Yes, good point. How many filters can landscape photographers stack up before it really degrades the picture? Would stacking a polarizer and a UV just not be considered good form? I regularly use a polarizer when shooting outside sky or water pics. Certainly Not becasue I know what I am doing? Hehe

Question for the collective: would adding a polarizing filter have helped bring out the sky and water and reduce the haze caused by water vapor over the long distance of the shot?

I am certainly no expert, but this forum is all about shooting, learning, and exchanging ideas. So here is my question to the collective: I agree that the last three shots were much sharper and really nice. However, if these were being taken under a studio type perspective, would we want to use a different lens such as a 2.8 or 1.8 to obtain a narrower focus range and less distracting background? I am thinking that the background is a bit to noticeable and detracts the eye from the subject. By increasing the bokah (spelling?) would it make the pics even more compelling. Please don't get me wrong, great pics, but I am trying to always improve my knowledge and think critically. Thanks.

Yeah, I agree with you. I was little too harsh. I was saying that Arizona is a great place to be a photographer, but all the points about the Phoenix area are well taken. There are some great local spots if you seek them out. I took some wonderful pics at the Botanical Gardens - they had a light exhibit that at night that was fabulous. I have taken many sunsets and some of the monsoon cloud formations. Great stuff. Also the Tucson Desert Museum is fabulous. Agree that if you drive a bit the Phoenix area has many good places. I just need to get out, be creative, and make the most of where I (we) are.

I'd post a pic or two, but I am finding that this thread system doesn't work well on an iPad. The Choose File buttons are always grey'd out. I'll have to post stuff from my home computer.

Thanks for the dialog.

Thanks so much for the wonderful greetings. Very much looking forward to learning and listening to everyone. I agree that there is not much to shoot around Phoenix. But in many ways we are lucky to live in such a diverse state. The Canyon, Sedona, the southern deserts, and the mountains of Flagstaff. Finding time is my biggest problem since I work full time and go to ASU with a full load as well. Sometimes life gets in the way of living. (hehe) All things in time, I guess. Thanks. Ed.

Hi everyone. My name is Ed and I am new to the forum. Glad to be part of such a vibrant community of photographers. I am a photo enthusiast who wishes he had more time to perfect the art. My goal is to take one truely great picture before I leave this world. Been taking pics for about five years using a basic Nikon D80 and kit lense. If I can get better in the craft using basic gear, then maybe someday I will treat myself to some great glass and box. Really looking forward to learning, listening, and growing with you all. Thanks.