Introduction + 2 shots

[Xmaster]

Hey there! Just joined the forums, but has been lurking around the websites for around 2 months now.

First of all, awesome website. Discovered it through Lifehacker's post on 13 Tips for Improving Outdoor Portraits.

Thought this thread could be a nice introduction to you guys. My name is Alexandre, I'm 20 (almost 21) and currently living in Quebec City (Canada). That would make me a French Canadian.

I'm currently a college student in Multimedia. See it as anything related to photography, video, motion graphics, web development and advertisement blended all together in a 3 years long program. Eventually I would like to get an University degree in Graphic Design and work for the advertisement business.

I always had an hidden passion for photography. Why hidden? you might ask. Well, I always had interest into the matter, but also always saw it as a rather expensive craft. So it is not something I really talked about with friends in family. About 2 years ago, I had the chance to shoot films for a Black&White photography class and I guess it is where everything began.

From there, I knew I wanted to get an SLR and improve on my skills. But still didn't had the funds to get one. So this project always got pushed back by school, work and other stuff up to this day.

About 2 weeks (while roaming DPS of course) ago, I thought "enough is enough, I want to get into it, and I want it NOW" (Yeah I'm that type of spontaneous person). So I got into the DSLR market but knew straight away wanted I wanted to shoot.

So today I bought my very first camera. A Nikon D90 coupled with a 18-105 Nikkor lens. I had the chance to shoot my teacher's early summer and I really liked the feel of the camera. From the get go, I knew it was this one I wanted to own (also had the chance to mess around with Canon's XS and XSi at work...but didn't beat the feel I had when I shot that D90 in May).

Everything I learned 2 years ago in my photography class is far behind, and somewhat a little bit blurry in my mind. I know I could've bought a cheaper camera (as some of my friends LIKE to remind me). But I really wanted a solid camera that could last me really long. (Oh and one thing that doesn't help is that I'm stubborn, so what I want...well its what I get :P )

Anyhoo, I guess that's enough for now. You should see me around...maybe not too much because I'm knee deep in college assignments up to the Christmas vacations...but still. I'll be around and posting what I get to shoot.


Now, my first 2 pictures:

[Hayward Taylor]

Hello there and welcome ... well I don't see your photos .. also you really don't need to include all that camera info here .. try again

[Xmaster]

You can't see the attached thumbnails?

[Hayward Taylor]

yes now I do .... I like the deep contrasty feel to them .. very interesting

[Xmaster]

Thanks. For a moment, I thought my thumbnails were broken or something. Do appreciate the feedback.

[equilution]

Welcome to DPS, Xmaster! I like the first one. It seems that some of what you learned stuck with you! Especially when it comes to composition. That first one is an award winner. Can't wait to see what you do with the camera after a couple months! Thanks for sharing!!

Jim

[Xmaster]

Thanks for the positive feedback Jim! Greatly appreciate it!

Looks like shopping for a camera pushed one of my friend to make the jump. He just told me he bought a Canon XS. I'll try to drag him on here!!

[Chiwalatta]

Hi Xmaster, welcome to DPS, you will find this site very addictive and for the right reasons. Very useful and feed back and friendly members. I really like the first image you have attached, its well composed with good lines and the muted, near black and white colouring gives this a moody feel. The character is well placed with the head and shoulders breaking the horizon. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to seeing more. Chiwalatta

[Xmaster]

Thanks for the feedback Chiwalatta
And this website has been one of my default tabs in Opera for a long time now

[fstopMike]

Welcome to DPS, Alexandre! Great to have you aboard and posting, rather than lurking behind the scenes. Love your first one, it is very moody. Hope you enjoy it here and looking forward to seeing more.