controls and the balance.

Does anyone use this L-bracket and does the design cause any problems? I'd consider another Manfrotto-compatible L-bracket, but most use an Arca Swiss QR system. I really like the Manfrotto hydrostatic ball head I have and I'd rather not have two different QR systems.

Thanks.

My daughter is there now. Extended her stay to 30 days. She took her new Canon so I'm looking forwards to the pictures. She loves it.

Some folks you learn to trust and St3v3M is one of them. But then again, when folks give me a gift, I just try to enjoy. If I trust it's worthwhile is some way I might not even understand at first, I'm seldom disappointed.

The world we live in, right?

daf40--

If you are satisfied with Elements--a very good PP application--and find LR too difficult for editing and cataloging, maybe you don't need it. It has some really great features but lots of experienced and skilled hobbyists use Photoshop or Elements and don't use LR for the very reason you state. LR is no silver bullet. Maybe you don't bother reading the manual, figure out a folders based cataloging methodology that works for you using Elements and give yourself more time to get out and shoot.

Either way, good luck.

Yeah, I saw when I read it. And I thought some things might, hopefully, be self-evident.

daf40--Been where you are--full of frustration and facing a lot of work to get things unscrewed--and did just what you are considering. It will work. HOWEVER, I suggest you do as <bsprague> recommends and create at least a test catalog with a few images first just to confirm the route you intend to follow.

Before I even open the link, I'm going to assume the bags are EMPTY.

And size of your ..... You get the picture.