nascar27 Loc: Kansas City, MO

I understand your feelings. As a newbie myself I came here to learn. I even posted pics from a cheap camera my first time using manual settings just to break the ice. Don't be afraid of what people might say. My experience has been totally positive and I greatly appreciate the comments from everyone at UHH as I want to learn and what better way than listening to all of the experience here. So post away and be sure to listen and incorporate what you learn into your photography and never be shy to ask a question. Good luck to you.

wylie Loc: Canada

C'mon Ken. I know you're going to plunk down an eye=popper.

Send it out here!

Bubu Loc: Out of this solar system

I suggested he try sending you guys personally for critique, or whom ever volunteers with their emails privately . That way he can receive inputs in the privacy of his mail. It's a good way to learn without being exposed if that is the matter. I am sure many would volunteer. I am also sure they are not as bad as he thinks. The worst the better, since he will learn the more! That is how it goes.

Wickspics Loc: Detroits Northwest Side. Cody High School.

kenm54 Just Post it, the very idea that photography interests you enough to feel that way is a good thing. I'm not a pro but just am happier with a camera in my hand than I am at most other times. post & let these people help;

Patriot66 Loc: Minnesota

Ken, remember that the majority of people that make a full time living from photography don't have time to come here. Not to say that we do not have many many talented people here (MT listening?) and we all started somewhere. Some of us (me me me) still don't have a clue, but it is fun anyway. Shoot 100 shots and you will find 3 you like and everytime you do this you will learn something - come in here, post and folks will help you get better. The vast majority of people in here are down right nice folk - so join the party!!

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

I quite agree. Might I also suggest Peterson's book entitiled "Understanding Composition" -- also excellent and goes a long way toward helping you understand what makes a "good picture."

rps Loc: Muskoka Ontario Canada

A few adages...
Practice makes perfect...
There is no picture so good that it can't be improved.
Study images in picture books and at exhibitions. Analyse what makes a great picture...the right moment...the right light...the right angle...the right expression.
The good thing about being an amateur is that the only person you must please is yourself. I have some pictures that I love and most others hate. If I'm satisfied, that's all I care about (although we all like compliments.) That does not excuse sloppy work. But the idea is to please yourself while always asking what you might have done differently.
A couple of basics... Almost any picture can be improved if you put a human figure in it... cropping tighter always seems to make a better shot...shots taken early or late in the day are almost always better than those at midday...fog, mist, rain or clouds can turn an ordinary scene into a magic one.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking a better camera or lens or the latest new gadget will make your pictures better. Great photos have been made with box cameras. They are tools, not toys!
Most important of all... HAVE FUN!

waterbug49307 Loc: All over, currently Big Rapids Michigan

WELCOME kenm54! You have nothing to loose - Every single person here started knowing just as much as you!

Takyo485 Loc: Planet Earth

Always be ready for a constructive criticism . That's our path
perfection.

Mudshark Loc: Illinois

KenM54...a rough bunch of hogs here...but that's a good thing. Many decades ago, I studied photography in college. Every Friday each of us would have to put our mounted prints on the wall. Then the other students and the teacher would walk up and look them over...up close and personal. Then we would take our seats and start "discussing" that person's solutions to the weekly assignment. It got really nasty at times, vicious, but over time we all got MUCH BETTER...and above all else we learned the true value of constructive criticism. It isn't a method of learning for the faint of heart or the delicate flower BUT it is a great way to move forward and learn. I think the great value of this site is one can throw your work up on the cyber wall and see what sticks, more or less anonymously....Remember, no matter what you put up...someone will find fault with it but instead of tucking your tail and wandering off into the forest, try to learn from the critique. The dirty secret is some, not all certainly, but some of the nasty comments will come from people who are actually jealous of your image....I think you will find a great many nice folks here who will give you straight poop on your pops....

fotkaman Loc: Earth

AND POST ANOTHER ONE RIGHT AFTER! :thumbup:
Nobody is going to chew you up here, the most important thing is that YOU wanna know => get better. This site will encourage you, inspire you, motivate you, make you better and better! Guaranteed! :thumbup:

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

To.... "kenm54".. I have never ever felt "shy" about letting others (Photographers) and general public see what I can do with an Image Capture.. This is how we, as Photographers Learn... From Fox Talbot to the present day, we Learn from each other.... You will find great Photographers are only just plain folks as well as artists...

So.....

Post Your Photographs and Let Us See Your Work...
This posting of yours has had a LOT of responce (into THREE Pages) ... I think that we all here are very willing to give you advice and help with any and most of what YOU desire to achive...

POST your WORK .... Please.

Might I extend the hand of Friendship to you.. ?

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Here we are at four pages of posts and you have not commented on any of the advice given to you and yet you still have not posted your photo what’s wrong with you? Are you a MAN or a MOUSE come on post the PHOTO please please. LOL!

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

LOL = (With RichardSM)...

Yep! I might add..... (in Jest)....

"BOO"!!

And I "Tripple Dog-Dare Ya, to POST"....

So There..... ;-)

bigmare

This forum is for discussion and learning -- it is not a contest to see who can post the best photo. Go for it -- you will learn from others and your photos will get better.