Photographer Wantabe

[ladyups]

Hi everyone...I just joined this past weekend and looking forward to learning how to use my camera and take better photos. I have completed the first 2 lessons and waiting till this weekend to do the assignment for lesson 3. I live in a real rural area, so finding lots of people or traffic will be a challenge. It looks like there are folks here from all over the globe and hope I can contribute a little bit from north Missouri. We are buried under snow and have been since Thanksgiving. We had a huge ice storm first that wiped out everyone's power for a week and then the snow storms started, every weekend from then on. We have a total of 20 inches so far in Dec. and that is our average for the whole winter. Surely it can't get any worse. Thanks for letting me join. I work full time so don't know how much time I will be able to spend here but looking forward to learning with all of you.

Mary:)

[gjtoth]

Hi everyone...I just joined this past weekend and looking forward to learning how to use my camera and take better photos. I have completed the first 2 lessons and waiting till this weekend to do the assignment for lesson 3. I live in a real rural area, so finding lots of people or traffic will be a challenge. It looks like there are folks here from all over the globe and hope I can contribute a little bit from north Missouri. We are buried under snow and have been since Thanksgiving. We had a huge ice storm first that wiped out everyone's power for a week and then the snow storms started, every weekend from then on. We have a total of 20 inches so far in Dec. and that is our average for the whole winter. Surely it can't get any worse. Thanks for letting me join. I work full time so don't know how much time I will be able to spend here but looking forward to learning with all of you.

Mary:)

Welcome aboard, Mary! I think you've found a home. No snow here, either. I hate that stuff! :D

[Snappers]

Hi Mary and welcome to PP. Great to have you with us. The weather you are having at the moment does not sound very nice.

I like Snow but not sure I would like that much and no power, not nice.

[daltoned]

HI Mary welcome, looks like you need this forum and course to take your mind off all that snow. Cannot imagine how bad it is with such a long period of snow and an ice storm as well.

[LensBaby]

Welcome Mary. Now show us some photos of that snow! (haha) You will really enjoy this forum, because everyone is so friendly.

[ladyups]

Thank you for the welcome. I'm afraid I'll have to do some studying before I post any pictures. I'm not sure how yet...bear with me! Plus, I'm not a real good photographer (the reason I'm taking the course...)so my pictures won't be too good. It's suppose to warm up to mid 40's today so hope it all melts away...:D

[ladyups]

Hi Mary and welcome to PP. Great to have you with us. The weather you are having at the moment does not sound very nice.

I like Snow but not sure I would like that much and no power, not nice.

Thanks, Andy, for the welcome. I don't care for snow either but prefer it over the ice we had. It would be different if I could sit inside and watch it snow but I have to drive in it and that is not fun. Bear with me on this forum...I've got a lot to learn.

Mary

[ladyups]

HI Mary welcome, looks like you need this forum and course to take your mind off all that snow. Cannot imagine how bad it is with such a long period of snow and an ice storm as well.

Thanks for the welcome. As far as I'm concerned, it could all go away immediately. I'm going to try sending a picture I took of our ice storm but still not sure how to do it.

Mary

[ladyups]

Welcome Mary. Now show us some photos of that snow! (haha) You will really enjoy this forum, because everyone is so friendly.

The pictures might have to wait....not sure how to send them yet. I've been doing some reading on the forum and it's really plain that this is a group of friendly, helpful folks. I can't wait to get acquainted with all of you. I'm looking forward to learning from and with you all. I noticed you use the Sony a700..I use the Sony a100 but I'm a long way from being good at using it yet. Thanks for the warm welcome

[Snappers]

Mary, do not worry, we are all at various stages in our Photography but you can be assured that no one will make fun of you or your photography on here.

The best way to improve, in my opinion, is to post your photos and let people look at them, then the comments that they may make, could help you improve. On the flip side, you may not think a photo is very good but other's may love it.

In order to post a picture, if you click on Go Advanced then at the top of the posting window you will see a paperclip symbol.

Click on the paper clip and a new window opens. Click on browse and find your picture, then click on upload. Once you have done that, you can close that window, you will then hopfully have a thumbnail image in your post which others can click on and look at.

If you need any more help, let me know and I'll try and explain it a little more.

[gjtoth]

Thank you for the welcome. I'm afraid I'll have to do some studying before I post any pictures. I'm not sure how yet...bear with me! Plus, I'm not a real good photographer (the reason I'm taking the course...)so my pictures won't be too good. It's suppose to warm up to mid 40's today so hope it all melts away...:D

It's real easy, Mary. There's a sticky here somewhere that will explain it all.

