New to Forum, New to Photography

[JeffOldham]

My name is Jeff and I'm from Arizona. Been playing around on the site for a couple days and learned a lot so thought I would join. I don't know much about photography (last camera I owned was a Cannon AE-1 10 years ago), but just bought a Nikon D3100 and would like to learn how to take professional shots. My main subjects will be my 3 year old son and newborn daughter. The only lens I have is the 18-55mm one that came with it. What would you recommend my next lens purchase be? The only other thing I typically take a lot of pictures of are automobiles. Look forward to lots of advice and learning from all of you. Thanks!

[Designer]

Hi, Jeff. Like you I too am fairly new to digital. I have that same lens, and it will work quite well for portraiture. Your next lens purchase is up to you, depending on what type of photography that you would like to try, but may I suggest that you simply use the existing lens for a while, learning what it can do and what it cannot. After that, you might enjoy the versatility of a longer lens, probably another zoom. I have the 50 to 200, which is another good lens. BTW; you should consult the owner's manual for compatible lenses. My book lists the lenses that will be compatible, and how to indentify them.

[JeffOldham]

I was thinking a longer lens but wasn't sure if I should go up to 200 or 300. My main focus will be pictures of my children but I also enjoy architecture and taking photos at car shows and races. Someone suggested a wide angle for car photographs.

[Scott Stephen]

Wide angle when they are parked at the show. Telephoto if they are on the track racing. Macro if they say "Matchbox" on the undercarriage.

[Polar01]

Jeff: stay with what you have for now, but learn how to use the camera and len you have. No sense having thousands of dollars of equippment and you can't take an image. What you want to do is become a shooter, and to do that you have to take lots and lots and lots of images and than take more images all the time learning from your " I found another way, how not to do it". The members here will be glad to give you info to improve your shots, so take an image and post it, read instructions on how to best to post, and remember to give us a hint of what you did or were trying to do.
So welcome and good shooting.

Cheers:


Allan