d-sr Posted October 20, 2006 Share #1 Posted October 20, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi folks, I just joined your forum the other day and thought I'd introduce myself. I'm from Abilene, Texas, married to a beautiful woman named Sue, 62 years old, disabled, and anything but an expert photographer. I got interested in photography about four and a half years ago and bought my first camera, a Panasonic FZ1. I knew enough to know I needed the OIS and really liked the 12x zoom. I was also told that the Leica lens was the best in the world by several people. I upgraded a couple of years ago to a FZ20 and am now just understanding ISO, aperture, shutter speed, EV compensation and the way each effects the photograph in a different way. Just enough to feel confortable using the manual functions. I had always heard of Leica but as far as I know have never even seen a Leica camera. I have seen the beautiful work that people like you do with the Leica camer though. I have pre-ordered a V-LUX 1 and should have it in a couple of weeks. I also know that no camera alone can make me a better photographer. I'm excited about the camera and instead of going with the FZ50, decided to go with the Leica version, just because it's a Leica and also because I plan to keep this camera for a long time. That one thing could actually save me from divorce. ha ha. In looking at your work I've seen some things I don't understand. And please do not think I am critizing it. I'm just trying to learn. A lot of beautiful pictures are posted here with the subject partly out of frame. Some are beautiful in a different way, they seem to be overexposed on the highlights and under exposed in the shadows at the same time. All are examples of beautiful work, but they seem, not to conform to what I have learned so far about framing a picture or proper exposure. Could someone please explain this aspect of art with a camera to me? I'll leave my Zoto address if you promise not to laugh Zoto Galleries :: dsr1's Galleries and you will be able to see where I am in the learning process. So take that into conseration when I ask another dumb question. Hope to here from you all and I'll start posting and asking for honest crititues when my V-LUX 1 comes in. Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings, Don Richardson aka Turbo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 20, 2006 Posted October 20, 2006 Hi d-sr, Take a look here Hi everyone! I'm new here. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
marknorton Posted October 20, 2006 Share #2 Posted October 20, 2006 HI Don, welcome to our world, you join us as some of us are treading water waiting for the first pictures from a production M8. It's a bit like those moon landings in the 60s... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
larry Posted October 20, 2006 Share #3 Posted October 20, 2006 Hi Don, Welcome to the forum. I'm sure you'll enjoy your new camera. Because you already have experience with Panasonic cameras, you know what a great user interface they have -- and the same holds true for the Leica versions. And clearly, Leica lenses are among the best available. As far as your question about photo aesthetics is concerned, I think it's best to direct questions to each member about what he or she is trying to accomplish with a particular photo. When it comes to "art" and photography there are really no rules, only guidelines. There's no requirement that everyone -- let alone anyone -- must like your work. If you're satisfied with it, that's what counts. Larry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyp Posted October 20, 2006 Share #4 Posted October 20, 2006 Welcome Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Maio Posted October 20, 2006 Share #5 Posted October 20, 2006 Hi Neighbor, I live next door - in Albuquerque. Welcome to the forum! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted October 20, 2006 Share #6 Posted October 20, 2006 Hi, and welcome. Looking forward to seeing more of your work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
square_one Posted October 20, 2006 Share #7 Posted October 20, 2006 Advertisement (gone after registration) Welcome Don - As mentioned, framing - composing withing the frame is enormously subjective. There are 'rules', but those rules can be broken. Nothing is sacred, all up to you. Just one little example: the so-called 'golden rule' is to always have the subject (human or not) looking into or moving into the image, yet some of the powerful photographs of the super-talented are worked the other way around. http://www.masters-of-photography.com/K/koudelka/koudelka_intersection_full.html If you haven't already, do click 'home' at the foot of this photograph's page and spend some time with all the other photographers on this site. You'll quickly see what good composition is - not to mention how wonderfully the subjects fit-in that form! Me, everytime I take the tour I see new nuances, change my #1 favorite, matter of fact I'm going to start a thread on one in particular that absolutely confounds me. Bruce Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted October 20, 2006 Share #8 Posted October 20, 2006 Don, Welcome to a great body of enthusiasts. Re your questions on composition, I think you have to realise that we all see the world in different ways. Like you, I prefer the main subject in a bold position not escaping from one side. But that is subjective. Do participate in the photo forums and pose questions to the contributing photographers. We can all learn a lot from each other. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted October 20, 2006 Share #9 Posted October 20, 2006 Don, I failed to comment on tones as seen on postings. One thing I have learned is that not all members use calibrated monitors or colour manage their digital work. That is why you do see images that are probably not at their best. If you have not calibrated your monitor, I suggest you explore the subject either with a trusted local photographer or surf the web. There are plenty of sites which address this issue which can appear daunting to the unitiated. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradreiman Posted October 20, 2006 Share #10 Posted October 20, 2006 Hi Don-Welcome. Glad you're here. Look forward to hearing about the vlux. Looks like a neat tool.Regarding composition...I've found that there are certain rules regarding composition which can, and are meant to be, broken. The main thing is knowing the rules before you break them. Lots of photographers do this to add a certain "signature" or style to their personal work. Cheers...Brad Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradreiman Posted October 20, 2006 Share #11 Posted October 20, 2006 by the way-I'm in El Paso for a couple days and must say it's really beautiful down here. Anywhere close to Abilene? Went into Juarez last night had had some fun testing my new Nokton 35/1.2 on the M6 with the endless photogenic low-light scenes.....b Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted October 20, 2006 Share #12 Posted October 20, 2006 It's a bit like those moon landings in the 60s... You got to be joking, it's sad to see this situation Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted October 21, 2006 Share #13 Posted October 21, 2006 I was joking, Imants, I was joking. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
twom4 Posted October 22, 2006 Share #14 Posted October 22, 2006 Hi Don, Welcome to this wonderful Forum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
d-sr Posted October 22, 2006 Author Share #15 Posted October 22, 2006 Thanks for the welcome and advise everyone. I can't wait to get my camera. I called Willoughbys Friday and was told that Leica had guaranteed one day delivery to them, of all their new products on Oct. 26th. Don't know if he knew what he was talking about though. He guaranteed I would have my camera by Nov. 2nd if not sooner. Square_one, Thanks for the link. I added it to my Favorites list Looking at great work does teach us, only, if we are willing to learn. wda, I keep my monitor calibrated so I'll be sure to see what someone is saying with their work and know what I'm getting before I print. bradreimay, Abilene is about 450 mi. east on I-20. It's almost midway across Texas, going that way anyway. Don Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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