Abandoned Church Organ

[kirks4]

I've never owned a camera in my life that wasn't attached to a cell phone, but my wife thought it to be a good idea for me to take up a hobby; so, for Christmas, she bought me a Canon T1i. At first I wasn't so sure about this whole "taking pictures" thing, but holy cow, it's like an addiction! I can see why so many people go nuts and spend their life savings on camera equipment. I'm thinking about taking a second mortgage on my house so I can buy some new lenses and flashes (actually, I think I've read that they're called "strobes", I'm new to this, so correct me if I'm wrong).

Anyway, I spent last Saturday taking pictures around Phoenix and the outlying areas when I found an abandoned church. It was incredible - the church was built in the early 1900's and must have last been used 10 years ago. It was now home to a thousand birds and a few transients. Before getting chased off for trespassing, I was able to take this picture of the organ that was sitting by a window. I think it turned out really cool looking and I just wanted to share. I didn't do anything really in the way of editing, just bumped up the contrast a little.

Let me know what you think. I don't know what makes a bad, good or great photograph, but I'm trying to learn.

Thanks!

Canon T1i
f/4.5
1/15
27 mm
No flash

[doubleg]

Wow, your wife was spot on with that Christmas Gift. Interesting photo. Too bad you got "run off".

[monday]

That's awesome! I too just started my new hobby this christmas. Nice capture too! I'm looking at everything different now. Like in my head I'm thinking... that would make a nice picture... ahah. Anyway, welcome to the forums. I've been here only for a little while and already I've met such wonderful people. Have fun shooting and don't get shot trying to take some pictures!

[leonaashlee]

WELCOME to DPS
It's a great shot...kind of sad in a way that things like that are just left to die and rot...but you did an awesome job of capturing it.

[pjflan7]

Looks like you found your niche...a tremendous photo and great composition......Your wife was so sweet and yet she will live to see the day she regretted encouraging you!....unless you can get here hooked too! That's your challenge

[kirks4]

Thanks guys. So far it's been really rewarding - even if I spend an entire afternoon shooting pictures and not a single one turns out, at least I got a chance to go out and see a part of the world that I probably wouldn't have otherwise. Such a fun and, thanks to digital cameras, relatively inexpensive hobby (notwithstanding lenses, flashes, umbrellas, stands, diffusers, remotes, prints, frames, bags, filters, tripods, straps, memory cards...).

[shmelly]

Hello Kirks and welcome, I love the photo, it is very melancholy. You did a great job to be able to see and compose the picture, you now have a life time of seeing the world differently.

[llower86]

welcome kirks! you'll quickly become hooked to camera gear. I LOVE this pic. I am a musician and keyboard/piano/church organ is my main weapon of choice. I love how rustic this looks. great job!

[fstopMike]

Welcome to DPS! This is a great place to learn and grow as a photographer. I like the age and abandoned feel of your photo. It's a shame a piece of equipment can be left to rot.

[Preacherman]

Well Kirk, you've gone and done it now. I have to tell you that the disease you have contracted has no known cure and is both acute and chronic. You show all the symptoms and even worse is the fact that you are good at it from day one. Oh dear. I look forward to seeing much more of your excellent work, and welcome amongst us. God bless. PAUL