I researched DSLRs and decided I would go the SONY route. I have always been a little partial to the SONY brand, and was excited when my a330 was handed over to me by the UPS guy. I ripped open the box, put in the battery, snapped on the lens, inserted a memory card and snapped this picture:
I loved it! the colors were so bright, the definition was far superior to my Sony Cyber Shot, and the "blur" in the background was something I had been unsuccessfully trying to achieve with my point and shoot.
I thought this was the ultimate in photography. It can't get better, right? Just stick it on auto and see what happens. Good cameras make good photos, makes sense to me. However, after three years of trial and error, and seeing many good photographer's shots, I started being able to see some of what is wrong with this photo. Specifically the flash altered too many things; his pupils, the reflections, and more importantly the dark shadow around his chin. I have since stopped using a flash, but am having a difficult time getting the type of shot I desire on Auto. When I do get a lucky successful shot, I seem to be spending a lot of time in Photoshop Elements trying to achieve a higher-end look.
So, now I am taking the time to understand my camera. I'd like to better learn about appropriate lighting, more about aperture, ISO (at this point I have no clue) and the like. Even if I just better understand the Histogram I might be moving in the right direction:
The above picture doesn't mean a whole lot to me, yet. But I am ready to dive in!! *virtual splash*
