Rongnongno Loc: FL

Most of the stuff I see recently is about IT or gear recommendation.

While this is good and well, i do not see how this helps folks who have questions on how to select settings in their camera in order to capture images that can be the seed for a good photograph.

We have a few heavy weight folks here (experienced pros) that could really help by giving 'how to' on almost any subject...

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Isn't that why we have "Advice from the Pros"????

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-129-1.html

Rongnongno Loc: FL

No, this is not an advertisement but a comment on the main forum topics.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

There are close to 15 forums on this site that discuss the 'art' of photography from multiple different angles. I have exactly zero problems with this one forum being used to discuss the equipment used to practice that art and how to most effectively use that equipment.

Despite what gets said here, equipment is critical to photography. In fact, it is much more important now than in the days of film, because now, once we choose our camera, it has to do all of what the camera used to have to do, plus all of what the film used to have to do as well.

And for the record, I'm still waiting for someone who says that the equipment doesn't matter to take me up on my offer to trade my D200 even up for their more modern and more capable camera.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

If your concern is about people asking photography questions, I don't think reducing the gear or computer questions will increase the photography questions.
They can still ask them, there will simply be more questions to be answered.
The computer/gear questions will not help anyone take better pictures, but they may help other people with computer or gear questions that they might not know they had.
After all, computers and gear are a part of photography.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Questions seem to come in bunches - then disappear for a while only to return 'again'. LR seemed to 'hog' the forum for a while (when new) and now occurs infrequently.

Asking for 'opinion's' on Kit works for some and not for others....but those that do not want to 'express their opinion' can always skip that topic.

Putting another section available for PC's and Camera/Lens choices will probably not result in better replies....and as one poster suggested...they are an integral part of the Main Photography section. Plus who could moderate concerning the wide variety of choices and genres available?

I think members themselves should decide 'when' to comment and when to skip past. Perhaps NOT having the digest of 'new topics' would encourage people to explore the sections that they are most interested in rather than feeling that they need to reply to the short list of the day.

Have fun

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Has anyone considered creating (or recreating the "Ask the Experts" or "Main Photography Discussion) sections for the photographer to choose the level of photography he/she is most comfortable?

Beginner's level for all those questions of entry level equipment choices, camera settings for getting started, basic composition and even some beginning post processing.

Intermediate section for those with some experience and who are ready to make improvements in equipment, photography and post processing.

Advanced section for those that really want to make strong improvements.

Being in a "level" with those you are comfortable with is less intimidating to those trying to learn and would help those more advanced to not be bored with the repetitive beginner questions.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I have a suggestion. Rather than moving political and obnoxious subjects and arguments to the attic, how about just removing them as they occur and abolishing the attic entirely. Is that censorship? Perhaps, but some form of “censorship” is necessary for an orderly forum instead of a nasty free-for-all. Other than increasing the number of posts, I cannot see any valid reason to maintain the attic for the nastiest form of discourse, which in most cases, would never be said face-to-face. We can have civil disagreements between gentlepeople without resorting to name calling and ad hominem attacks - that would certainly raise the level of civility on the forum, a lack of which was just mentioned as a reason when a long-time valued and productive member left.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Because it makes UHH a place where free speech is tolerated. That's why I'm here. I've been on other forums that are run like a kindergarten and dictate what people can or cannot say or discuss, where people are given suspensions or are kicked off for voicing their opinions. I like this setup better. I avoid the Attic unless a photography post I'm watching gets moved there.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Out of curiosity....don't you feel that the politics and some of the other topics that are in the attic would be better suited to forums dedicated to those subjects? UHH is titled as a "photography forum" and that's why I come to this forum. If I want information on cats or politics or washing machines I look for forums specifically dedicated to those things.

I am not looking for a debate only asking your thoughts why a forum set up for 1 subject should include subjects not related to the forum purpose.

I understand that some forums can be restrictive and that's not always a bad thing. A lot of people see enough conflict in their daily lives and want someplace enjoyable to spend their time. Other people thrive on conflict and that's fine, as well; their decision.

Regards,
Dodie

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Just to clarify, I believe in free speech also. I believe in disagreements, even arguments and considering other opinions. What I do not believe in is rudeness, discourtesy, name calling and ad hominem attacks. I can provide numerous examples of where free speech is limited in some way for the public good. I cannot yell fire in a crowded theatre without consequences. I cannot threaten another individual or liable them without legal repercussions. I cannot threaten violence against public officials, nor can I collaborate with others, even in speech, to harm our government, violate secrecy oaths, share classified information or commit treasonous acts without consequenves. I could go on, but you get the idea. politeness, non threatening speech, tolerance of others we disagree with when disagreeing in a civil manner, in other words, civil discourse, is the hallmark of a civilized society. We must be cautious in our social media less we violate those principals because we are “protected” by anonymity. If you wouldn’t say it to a person’s face, maybe it needs to be said in a different way. I find that a good test.

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

What settings should I use to shoot weddings?

I want this forum to become less DSLR-centric. We all want a lot of things. Doesn't mean they're going to happen.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

The Pentax Forum has a widely international audience - and a strict no politics policy, which requires much more active moderators {whom I know by name} than we have here. I have a mixed view of the Attic, but I tend not to go there so it doesn't really matter. Since @admin owns this place, s/he gets to decide what is appropriate here.

srt101fan

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Photography centric is a good thing. The industry is in transition. Many people have DSLR system equipment. Some have or prefer mirrorless. Others do a good job with smartphones. Discussing equipment is fine, making it an ideological discussion is less so.

Perhaps talking about photography would be a better focus. I have found few reasons to participate in the last several months.