Most of us have a couple of shots that we are really proud of. It might be an incredible shot of a storm or it could be a portrait that just came out perfectly.

Unfortunately for many of us, these gold shots are few and far between. Sure, we can get the occasional brilliant photo, but we find it hard to put together time after time. Don't worry, most of us have the same problem!

The thing is that by taking your time with a few basic skills, you can greatly increase the chances that you are going to increase your average for getting that great shot. The funny thing is that none of these skills are particularly difficult.

Tonight's Workshop: Where should I invest my money in photography?

If you think that finding a good SLR camera is tough, try to find the best digital SLR lens to go with it. If you felt there were plenty of cameras to choose from, the number of available lenses is going to be overwhelming. Digital SLR lenses come in all manner of shapes and sizes, and vary massively in price. Some are built for the demanding needs of professionals and others are just right for the everyday snapshot photographer. Faced with all these alternatives, what's a newcomer to the world of SLR photography to do?

Tonight we are explore the world of lenses - primes, zooms, macros, special lenses. We will discuss the various lenses available and help you decide what you really need.

Got your wishlist printed and ready to go? Fantastic! Now let's go find you the best digital SLR lens.

Skills level: The concepts discussed in this workshop are basic elements of photography, but the discussions may get in depth.

This is a hands-on workshop and a camera is required. Please bring your camera and your questions. If you have not used your camera in awhile, or your camera is new to you, please bring along the users manual.

Keep those shutters snapping.

• 
  Jerry

  It's another full workshop. Be sure to keep your RSVP current so others may attend as well.

  Posted Jan 11, 2010 at 1:49 PM
• 
  Jerry

  I'm looking for examples of various lenses. If you have some extra lenses to bring in and pass around, please do so.

  Posted Jan 11, 2010 at 2:26 PM
• 
  Dave

  Considering the possibility for bad weather (sleet / freezing rain), is it possible this would be rescheduled? If so, how would we find out? (this would be my first UT meetup).
  Thanks,
  Dave

  Posted Jan 20, 2010 at 1:29 PM
• 
  Jerry

  I'm watching the weather but I don't think it will be bad enough to cancel the workshop. If it gets worse than forecasted, then I will re-assess on Thursday. If there is a lot of interest in this topic, or the class gets postponed, I will definitely reschedule a second round for this workshop.

  Posted Jan 20, 2010 at 5:34 PM
• 
  Jerry

  If you haven't been to the Reston Library, it is very near the Reston Town Center. There is plenty of parking in the front. The only door open after hours will be to the right of the main entrance. There are open windows near the door and classroom, so we should be able to see you.

  Posted Jan 20, 2010 at 5:37 PM
• 
  Jerry

  The presentation and handout were posted in the Files section. Sorry, I didn't have the handout last night to pass around.

  Posted Jan 22, 2010 at 9:18 AM
• 
  John Eppler

  Great session, we covered a lot of ground. I liked the format and the presentation. Looking forward to more meetups!

  Posted Jan 22, 2010 at 10:47 AM
• 
  Tatyana

  Thank you all for the participation and Jerry for a great presentation. So much to learn! Looking forward to seeing everyone at the future events.

  Posted Jan 22, 2010 at 11:24 AM