PicGirl Loc: Indiana

I'm just the same....feeling a bit intimated by the skill level...I have so much to learn....but I do love catching that special moment.....!

angelrosee03 Loc: Griswold, CT

Hi PicGirl, I think we may have found a great place for guidance here : )

alaskanfrog Loc: Alaska

Hey Luvphotos,

just FYI, this isn't a contest of any sorts, by any means. What this is I believe, is a place where photographers of all skill levels come to meet to share ideas and thoughts on the topic of photography. Many of us who are uninformed about various aspects of photography, come here seeking solutions to problems, advice on how to correct photo problems, and some of us even seek critique about our photos.

Once in a while we will get into some technological bantering, but it doesn't mean that we're better than anyone. I think it's a healthy way for all of us to express ourselves as photographers. At the same time, we' share our knowledge about photography and we are often times, rewarded by learning something new about this subject that we may not have been aware of.

Yes, there are a few photography geeks here, and there are the "naysayers." But for the most part we try being supportive of each other. If you love photography, or at least, enjoy taking pictures, then you belong here just as much as the next person, regardless of how much you know about photography, or how much you don't know. Don't give up on us. We want you to feel as welcome as the rest of us. If you want to know more about photography, then this is the place to be. Your user name; "luvphotos" makes a statement that you love photography. What better place to come and seek knowledge. I was warmly greeted and welcomed when I first joined and I and many others here welcome you now. I enjoy seeing the photos, and the positive sharing and support that is here.

"Luvphotos", come back as often as you wish, you will always be welcome. If you have questions and want to learn something about photography, this is the place to come to. Someone is always here that might know the answer to your questions, of which you probably have at least a few. The same goes for anyone who's new to photography and is joining us in this forum...

asylum1972 Loc: Hilton Head Island, SC

Hey, that's my thread!!! Thank you Eric xoxo!!

Luvphotos & picgirl, If you have a passion for photography and willing to learn some new ideas to make them better, you are in the right place! I've always considered myself an artist, and this is just another medium for me to explore. I have my dream camera, a Canon T2i and just started experimenting with HDR photography. I'm still learning the mechanics of my own camera, to take the best pictures possible. (My "Dummies" books are helping me with that LOL)

I recently came across an old memory card from an old 4 megapixel point and shoot I used to own. The pictures of NYC I uploaded and re-tweaked with processing software really amazed me!! It's really not the camera, but the eye behind the lens!

kimberliswenson Loc: Ridgefield, WA

Please, go ahead and submit your images! It is the only way to learn and grow. Show off your talent!! You are here because you love photography, just like the rest of us. I am definitely no professional!!

jokescache1 Loc: SW Utah

WHICH photo??? you made no reference,-popeye..
nottrying to be mean,,just me..
Iam what Iam...LOL..--joe

suzip Loc: Houston

Those 'photography geeks' on this site are really helpful! I've seen so much constructive criticism and encouragement here although I've been timid about submitting my own mostly snapshots!! If you really love photography, stay and learn!!

dcsierra54 Loc: Tampa, Fl

His words are so true....It's the magic you create in your camera's eye. Remember you are the artist and your masterpiece is your own. We all have a passion for the same thing and when I look at some of my photos I know that my vision is in my minds eye and I created something that no one else saw but me...

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

alaskanfrog, I could not have put it any better than you did. kuddos. What we are is a bunch of people from all over not just the us but even australia, iraq and we have one poster from Iran who shows us a slice of the world we never see. we have strong opinions, sometimes gets heated, which is allright or personnel which isn't. I can always find something positive and encouraging about any photo. Photography has helped me theraputically in so many ways that i feel a debt to pass on what i know and encourage others. I have been shooting for 43 years, yet there are new photographers with less than a years expierence who blow me away. Just because you are new does not mean you dont have talent or your opinions do not matter. Many peoples photos are actually better than what they think. everyone has a different take on things, and i have learned much from new people. jump in the water is warm, we are hear to support you, who knows you might mind up the next ansel adams.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

jim h , i reread my post and realized it could be interpeted that i said you tore photos to shreads. That was NOT my intent and i humbly apologize. I wasn't clear and thats my fault, i am not the worlds best writer. The point i was trying to make was that we can critique a new persons shots gently and offer sugestions gently and make a new poster feel good so that they continue. None of my positive comments are lies, I try and find something nice to say, if I ever come across a truly awfull photo were I can't, i wont critique. I do agree with you that overpraising a mediocre shot is not helpfull but even harmfull, but i want to be encouraging. It takes alot of courage for anyone to post one of their photos let alone a new person who isn't comfortable yet. think of the positive comments as a slap on the back a good job now this is how we make it even better.

alaskanfrog Loc: Alaska

I don't know if anyone has said this; but I would really like to express my heartfelt thanks to the creators and the gracious host of this website. Thus-far since I joined, it has proven to be a worthwhile place to be and I thoroughly enjoy the sharing and knowledge exchange that is shared and sometimes hotly debated and freely circulates here.

Even a few naysayers, still have something to bring and offer. A little bit of criticism isn't harmful so long as there are no direct attacks directed at specific people. Sharing is a positive way of expression, and so is venting frustration.

What impresses me most, is the creative energy and thought processes that exist here. What is so refreshing, are the vast and far reaching connections because of our similarities and interests as photographers. No one judges us for our skin color, where we are from, or for our social status. We for the most part, speak the same language, "Photography." Musicians speak a different dialect of creativity and so do painters, sculptures and people who are creative and passionate about what they do. Thank you again to our gracious host and website creator...

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

I knew you didn't mean me, but so many people on the forum follow your every word with bated breath, if not breathless anticipation, I was concerned that they might form an inaccurate opinion of my posting habits simply by accepting the Gospel According To Sinatraman. :P
:thumbup:

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

so that explains the three wise men at my door, wnting to give me camera gear!!!! thanks for the ego boost, i do apreciate it.

Ugly Jake Loc: Sub-Rural Vermont

Hoops and Sticks - that's all I've got to say to that !

gizzy.whicker Loc: Cumberland Co., Illinois

Thanks a lot, Ugly Jake! Do you have to keep reminding me I lost the contest to Gessman with my Hoop & Sticks? I'm rather enjoying my self-appointed sojourn in my little glass dome here at the top, and you're not supposed to be tossing rocks at it. I have a very fragile ego, you know.