Hello from Cambridgeshire

[Rupert]

Hi
I've been messing around with photography for a few years now and although I'm usually disappointed with my results I just love taking photos.
I've read several dozen books on all aspects of the subject from technical to aesthetic and am pretty conversant with most of it.
I should really stop reading photo magazines as the shots I see there dismay me even more with regard to my own.
I'm really good at making excuses as to why my results a far inferior to published photos I see. These range from:
'My surroundings are pretty un-photogenic and I rarely get to travel to better locations'.
'My camera is pretty naff (Panasonic DMC FZ18) compared with those used by published photographers'.
And yes, the glass is half empty.
However, none of the above deters me from struggling on and learning, always learning.
So here I am, already gobsmacked by some of the galleries I've seen here so far and hoping I can pick up a few tips from you guys.

[patrick]

Good luck Rupert and have fun here on Dp and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask any of us.

[RedEyes©]

Hi and welcome to the site/forums Rupert.

stick with it and don't get dis-heartend you have already said you get enjoyment out of taking the shots so that is the most important factor of all that you are enjoying your photography. Photoshop etc can be learnt so just take your time and decide on what genre you want to concentrate on and start from there

rgds
Dave

[bigfra]

Hey Rupert, welcome to DP.
Don't worry about things like where you're located and the kit you've got. Most photographers start out with pretty basic gear; its the photographer and not the camera that's important, and once you "get your eye in" and start seeing your world through a viewfinder, you'll be amazed at the inspiration you'll receive. Whole new worlds will suddenly open up. As others have said, find your genre or genres and go for it. We won't laugh, because we've all been there, and some of us still are - I've got some terrible images in my closet! Ask for advice too, the folks here are really, really great.
Look forward to seeing some of your stuff on the Gallery, and happy shooting!