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Hi everyone.

I've been thinking about buying a digital SLR for quite a while now and before taking the plunge I decided to first get some of my skills up by borrowing my fathers old canon G3. I have been reading these forums for about 2 months and am very impressed with the standard of the photos that everyone has been producing. Something definately to aspire to.

Well i've only had the G3 for a week, but these are two shots from my first time out with it of my girlfriend and I. I don't have a tripod so I just rested the camera on a bench. I focused on my girlfriend first, recomposed then set the timer.

Not really sure what post processing to do on these. I'm very keen to learn so any pointers would be great, especially on composition, maybe cropping etc.




Thanks

-David

I actually really like these. I'm not sure how to best PP them but I would like to see more of the bottom so the feet aren't cut off (somthing to think about next time if you get a tripod). The background looks good and it's something different.

Hi David,

Welcome to the forums

Your first steps are doing really well, great colours and thoughtful composition. As long you get more confident over using a camera, you will soon be placing a DSLR on order

Thanks for the comments guys.

I'll grab a tripod this weekend and not cut the feet off this time.

Is the exposure ok? Do you think they are too dark?

Can't wait to get a DSLR. I had so much fun on the weekend taking these pictures. Was really relaxing just walking around looking to see where a good vantage point was and waiting for the sun to set.

Thanks again.
-Dave

Hello from another Canberra member and welcome to the forum.

It looks like you've got the photo bug, and some nice results here as well!

#1 is my pick here. The colour and exposure look spot on to me. As suggested, maybe a bit more space below the feet, but otherwise it's pretty damn good.

I guess we should get a Canberra mini-meet together in the next few weeks (which I've been meaning to do for ages), and that way you can get some good hands-on time with a variety of DSLRs before you buy!

You chose a great backdrop for your shots David.

As said with a tripod you should be able to compose the scene as you would like. Don't rush out and buy a cheap tripod though (you may just be throwing your money away). If you are thinking of a DSLR a good sturdy tripod is a must to support your gear.

Welcome and hope you enjoy the forum.

Cheers, Mick

Hi Daniel,

A minimeet would be great, getting an idea on equiptment and techniques would be really appreciated.

Thanks Oscar, so how much do you think a good tripod would cost?

-Dave

David, it will depend on your eventual choice of camera & lenses.

The Manfrotto and Benro tripods are good ones to have a look at - they are not cheapest though.

Perhaps you should meet up with some of the other guys from your area first (as already suggested) and check out their gear. I'm sure Daniel and the rest of the guys in your area will be able to give you a good idea of what to go for. They may even be able to help you find the best place to buy and you can put any "savings" towards quality glass.

Make sure the tripod you get is rated to hold up the gear you hope to get.

Cheers, Mick