Hey (Total Newb )

hey all recently started photograhy about 6months ago with a fujifilm finepix compact camera n i decided about 4 months ago i loved taking pictures and getting creative with my pictures i purchased a Canon 450d with a 18-55mm is lens and i recently bought a canon battery grip + battery also a canon speedlite 430ex ii flash i take pictures of wide range of subjects keeping a open mind to what i should try focus my self in

i currently have done animals but now moving in to the modfyed car scene and female models taking pictures on cars and also in locations for fasion and portaite shots ? i was wondering weather anyone had any useful tips for my self weather to do with must have gear or must do techniques i am looking to get a EW-60C lens hood for my lens also a bounce flash diffuser

would appreachiate any help at all

this is some of my work hope you enjoy

http://www.flickr.com/​photos/granny-media

Welcome to POTN.

Try starting here, have a look:
https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=1222725&p​ostcount=5

Welcome to the forums, and to the great hobby and profession that is photography.

I looked at your flickr, and the first thing that comes to mind is that I don't believe your a senior citizen with grandchildren. If you are though, more power to you!

A few thoughts:

1) On the forums, the home page lists categories for various questions on equipment and skills sets.

2) Try to focus your question on specific goals or challenges, and place it in the appropriate category. Some of the most helpful folks here "hang out" in specific categories, and won't see an misfiled post.

3) Generic "help me get better" posts get generic answers, many of which may not be helpful. A better strategy would be to take a single photo, post it, and ask for critique and analysis. Lots of folks shoot cars and babes, so you'll improve quickly!

4) It may seem silly, but good grammar and spelling go a long way around here. If people feel like you took your time with a post, they will take better care with an answer.

5) And finally, my advice. When you post to Flickr or any public display of your work, only show your absolute best work. Many photographers around here that you will come to admire will shoot hundreds of photos to get just one image that rocks. People will respond better to your work when you put only your best out there, and if will help them offer you better advice when they know what you think is a grade A effort.

Hope this helps -- Cheers!

Hi granny, welcome to POTN!

granny wrote in post #7330326
hey all recently started photograhy about 6months ago with a fujifilm finepix compact camera n i decided about 4 months ago i loved taking pictures and getting creative with my pictures i purchased a Canon 450d with a 18-55mm is lens and i recently bought a canon battery grip + battery also a canon speedlite 430ex ii flash i take pictures of wide range of subjects keeping a open mind to what i should try focus my self in

i currently have done animals but now moving in to the modfyed car scene and female models taking pictures on cars and also in locations for fasion and portaite shots ? i was wondering weather anyone had any useful tips for my self weather to do with must have gear or must do techniques i am looking to get a EW-60C lens hood for my lens also a bounce flash diffuser

would appreachiate any help at all

this is some of my work hope you enjoy

http://www.flickr.com/​photos/granny-media

Wow, all that and only one punctuation mark?!
But seriously, you're off to a good start. I'd consider hittin' the library and doing some more research on composition. Your technique seems pretty solid so far. Yeah, we'd prefer to see that gallery trimmed down quite a bit.

Good luck!

Greetings, granny!

Light, light, light! There are sub-groups here for both shooting cars and for flash photography, and these things go together hand-in-glove for what you are doing -- great lighting can make all the difference. Spend some time browsing those groups and post some shots there with your questions. This place is filled with useful people!