We're ALL here to learn, Mary. We are all at different stages in our capabilities. I know folks (not any here) that have taken lesson after lesson in community colleges who are still taking "snapshots". Others (many of whom ARE here), seem to have a "knack" for it, take "photographs" and only need to sharpen up their "knack". Peter is the pro. You can always ask questions of Peter or of anyone here. Like I did with Kumod and his "Boots" photo. We are here to LEARN and have fun doing it. Use any/all criticism you receive here as a TOOL to make you a better photographer. As you've probably seen, I'm doing this STRICTLY as a hobby. I absolutely refuse to "go professional". Others here strive to "go pro" and that's fine. You just need to find your niche and realize your strengths and weaknesses. Photography (like anything, I suppose) can easily turn from hobby to obsession. Some of the stuff can get REALLY expensive.

<click> soapbox mode off :)

Just enjoy the ride and learn... AND POST SOME PHOTOS!

[LensBaby]

Mary..if you have any questions I am sure that any of us would help (if we can)! So if you have any questions feel free to ask. Yes I do use the Sony A700 ..I just got it (I had the A100 before that and love it also! Make sure to do your firmware updates for that camera because it helps. (If you need info about this I will tell you just let me know)

Susan

[ladyups]

Hi everyone and thank you to Andy, Gary and Susan for giving me tips...I don't want you all to think I've ignored them, its just been a hectic week at work and my computer is doing funny things so I've been on with Dell tech for the last few mornings before work. They are finally going to replace my CMOS battery and motherboard. I will get back to all three of you on your tips as soon as I find the time. Hopefully, this weekend. I'm still waiting on warmer weather to finish my lesson 3 so I can move on to 4. :)

Mary

[dkippen]

Mary -

Good luck on getting your computer fixed. I'm still in the process of recovering from a computer crash. Make sure you have all your important data backed up!!!!! Look forward to seeing your pictures.

[gjtoth]

I'm still waiting on warmer weather to finish my lesson 3 so I can move on to 4. :)

Mary

Join the every-growing waiting-on-the-weather club, Mary heheh :)

[anicole]

Welcome!

It's been 68 in central Arkansas all week ... you're welcome to some of our heat ... I'd much rather be slam in the middle of winter!

[dkippen]

Anicole -

I'll gladly trade you - the high for today is 30 with an expected 2-3" of new snow, then the temperature will drop through the weekend and into next week. On the bright side, with fresh snow, should give me an opportunity to practice using the camera in snow.

[Snappers]

Mary your're welcome. Hope you get the pc sorted out ok.

Anicole, Our temperature for the next few days is set to be between -1 and 3 degrees. Burrggggggghhhhhhh. Can I have some of your heat please.

[ladyups]

If you need any more help, let me know and I'll try and explain it a little more.[/QUOTE]

Thanks Andy! I do have one more question. I'm not sure about the size that *I should send. Can you advise me on that? I need to know the image size and dimensions. Thanks again for the warm welcome. We did get rid of our snow but got another new layer of 4 inches on my route and its suppose to snow again today, next Monday and next Weds. I'm ready for Spring!:D

Mary

[ladyups]

Mary -

Good luck on getting your computer fixed. I'm still in the process of recovering from a computer crash. Make sure you have all your important data backed up!!!!! Look forward to seeing your pictures.

Hi Debbie! That would be on my agenda for this weekend. :o I'm embarrassed to say I've never backed up my pictures in 8 years except when I purchase a new computer which has happened 3 times in that period. I guess the backup process really confuses me cause I can't figure out how to do a backup with new stuff without having to backup everything I've already done. I'm going to figure it out today! The computer guy will be here next week. I have an external drive that I copy my pictures too and then I just got my new DVD's this week...thanks from some great advice about which ones to buy...so I will be burning them too.

Mary

[jonrayner]

Welcome Mary, you should enjoy the course.

If you are anything like me, then you will be your own worst critic, I am sure your photos are not as bad as you say they are.

Hope to see some photo's soon.

Jon

[ladyups]

Mary..if you have any questions I am sure that any of us would help (if we can)! So if you have any questions feel free to ask. Yes I do use the Sony A700 ..I just got it (I had the A100 before that and love it also! Make sure to do your firmware updates for that camera because it helps. (If you need info about this I will tell you just let me know)

Susan

Yes, Susan, I would LOVE to have some more info on this. I didn't realize that I needed to do firmware updates. Please...advise away! I LOVE this group already!

One other question. Is there a way to set my font automatically so I don't have to keep changing it for my post and replies? I know nothing about HTML. It took me forever to get my picture right for the posts! Must have resized it a dozen times...:eek:

Mary

[ladyups]

Welcome Mary, you should enjoy the course.

