I would check out youtube.com. I have actually been watching a lot of the videos on there and find they are very helpful when I need them to be. Go to www.youtube.com and type in the search bar "how to pose for portraits". you will enjoy most of these videos.

That was great! Nice to see some real photography. Others whom think it is boring just wish it was them or really aren't into photography.

This requires a ton of know how and Adobe photoshop CS5. You can go to www.youtube.com and watch videos on how it's done but if you have never done it. You could be talking about a few hours of practicing.

I have to disagree with you on that one NOTNOBUDDHA. "To be a professional anything, all you need is to be paid for what you do. Those who are paid are not always experts or even all that knowledgable". Everyone has their own opinions but this one is far fetched!

I live in Kansas where, if you claim to be a professional anything, you best be able to show proof of it. If you get paid for being a professional and don't have the appropriate documents to prove it, you could be charged with fraud from both the state and federal.

Just to be safe your best bet to find the answer to your question would be to check into it by calling around...

Like was said before "Every state and city will have different rules and licenses, permits, and so fourth for photographing anything.

Say if you was outside of the Capital building taking photographs of the building, but you didn't ask for permission. In Kansas you can be jailed for this. Why? It's a state and federal building and taking unautherized photographs of it could be meant for reasons other than professional/student reasons.

Just make sure you ask before you photograph. It will save you a ton of troubles. If your just out there shooting photographs and you catch a persons face but didn't ask them for permission then published it or sold it somewhere, that's a lawsuit and possible jail time.

Great Choice... I love Nikon's. You will enjoy it so much!

Gimp will blur your photographs if you do to much cropping but normally your photographs will straighten without blur. I prefer Photoshop CS5 by Adobe. It does cost a lot of money to get a copy but if you are a student or work in photography you can get some really good deals.

You'll find that it is the best software ever made for photography and you'll always get the outcome you are looking for.

I have to agree with both of you.
The first one is the best of the 3 you have shown. I agree the one with feet isn't very crisp at all and although the one we are agreed on some of the left side is cut out, it still makes it's impression. 5 of 5 on that one. Great work!

I have to say these are great! A little work on your P.O.V. and they'd be almost perfect. P.O.V. (Point Of View) just an FYI if you didn't already know.

The first photograph - I wouldn't have over zoomed and would have used P.O.V. more to the left. I say this because the child is facing to the left as if looking at something also because you left only the item in his hand in a vivid color and it should have shown the entire item. Zooming to close it a issue as it don't allow you the P.O.V. movement you need. The child should have taken only 1/3rd of the photograph and the surrounding should have been seen to the left. I'd have to give this one a 3 of 5 rating!

The second photograph - Everything was almost perfect but a rule followed by most of the best photographers in the world "if the object has knee's, they have feet. They don't just float." In other words your camera was pointed using P.O.V. again about 1/3rd to high. I'd have to give this one 3 of 5 rating as well!

The third photograph - This one was a great shot! P.O.V. just a little off but not so much as the other 2 photographs. The black and white I am not sure I would have used as it was a vivid moment for the couple. I'm giving you a 4-5 on this one!

I'm not sure the dummies book will help you either. The D5000 is a great camera and very difficult to use for a beginner. The main thing is to stay away from the cheap lenses and go with the higher end. Comparing plastic to glass, stick with the glass.

Take your time while shooting any portrait photographs just as you would your landscapes but most of all get off of the "auto" settings and get to know your manual settings. You'll find yourself using the camera as if you designed it not to mention the fantastic shots you get that you are wanting.

Keep up the good work! Your family is right, you have talent and like all talents you must keep practicing to perfect it.