Got my own camera but am a total n00b. Here's a thread to show it as I progress.
 

So I picked up a Nikon D40x from Taylor. Came with the basic 18-55mm lense. Took a trip up to NY and took some pics along the way.. Let me know what you guys think. Im in the process of reading through the basics, but all this photog stuff is overwhelming. Can't wait to dive in and learn some stuff!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...9/DSC_0003.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...9/DSC_0049.jpg

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http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...9/DSC_0045.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...9/DSC_0050.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...9/DSC_0060.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...9/DSC_0009.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...9/DSC_0063.jpg

Comments, negatives, suggestions for next time.. I shot on auto, images are straight off the camera and hosted on photobucket. I don't really have a set theme that I want to shoot overall.. I'll shoot anything really lol.... but I thought buildings and stuff like that was a good start. I guess I'd like to know how to make the last picture look better for starters. I know there's a lot going on there, but it seems like something is off (besides the fact that Im on auto with a basic lens LOL). I always heard "you have to use what you have and make the best of it". that's what im going for until I can get out there, learn, have hands-on, progress, and get more lenses down the road.

Well, first off.. congrats on the new camera. There's a few towards the end that seem to be a bit blurry and dark. The one of the church is crooked, lol. Those giant Christmas light bulb things are sweet looking. I'm jealous you went to NYC, I haven't been since I saw a Broadway show in 10th grade :(

pick up a basic photography book. some are too bright some are to dark. most of your content takes up the entire frame or is dead center.

if your shooting on auto, then its like your shooting with some moms point and shoot.

you have the tools now, its not about the camera its how you use it. You are now unlimited mostly.

buy a book, learn the camera and all the dof and ranges it can use.

the best advice i can give anyone starting out in photography is to take zillions of photos from all angles. try to think of an interesting perspective to take the shot from, maybe from an angle most people would not view the subject from. Also learn about the thirds rule, it will help you with your composition. don't take my comments the wrong way but these are all decent snapshots. they aren't what i would consider a photograph, if you get what i'm saying. There also isn't any noticeable DOF (depth of field) going on. When everything is in focus it's hard to separate the subject from the background, a great shot that could have used some DOF would have been the christmas lights. Focus on one bulb in the foreground and let the background get blurry as it moves off in the distance. This is achieved by lowering the Fstop. anyway keep at it. it was def far to cold to really learn your camera.

read the manual. you have a great camera to start off with and it can do a lot. Explore it, read the manual, and then read it again. What bmat said as well, read a photog book. Once thats done, you will be on your way

Thanks for the comments so far guys... and yeah Grimm, I get what you're saying, now hurt feelings here man :).

Im not sure of your knowledge of photography do you understand the concept of depth of field, rule of thirds, panning and shooting movements? If not i would get a photography book and read it. some stuff may be already known but ive gotten old photo books from my parents that present different ideas

Dan, let's go out and shoot together one day. Bring my wifey with you, er, I mean.. your wifey..

Yeah I understand what they are, but don't know how to use them fully. I'll be picking up some books regardless. If you can spare to let me borrow stuff you have, drop it off!

lol ok, I'll get her to bring her camera too

just from a quick stare the pictures came out good. more in depth .. yeah what ^^all of the above said LOL and when you get use to it, lets go take some photos around the way! haha good luck with the camera.

Your **** sucks dan. Lol jk. Like grimmy said shoot A LOT. Learn to use that 18-55 to get around its weaknesses. If you wanna shoot with me ill let you use some of my glass. Bring that asian chick with a big head too lol.

:cool::lol:

haha i remember when i first started and my friend did this for me and i wanted every lens i tried out. Then i looked up the prices...talk about a buzzkill

haha I dont even want to know what lenses cost. but thanks for the offer Chaz, I'll have to take you up on that since your pictures always make me drool (even though I know that your equipment is awesome to begin with lol).

don't forget to GET OUT OF AUTO mode. the end.

i have a D40x too, great cam :)

I love the first pic c:

lol yeah I hate auto. but it was freezing outside (lame excuse I know)

anyway... shot these in my basement this morning to kinda feel out the lens.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...g/DSC_0006.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...g/DSC_0007.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...g/DSC_0008.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...g/DSC_0009.jpg

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http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74...g/DSC_0013.jpg

pft I pwn in some foosball C:
nice shots though.

nice pickup Dan..i really wish I would have gotten the Nikon on black friday..but I got a samsung tv instead haha.. I really like the pool table shots because in those you can already see the imporvement. Keep it up.. o and if you need a test subject I know someone with a red srt 4... jus saying:-p