In 1999 I acquired my first digital camera, a one megapixel Kodak point-and-shoot model.Though the image quality was"iffy", the ability to quickly review and critique my photos allowed me to refine my efforts much more quickly than over the previous twenty five years while I was using film.

I now shoot with a variety of cameras including the supurb Fugifilm S3 and S5(with a variety of Nikkor lenses). Fujis typically have gorgeous color rendition,and a wide dynamic range which is extremely useful for landscapes at sunrise and sunset, or in bright sun/shade situations.

A Olympus E-510, which with it's "kit" lenses gives me a relitively inexpensive lightweight SLR with excellent image quality, 10 Mps resolution and image stabilization. This makes it ideal for use while backpacking and paddlesports.

A Nikon D2x is useful for its incredible speed, extremely high resolution and sturdy build. I find that a 9 MP Fuji e900 (shot in RAW format) also works as a lightweight choice for landscape work. I also use a tiny Fuji F-31 which has shockingly good picture quality for its size, and has the ability to shoot at high ISO setting with little noise.

A good tripod and head (I use Manfrotto and Gitzo products) are worth almost as much to the quality of your photos as a camera upgrade. Don't forget the remote release, which helps to minimize camera movent when the shutter is tripped.

You might assume that digital imaging would give one the ability to rather severely alter and improve these photos. In fact it does. For the most part, however the editing process in my "digital darkroom", has been limited to adjusting the exposure and the sharpness.

Occasionally it is useful to “tweak” the color balance. In general, the processing of these photos is similar to that done in a custom photo lab.

There has been a similar revolution in the art of photographic printing. Several years ago Epson developed a line of dedicated photo printers that are capable of results that rival the quality of more traditional “wet” printing methods. We now use the highest inkjet technology available, using Epson papers and pigment based inks. This produces visually stunning archival prints, that are light fastness rated at between 80 and 200 years when mounted ( of course) under glass, and out of direct light.

Photography, in the last ten years has undergone a revolution which makes its many joys available to more and more people. You can now by a high quality digital camera for as little as $199 US, or $500 US for an excellent digital SLR. Grab one and get started. You too will be hooked!