Thanks for the Dorset link - wonderful photos. Love the very first one!

Very enjoyable...thanks for the link.

MarciaMarciaMarcia, I have the "old" Canon EOS digital rebel 300D (their first digital model) and would recommend setting the ISO to 800, maybe use tv mode. An ISO of 1600 is usually pretty grainy. And try to use a tripod, monopod, lean against something, anything that will help you hold very still. Hope that helps!

Hi everyone, it's Neil here. Thought it was about time I registered so I can thank you all for your comments and answer a few questions.

MarciaMarciMarcia, most of the night shots were taken on a 30D which is pretty good with noise compared to the 350D. Most were at ISO 800, even 1600 on some.

I was also using a 24-70 f2.8 lens so it's pretty good in low light. If you want a really fast lens for not much money try the 50mm 1.8 prime. It's a bargain and great quality.

I took all of them in AV (Aperture Priority) mode. If I was hand-holding then I was on f2.8 all the time. Where possible I looked for something to perch the camera on and could then widen the aperture to maybe f8 for greater depth of field.

One other thing - I took everything in RAW. It gives you much greater flexibility to 'rescue' shots that aren't exposed perfectly.


Travelfan1, sorry you couldn't see the pictures. Try upgrading to the latest version of flash from adobe http://tinyurl.com/zgkz2

wow, great photographs. I enjoyed the trip report too - very well done, the remarkable work and effort you put into it shows.

kk21 and Ranarama, thanks so much! Those tips are very helpful. I will get out there and practice. My challenge is always to keep it steady because I don't want to lug around the tripod everywhere. Again, great shots!

So beautiful! Thanks for posting and bringing back amazing memories from these 2 amazing cities!

Layla

I have to add just one more thing. I have many favorites but if I had to pick a winner it would be the man and the little barefoot fellow in Florence. If you entered it in one of those vacation photo contests, my money would be on you! Just precious!!

quiUK (and husband),
Absolutely LOVED the photographs of Italy! Your husband is a great photograper! quiUK, enjoyed your trip report--please continue!!!

I loved the pictures of Venice. My heart aches to go back and spend more time there.

I have just viewed your photos - the set taken in New York, especially Grand Central Station, are stunning. Have not yet been to N.Y. but get the feel just by seeing your pics.

Stunning. Going next year and you have made me very excited.

do you ever use a digital and if so, what are your recommendations?

I've always just had film, but am starting to think about taking the leap.

Didn't expect this thread to be coming back up after all this time! Thanks again for the comments everyone.

Bashamj - all my photos are taken on digital cameras but I can't really recommend anything without knowing what your budget is. I use a Canon but Nikon make equally good cameras for similar money...unless you're fortunate enough to have £4500 to spend on a 1Ds Mk11 in which case there's no choice!

Stunning photos, Im getting very excited about Florence now! ticking off the days

Didn't see the photos the first time around. They are wonderful. Made me want to catch a plane and get back there so I could try some of your angles and ideas. And you use light and shadows so well. Do you go out early in the morning? Do you have two cameras - to do the B&W and colour or edit that at home? How much editing do you find you end up doing and what software do you use? My favourites are the balloons and gondoliers having a break in Venice, and inside the dome in Florence. Well done!

Absolutely fabulous photos! =D> =D>