If you are anything like me, then you will be your own worst critic, I am sure your photos are not as bad as you say they are.

Hope to see some photo's soon.

Jon

Thanks for the warm welcome, Jon. I'm going to try and send some of my ice storm photos today...as soon as I find out the dimensions and size allowed. And I am enjoying the course so far...just need to get out and do the assignment for lesson 3 so I can move on. Not only is it cold here, we are about 100 miles away from a city and finding lots of people and traffic in snowy, cold weather is going to be a challenge.

Mary:confused:

[jonrayner]

Thanks for the warm welcome, Jon. I'm going to try and send some of my ice storm photos today...as soon as I find out the dimensions and size allowed. And I am enjoying the course so far...just need to get out and do the assignment for lesson 3 so I can move on. Not only is it cold here, we are about 100 miles away from a city and finding lots of people and traffic in snowy, cold weather is going to be a challenge.

Mary:confused:

If you haven't found it already, when you create a new thread, if you go to manage attachments, it will tell you the dimensions that are allowed: For JPG it is max width 2000 pixels by height 1500 and a max size of 585.9 KB.

I think there are a lot of people stuck on assignment 3, being hindered by the weather! Far too cold.... Roll on summer! I am struggling to finish it as I'm having to entertain a 2 year old every weekend. I don't know where the time goes!

[ladyups]

Welcome!

It's been 68 in central Arkansas all week ... you're welcome to some of our heat ... I'd much rather be slam in the middle of winter!

Thank you Anicole for the welcome. Arkansas, huh? You would be my neighor then to the south. We are expecting 30's today with new snowfall this afternoon. We don't have any here right now as it melted last week but my route is on the Missouri/Iowa line and they got 4 to 5 inches of new snow on top of their 6 inches of MUD...Yep, when all that snow melted in the 60 degree weather, it made for one muddy mess. Some of the rock roads weren't even travelable. Not sure that is a word.:D

I enjoy winter because I can slow my life down a bit. I'm an avid gardener and love a pretty yard, so I spend a lot of my spare time working on it and the rest of my spare time with my camera and walking. Not that I have a lot of spare time but what I do, I enjoy.

Mary

[ladyups]

If you haven't found it already, when you create a new thread, if you go to manage attachments, it will tell you the dimensions that are allowed: For JPG it is max width 2000 pixels by height 1500 and a max size of 585.9 KB.

I think there are a lot of people stuck on assignment 3, being hindered by the weather! Far too cold.... Roll on summer! I am struggling to finish it as I'm having to entertain a 2 year old every weekend. I don't know where the time goes!

Thanks, Jon..I hadn't looked there yet. I'm off to try and post one now...

Mary

[dkippen]

Mary -

We have something in common - gardening. Keeps me busy in the summer. Small yard - plenty of flower beds. Oh - and taking picutres as well. If I haven't said this yet - welcome.

[Snappers]

My this thread has been busy today :D

I think Jon has answered you question about picture size.

As for the font size/type, I think you have to alter it every time you send a message if you so wish. I can not see anywhere where you can alter it so it is the same font every time.

I usually just stick with the default.

[ladyups]

Mary -

We have something in common - gardening. Keeps me busy in the summer. Small yard - plenty of flower beds. Oh - and taking picutres as well. If I haven't said this yet - welcome.

Gardening is my first passion with photography running a close second. I guess really I love them both the same cause as soon as I get a flower in bloom I have to grab the camera and take a pic. Most of the people in my small town (5000 pop.) know me from my yard. They probably have no idea what my name is but when I'm introduced to someone I don't know, the first thing they usually say is, "oh, you are the lady that has the pretty landscaping." :D I just love working in the yard and my flowerbeds have to have a beautiful background so I also have to 'manicure' the lawn as well. My hubby swears I'll be using the vacuum on it someday...:rolleyes: I'm sure you will all get tired of my flower photos before long.

Mary

[ladyups]

My this thread has been busy today :D

I think Jon has answered you question about picture size.

As for the font size/type, I think you have to alter it every time you send a message if you so wish. I can not see anywhere where you can alter it so it is the same font every time.

I usually just stick with the default.

Thanks, Andy. Yes, Jon got me squared away on the file size and dimensions and I even got a few photos posted. Which is better? To upload from my computer directly or to put them on a photo site and then share the url? I'm not knew to computers or the internet but I've never had a website or even uploaded photos to a photo site. Just never had reason or time to do either.

It's not that much trouble to change the font, so I'll just keep doing it the way I have so far.

Thanks, again!

