Greetings from Washington....the State!

[coachteeter]

Coach Teeter here, from Sedro-Woolley, Washington. I have used film SLR cameras in the past, but have just purchased my first digital SLR, the Pentax K7. It will arrive in the mail tomorrow, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. I have been using a digital point and shoot from Olympus for the past several years. I'm anxious to begin pursuing photography as an art.

I plan to shoot outdoor landscapes, hopefully getting some great shots to display on the walls of my home. I also would like to begin taking some portrait shots for family & friends. If you have any suggestions on lighting etc. for a beginner, that won't break the bank, I'd be happy to hear suggestions.

Glad to be a part of the Pentax family!

PS: The user name is because I coach high school football. (-:

[Ash]

G'day Coach.
Congrats on getting the K-7 - you will find a whole new world of photographic opportunity open up for you with this little beast.

Portraiture demands a lens that has the ability to separate the subject from its background (a large aperture) - a most highly recommended lens to fit the bill is the Pentax FA 50 f/1.4. It's cheap (relatively), but very good.

As for lighting, just as with portraiture, there is quite an art and a science to making all elements come together to produce a fine portrait. I'd suggest you start with some books (like Brian Peterson's "Understanding Exposure") and online tutorials (such as on this forum) to get you started on the fundamentals.

For example start with:
"Understanding Exposure" by Peterson and taking pics with my Kit Lens
Exposure: Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO
What is Focal Length
Learning basic photographic techniques

Hope you enjoy your time here.

[eaglem]

Welcome to the forum, glad to have you aboard.