Photographer starting out with Nikon D40?
Hello! Ok, I've been incredibly interested in photography for a while now. Particularly nature shots. I've been trying for years to get a jump start with just a cheap little kodak point and shoot camera. It worked for group pictures and just to kind of record memories but I've recently invested in a professional camera. A nikon D40. It seems like a nice camera but I have come the conclussion that...I KNOW ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about photography. ISO, shutter speed, what is all of this stuff x.x
So, my question is, can anyone give me a few VERY BASIC tips, or a good website on how to get started with very little, almost no knowledge on REAL photography.
Also, do you recommend any good programs for editing? Free or purchased, I'd like to know 
Thanks!
Hello,
first of all - that's great news, I started with a Nikon and I'm now a professional photographer.
My advice would be to take your camera with you everywhere that's practical and never use the automatic settings. These are an evil lure for the amateur photographer and you may start with the best of intentions but you're really not going to be learning anything.
Put it in 'M' mode - (Manual) and just begin by varying the shutter speed (the turny wheel, left for slower and right for faster) and see what difference extra/less light does to your photography.
You may only have one lens but this is ok, practice trying out different ways of framing a photograph. For people, I always say get in close. People tell stories quite easily, try and capture that as you're learning and you can then become more abstract as you get more adept.
I'd also urge you to invest in post-production software if you can afford it (Photoshop) or some of the free versions such as GIMP or Picasa. Then, upload your photos to flickr.com, review others' photos and start to share support, comments and feedback.
I have a photoblog and you're more than welcome to contribute comments or request an article to be written on a part of the camera that you'd like help with.
The site is http://www.whatseanwrote.com.
I wish you all the luck in the future, you're going to have so much fun with your new camera!
Wildlife Photography tips
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