Think you need experience and an expensive camera?

[F.Gordon]

... to be a good photographer?

Think again. Check out what this young lady has done with only a few months of experience and a point and shoot camera......

http://purified.smugmug.com/

[alfredo]

1. Very good

Her portrait work is real good. The Pixie Stix was a good touch, turning what could have been a sexually suggestive image on its head.

[F.Gordon]

2. I was blown away by what this young lady has done

Since I like funky abstract stuff... the Spoon (w/reflection) shot really impressed me. I agree... her self-protrait stuff is incredible.

[alfredo]

3. All the still life is good too.

I wonder if she took art in school.

[bvar22]

4. I'm speechless.

She is a gifted artist.
She has the sight to see and capture the beauty that others overlook.

[regnaD kciN]

5. Amazing...

...it makes me wonder what I've done with thirty years of 35mm and digital experience. Rather humbling, actually.

[NJCher]

6. thanks for the encouragement

Sometimes I think I can't do much until I can afford a better camera. You've shown me otherwise.


Cher

[bvar22]

7. I feel creepy saying this, and I could be wrong,

but some of those shots (portraits especially) are technically beyond a 17 year old with just a point and shoot. Some of the portraits were done in a studio with pro-quality indirect lighting. Some others (the spoon shot) use background gradients and lighting that is beyond some pros.

I could be wrong.

Is an auto Canon Powershot capable of the settings that produced the 1" wide depth of field on the marble shot?

Like I said, I feel kinda creepy. I was blown away the first time I visited her site, but looking at her work in the light of morning, I have some doubts. I am NOT a professional, but this kind of work requires alot more than just a good eye and an auto shoot.
Maybe she just has alot of "help"?

[F.Gordon]

9. The same thoughts crossed by mind

But then.... I looked at the camera she is using:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona95/

http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/?gallery=canona95_samples/

It is very capable of producing all the photographs on her site. Checking this camera out and seeing what it can do, it'd certainly be one that I'd recommend to anyone looking to get into photography without spending a fortune.

The camera I don't question. It's her "photoshop" skills that she might be receiving assistance on, but I just think she is one of those gifted people who is a born artist. I've seen some of the original Art produced in the New York High School of Music and Art in the early 40's. 15, 16, and 17 year old artists. Amazing stuff.

...understand your doubts though. Like I said.. the same thoughts crossed my mind.

[bvar22]

10. I did a Goggle on the A95...

...after I posted the above, and this is a capable full featured digital camera. I got the impression from her site that it was a cheap auto only digital.

Canon A95
* 5 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2592x1944 pixel images
* Postcard (1600x1200) mode with 3:2 ratio for making 4x6" prints
* 3x optical 38-114mm f/2.8-4.9 zoom, 4.1x digital zoom
* 360° "vari-angle" 1.8" color LCD with up to 10x playback zoom
* Advanced TTL AiAF 9-point autofocus system
* Program AE, Shutter-speed priority, Aperture priority and Manual modes
* Movie mode w/sound, 640x480 for up to 30secs, 320x240 and 160x120 up to 3 minutes
* 2.0fps Continuous burst capture up to 14 frames
* Evaluative metering on focus point, Center-weighted or Spot options
* Stitch Assist mode for perfect panoramas
* Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
* White Balance: Auto, 5 presets or Custom
* Photo Effects: Low Sharpening, Vivid Color, Neutral, Sepia and B&W
* 15 pre-programmed creative scene modes
* Orientation sensor that automatically detects vertical or horizontal shooting
* Low-light focus assist illuminator
* Shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/2000 second
* Selectable ISO settings from 50 to 400
* Voice memo (up to 60 secs) can be attached to images
* Built-in microphone and speaker
* Powered by four standard AA type batteries
* Direct print and PictBridge Compatible
* USB connectivity for PC and Mac
* CompactFlash Type I memory cards, 32MB supplied
* Optional WP-DC50 Waterproof Case

So, the camera IS capable, and the shots are inspiring at ANY level. She also said (on her site) that this is her first DIGITAL camera, so she could have had several years of experience using another camera. If she is truly THAT talented, then take my suspicions as an extreme compliment. She is certainly beautiful (the self portraits), but unless she had a remote shutter attachment and tripod, someone else at least pushed the button.

[F.Gordon]

11. Does the camera have a timer?

I can't tell. I've taken some self-portraits with my point and shoot. And NO!!... don't even ask me to post them here. ;)

I do know that she won a contest with photo #1 in this group..

http://purified.smugmug.com/gallery/512125

Her work has been scrutinized by pros far more knowing than myself.

[bvar22]

12. I'm sure it has a timer.

Maybe I'm just feeling soooo inferior.
I would love to meet her. There are very good schools that can teach that stuff, and if she grew up in a family that had good amateur or pro parents, she could have that technical knowlege, and produce that quality.

My suspicion is an extreme compliment.

[F.Gordon]

13. You should not feel inferior

I was blown away by how quickly you picked up on the fireworks tutorial and night photography. I hope you're still pursuing it.
:thumbsup:

[Mutley]

8. She is truly talented.

This gives me hope for my own little photography hobby I have going on. Thanks for posting F.Gordon!