It took me awhile to join as I have been somewhat intimidated by all of the talent displayed on this website. However, I attended Artie's Digital Basics lecture at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge last Sunday and found him to be open and friendly. So here I am.
I am looking forward to learning how to make my photos better.
I use a Nikon D700 and the 80-400mm lens. I know this is taboo...but I don't used a tripod. I have tried and found a tripod to be somewhat confining and cumbersome in the field.
When it gets to the point where I can no longer get some decent images by hand-holding, I will probably buy a tripod.
I love to take flight photos and have been happy with the results so far. I take all sorts of wildlife photos but birds are my primary targets.
I use Photoshop CS5, NIK Color Effex and Viveza.
If I find a photo of myself that I like, I will post it. So far, I only really like my first grade picture. Since I will turn 60 this year, that photo doesn't represent me fairly anymore. I will work on it though.
I am looking forward to interacting with you all. Barbara Scoles
Hi Barbara, I live in Portland and have seen some of your work.
You will do fine here. Lots of good critiques and a you learn a lot here.
You will get very honest comments here and sometimes they can be TOO honest,
but all in a helpful way.
Looking forward to your posts.
Welcome to BPN, Barbara! No need to feel intimidated. We're a very friendly group, and you'll learn a lot here. If you have any questions, let me know.
Hi Dan,
Thank you for your message.
At the session of Artie's that I attended, he mentioned you. He showed us your really wonderful shot of the purple martins. We all got a kick out of Artie telling us about trying to determine your name from your user name. He said he wondered if you were Dan K. Earl or Dank Earl or Dan Kearl.
Thank you again for your welcome and perhaps we'll run into one another out in the field.
Regards, Barbara
Hi Barbara, welcome to BPN!!! Nothing wrong with handholding (I don't have a tripod either...OK, maybe a very cheap one but I don't use it). This is a great place to learn and grow as a photographer...glad you decided to join in the fun!