Introduction
My into to photography started back in the early 2000's. I took B&W film photography in high school and learned the basics of exposure and manual controls back then, along with an introduction to composition, lighting, etc. to the extent that a 1 semester class in high school can teach you. I was using a full manual Pentax 35mm SLR camera from the 70s, so I had no assists and was forced to really learn the exposure triangle. I had a lot of fun with it, and it got me interested enough to want to keep it as a hobby long term.
Once I got out of college I picked up a used Nikon D90 DSLR and used that for a few years with the 18-105mm kit lens and a 35mm F1.8G DX lens. I went with a D90 over the typical entry level cameras because I wanted to have physical controls. Eventually I started running into the limitations of that camera (Low light and limited AF points), so I decided to upgrade to a D7000. I found a used one of those and sold my d90 off on ebay to pay for an old push-pull Nikon 80-200 F2.8 AF lens. I used that kit of equipment through the middle of 2017.
I had been starting to venture into speedlight photography and photographing people more. I feel like I was starting to develop my skills and confidence in that area (along with improving my overall skill level) when my camera started giving me problems in the summer of 2017. Mid camping trip, the D7000 started producting shots where every pixel was 100% black. Going through all the diagnosis elements ruled out anything mechanical or SD card related. It was something with the camera itself. Since this was just a hobby, we didn't have the disposable income at the time to repair or replace the camera, so it all got shelved. That's how it's been for 2 1/2 years, until now.
I just got back into the hobby with a new Nikon D610 body. I ordered it over the weekend, and it arrives tomorrow. I didn't see value in repairing or replacing the D7000 with another one in that same series. I wanted to use this opportunity to jump up to full frame, and the D610 was my target body due to price and value. I was prepared to spend $500 or so on a used body, but happened to stumble upon the bundle deals being offered that include the D610, 50mm F1.8G, Battery Grip & Wifi adapter for just under $900. I didn't have any of those items, and I had planned to get everythign but the wifi adapter anyway, so I jumped on the deal and ordered the bundle. So now I'm anxiously awaiting my new gear so I can pick up from where I left off 2.5 years ago.
For those that are intersted, here is a link to my flickr albums page. I've got some of the photographs I've captured over the years up there. Comments and Critiques are always welcome. Thanks!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/markag6/albums
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