Want to help me shop?

[MamaPsalmist]

I'm a budding hobbyist and I know next to nothing (yet!) about photography. I have a Pentax 200 (I think there's a K and/or D in the title somewhere, maybe) with the kit lens, a UV filter that is stuck on it, and that's it. Oh wait, I have a tripod too, and a set of polarizing lens filters that I found somewhere. But they fit a 52 or 58 mm lens, or some other size that I don't have. I have access to Adobe photoshop or lightroom or something through the university here, but I haven't really used it yet. I'm pretty sure YouTube can teach me how to edit photos.

But I have a lot of fun taking pictures, I'm learning a lot, and I really like the images I'm getting. I've enjoyed photography for a long time, and I'd like to start doing it professionally at some point. Realistically, the soonest that could happen is another year. I'm taking this winter to build a portfolio and explore the idea of making photography a more serious part of my life.

So, I'm asking the hubster for photography gear for my combined anniversary/Christmas/birthday gift(s).

What do I get? Where do I start? I thought about getting a new lens, and I'm sure I'd use it, especially since the lens filter thing on mine is stuck so I can't even take it off to wipe it, or try other filters, but I really don't want to sink that much money into something I'm just learning, you know? Plus, it doesn't seem like many people shoot with a Pentax and I'm wondering if I'll want to switch brands as I get more into this.

I have a toddler and an infant, and I live in Fairbanks, Alaska. So I think lighting might be a good place to start. This far north we really don't have much natural lighting to work with for the next few months, and the lighting in my house is a combination of florescent and incandescent. I really enjoy photographing kids, and as much as I enjoy taking pictures of landscapes, nature, etc I don't have a lot of opportunity with two small children in tow at 45 degrees below zero! So maybe I should start buying accessories for indoor photography?

What would you buy? remote shutter? external flash? backdrops? props? lens?

[nickbedford]

This should do the trick.

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by MamaPsalmist

So, I'm asking the hubster for photography gear for my combined anniversary/Christmas/birthday gift(s).

Having an idea of your budget, and more importantly what you want to do with your gear are important factors in answering this...

Originally Posted by MamaPsalmist

Plus, it doesn't seem like many people shoot with a Pentax and I'm wondering if I'll want to switch brands as I get more into this.

I haven't had a problem with Pentax. Unless you get into a very niche area of photography, I suspect you won't either.

[ishootRAW]

I would not be so sure. When Hoya turns over pentax to ricoh, I will be interesting.