minniev Loc: MIssissippi

FYC is officially 2 years old. I've put in a lot of hours with you all here in our hangout, sharing pictures, ideas, and learning together.

FYC and my other online forum have helped me shape my photographic identity more than any other influence. Where I live we lack the photo clubs and photographic community available in larger cities, so you online colleagues have been my teachers, mentors, and friends. I owe you all a debt of gratitude for helping me take the next step on my journey. Because of your feedback (both positive and negative) I've become more confident, more willing to take risks, and more skilled at what I do. I still have much to learn of course, and like FYC I'm still a virtual toddler in this game, but: I had the courage to pursue an endowment grant, the good fortune to win it, and now have my first gallery show in the planning stages. I do not believe these things would have happened without you.

It seems appropriate to re-post the image that got me started on the dam birds. I posted it here, knowing it had flaws but curious because it was unusual. You encouraged me, taught me, and I listened. The dam birds (and the hundreds of dam bird shots since) now have a much wider audience, which is good for both me and for these birds. Don't ever underestimate the value of peer-to-peer learning. It is powerful stuff. So, Happy Birthday to Us! And thanks!

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Happy Birthday to us! And congratulations on your grant, Minnie. Much deserved! Your steady presence in FYC has been inspiring in many ways - not just for your talent in photography - and I've greatly appreciated your mentorship and friendship. Here's to many more years with the awesome gang that hangs out in the FYC coffee shop

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Still think this is one of your most impactful dam bird images...hooray for FYC!!!!!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Yes, Happy Birthday to us all! I learned about FYC, and was invited to join, in a pm from..........wait for it!........Billy, who was sitting in Manila airport awaiting a flight to the UK. He became the biggest critic of the members -rather than their photos - and upset many, including me, but I shall always be grateful to him for pointing the way. I hope he finds a place where people suit him.

Meanwhile, I feel very much like you Min, in the way I've progressed. My interests have started to gel now, and I sometimes deliberately don't take a photo, instead of snapping everything in sight. I'm starting to feel a direction and thank everyone that has helped me see that. FYC is a great place to be.

fuminous Loc: Luling, LA... for now...

EXCELLENT!!! Minnie - you've worked really hard and it shows. Thanks for your effort and allowing us (taking the liberty of presumptive speech) to share your journey. GOOD JOB!

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Congrats indeed Minnie!!

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

Wow two years already. That sped by awfully quickly. I have always said FYC is really a great place to hang out learn and share.

Dave Chinn

I came in at about the half way point of this 2 year span and glad I did. So much to learn from others and reading the conversations over time is a huge plus for anyone to advance their skills because of the conversations. So much better than self help books !!! FYC, is the place to be, but leave the blinders at home. There is no improvements with tunnel vision. Congratulations, Minnie and to all that are involved, including the members. Without the members FYC would be where? You know what I'm saying !!!
Dave

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

The gang is a wonderful group, and like coffee shops everywhere, has a lot of diversity. Some of us show up as soon as it opens, and stay half the day. Some pass through briefly, some come by once a week or so. Everybody has different interests, different strengths, but all of us like to share our hobby.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Thanks Frank. I still like this one too. I'm hoping it gets into the show!

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

It has been a pleasure to watch you move along your path. I know what you mean about "direction", and how having an interesting group of colleagues helped you shape it. You've found a unique way to incorporate your amazing imagination into your photography. I'm glad you got steered here too.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Thank you for these kinds words and for the help you personally have given to me on my journey. I don't think I'm alone in benefitting from this great group of colleagues. There have been suggestions here and elsewhere that critique from peers isn't useful because all amateurs can really share is opinions. Well, opinions help! They helped me find flaws I'd overlooked, suggested different options and told me what appeals to other eyes than my own. Those are the things that helped me shape my submission. So any success belongs to us all.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Thank you for that, but most of all thanks for being a part of this community and sharing your images and your ideas.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

When I did the last round of FYC statistics, I did some comparisons about members who have been here the longest. You are a WINNER Frank! You were here when the doors opened, and you're still here, offering up interesting images and interesting commentary. Thanks for that!

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Good point Dave. Tunnel vision precludes growth. Open communication offers unlimited possibilities for new ways of doing things, whether with camera or in post. You've been a huge help here, with both inspiration and tutorials about how to do some of the cool stuff you excel at in post. And we proved that (at least most) FYC folks are REAL: we met up in real life, did a two day photo shoot, and lived to tell the tale and show the evidence.