I thought it would be cool to start a thread for all of the amateur or would-be amateur photographers out there. I just started a few months ago with my first "real" camera, a Nikon D60. I'm still in the very early stages of just learning how the camera works, and I bought an instructional DVD to show me what the different features of the camera are and how to use them. I've never taken any classes or anything, but I've always been interested in photography and thought this was a good time to teach myself.

So, share your pics, what kind of cameras you use, and let's help each other be better photographers! Please don't spam this thread with random images you didn't take yourself or that are just complete jokes, I actually want to see pictures that people are proud of and took their time with. If you're a professional photographer, feel free to chime in with criticisms and tips as well!

My hardware:

Nikon D60 with 17-55 2.8 and a 50mm 1.8g

I shoot in RAW and process images with Lightroom 2 64-bit. That's it, I don't use photoshop or anything.

I'm interested in getting into macro photography and doing HDR stuff, but I'll work on that later once I get the basics down. Here are a few shots I thought were decent. I have a strange tendency to hold the camera at a slight angle so most of the time I end up having to crop & rotate my pics, but I'm working on it.

I really like the bank and giraffe shots. They appeal to me in a weird way, they're just super nice to look at. 
 
Also that last picture intrigues me...deeply.

yea man that last pic is sick

wow those are so nice.  I'll post some of my random pictures from camping trips and whatnot once I get them uploaded...

Dam you. I wish i had a camera but there is no way for me to justify spending money on something i know i will never use. One day maybe.

The giraffe one is very nice. 
 
That last one is great too, for a few reasons.

My phone: LG's enV.

DOUBLE HATE!/Nice pics brah.

" Dam you. I wish i had a camera but there is no way for me to justify spending money on something i know i will never use. One day maybe. "

Uploading*** These were taken with my cell phone a Samsung Omnia.

I'm pretty sure you've posted that picture of your girlfriend in the hoodie at least 5 times this week.

" I'm pretty sure you've posted that picture of your girlfriend in the hoodie at least 5 times this week. "

ok here are some random photos of mine that I chose.

" @DOUBLESHOCK: That last one is amazing, it looks like it belongs in a magazine. "

A few more... 
 

I use a Nikon D40. Haven't been able to afford any new lenses so I just have the kit lens (18-55mm) for now. I like just about any kind of photography but I tend to do more macro stuff than anything.
 

" @expletive:  Excellent photography.   I like the photo of the boston hat with the blue sunglasses on your flickr page.  What post-production program was used?  Great color saturation! "  

Man, I need a new camera. These photos are showing me how out of date mine is :(

All I have is the camera on my LG enV2. These are from a trip to Multnomah falls

@MB: 
You know this thread is awesome and showing some great talent so I can't let it go away that easily! 
Here's my selection:  
 

Well I did get a new camera a few weeks ago which is collecting dust, I might as well do something with it. I live in the middle of nowhere though so don't expect anything spectacular.