Early in 2001, I decided to investigate digital photography after using a basic model at work. I invested in a Kodak DC4800 Zoom Digital (of the compact type - similar to a standard, point and shoot, 35mm compact but with more control).
I found this quite exciting and some fun came back into the hobby. The big difference was the ability to enhance and modify my pics later on my computer (currently using Adobe Photoshop 6). A lot of experimentation followed - mainly with live music shoots at The Marr's Bar, Worcester. Some excellent results came about with outdoor promotional shoots etc., but I soon found that the compact form had its limitations when trying to shoot my chosen subjects which were usually badly lit (with muti-coloured lighting) and constantly moving. Many great pics were obtained with this format but, I soon became hungry for better quality and more control in the often challenging conditions of live music venues. I tried a new addition to my armoury, an off-camera, bracket mounted flashgun in an attempt to get more light onto the subject matter. A degree of improvement was obtained - but, still not what I wanted!!
My next buy and current hardware was a Canon EOS D30 Digital SLR (now my pride and joy!). 
This was accompanied by a Canon 28-135mm Zoom Lens (plus existing Canon 35-70mm from my original SLR hardware). These together with another off-camera flash unit (not dedicated) gave me almost what I had craved for - the majority of photos on my web site have been taken with this kit. It doesn't take much to see the difference in picture quality and sharpness. Of course, the type of subjects that I am trying to capture still provide many challenges but at least now what you see is very much what I shot! Occasional cropping is still required, but hardly ever.
I now try more shoots without flash as I have always hated the washing out effect and the harshness of flash photography. I experimemt, in the given low light conditions, pushing 1600asa to 6400asa - trying to get unusual colours, shooting from back of stage into the stage lighting, zooming and panning shots - just to see how they look. The beauty of digital photography is that because it doesn't actually use film, any dross that I take can be erased at no cost other than my pride and energy.
Gradually, I've built up some good relationships with many bands and artists and have been commissioned for several shoots specifically for them rather than just for me. Many bands have requested posters from my pics - this became a new challenge for me; a challenge which I also felt quite happy to take on. Although quite time consuming the results can be quite rewarding. Some of the results are on my web pages - more will follow!
2004 saw the introduction of the nifty and lightweight, Fujifilm, FinePix S5000 into my armoury. This tends be be used as backup for the EOSD30.
Thank you for your time, patience and interest.
Toxic Pete
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