Thanks.

[NateNLogansDad]

I really wanted to take a minute and say thank you to the guys and gals who hop on here every day and answer the same questions that all of us new people have asked at one time or another and have continued to help us improve both our skills, and the mindset we have when taking our next shot. From the tutorials posted as sticky's at the top of the page, to your opinion on the newest person asking about a point and shoot they are thinking about buying, what you say really makes a difference to those of us lacking in experience.

When I first stumbled across this section, I was intrigued by a trip report someone had posted. She had excellent pictures to share and my jaw dropped when I found out she didn't use her flash at night! I figured that wasn't possible! After all, I used a flash and my pictures weren't as good as those. It just didn't make sense. She gave me some tips and pointed me towards the photography section. After reading some posts, I started asking about what kind of filters do I need for my P&S to get better night shots

You guys and gals here really have inspired me deeply and I really want you to know that. I've moved on from the P&S days (where my bridge camera was so HUGE,) to my first DSLR and 3 lenses in what looks like a small backpack for a camera bag. Suddenly the bridge camera is "cute" because it fits in the palm of my hand

I know I'm babbling alot but this weekend I really had an awesome opportunity to participate in a family picture that involved well over 100 people. It was excellent! The photographer had married into the family and was "volunteered" to take the pictures. I was able to help him out and shadow him at the same time with my own camera. I posted my pictures on facebook to share with the family and I’ve gotten so many compliments, my head won’t fit in my hat anymore. Best of all, the photographer and I met at a family party the next day. He saw the pictures I posted and was very impressed himself. No, he’s not putting me on his payroll just yet, but we did talk for a while about photography as a whole. Even though he never been here, I accredited everything I know to the good people on this board.

I know I still have many things to improve on, and I’m sure I’ll still ask the occasional off the wall question, but I hope you all know that every comment, and every piece of advice, is extremely appreciated.

Thank you.

Rob

 

[YesDear]

Rob

For someone who has carried a camera around for years and has hung out around here for several years, I do not know that I have given you any advise that would be worthwhile, but it is really fun to see a new person find this board and grow as a photographer. While I would not use any names, you can tell when a new person has really gotten the bug and they are clamoring for info and hints.

To me what is great about this board is that most who come here are very friendly and willing to share without extreme egos. I now consider several on this board friends and have met them and gotten to know them away from here!

When I was first learning photography a pro told me that a camera needed food (film) to survive! That meant you had to get out there and take pictures. The great thing about digital is that the food is now very cost effective. So keep taking pictures and pay attention to what you are doing and you will see your images improve. It will seem like suddenly your snapshots will turn into wows.

Congrats on how enjoying a great hobby!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Another thing we have going for us now a days is the post processing aspect, for those of us who don't yet get it right on the first try every time I think about it all the time, how we really do have it made compared to 15 years ago......

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My story is similar. I found the inspiration and support I always wanted/needed [to learn better photography] but never had, here.

Everyone here has always been so good about sharing their vast knowledge and experience, it's a great group of people.

 

[DawnM]

Another thank you from me.

I have not only gathered info from all of you helpful and knowledgeable folks, but you have inspired me to move off the green square on my DSLR and venture out a bit!

Dawn

PS: You are also encouraging me to spend more $$.....;-)

 

[mom2rtk]

I feel exactly the same way. I can't believe how helpful everyone is, answering the same questions over and over without the slightest bit of impatience or judgment.

Many thanks for all the "lightbulb" moments this past year!

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

I have to say thanks as well!

 

[lov2b@disney]

Joining in on the thank you! I spent many hours lurking on here before I took the plunge and got my first dslr! Now spend time soaking up all your knowledge and improving my pictures!

Thanks for all the advise and for sharing your beautiful work!

 

[Twigs]

I have to add my thanks as well. I don't post a lot, but I have learned most of what I know from these boards. I got my biggest compliment from several people recently, when after looking at the spring track journal I put together for my son's team, they couldn't tell my pics from the "professional amateur" photographer that takes pics of all of our sports teams. This man is a retiree that volunteers to take photos of all school events, his pictures are awesome, he gives the pics to anyone who wants to use them.