Hello there to all...

This is my first journal entry and I would just like to say that I think this site is awesome! It has tons of really neat and creative pics and art. I love it and my hats off to all of you talented people on here!

Now a little about myself... I am an amateur photographer with a passion for the art. I have been taking pictures for a long time... but most of which are of my kids and ex... (both of which are not for this site). Life for me is very busy and very Good. I have great kids and a couple of awesome jobs. I find the hobby of photography to be a nice way to relax and just switch gears for a little while though... maybe just a bit of a Walter Mitty!? So... recently I purchased Canons' Rebel XTi and have been having some fun learning... This is my first digital SLR and I am starting to explore a little more of the controls. So far I have been moderately impressed... I made the assumption that I would be able to use my EOS lenses from my 35mm Rebel... (I know... Never assume anything!) anyway, the camera does a great job on a tripod... but I like to be mobile. I am going to try a monopod first... and then if I still want better... I may invest in Canons nicer image stabilizer lenses $$$ !

Some of my favorite pics are landscapes... I love the mountains... sunsets... sunrises... water... (both calm and moving) and greenery. (is that a word?) well anyway I think you get the pic! This time of year is especially pretty when things start turning green again... they have a special tone to them and it makes the pics look more fresh... it can make a really nice bright green background... a color range that is harder to find, in later months.

Exploring the digital side of the house with colors... collages... montages... is very cool and I have much to learn here... but it is fun traveling down these roads. Another aspect of photography I enjoy, is Body Paint... this seems to be everywhere and the creative possibilities are just endless. It is really cool, and really artistic... very fun! Body paint seems to be the modern day equivalent of the older Pin-up's and Nose Art. Classy, Sexy, and Flirtatious! Black and White photos are also a favorite. They too are very classy and elegant and are well suited for Glamour and in particular, the Fine Art side...

Well I am gonna wrap up my first entry, but I just want to say a big Thank You! to all the great artists on here and I am really looking forward to the road ahead.

Chris