I'm a sucker for the closeups (told you I learned to focus the camera)

http://lh5.google.com/alt.fake.mail/...0/IMG_1733.JPG


And the wide shots

http://lh4.google.com/alt.fake.mail/...0/IMG_0687.JPG


Posted elsewhere, but deserves to be here, I love this picture.

http://lh4.google.com/alt.fake.mail/...0/IMG_0725.JPG

Colorado doesn't really have fall colors, just fall color.

I'm including two types of fall color shots.

I love the fractal nature of HLJ's first pic.
It's so perfect it almost looks computer generated.

SNOW Fall
 

I just checked the EXIF data on the second picture; it was taken the first day of winter (Dec. 21). But we had more snow than that last year the week before Halloween.

Great shots guys.

My word, HLJ...

The top shot is incredible! I have ... a couple dozen of that same shot. I think you and I walk through the woods the same way... But none of mine are that lovely. Thank you for the beautiful pictures.

You all are so talented. I wish I could give photography a shot (pun not intended.) I have no idea if I would be any good. Isn't there so much to learn?

It's a snap.

Seriously, if you have a digital camera you've got free trial and error learning.
Your local public library will have a few how-to books.

I've thought about saving for a camera. I would love to learn to use a "real" camera, but for starting with a digital what are things one looks for? I would want to get one I could learn on, but not one complicated to start. If I find I suck at it I don't want too much invested. When I've looked at them I have no idea what the basics are.

Even the "real" digital cameras have an automatic mode that does all the thinking for you. The fun comes when you learn how a camera works and you override its little chip brain to get exactly the image you were looking for.

I know there is a thread somewhere about some of the Cellarite cameras. Maybe I should look for that.

Though automatic would be a place to start I'm interested in learning what you said, glatt, about getting the image you want and not what the camera thinks you want.

Like I said, I guess there is a lot to learn. Of course (and duh to me) I could look into the equipment requirements for photography classes here at the college and save up to get one so I could take the class (tuition would be waived.)

:)

I agree with the previous statements about digital cameras being good for learning - at least those that allow you to adjust shutter speed and aperture settings. It's instructive to take several pictures of the same subject, while, for example, changing the aperture to see what effect it has on depth of field/depth of focus. I think this was discussed a little bit in a previous thread, perhaps by Bullitt.

You don't have to start big either Shawnee. If it's film you're interested in, there are plenty of low cost options out there. In high school, I used my mom's old Canon slr from her days in college back in the 70's with a prime (non zoom) lens and it taught me a ton about learning the fundamentals of photography. Composure, etc.

Most college photo classes I am aware of require a film slr. If you just want to experiment shooting around, there are many cheap but quality Canon digital point and shoots available. Canon is pretty good at giving you great images in Auto Mode, but also allowing you a good deal of exposure control when you want it. Sometimes the little cameras are somewhat limited in their abilities however, your mileage will vary.

This might be the thread you're thinking of.

Cool, I subscribed so I can check it out later.

Thanks guys.