Photography
Related: About this forumReflections on Rolling the Odometer.
My Nikon D-200 Rolled-the-Odometer last week.
I guess that is some sort of a milestone.
The file numbering protocol had to restart at FSC_0001.
If I'm counting correctly, that means 10,000 photos.
Passing this milestone provoked some pause, reflection,
and a return to the DU Photo Group to say, "Thanks."
I first came to the Photo Group in 2004,
looking for ways to take better Stop Motion photos of my cats.
At that time, I was using an OlympusC-750 Ultra Zoom, and the shutter lag was very frustrating for Stop Action photos.
I got some good tips,
and was able to catch my cat jumping through a hoop.
Of course, at that time I knew embarrassingly little about photo composition, lighting, framing,
and trashy, distracting backgrounds,
but the camera and the cat did their jobs.
The Photography Group was very accommodating.
There were some top notch photographers then who didn't mind answering my dumb questions, provide nurturing critical perspectives and advice when asked, and generally assisted the novices down the road.
I became intrigued.
I found that as I spent more time in the Photo Group,
my camera started taking better photos.
However, this quickly became a double edged sword.
Before I came to the Photo Group,
I was absolutely happy with almost every single photo I took.
After spending some time here,
I began finding fault with every single photo.
I kept hanging out here, and even started submitting photos to the DU Photography Contest.
On Jan 1st, 2006, I made a resolution to take the leap,
and spend most of my "disposable" income for the coming year on a decent camera.
I SUFFERED over the next 3 months.
Canon vs Nikon, which was better?
I studied the reviews, haunted the internet, asked questions,
and changed my mind daily. There is a mountain of testimony available supporting either choice,
but surely one MUST be better than the other.
Finally, I went to an upscale Photo Store, and held each camera in my hands.
The Nikon fit better, so that was my choice, though I was unable to afford that store's asking price.
I felt some guilt as I ordered my Nikon D-200 from a Mail Order house at a significant discount,
and a reduced Warranty.
I spent my disposable income for the next couple of years acquiring a few decent lenses
which seem to fill all my needs.
I've been happy with my Nikon.
It has never required repairs, service, adjustments, or upgrades.
It has performed flawlessly with only Operator Errors.
I am aware that newer and better models are on the market,
but I have no desire to upgrade.
My old horse still gets me where I want to go,
and I hardly ever even look at the magazines or websites anymore.
DU taught me how to take a decent photo.
My Nikon D-200 has performed without a single problem.
For that, I am truly grateful.
I don't come to this group very much,
mostly because I now live in a very rural area without Broad Band access,
but I always look forward to the Photo Contests.
As far as Canon vs Nikon,
it doesn't make much difference.
I challenge anyone to distinguish between the end results,
or ID which camera took which photo in a blind contest.
I thought I would post a few photos that made me happy over the years.
Again, Thanks.
--bvar22
handmade34
(22,757 posts)barbtries
(28,810 posts)thank you.
Mira
(22,380 posts)Of all these wonderful photos the last one is the one I remember clearly. It's a treat to be privileged to take this journey with you by reading your words, feeling your emotion, and seeing the beauty of your work.
Thanks for visiting, please do it when you can.
Skittles
(153,182 posts)who are these lovely gals?
bvar22
(39,909 posts)They were not the subject of the original photo.
They were actually off to the side and in the background.
They were a part of the female harmony section back up for a Folk Group performing
at a Street Fair at the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis.
The original (now lost) was a wide angle exposure of the entire group and stage
immediately after they had finished one of their songs that had gone over well with the crowd
which was applauding and cheering.
A few days after the Street Fair, the monthly DU Photography was announced, and it was "People Shots". I thought that I must have something from that day at the Street Fair, and saw them in the background while looking over the photos from that day.
One of the benefits of 10 Megapixels and a sharp lens is the ability to crop small sections out of a big photo. This one came out well.
66 dmhlt
(1,941 posts)I ask because I'm planning on visiting friends in Minneapolis for the upcoming Uptown 10 days. I was there ~ 5 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it (but to be honest, it could be a bit smaller to make it more manageable).
And thanks so much for sharing your beautiful shots!
Speck Tater
(10,618 posts)I just joined the group a few weeks ago, and just bought my first serious camera. Maybe some day I can take pictures as good as yours.
Thanks for the inspiration.
bvar22
(39,909 posts)The truth is that anyone who takes 10,000 photos is going to get some decent shots.
Good Luck with your new adventure.
canonfodder
(208 posts)I've seen what you've done so far.
You have a good eye, and it will only improve.
Speck Tater
(10,618 posts)nashville_brook
(20,958 posts)love them all, but really...i LOVE your hummingbird!
CC
(8,039 posts)though I have gone looking for pictures of your garden at least once every summer. Think the first time I saw you on DU it was about "hooping the cat." I'm glad you put one of him in this thread. There are a few other photos I remember but I don't recall you ever being anything but very good. BTW I still have my D200 and still happy with it.
bvar22
(39,909 posts)"Hooping the Cats" was was fun,
and trying to take decent motion photos of those cats is literally what brought me to the DU Photography Group.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x3235248
That opened a New World for me.
...and the "critters" are still my favorite subjects.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1182456
I sometimes miss the photo possibilities of the Urban World of Minneapolis.
Scuba
(53,475 posts)Callalily
(14,893 posts)your journey and yes, this group not only teaches but inspires!
bluedigger
(17,087 posts)Thanks for sharing!
Solly Mack
(90,779 posts)Thank you!
That was great!
Celebration
(15,812 posts)To you and your wonderful talent (and your camera).
What a nice tribute to the camera's milestone. Love it!
yesphan
(1,588 posts)KegCreekDem
(75 posts)You have a great eye and have several different techniques down. Thanks for giving the rest of us inspiration.
hermetic
(8,310 posts)That was one of the nicest posts I've ever seen/read. Love ya, man..
canonfodder
(208 posts)The roll-overs irritate me to death.
Makes me feel old.
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