Mary

[gjtoth]

Thanks, Andy. Yes, Jon got me squared away on the file size and dimensions and I even got a few photos posted. Which is better? To upload from my computer directly or to put them on a photo site and then share the url? I'm not knew to computers or the internet but I've never had a website or even uploaded photos to a photo site. Just never had reason or time to do either.

It's not that much trouble to change the font, so I'll just keep doing it the way I have so far.

Thanks, again!

Mary


Mary, if you upload directly, you'll be limited in the size. If you use a website such as Flickr or Google Webalbum, you can make them as big as you like. That's one advantage. The other MAJOR advantage you've already mentioned... it's a good way to back up your stuff OFFSITE.

Hope this helps.

[gjtoth]

Gardening is my first passion with photography running a close second. I guess really I love them both the same cause as soon as I get a flower in bloom I have to grab the camera and take a pic. Most of the people in my small town (5000 pop.) know me from my yard. They probably have no idea what my name is but when I'm introduced to someone I don't know, the first thing they usually say is, "oh, you are the lady that has the pretty landscaping." :D I just love working in the yard and my flowerbeds have to have a beautiful background so I also have to 'manicure' the lawn as well. My hubby swears I'll be using the vacuum on it someday...:rolleyes: I'm sure you will all get tired of my flower photos before long.

Mary

Well, then there's at LEAST three with a garden bug (no pun intended). I have it, too. Right now, the bugs are fighting to see who's in first place -- the garden bug or the shutter bug! heheh

[LensBaby]

OK Mary finally found it. I will send you a pm with more information.

[ladyups]

Mary, if you upload directly, you'll be limited in the size. If you use a website such as Flickr or Google Webalbum, you can make them as big as you like. That's one advantage. The other MAJOR advantage you've already mentioned... it's a good way to back up your stuff OFFSITE.

Hope this helps.

Ok Gary, now you have me thinking...not a good thing! :D What would be the best site to use and how limited am I on file sizes and such. Can I upload my raw files too? Would I have to pay for this service? Since you mention backup, I'm thinking wonderful! I didn't get any backups done yesterday (had unexpected but welcome company) but will be burning DVDs today and if you will kindly recommend and advise me on a site, I'll upload to there too. Plus, it would give my family a place to download my images too, correct? I'm intrigued, so keep talking! ;)

BTW...I'm not a camera guru or even close but I do read tons of information and according to Scott Kelby's new Digital Photography book, he states that macro shots should only be shot at f16 to f22 and that might be why you can't get as clear a shot on your rings as you'd like. This makes sense cause in your first shot you shot it at f4 and it wasn't as clear as at f8 in your second shot. The more you stop down the lens, the more stuff is in focus. So if you could stop your lens down to f16, more of the images would be tack sharp, so to speak. According to the specs on your camera, it will only stop down to f8. He also says that you want the subject evenly lit.
I know you don't want to use the screen/auto settings but he (Scott Kelby) states that if you are using a P&S to use the macro setting and you will be surprised at how it turns out. Just my 2 cents, you can take it or give it back.:D

Mary

[ladyups]

Well, then there's at LEAST three with a garden bug (no pun intended). I have it, too. Right now, the bugs are fighting to see who's in first place -- the garden bug or the shutter bug! heheh

:D I hear you, Gary! It's a struggle at times as to weeding or shooting. But the weeding; at least parts of the garden; wins out when I want to take a picture and the weeds are interfering with my composition. :D I'm not ready for lawn mowing weather but I sure want to see green color and bright blooms.

Mary

[ladyups]

OK Mary finally found it. I will send you a pm with more information.

I got it Susan, and just sent you a PM. Thanks a bunch! This group is the greatest!

Mary

[dkippen]

Mary -

I use Pbase. There is small charge depending on server size used. I use this site as I belong to a yahoo group that uses pbase. Otherwise, I would probably use Flicker.

And, I've noticed you talking about backing throughout these threads. Have you done that yet??? I'm recovering from a computer crash and the software that was supposed to back up on a weekly basis didn't - lesson learned for not checking on it. Fortuantely, I was able to recover pictures I thought I lost, but I am now backing up on a regular basis to an external drive. My neighbor wrote a .bat file that I click on and everything is automatically copied.

[LensBaby]

Gary as Mary said in the post above about the light being even - thats what I was saying about a little more light from the right side. To kind of even it out.

