G'day! - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

10/14/2010 06:30:42 PM · #1

What's there to say ....
I suppose 'hi' would normally work.
In any case, whether it be hi, or hello, or howdy, even g'day; albeit never really saying so.... An introductory post would generally be adequate as a first post..
Located in Melbourne, Australia, I'm a photographer by heart, an IT geek by trade, and everything in between by luck.

I discovered the joy of photography in high school, when I was given an old Pentax k1000, a 50mm 1.8 lens, a roll of black and white film, and hours of shooting time.
Looking back, I don't believe I've ever taken better pictures than that year.
Photography seemed simple, and the results amazing. The smell of a dark room, the feel of chemicals through your fingers..
I attempted to replicate the feelings of what it felt like the first time I pressed the shutter, rolled the film forward, changed the apeture and shutter speed using dials..
It was never the same.
When high school finished I bought another Pentax 35mm camera and the obsession continued.
Unfortunately, time went on, and the passion subsided. It gave way to other hobbies, to other events which took most my time.
I still had my camera with me though, yet it was not often that I got to use it.
And years went by, and my camera would rarely come out, with each ear it being pushed further to the back of the wardrobe. Sometimes I'd remember it, and would take it out, dust it, rewind the film and develop it to see what the photos were that I had taken..

The pentax was replaced and so was the feeling I had when I pushed the shutter release for the first time.

That is, until a few years ago.
10 years after my first encounter with photography, I was given a Nikon D80 as a present.
I had often toyed with the idea of investing on a digital SLR, though was never able to justify spending so much money in one.
I guess being that it was free, I was able to once again enjoy everything that photography had to offer!

But after a month or two, I felt like I was neglecting this machine which was capable of capturing 1:1000th of a second emotions.

And it sat in the cupboard, as my old one did.. Until a few months later, when I had made the decision to be involved once again in trying to combine old feelings with new technology.

I invested in a good lens, and joined photography forums..
As fate would have it, however .. My house got broken into..
And my camera was unfortunately gone.

Without insurance (at the time), I could do nothing but sit back and wait for another opportunity to get my hands on another camera..

And finally, the time is here.

It's been a few years since I've had my D80.
This time I'm posting whilst holding a brand new D300s, with a collection of modest (and perhaps not so modest) lenses which will hopefully drive me to allocate the time to this obsession it really deserves.

So, here I am.
Saying 'hi' for the first time, and hopefully not the last..

Well certainly not the last.
I paid for a year's subscription, so I guess I best get the most of it. :)

cryan

Nikon D700

10/14/2010 06:45:51 PM · #2

Welcome to the fun house, or the crazy house as the case may be.

jeger

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

10/14/2010 06:47:00 PM · #3

Welcome to the madhouse. Don't take things too seriously, and you will learn a lot from this great community.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

10/14/2010 06:53:42 PM · #4

We can be a little strange here, but normally, it's not a big problem.
Welcome to the site, and I hope you find that it helps keep you interested in shooting photos.

snaffles

Nikon D7100

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

10/14/2010 07:05:30 PM · #5

*singing off-key* Welcome to the jungle, we got fun and games....

My first ever SLR was also a Pentax K1000 with that same prime lens, still have it :-) And a Nikon junkie, so eager to see what glass you have and what we will see from you! You will learn so much about photography here, all and any aspect of it.

Have fun, read the forums, and above all enjoy yourself :-)

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

10/14/2010 08:38:47 PM · #6

Hi all!
Thanks for the kind welcome!

Looking through all the pictures on this site (particularly the higher-rated ones) things can be a bit overwhelming..
Which is one of the main reasons I've not joined earlier..

In any case.. I'm hoping to be able to learn from being exposed to knowledgeable people.
Now if only photosynthesis would work......

love

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

10/14/2010 08:48:34 PM · #7

Welcome!! Don't let the higher-ranked images fool you - there are some amazing low-ballers as well! : ) I enter what I like and at times, the masses approve. : )

JulietNN

Canon EOS R7

Tamron 16-300mm Di II VC PZD MACRO w/Canon Nikon mount

10/14/2010 09:06:05 PM · #8

Within a month, you will love it or hate it.

Most love it, so welcome to the insane parlor!

P.S. i have nothing to do with their insanity!!

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

10/14/2010 09:28:38 PM · #9

You may enjoy the side challenges. You can post whatever you wish for helpful feedback, without having to wonder how it's going to do in a challenge. You also get to know some of the regulars here that way.
Here is one of the current ones;
October Anything Goes S C Thread

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

10/14/2010 10:52:54 PM · #10

Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:

Hi there!
Thanks for the suggestion.
I've just submitted my first photo.
ooh it's a very daunting and anxious experience.......

cowtownmom

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

10/15/2010 01:19:36 AM · #11

Welcome to the best madness on the planet. Well maybe not the best but it's fun place to toughen up on. After all the ego blows and the pats on the back you should have had a ton of fun and a much better photographer with more friends than you might know what to do with.

My husband is the reason I'm on her now, He's been on the site for just over 3 years and me less than 6 months. I'm already learning so much but my ego and confidence are a bit bruised. Hopefully that won't last long but till then, I'll keep slogging away until I can beat my poor, sweet husband's pants off.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

10/15/2010 01:24:34 AM · #12

Originally posted by cowtownmom:

Hi!
Thanks kindly for your welcome.

My ego is generally bruised by my own criticism, but.. We'll see how it stands up against someone else's!!

For now the photo I've posted has been praised beyond my belief; I'll gloat in my success whilst it lasts!! :D

Message edited by author 2010-10-15 01:27:53.

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

10/15/2010 02:57:59 AM · #13

Wow - your introduction post was like reading an epic novel - I laughed, then I cried, I was on the edge of my seat. LOL. Well fate brought you to DPC, so you'll have to look back in a year or two and decide if fate is cruel or kind. :-) Welcome to Melodramaland. :)