TTB,

While I love posting pictures I agree that is what this was about from the beginning. Lets hear more creative tips from you guys on how to take better photos.
I want to hear your thoughts on taking photos:

Indoors

Outdoors

How to work with daylight and artificial light, flashfill, bouncelight, filters, light-tents. All off what you know works best.
All I know is light is your friend when taking a picture so how do you guys handle it. Give us some tips on non-automatic exposures.
Lets get a little technical with our cameras. "F" stop=depth of field!

Best,
Warren

I disagree. I learn a lot from looking at others' photography. If you don't believe me take a gander at some of Tunefink's work and tell me that there isn't a ton of pointers to pick up.

Gary,

You are absolutely correct. My comments were misleading. I was asking for some ideas as to how others handle indoor and outdoor photos. Light always seems to be a problem. Either too much of, not enough, or the wrong source. Until recently I really struggled with indoor photos but somewhat solved this problem with a light box. This seems to work to some degree but I know there's a better way without spending a mint. Reflections and shadows are another constant challenge. Lets hear some ideas as to how you guys deal with some of these situations.

Best,
Warren

The weather has been miserable here all week but I decided that staying inside was boring so I found some icicles in the back yard. Here's two photos with different color foam board used as a backdrop. I thought it would be fun to try something different. On the dark photo I did add some enhancement to the shadows to darken the backdrop even more.

Best,
Warren

Very Cool Warren,

I like the one with the black backdrop the best.

Did you use a Macro lens or have the camera set on Macro?

Warren,
Did I inspire you to get out there?
NICE PHOTO! The black background outside works REALLY well!
Tony

Tom,

No macro lens or macro settings. Pictures were taken at about 18". Picture 1 was taken at 30mm, ISO 200, F16, 1/4 sec exposure. Picture 2 was the same settings except the exposure was 1/13 sec. I could have taken more shots but my assistant was getting cold.

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Tony,

Are you sure you weren't in my back yard today? That photo by the water looks just like the pond on my property.

Best,
Warren

No, really ... just one of the streams in Shu Swamp, Mill Neck. They discovered
a family of otters there last year. The Fish & Game people are studying them...
it's a big deal for Nassau County. Mill Neck is only about 30 miles from
Mid Town Manhattan!
Tony

Tony,

So where are the pictures of the Otters?

Best,
Warren