in most cases, you have to have that 700 dollar one...even with photoshop. To be a successful photographer, you must have an understanding of shutter speeds and aperatures. Otherwise, you will always be at the mercy of your camera and all you can say is that YOUR CAMERA takes great pics.

about the shyness.....be like Nikey and Just Do It. In most cases, you will not get in trouble. but use common sense. don't tr5esspass for a shot. Don't photograph strangers in compromising positions and in this day and age, always ask permission before shooting a child. But be aware that you as the photographer do have the right to shoot in public because people in the public have no legal right to an expectation of privacy. If you go to a carnival, shoot people on the rides or getting food or whatever you want. Some may ask what the pics are for, most will not. But all of that comes with experience and just learning where and when you can go.
 

As long as you are respectful of people's boundaries just grab your camera and head out to downtown.

Personally, I wouldn't get onto peoples' properties w/o permission and if you shoot cars & bikes, ask permission if the owner is around. If they aren't, be sure you edit out the license plate numbers. Taking photos of strangers - either keep a decent distance (to where they are not recogniseable) or ask permission, especially if you are planning on putting the work on the net.

Your camera is as good as any to get started with photography. Find those cool shots and take them.
On techniques, you will have to experiment and since you're Photoshopping, this will help you a lot with the eye popping. There are some folks here on MS that offer free editing, too. Good luck.
 

thank you!!! i actually like my little simple camera and photoshop. (keeps me away from the kids nagging at me. haha). im going to stick with my kids and husband as subjects. and maybe do some downtown shots. zilker park and the gardens. theres always flowers to take pics of.
 

You gave me a good idea, thanks!
 

Yes I agree with this as well but would like to also add that when I take shots of people and they are recognizable I will make them artsy so as to not be able to be recognized! I have some shots in my artsy folder that are candid shots of people and I just gave them a chaulk opaque effect! Still really neat images though! ;D

It also helps to have business cards on hand to give to people when you take pics of them! I first take the picture and then I approach them give them my card as I introduce myself and ask their permission if they say no I delete the image of them! Generally speaking though when shooting people from a distance in a PUBLIC place is just fine as long as it is a distant shot and not zomming in on them! ;D
 

It don't matter what type of camera you got. What matters is how well you socialize with people in public places. You got to be very customer Service Oriented to be dealing with the public or they will just simply walk over you and try to get free prints from you. I started out with a Polaroid camera. I would be going to night clubs on weekends to sell photos of the people who are at the clubs. I would come home with $350.00 per night selling Polaroid's prints and with that money I ended up buying my First camera.
My First SLR camera was the OLMPUS OM1 and Boy did I started making money with that camera.
 

thats an awesome question, I would have loved this up yesterday. I live in a small town, around the mojave desert and there is only so much you can do here, hardly any flowers, people events nothing. SO I was practicing my DOF skills but wanted something "pretty with colors do them with, so I bravely took my nikon out to albertsons and I felt like a nerd sneaking for some shots! LOL
I would whip out my camera when no one was looking and shoot away and then when someone walked by I quickly hid it!!! But in the end I didn't get caught and all went well. I got some pretty good shots and am satisfied that I just sucked it up and DID IT! I guess sometimes you got to be a sneaky little ninja! LOL this was very helpful though what a wonderful question!
 

PS. i TOO STARTED OFF WITH A SIMPLE CAMERA, AND I USED EVERY SETTING OUT OF THAT LITTLE GUY BUT STILL WASN'T GETTING THE CLARITY I NEEDED ESPECIALLY IN LOW LIGHT SETTINGS THE CREATIVITY WAS THERE BUT THE CAMERA WASN'T MEETING MY STANDARDS OF QUALITY, IT WAS A SONY CYBER SHOT. FINALLY GOT A NIKON TWO MONTHS AGO AND NOTICE A HUGE DIFFERENCE, SATISFACTION COMPLETE! i STILL NEED TO PRACTICE MORE BEFORE I CAN COMPARE MYSELF TO THE BIG DOGS IN HERE!!!!! LOL ;O)
 

I also use a CanonPowershot . And yes, you need people's permission if they are recognizable. However it can help when shooting generally in public to do a few things.

One is to set your cameras settings and think and compose your shot without the camera sticking out from your face :) and then take the photo quickly when you know what you want.
Another is to "shoot from the hip". This works the same way but you never lift the camera to your face. You need to know your camera well and is much easier on an old SLR where you can set estimated distances by looking at lens, but can still work with a new little one. Use your focus lock and exposure lock and know how to do it without looking.
And performers or buskers in public probably need your donation before you take pics.
Be very careful near playgrounds and pools (not allowed in pools), even if taking pictures of your own kids....children are vulnerable and never do it without asking permission of a parent; mother bears are dangerous.
What I have learned is that you can take picutres of buildings if you are not on their property. However, many shopkeepers will ask you not to take pictures of their storefronts. And be aware if your shot may be seen as a security risk, ie., back entrances etc. Inside public places does not always mean that you can, and you may ask first in order to feel comfortable or just do it and wait to find out.

You have an advantage with over a SLR because your camera is small and discreet and people tend to feel less threatened than with a huge lens. Night shots are easier since you will feel less vulnerable to theft.

Just go and do it and you will begin to feel more confident and comfortable. good luck and have fun!
 

thank you ali. im still trying to figure out the focus and exposure locks on my camera. im going to stick with my kids as subjects, old street signs and happenings with my kids. shooting from the hip. im going to try it. i also have a few friends that can let me use them as subjects. i am going into downtown austin this weekend to take pics of 360 and the road or street that looks down to the capital. (i know...cliche) cause everyone has that in their profiles. thank you!!