Photo - Fire in the Sky.....Sunrise over Oberlin, Oho

[d_jonesy]

As I pulled into my job site on Friday morning, the sky looked like it was afire, like a scene from a sci-fi movie. I wish I'd had a wider angle lens, because it extended even beyond straight overhead well toward the west, and far to the north and south. At least 70% of the sky was involved. It only lasted around 2 or 3 minutes, but it was one of

Comments

[d_jonesy]

That Nikon D90 you're looking at can also take 60 fps full HD 1080p video...you might love that. And if it doesn't already come with an infrared remote control, pick one up for another $15. Great for night shots to eliminate touching and vibrating the camera, self portraits, long exposures, wildlife shots. I just ordered the Nikon remote control and a sturdy tripod last night on Amazon. I'm re-teaching myself photography all over again...my old film SLR died about 15-20 years ago, and until I bought the little Samsung, I hadn't taken pics in all that time. Missed a lot of pics of AJ growing up and some non-repeatable vacations. Now I'm relearning all about existing light and night photography again. Here's a couple of pics I took with the D40 last week in DC, with the camera sitting on a concrete wall:







I don't know very much about the D90...but I know I could never afford it in a million years, and I'm afraid it would almost be "too much" camera for me. But I'm impressed with Nikon's quality, ease of operation, and the instruction manual. I'm finding it easier to understand how to use this camera that the little Samsung, and I think it's because on the little one, everything is done with only a few microscopic buttons and scrolling (and a lot of squinting and fumbling of old calloused fingertips!), and it gets a little frustrating remembering how to make that one or two buttons do what you want when you're feeling creative--especially when you want to be quick...but on the Nikon everything seems to have it's own dedicated button or switch, mounted in just the right place, with easily understood graphics and functions.

Good luck with whatever you get...you've got the photographer's eye, and usually it's not the equipment, but the one operating the equipment. I have a feeling you'd take beautiful pictures with a pinhole camera made from an oatmeal box!

[jocosa]

Hrm, will add the remote and a tripod to my Amazon cart. Thanks for the tip!

I already have the "Nikon D90 for Dummies" book in the cart as well. I love the Dummy books (maybe they have one for yours too?) and I know I will need tons of help as this is a HUGE leap for me. The Dummy books make things so easy to understand compared to the usual included manuals. I've never had a DSLR and most my stuff is shot in autofocus. I am scared to death but excited too.

I have no clue what to do setting wise for night shots. Yours are amazingly beautiful. I think it's you that has the eye, not me. *hug*

[d_jonesy]

Thanks...Let's compromise...we both got The Eye!!

Yeah...love the Dummies books too. And Nikons seem pretty easy to understand.

Believe it or not, those two pictures were taken with automatic exposure and autofocus...I did nothing but turn off the flash after the sun set. If I could do it, you can certainly do it. Practice in your house or out on the street after dark. Of course the trick is to keep it absolutely motionless. Thus the concrete wall and light touch on the shutter button. A tripod (easier to carry than a government concrete wall) and remote would have made this cake. I have waaaay more blurred shots from that night than clear. Wish I'd had the remote and tripod last week instead of next week!