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All of the photos on my blog are taken with my Nikon D40. 
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I've had my camera since 2007.  I've always enjoyed taking photos and upgraded to a DSLR a few weeks before a cruise to Alaska.  I shot with the kit lens (Nikon 18-55mm) for the first two years of owning the camera - and I might add, on Auto!  Now I shoot mostly in Aperture Priority mode (A on Nikons) and 99% of the time do not use a flash.
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{ Alaska, 2007; one of the first shots with the D40 }
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{ another from Alaska }
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The lens I use 95% of the time is the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX.  For a review of this lens click here.  I love this lens and since purchasing my photography has really changed. 

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Photos using this lens:

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{ St. John, 2010 }

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{ St. Thomas, 2010 }

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{ World's Cutest Brother, Summer 2009 }

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I also own a Nikon 55-200 VR.  This is a zoom lens and is great for action or sports shots.  I don't use it often but I think it's a great lens.  Read a review here.

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An action shot with the 55-200:

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{ World's cutest Brother, Fall 2009 }

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Here's another shot with the 55-200 zoomed in:

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To edit my photos I use GIMP.  GIMP is a free photo editing program that was recommended to me by my IT specialist at work.  I use Photoshop at work and GIMP is set up in a similar way so it is fairly easy for me to use.  Normally, all I do to edit my photos is boost the brightness or contrast.  To download a free version of GIMP click here.

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One of my favorite sites for photography inspiration is Karen Russell.  Check out her blog, Snapshots of a Good Life right here.

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For camera gear recommendations and reviews I like Ken Rockwell.  Visit his site here.

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