Too Many Good Photos

[MarkBarbieri]

I've noticed that the WDW pictures posted here have gotten really, really good. Are better photographers posting here? Are the photographers posting here getting better? Is the equipment improving that much? It seems like the typical photo posted here last year was nice but somewhat amateurish. Lately, I've been seeing postcard worthy shots popping up in all sorts of threads. I swear, if this keeps up, I'm going to be embarrased to post my pics from my next trip.

 

[mabas9395]

I have tried to help increase the overall quality of the shots posted here by posting fewer of my own. It seems to have worked.

 

[YEKCIM]

Mark-

Funny you should mention this. As I was perusing the POTD thread just this morning, I was thinking the exact same thing. The overall quality (technical as well as composition) is better than a year ago, as you say, and seems to be continuing to improve. I'm not certain why, but would suggest that maybe it's a combination of a number of factors, such as the ones you mention. Equipment surely has something to do with the tech end, but I'm continually impressed (and humbled!) with a lot of the compositions I see here, which only a good eye can produce. I think, too, that a lot of the people who post on the various DIS forums go to WDW (and elsewhere) with photography as a primary goal, not just a couple snapshots here and there, to remember your trip by. More thought and effort goes into the effort as a result. And, lastly, I think a lot of folks' editing skills are increasing, which certainly helps.

Anyway, as you point out, the overall quality of images posted has improved greatly, and we all benefit from that!

~Ed

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I cannot speak for all, but you all have attracted me here with the amazing photos you take-(Don't you dare stop for fear of embarrasment Mark!) and the help you all give : when I have needed equipment, needed advice for how to photograph a specific time day or place or just need a game to play, I've been able to come here.

I am a long time amateur that has seen my equipment and my photographs improve since I've subscribed here. (I only subscribe to the photography and trip reports forums.)

Thank you DIS for creating this forum

 

[MICKEY88]

I've noticed that the WDW pictures posted here have gotten really, really good. Are better photographers posting here? Are the photographers posting here getting better? Is the equipment improving that much? It seems like the typical photo posted here last year was nice but somewhat amateurish. Lately, I've been seeing postcard worthy shots popping up in all sorts of threads. I swear, if this keeps up, I'm going to be embarrased to post my pics from my next trip.

the day you become embarrassed to post your awesome pics, let me know, I'll post them and take credit...

 

[AndrewWG]

I've noticed that the WDW pictures posted here have gotten really, really good. Are better photographers posting here? Are the photographers posting here getting better? Is the equipment improving that much? It seems like the typical photo posted here last year was nice but somewhat amateurish. Lately, I've been seeing postcard worthy shots popping up in all sorts of threads. I swear, if this keeps up, I'm going to be embarrased to post my pics from my next trip.

Well, look at that, the timeline you give coincides with about the time I joined... hmmm.

Just kidding of course. I can say this: Since I joined, I have been inspired by yours and many others photos on here and you all have helped me in many many ways to improve my photography skils through your tireless efforts to answer questions such as "how can I get a nice low light super zoom point and shoot camera for under $200?" I am sure I asked them as have many others on this board and the core of you that answer these types of questions time and time again really amaze me. If you didn't answer these questions, none of us would learn a thing. So here is a big THANK YOU to all who have helped me improve both my photography skills and overall knowledge.

 

[handicap18]

I'd like to think it is the members that come here regularly giving out good sound helpful friendly advise, having the weekly photo contests, all the various "Show Me:_____" thread, the monthly assignments and many other threads having something to do with it.

Over the 2 years I've been coming here the daily traffic has gone up. It has been pointed out more than a few times out this being the most "friendly" photo board on the net. That alone I'm sure attracts and keeps many people here.

I will also throw a big Thank You to all those who come here and have helped me along the way. I've gained a ton of knowledge and think my photo's have improved.

The philosophy I've had when it comes to the photo assignments is to have people get out there and take pictures. Learn your camera. Learn what you can and can't do. Combine that with the talents of the people who come here and inspire us with their photos and you've got yourselves improvement. At least I'd like to think that is the way it has worked.

I don't know. No matter what, I really enjoy viewing everyone's photos. I especially enjoy seeing the improvement. Its great to be WOWed by others great photos and then try to see if I can capture it too. Most times it doesn't work, but that doesn't stop me from trying.

Keep up the great work everyone!!

 

[Amy]

Well, I know for a fact that MY photos have definitely improved since I've been hanging out here on the Photography board! And that's mostly due to those of you who post photos of what worked and what didn't work and why. Of course, most of the time your explanations go completely over my head!

But what I've found the most helpful is like Andy said.....there are a bunch of you who very patiently answer ALL questions, no matter how trivial or how many times it's been asked. Plus, those of you with all the fancy camera equipment don't look down your noses at those of us with point & shoot cameras. I feel very comfortable asking questions here, and asking questions is how you learn things!

A big Thank You from me to you!

