ChanHawkins' photostream  

www.flickriver.com/photos/43634577@N00/sets/
email to contact "Starting Out"
Camera contact, "Starting Out"
-Have fun.
-It is a passion that can be time consuming.
-I noticed a couple of different cameras being used in your images. Spend lots of time getting to know the operation features of those cameras you have. Many folks, including myself can surprise themselves by learning what else your camera can help you create.
-I wish I had leaned earlier to naming my images. A descriptive paragraph (or whatever you have time for) can be informative in places like flickr. Creating images is communication and there is a value in enhancing the image by communicating with names and descriptions.
-Composition and the perspective of where the image was composed from are very important. Way to often I change my composition on the computer afterwards. This works great but adds a lot of time to my passion. Some of my best images are from unusual perspectives.
-Always look for special light. I still don't handle back lighting very well, but now days I have learned to look for extreme lighting like "back lighting" and then spend extra time while the light lasts, to create a special use of such lighting.
-Learn what you feel are good images. I lean way too far the other way thinking everything is a good image prospect and thinking every image can be improved on the computer to be a wonderful image. I now believe my passion would have progressed in a more timely manner if I had concentrated on being more aware of the better images.
-There is so much to learn.
-There is so much to see.
-This list of hints could go on and on, but better to pick up your camera and enjoy.
-Enjoy your passion.
-Have fun.
ps:
Earlier I thought of another tip that I have been learning the hard way for a long time. No matter how experienced in holding the camera I think I am, it is always smart to use whatever means available to hold it steadier. Multiple shots, tripod, monopod, porch rail, good hand grip, whatever, use them if you can. The best focus possible is the goal and taking advantage of all things that steady your camera is how you get there. Best of luck and the others are right as well -- "have fun and enjoy". That leads to you being nearer to ready all the time and leads to many of your own images from which you can continue to learn. Hope that makes sense.