N00b: a hello

[Frankenoid]

I stumbled across this place last week as I tried to figure out how to photograph my husband's new discus fish.

A bit of background: For more than 4 years I've hosted a weekly gardening blog at daily kos. Documenting my garden led to a broadened interest in photography, which has culminated (so far... this could get expensive!) in the purchase of a Canon Digital Rebel Xti a couple-three years ago. I've added to the basic camera with a macro lens and a zoom lens (for birds... not that I've used it much).

Most of the pictures I take are opportunistic macro shots, where I see something interesting, grab the camera and press the button -- little planning, lots of shots from different angles and distances, but really not farting around with the controls. Over the years I think I'm starting to develop a pretty good eye.

The need to photograph the damned discus fish -- and the fact that I now have a couple thousand bucks worth of photography equipment -- means I really do need to figure how to use all the fancy-schmancy controls.

Sigh....

In any event, here is one of those opportunistic shots from last May: the interior of an oriental poppy cupping the light as the clouds broke apart in early afternoon.

[leonaashlee]

Pretty nice shot I'd say. I like it a lot. Welcome

[Frankenoid]

Thanks. I get lucky every few weeks.

[Chewys Dad]

Welcome to DPS! Your Macro of teh Poppy is very nice! Very crisp focus and the DOF is well controlled (by the camera I assume by your confession of Auto mode). I like the colors and the effect is very appealing.
I just started using the creative modes on my new Canon a few months ago. It has never been in auto mode since I bought it. I made myself a promise to learn to use the AV and TV modes and I even shoot quite a bit in Manual. Here at DPS there is a world of information on Exposure and how to control it in the creative modes, so don't be afraid to try "Farting" around with the controls; You will be pleasantly surprised.
Thanks for Sharing this
Michael.