Nightski

I do not want to muck up Country's thread by answering Jenny.

There are a number of old photographers here that have been extremely helpful to me in my photography journey. They are priceless. Lighthouse, Rpavich, St3v3M, Joe F.N., Pale Pictures to name a few. Let me give a give a short description of each, since these ones are the ones that stand out in my mind.

Lighthouse - Yes, Jenny, he is often very technical. But I think if you check his facts, they are correct. Does he give too much information to a Novice? I say he gives just enough information that is over my head. I was frustrated with shooting long paths in the woods. I asked him why my paths looked like a big pile of green with no depth. He gave me some information that I could use right away, and some that I honestly had no idea what he was talking about. I went out, used the info I understood, and came to understand over time and trials, the information that totally escaped me in the beginning. Because of this help, I have that type of shot down now.

Rpavich - He is the UHH nanny. He will walk you through a problem step by step, encouraging you all the way. His patience is unending, and his gift of understanding how a novice thinks is his genius. He walked me through 3 months of blue snow. He must have thought I was dumber than a box of rocks. He even offered me his phone number if I wanted to call him. I didn't, because I was afraid at the time, but I would not hesitate to do that now.

St3v3M - If you let this guy know you have a problem, he will first tell you that you can do anything you set your mind to. There is a term "Father Christmas". I would call St3v3M "Father UHH". He is on top of an amazing amount of what goes on here. He notices if you are struggling, and will pm you with help. He never forgets that you came to him. Months after I asked him about a pressing problem that I had encountered, he is still sending me links to help when he comes across them. He runs the contests wonderfully, and is a saint about taking criticism.

Joe F.N. - One of the few professional photographers here that consistently posts his work, and leaves it open for anyone to inspect. If you ask him how he did something, he will willingly and enthusiastically describe how to do that thing. Much of the time he gives descriptions of how he got certain shots right at the beginning of his posts. He is a dedicated wildlife enthusiast and photographer.

Pale Pictures - He is another professional photographer here that posts his works of art, and even offers classes to help you learn to do what he does. Even though he could easily just tell you to view his tutorials, he doesn't. If you ask him a question, he will give you a personal answer.

Now Jenny, I know your method with new photographers is to lead them along with just enough information. I am sure your method works very well with some, whereas Lighthouse's method may be better for others. There is no need to get upset when others do things differently than how you would do them. All of the experienced photographers are valuable here, because they each bring a unique perspective to the forum.

On Country's thread you almost ask me to turn on Lighthouse. I would never to that to him or any of the others I have mentioned, because they have spent countless hours helping me, and I am eternally indebted to them. I only hope that I can pay it forward, and that's what I was trying to do on Country's thread. And yes, even I began to worry about what was happening on her thread, not because of the technical information being offered, but because I sensed that there was a crap storm brewing, and I hated to see that happen to her.

Here is country's thread

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-153968-1.html

Here is what I was trying to show her that she could do.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-156259-1.html

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

What a kind, respectful and informative post.

Well done!

-Ellie

Nightski

Thank you for taking the time to read it, Ellie. :-D

Singing Swan

I know this, again, is not my conversation, but I have to agree with your assessment of these guys 100%. None of them make fun of you or make you feel less because you ask a question.
Respect and kindness begin with people like this and maybe others will eventually learn to follow.

Nightski

All comments are welcome, here, SS. Thank you for reading my post. :-D

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Your summation of these helpful people is very perceptive and I agree totally. I always look forward to their (and some others) postings, as it is always informative.

I also would like to note that you, yourself, have been growing by leaps and bounds. It is always fun to watch the evolution of a photographer becoming more confident and experienced.

Nightski

Thank you, jbudu. :D It's easy to have confidence, when you have a wonderful community that supports you.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Since I have joined UHH, I have always felt the folks on here, for the most part, go out of their way to help a fellow photographer out. The one's you mentioned have done just that. MT Shooter, among others, come to mind also, for stepping up to the plate when someone has a question or a problem to solve. Thank you all for being there for all of us who are still learning to get better acquainted with their respective camera's.

Nightski

Thank you, for your comment JS. I mentioned the photogs that have crossed my path the most, but I know there are many more that unselfishly give of themselves, MT Shooter being one of them. I've seen him help others many times. GoofyNewfie is also a very knowledgeable and helpful photographer.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Nightski,
You are too kind.

You're a real asset to the 'hog and a pleasure to have around.

Nightski

No I am not. I just tell things like I see them. And thanks Rpavich. I am glad you feel that way...and did you notice my white snow! LOL Thanks for helping me with that :thumbup:

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Yep!..you are very welcome!

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Thank you very much nightski.
I am honoured to be included in this list and glad that I have helped somewhat in your learning pathway.
It totally blows me away the shots you produce now compared to such a short time ago.
You have always had a good eye, that was obvious right from the start, and such a willingness to put yourself out there and learn.

Nightski

Thank you, Lighthouse, for helping to see what I can do. The journey is just beginning. At my age, that's quite a gift.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Thanks nightski for saying so well what so many of us have experienced from the knowledgeable members of our forum.