amazing pictures.. I wish I could figure out my rebel enough to take such awesome pictures!
Thank you! Learning complex cameras definitely takes time and LOTS of practice, but trust me---if I can do it, anyone can!

I'd pick up a book or two, dive in and practice practice practice! The good thing about digital is once you get shooting, it's free! You can make tons of mistakes and it won't cost you a dime like film would.
I am in! Luv it so far
Welcome!
Ann- I jumped on over from natenlogansdad TR and your pics are amazing, especially the black and white. I just got a Sony a550 and I'm hoping for some really nice pics this trip. Any suggestions to a DSLR newbie?
Cyndi
Thank you! My recommendations for a newb are to READ (if you aren't well-acquainted with the principles of photography) and SHOOT. Like I said above, pictures with digital are free once you have the camera. Practice, practice and practice some more! And the Photography Board here on the DIS is really helpful. Feel free to pop over, ask some questions, post some pictures for critique, etc. We won't bite!
One book I'd recommend is a book that's a miracle for beginners is Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure. Great book, easy to read, LOADS of beautiful pictures to demonstrate the concepts and will really help you grasp things like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure and other basic principles.
wow your pictures are amazing
Thanks! I'm gonna blush.
Very nice pictures, and I understand what you mean about people not reading your report. I just spent quite a bit of time writing one, with lots of pictures and words.

Not many readers, and only a couple comments. Kind of makes you feel like "why bother?"
Thank you! I'm glad
someone else had written reports that weren't well received. I don't have much time to devote to keeping up with many reports and I feel like that's required to get people to read yours. A little give and take.
Hello! Just checking in to let you know I'm reading along. Your photos are fantastic and I like your writing; wouldn't mind a little more but only if you're so inclined.

Thanks for joining! I'm glad you like my pictures and shocked you like my writing.

I may throw in a bit more verbage if we get more readers who don't seem to mind, but for now the low-pressure pictures only report is working just how I like it. I have more "readers" now than ever!
put a link in your siggy ..I'd love to read it!
Ditto!