New & a little daunted

[Shelc1]

Hello all my Name is Shelley, I'm from Carrum Downs Victoria & have just received my first REAL camera for Christmas - a Nikon D7100
I have only used very basic point & shot cameras in the past & the good ol' mobile phone camera so I'm excited to get started learning the art of photography.
I do plan to do some workshops but when I found this site I was thrilled to see how much it had to offer.
I have to admit I'm a little daunted but really hoping to stay committed to the process.
I have started reading the 'New Photographers book' & have been out playing with my camera today.
My 1 year old grandson provides me with plenty of opportunity but my real passion is landscape & weather.
I'm open to any tips about local places to go to practice too.
See you all in the forums
Shell

[ricktas]

Welcome Shell. Congrats on the Christmas Present. Enjoy the site, start posting photos and asking questions, it is a great way to learn.

[Kym]

:gday: & Welcome
- lets see some photos in the main CC forums (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?5) maybe try a competition or 2 and have fun!

Maybe have a look at the New to Photography (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showlibrary.php?title=Indexes:New_To_Photography_Book) book and the Learning Plan in the book.

[tanz]

Hi Shell and welcome to the forum :)

[Mark L]

G'day Shell.
Step by step and you'll get there. Playing on AP will get you there faster. Plenty of helpful people here. Don't be afraid to ask questions (I, like that, how did you .....?) and generally get involved.
Now if you're really up for a challenge, I'll guarantee you will learn so much be getting involved in this ..... http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?127521-The-2014-Members-Challenge-Weekly-Themes

I've seen quite a few peoples photos improve in this years challenge, and we all had some fun along the way.:th3:

[nixworries]

you will love it here a great place to learn :) - welcome

[Shelc1]

Thanks guys, I have completed the first lesson from the beginners book on this site & took my camera out to catch the sunset last night.
I have set up a flickr account so I can link my photos.
I only have the basic photo editing that came with windows on my computer. What do you all recommend for a beginner to play with as far as editing goes?:eek:

[Mark L]

.......
I only have the basic photo editing that came with windows on my computer. What do you all recommend for a beginner to play with as far as editing goes?:eek:

There are many options. I like free. Basic, Picasa. More complex, IrfanView. Does almost everything, GIMP.
Since not a lot of people read these intros, why not ask your question here http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?104-New-To-Photography
May be others thinking the same thing. Definitely others that know better than me on this topic.:)