 

[Tuffcookie]

Well, I for one, have been inspired by the work I see on this board!
I think when I see the photos posted here it makes me more critical of my work. Three years ago, I would have been intimidated to go into a camera store and pick up a camera and "play" with it. Now I love to go see the new models and try them out for size!
Although I decided in the Fall to go with the S5, I can see myself eventually taking the DSLR plunge!

TC

 

[pointandshoot]

I have just started reading this board a few months ago. I have been impressed with not only the quality and variety of photos, but also the helpfulness of the members. It has a nice mix of newbies and experienced photographers and the topics are interesting.

Not much time is spent discussing which camera maker is better. More focus on helping each other in the Disney spirit. All opinions are respected. No doubt, people are learning and sharing here and the images are improving from it. Glad I found this place!

Chuck

 

[cc1075]

The reasons the photos are so much better is because of all of you!!! I am a lurker - - but I did finally get my camera for Christmas!! Can't wait to try out everything I have learned from all of you!!

However, don't any of you quit on me - - today I had my first chance to really get the shot I have been wanting - - our new dog Jesse's old roommate came to play - - I wanted that shot so bad - - - but not to be - somehow the battery had run down. I was very disappointed, but more than embarrassed when I got home and realized the battery was in the charger.

See, you can't, any of you quit on me - I have so far to go!!

Thanks for all of your inspiration and education!!

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I agree with everyone that the pictures do seem to be getting better. And, I further agree that I think it's a testament to the friendliness of this board that is responsible for the overall increase in quality.

Like Amy, I know my own photography skills have increased since I became a regular on the DIS Photo board. There are so many good photographers here, all willing to share their tips and secrets and knowledge that it's almost impossible to NOT learn something!

 

[crazydadguy]

I enjoy the very well written how-to's that are posted through out this board. I just saw a really excellent post on cropping existing photos to get better end results, which was also really awesome. I would like to make a request to the more knowledgeable peeps here for a how-to on cropping to add drama, and another on basic shot composition. The overall knowledge base here is unbelievable!!

 

[cpbjgc]

I have been on this particular forum from pretty much the begining, and despite a few bumps, this is by far the most friendly and constructive forum on the DIS (well, maybe tied with the Canadian Trip Planning Forum ), as well as being the best photo board as far as non-partisan behaviour, especially in the last year or so. Since I started here:

• I switched my point and shoot (an S1 IS) off the "green box" to use Av, Tv and even M
• Learned about the right questions to ask to figure out the right DSLR for me (a Rebel XTi as it turned out)
• Learned about great books and web resources for photography
• Picked up some basics for image editing
• Developed a better appreciation of composition (rule of thirds, Depth of Field and selective focus, framing a shot, cropping)
• Been inspired to find my own shooting style by the many great pictures people have shared here over the years.

I am soemone who likes to read and read and read, but having the resource of this board and the people here certainly helps me to understand the concepts I read about through concrete examples.

So to echo the comments of others, thanks to all our professional and talented amateurs who share their knowledge with everyone

 

[DVC Jen]

i think everyone is just learned from and being inspired from each other... that can only be a positive thing.

 

[scoolover]

I have used this board to decide what good disney pictures look like and try to do that. Most of my good pics were ideas that other people had and I stole.

 

[El Nebuloso]

As others have stated, my pictures have improved (I hope ) in part due to my visits to these boards. Mark, you and a number of others, have provided a huge amount of support, both general and specific, to all of us who visit here. Many thanks for all of your input

 

[jann1033]

I have tried to help increase the overall quality of the shots posted here by posting fewer of my own. It seems to have worked.

hmm i haven't posted much lately either perhaps that is mark's tactful response to that

really i think many are to be commended for all the help they give, and positive peer pressure has to help some as well. it's nice to be able to post and not feel like you are going to get slammed but get some constructive help.

 

[mikamah]

I've been coming around here almost a year, shortly after my last disney trip, and have received so many helpful tips and advice from all here. I love coming here and looking at everyones pictures.

Now I am going to be studying all the threads started by Mark on how to photograph differet things in disney, and can't wait to get there in april with my xti. I took 600 pics with my point and shoot on my last trip before I found this photography board, and can't imagine how many I will take on my next trip after being inspired by the beautiful disney pics here.

Thanks to everyone here. It really is a very friendly and helpful group of people.

 

[Groucho]

I've never even looked at the PotD thread so I have no comment on that. (I can barely keep up with what goes on here, along with an occasional visit to see what's going on in the DVC forums!) But certainly I think people are learning... and it doesn't hurt that DSLRs have been dropping in price and becoming much more common. For me, even forgetting the technical advantages, the sheer feel of a "real" (or "traditional" if you prefer) camera setup, with viewfinder, focus ring, etc, inspire me much more to try to take a better photo. I have photos from visiting WDW and DL in the year or two before getting my DSLR, when I was using long-zoom PnSs, and I just wasn't trying very much.

Beyond that, we do seem to have a steadily-growing group of regulars (I guess I've been around long enough to count myself as one now!) and I think we're all learning from each other, and there's friendly competition for the really tough shots, like on-ride HM and PotC shots, SpectroMagic, etc.