Hello :D

[IainM]

Hello, I'm new to these forums and am about to be new to DSLR cameras.

I thought that perhaps, instead of just adding an intro to the the intro thread, I'd make a new thread where I can impart some things I have learned, show a couple examples and say what I wish to learn and achieve. This forum seems quite interesting and there seems to be a lot of helpful people here, I hope I can join in.

I've been interested in photography since high school (late 20s now), so why have I not gone slr before now? The reason: I failed high school photography. I got a D. So my confidence in my photographic skills were pretty low, and for a while, so was my enthusiasm. Until I got my first digital camera! a 2 mega pixel motorolla cell-phone YEAH!

I started snapping away happily, and yet I still didn't buy a proper camera - why!?
Well, I was afraid of falling in to the trap of blaming the tools and not the person behind them. I figured I'd keep my limitations and try to do the best I could with what I had. And you know what? I actually got some pretty cool shots. And even now I kind of like using my cell phone to take photos, to re-inforce the fact that It's the shot I decide to take, not the equipment, that really makes a good photo.
Unfortunately I have none of the original cell's photos on this comp but I do have some from my current cell phone to show you, its a 1.3mp Panasonic phone (great quality photos for a cell too)



A little while later I moved to Japan, where I still am now, to teach english. And by that time my desire for better quality photos had increased, so finally before going I bought a cheap digi-cam, a Fuji-film s5700. Pretty good camera for the price. I have taken some great photos with it, but after a couple years' use I got frustrated with the lack of manual controls and poor performance in low light. So I moved on to a Panasonic LX3, a fantastic compact and it takes great photos, I will be using this camera for a while I think in most situations.

From the Fujifilm (Thailand)

From the Panasonic LX3 (Wellington, NZ)

I can take photos now that people say are "nice", sometimes I even get a "really good". And importantly, I have more confidence in my ability. Especially my ability to learn.
But now I have the desire to step things up a notch, to make truly amazing photos, works of art, images that really grab people. And so, I am here and I have ordered a dslr, a Nikon D90, with the 18-200mm lens kit. I'll also get a polarized lens and a good tripod and I feel like I'm ready to begin.

So, in a very round about way; Hi! My name's Iain, nice to meet you.

[junglebear]

Hi Iain, and welcome to DPS

This is a great place to learn all aspects of photography, enjoy your stay!

Joe

[Rolling Stone]

Same kit I started with.
Welcome to DPS.

[Raoul Isidro]

Your creativity should not be bottled like a genie... keep on clicking!
All the best to your new camera (if you're planning to get one)!

[Wulfy]

Hey Iain.
I'm fairly new to photography, personally, so don't expect much advice from me! But there really is a wealth of knowledge in the forums and the site itself here, so welcome!