sevillafox
17th of April 2008 (Thu), 10:38
So, I've been a member here a little over 6 months and I've now reached 5,000 posts. How? I'm ashamed to admit I had a slight addiction to BPAM and am a frequent poster in the "Abandon all hope" threads. But, I still have posted elsewhere and posted pics every so often. I love this community and am hopelessly addicted.
I've watched my B&H wish list grow and my bank balance shrink. I've gotten an AB800 with Softlighter II, CS3, and a wacom tablet since my joining based on member recommendations.
I've improved my understanding of photography and my gear immensely and realized how much better I am than before and how much better I can be. I've been inspired by the work of some amazing photographers and gotten help on my website and business card from some great folks as well. I've shared what I've learned and passed on knowledge that others had posted before me. My confidence has alternately grown and shrunk but that's a part of learning. :)
I've also learned to come to terms with the difference between a snapshot and a picture. When I first joined I thought evey picture had to be planned to follow the rules but I came to the realization that sometimes doing that means missing those brief moments in life. The green box is ok. I use it and I'm fine with that. I catch those little smiles and goofy things my son does. Sure, they're not perfect but they make me smile and bring that moment back and that's all that matters.
I've learned that it's not the gear that makes the photographer and not to be embarassed by my humble XTi. I can do some lovely things with that camera and I'm more than happy with it. I don't need to upgrade because I haven't been limited yet. Of course, glass is on the list. :)
I've learned that this type of community takes all kinds. Sure, there are some jerks out there but that's life. There are more nice and helpful people here than not and that's what makes POTN great.
I have met some great people too:
Jeff Allred is a great guy to talk to and is also a wonderful photographer. I wish I knew his secret to his PP because I really admire it.
Brooke (bootsie) is a great Mormon gal and so fun to talk to.
FuryMe is a super guy from my neck of the woods(ish) and I hope to meet him soon.
Marc (ghostrider_9) is a super guy from CO that has done some stunning work with snowboarders.
Pete (vortex99) is a fun Canuck with some funny ideas. :)
Kitten (ssidiv3r) is a lonely teen from MD who has TWO L's and is stuggling to learn how to use them but he tries and that's more than some do. (sorry kitten :))
Lonnie (thomascanty) forgave me for not knowing about Ashley and I miss being able to tease him about warm cinnamon rolls in the haiku thread as we've both left.
Jamie Holladay cracks me up with his gruff sense of humor but I know there's a big heart in there. Too bad he's abandoned the "abandon all hope" thread and I don't get to talk to him much anymore.
Hikin' Mike is a super guy to have around for business cards. He helped me tons with mine and I really respect him for dealing with his disabilites and still taking stunning photographs, from his van no less. :)
Jon, the Mod, for being the voice of reason and the kick in the @ss I sometimes need to get out there and not be a chicken $hit to post my work and grow my business.
Pekka, I don't really know you but THANK YOU for making this place so that I can learn and grow through photography and manage to avoid accomplishing much at work and home. ;)
And, I'm sorry if I have forgotten anyone but this has already taken me a while.
So, here's to post #5,000 and more to come! I'd have some champagne for you all but alas, my pregnant state does not allow this.
Thank you POTN and all of you who make this place the great place it is!!!
I've watched my B&H wish list grow and my bank balance shrink. I've gotten an AB800 with Softlighter II, CS3, and a wacom tablet since my joining based on member recommendations.
I've improved my understanding of photography and my gear immensely and realized how much better I am than before and how much better I can be. I've been inspired by the work of some amazing photographers and gotten help on my website and business card from some great folks as well. I've shared what I've learned and passed on knowledge that others had posted before me. My confidence has alternately grown and shrunk but that's a part of learning. :)
I've also learned to come to terms with the difference between a snapshot and a picture. When I first joined I thought evey picture had to be planned to follow the rules but I came to the realization that sometimes doing that means missing those brief moments in life. The green box is ok. I use it and I'm fine with that. I catch those little smiles and goofy things my son does. Sure, they're not perfect but they make me smile and bring that moment back and that's all that matters.
I've learned that it's not the gear that makes the photographer and not to be embarassed by my humble XTi. I can do some lovely things with that camera and I'm more than happy with it. I don't need to upgrade because I haven't been limited yet. Of course, glass is on the list. :)
I've learned that this type of community takes all kinds. Sure, there are some jerks out there but that's life. There are more nice and helpful people here than not and that's what makes POTN great.
I have met some great people too:
Jeff Allred is a great guy to talk to and is also a wonderful photographer. I wish I knew his secret to his PP because I really admire it.
Brooke (bootsie) is a great Mormon gal and so fun to talk to.
FuryMe is a super guy from my neck of the woods(ish) and I hope to meet him soon.
Marc (ghostrider_9) is a super guy from CO that has done some stunning work with snowboarders.
Pete (vortex99) is a fun Canuck with some funny ideas. :)
Kitten (ssidiv3r) is a lonely teen from MD who has TWO L's and is stuggling to learn how to use them but he tries and that's more than some do. (sorry kitten :))
Lonnie (thomascanty) forgave me for not knowing about Ashley and I miss being able to tease him about warm cinnamon rolls in the haiku thread as we've both left.
Jamie Holladay cracks me up with his gruff sense of humor but I know there's a big heart in there. Too bad he's abandoned the "abandon all hope" thread and I don't get to talk to him much anymore.
Hikin' Mike is a super guy to have around for business cards. He helped me tons with mine and I really respect him for dealing with his disabilites and still taking stunning photographs, from his van no less. :)
Jon, the Mod, for being the voice of reason and the kick in the @ss I sometimes need to get out there and not be a chicken $hit to post my work and grow my business.
Pekka, I don't really know you but THANK YOU for making this place so that I can learn and grow through photography and manage to avoid accomplishing much at work and home. ;)
And, I'm sorry if I have forgotten anyone but this has already taken me a while.
So, here's to post #5,000 and more to come! I'd have some champagne for you all but alas, my pregnant state does not allow this.
Thank you POTN and all of you who make this place the great place it is!!!