Heya Guys, new here

[Jon]

Originally Posted by Gahhl

Heya guys, iv been following this forum for about 2 months now after deciding to take A level Photography at College and on purchasing my new Nikon D50. Iv had a digital camera for a while and i know how to use all/most oft he features in a Digital SLR camera. I was just wondering if there is anything that i should know that i may not have got from just reading books and web sites. Ill be posting some of my pics on here soon and criticism would be apreciated greatly.

Yours Sincerely
Mark
Gahhl

Hi Mark and a big welcome to WAB. Sites for North West:
Moore Nature Reserve
Pennington Flash
Formby Point
Burton Marsh RSPB
Hilbre Island
All the above are good for birds and insects, and probably mammals.
For deer try Lyme Park and Dunham Massey

Any more sites from Northeners I would also be very grateful to hear from you.

Regards tips,
If you have the time and patience I would always shoot RAW

• Always check your equipment before you leave:-
• what ISO have you set,
• is the battery OK,
• have you got a flash card in,
• have you got spares.
• Use a tripod or bean bag whenever you can, as far as I am concerned there is no substitute.
• When you have found your position take a shot, check the settings - are they what you intended?
• Then check the Histogram, again there is no excuse not to.
• The other thing of course is make sure you know what the histogram is telling you.
• Usually I deliberately shoot by underexposing shots by -1/3 stop, sometimes -2/3stop. Check the focus sensors - do you want to use one or all of them - it will depend on your subject,.
• Keep your camera and lenses clean and always use a lens hood, I never cease to be amazed at the number of people who don't.

Cheers and good hunting I look forward to seeing your shots, Jon

[goosey]

hello and welcome, sorry I don't know much about photography. You could always try RSPB Leighton Moss in North Lancashire (for those ellusive Bitterns, I've been but didn't spot any!) or Martin Mere wildfowl and wetlands trust in south Lancs( never been to Martin mere myself though) for some bird photos. Good luck and look forward to seeing your results in the Gallery.

[Gahhl]

Thanks guys for all your help. Ill be sure to post my 'decent' pics on this site a.s.a.p. Your help is much appreciated

Mark

[cherrybee]

Hi Gahhl and a very warm welcome to WAB

[ron1863]

Hi Mark,

Welcome to the forum. I don't think you need any advice, you have got everything you need - a camera, eyes and a brain. Use them and persevere you will learn more through your own experiences.