Howdy folks!

[lKate]

I found this forum via Google search, looking for information on macro photography.
I was/am trying to figure out why I am getting such lousy images with my new camera.

Not too long ago I purchased a Nikon D7000. I have to tell you that the camera is clearly a lot more intelligent than I am. I have taken three photography courses and they may as well have hit me in the forehead with the books in the hopes that the information would sink in. I have long since forgotten everything they tried to teach me.

I try to read the destructions to learn more about what things mean, it doesn't sink in. Right brain/left brain... maybe I'm just a big dope. I don't know. So I go out and shoot. Thank heavens for digital. I can take a hundred pics and if I only get a couple worth keeping it's not a waste of money having them all developed.

I plan to spend some time reading your forum to see what I can see. Already I am impressed because I see folks giving HONEST answers and criticism instead of empty praise.

I love taking photos of people and macro images of nature. I have seen some absolutely AMAZING images here on this site already and have just hit the tip of the iceberg.

Looking forward to getting to know you.

I suppose I should warn you, I am an ornery, outspoken, old Irish woman with a sarcastic sense of humor. The folks in my Jeep club call me the Trail Mom.

[Dave Humphries]

I found this forum via Google search, looking for information on macro photography.
~
Not too long ago I purchased a Nikon D700.

Hi Kate,

May I wish you a warm welcome to the CiC forums from me, great to have another Nikon shooter.

What lens(es) do you have so far?

I have taken three photography courses and they may as well have hit me in the forehead with the books in the hopes that the information would sink in. I have long since forgotten everything they tried to teach me.

I try to read the destructions to learn more about what things mean, it doesn't sink in. Right brain/left brain... maybe I'm just a big dope. I don't know. So I go out and shoot. Thank heavens for digital. I can take a hundred pics and if I only get a couple worth keeping it's not a waste of money having them all developed.

It may just be a case of trying to learn too much in one go. Slow down; tackle one problem at a time.

I was/am trying to figure out why I am getting such lousy images with my new camera.
~
Already I am impressed because I see folks giving HONEST answers and criticism instead of empty praise.

Best way is to post an image or two and let us see what the problem may be.

I know it is more reading, but this may help before you post How to Get Effective Feedback for your Posted Images

All the best,

[FrankMi]

I suppose I should warn you, I am an ornery, outspoken, old Irish woman with a sarcastic sense of humor. The folks in my Jeep club call me the Trail Mom.

Welcome to CiC Kate!

They put up with me so I'm sure you'll fit right in!

My guess is that Dave is right on the mark for your situation where learning photography just doesn't sink in. It is very easy to get caught in the 'trying to get a sip of water from a fire hose' syndrome.

As Dave suggests, take one of the basic items that is frustrating you, post an example, and ask for suggestions on how to improve that aspect of photography. Apply what you have learned and re-shoot, post, get feedback on that issue and you'll soon be able to move onto the next aspect that you want to improve.

We're looking forward to seeing your images!

[tbob]

I have to tell you that the camera is clearly a lot more intelligent than I am.

Don't worry, I have the same problem. I probably use ten percent of the capacity of my camera. The people on this site can walk you through the bits you need and just ignore the other aspects.

I see Dave has welcomed you as a fellow Nikon user and I second that. We tend not to get into the Nikon versus Canon versus whatever equipment you have argument here and focus on the image as the objective rather than the tools. Besides; it is nice to see how well others do using such limited and inferior equipment. Touching really.

[jeeperman]

Welcome, always nice to have a trail mom along!

[lKate]

Wow guys, GREAT advice!

I'll do some more reading before I start posting pics.