[gjtoth]

Ok Gary, now you have me thinking...not a good thing! :D What would be the best site to use and how limited am I on file sizes and such. Can I upload my raw files too? Would I have to pay for this service? Since you mention backup, I'm thinking wonderful! I didn't get any backups done yesterday (had unexpected but welcome company) but will be burning DVDs today and if you will kindly recommend and advise me on a site, I'll upload to there too. Plus, it would give my family a place to download my images too, correct? I'm intrigued, so keep talking! ;)


Mary

I use Flickr (mainly). The good thing about Flickr is they don't limit size. The bad thing about Flickr is: $26 a year. BUT, the good thing is they have pretty good online editing stuff. AND, if you get the extension for Firefox browser, you don't have to upload one at a time. That takes forever. The uploader extension is also compatible with Google WebAlbum and a BUNCH of other sites. Flickr seems to be becoming more and more the de facto "standard" ... kinda... sorta... Yeah, there's a TON of other ones out there. Some good, some stink. But, I found Flickr good enough to plunk down the dosh. You can do a Google on "online photo" and pull up scads.

[ladyups]

I use Flickr (mainly). The good thing about Flickr is they don't limit size. The bad thing about Flickr is: $26 a year. BUT, the good thing is they have pretty good online editing stuff. AND, if you get the extension for Firefox browser, you don't have to upload one at a time. That takes forever. The uploader extension is also compatible with Google WebAlbum and a BUNCH of other sites. Flickr seems to be becoming more and more the de facto "standard" ... kinda... sorta... Yeah, there's a TON of other ones out there. Some good, some stink. But, I found Flickr good enough to plunk down the dosh. You can do a Google on "online photo" and pull up scads.

Thanks to both you and Debbie for giving me suggestions. I don't have any qualms about paying for storage. I just want to be able to get it when I want it and not have to worry about file size or how many. Plus, I'd hate to upload 64 gig of photos only to have the site go down or quit and I'd have to move all of it again. Yep, that is the size of my picture folder and I do need to clean it out cause its full of lousy pictures that I've never had the heart to delete. :o

I'll check into flicker and will also get the extension. Anything to make my life easier.

Mary

[gjtoth]

Thanks to both you and Debbie for giving me suggestions. I don't have any qualms about paying for storage. I just want to be able to get it when I want it and not have to worry about file size or how many. Plus, I'd hate to upload 64 gig of photos only to have the site go down or quit and I'd have to move all of it again. Yep, that is the size of my picture folder and I do need to clean it out cause its full of lousy pictures that I've never had the heart to delete. :o

I'll check into flicker and will also get the extension. Anything to make my life easier.

Mary

This is the extension you'll want for your Firefox, Mary --

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/search?q=universal+uploader&status=4

GOOD stuff!

[Snappers]

Is there an addin for IE as well Gary or only for firefox

[ladyups]

This is the extension you'll want for your Firefox, Mary --

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/search?q=universal+uploader&status=4

GOOD stuff!

Thanks, Gary. I got it and I think its installed but have not a clue. :D It said it had to close my Firefox and then it opened it all back up but not sure where its at or how to use yet. I'll probably be pestering you next weekend when I try and upload some stuff. I love my Firefox and Thunderbird. I've used Mozilla since I first got interested in computers. My computer guru friend that taught me all I know, used it and got me hooked right off the bat. I've never used IE except when Mr. Gates says I have to use it for certain updates. :D

Mary

Mary

[gjtoth]

Thanks, Gary. I got it and I think its installed but have not a clue. :D It said it had to close my Firefox and then it opened it all back up but not sure where its at or how to use yet. I'll probably be pestering you next weekend when I try and upload some stuff. I love my Firefox and Thunderbird. I've used Mozilla since I first got interested in computers. My computer guru friend that taught me all I know, used it and got me hooked right off the bat. I've never used IE except when Mr. Gates says I have to use it for certain updates. :D

Mary


You should have a little green & white icon in the lower right corner, Mary. Click it. Then, it will require you to set up your account(s) in the account manager. Real easy. Super good extension. Oh, and good for you in using FF and TB. Pretty soon you'll be using a real OS... heheheheh

[ladyups]

You should have a little green & white icon in the lower right corner, Mary. Click it. Then, it will require you to set up your account(s) in the account manager. Real easy. Super good extension. Oh, and good for you in using FF and TB. Pretty soon you'll be using a real OS... heheheheh

Thanks Gary, I hadn't even noticed that little green thing. I'll get my accounts set up tomorrow night, too tired to do it now and I'm heading for bed. I only got 4 DVD's burned today and have a ton more to go. I'm thinking I need to clean them up first...:D...I really need a better system for filing them. Oh, well, when I retire I've have more time, or so I think! :D

Me? Learn a new operating system? Not on your life, this photography learning has maxed out my brain potential.

Mary