Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

I was thinking today about what a difference the Internet has made on photography. I'm a newbie to photography and if there was no internet it would have made it much more difficult for me to learn about photography. I live in a relatively small town and the nearest camera store is 50 miles away. There is a community college in this town but in the 2 years since I began this journey they haven't offered any photography classes at all. They are partners with another comm. college 40 miles away that has offered them, but they were night classes during the winter so I was reluctant to sign up considering the weather we can get around here. This left me with few options besides the internet. Yes, there is a camera club in town which I visited but wasn't too excited by what I saw upon my visit.
So, I have this huge resource right in my own home called the internet. I can log on and be instantly connected with thousands of photographers with a ton of experience. As a UHH member I can log on and ask a question which will be answered with as many different opinions as there are grains of sand in the desert but normally within a day have the right answer.
As a member of UHH and Viewbug I connect with thousands of other photographers and am challenged, inspired and encouraged daily with an opportunity to view tens of thousands of incredible photos.
All of this is made possible in this small town in Iowa due to the internet.

Walt

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Walt, one of my first discoveries on the web was the incredibly talented people who live in places I could only dream of visiting. With the web those people have shared their creative art, their homes, and their advice and insight.

In addition, I've made more personal contact with some by phone, and person emails. In addition, people like yourself have become acquaintances and I've thoroughly enjoyed that.

It is also quite satisfying to see the posts of people like yourself and how those posts have improved over time. The web is a pretty awesome place to hang out.
--Bob

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Thank you for sharing! S-

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Whuff, the Internet has changed the face of education, no matter what the subject matter. By all means, keep using it.
BUT, from my personal experience, it can not replace sitting in a classroom.
I suggest you sign up for those JC classes and take it as it comes. It would be better to miss a few classes because of weather than to not take them at all because of what MIGHT be. It's too easy to miss life because of what MIGHT be.
I've been taking classes now for 3 years but I'm luckier than you. CA weather never gets that bad and my JC is only one mile from my house!!
I encourage you to sign up! :thumbup:
SS

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Obviously the internet is a huge resource. But don't forget, before the internet there was the public library. And still is. I rarely buy photography books, as my local public library system carries many titles on photography history and technique. Add to that the photography book collection at the university libraries, and I have a lifetime of reading and learning available to me for free. One big advantage of the internet is immediate access to the latest product news as well as the ability to easily communicate with fellow photographers without the need to join a club.

Genessi Loc: SoCal

Like you Whuff, I am also newbie and have started to read and watch photography videos on the internet..Being a member Of UHH has been a blessing (these folks have all the answers)But I must challenge myself to learn and push myself..There are opportunity times also here and there, For instant today I went to do volunteer work at the Pomona fair In the farm area and the thoroughbred horses were working out so I got in a little practice. I remembered to take my camera!! I am looking to join a camera club now that I know a little more..I love that you can save internet material to your reading list on iPad if you want to go over it again..Yes the internet is fantastic!!

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

You've brought up a subject that I failed to mention - that of the ability to be transported through photographs to far away places, and they to ours. Thanks for your thoughts on the subject.

Walt

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

Like it says....just some random thoughts.

Walt

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

SS - I know they'll eventually have a class here. I keep watching and I'll sign up as soon as they do.

Walt

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

You're correct about the library. A terrific resource.

Walt

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

This is the whole thing isn't it? To challenge yourself and push yourself. That's how we learn and improve. Keep up the good work.

Walt

MarkD Loc: NYC

I agree that the internet is a great resource for information on photography and almost anything else. A problem though is that there is also a lot of bad information and conflicting information on the net. One has to know the reliability of the source, but that's true for all sources of information.

GPS Phil Loc: Dayton Ohio

A very insightful, well thought out statement Walt. It is appreciated on this end. I have found photography to be a never ending learning experience, and this forum has been a large part of it. I have gained many friends here, and have even had the opportunity to meet a few. I am surprised, and sometimes astounded at the doors that have opened, and the people that have came into my life because of something that I love as much as photography.
Again, thanks!!!

Phil

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

That's absolutely true Mark and as far as this thread is concerned I was strictly thinking of photography and what affect it has had on my progression in it.

Walt

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

I've met some really nice folks here as well and although I haven't met any in person yet I have received an open invitation if I'm ever in the area of one I'm not all that far from so it's not out of the realm of possibility that we'll someday get together.

Walt

Walt