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View Full Version : What POTN has meant to me


mattograph
10th of April 2009 (Fri), 21:54
As I was wrapping up an edit today, and giving the final image a once over, something struck me. I was sorta pleased with the end result, and that got me to thinking about something.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/3429913181_9dd58d7658_b.jpg

This was an image I took about 3 months after I started hanging out here, and about 6 months into my rediscovery of photography. At the time, I was pretty pleased with the image.

But so much has changed. Looking at some of the wonderful work here, I learned about the importance of post processing, and got me some photoshop software. Didn't know how to use it, so someone here recommended I check out some guy named Scott Kelby. I read a kelby book, which lead me to his website, where I learned about some strobist guy. That guy taught me all about off camera lighting, and pointed me at a guy named David Ziser, a great wedding shooter. His blog taught me about portraits and composition.

Along the way, I posted lots of stuff. Got feedback, went back to work. Read so more, and learned some more. Occasionally, I was able to help someone else out. I spent hours pouring over this site, and even more time reading all the cool stuff I learned about here.

I've shot birds because of what I read here. I tried HDR because of what I saw here. I took some classes cause somebody said, "Dude, you ain't gonna learn if you keep making the same mistakes." I went after my first job because someone here gave me the advice I needed on how to approach it.

Today, I think I'm a little better:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3430651912_b39b047395_b.jpg


I've learned alot, and its all in here. Lightroom 2, HDR, off camera flash, wide angle lenses, using a tripod, CS4, Layers, Masks, Smart Filters, posting to web sites...

and the list goes on and on.

I'm not good, but I am getting better, and I think thats the point. At least it is for me.

So, thanks to Pekka and the mods, and all the great folks that have helped me out over the past year. I can't wait to see what lies down the road.

Cheers! :)

-MasterChief-
10th of April 2009 (Fri), 22:01
dude, spot on! this is a great place to be and a great place to learn and share. POTN ROCKS!

joove
10th of April 2009 (Fri), 22:22
Truly! Good for you as well. Learning is always optional it seems and you seem to have done well.

Brad Remick
11th of April 2009 (Sat), 20:45
Agreed! I have learned tons on this site as well.

mathogre
11th of April 2009 (Sat), 22:17
Very nice mattograph! What a distance to travel, huh? Congrats! May I improve at least as much as you.

Maureen Souza
12th of April 2009 (Sun), 15:32
You want to share what you learned here to make the dramatic difference?

Pete
12th of April 2009 (Sun), 15:36
Superb, Ty.

It's experiences like this that makes POTN what it is today. We're all here to work together toward the common goal of becomming better photographers.

Roy Mathers
12th of April 2009 (Sun), 15:52
You want to share what you learned here to make the dramatic difference?

I think he means the gradual learning process over the years - not anything specific.

heycow
12th of April 2009 (Sun), 16:05
I learned how to hide lens purchases from my wife... :)

mattograph
12th of April 2009 (Sun), 16:18
You want to share what you learned here to make the dramatic difference?

Well, white balance for one!!! :)

Its been a gradual process. On camera, I can point specifically to not being afraid of the higher ISOs and learning how to shoot in manual. With off camera flash, its how to us it as an accent light.

A ton of this is post processing work. I wish I could remember who turned me on to Scott Kelby, where I learned to use the post tools. His books and website have been a life saver. Much of what you see in this shot is a result of that.

One thing I didn't mention is that POTN has spent a LOT of my money -- but I've always done it with a smile on my face. :)

Maureen Souza
12th of April 2009 (Sun), 16:21
One thing I didn't mention is that POTN has spent a LOT of my money -- but I've always done it with a smile on my face. :)
:D:D:D

Join the club. And I am also a huge Scott Kelby fan. Am brushing up on his stuff as I prepare for wedding season...

mattograph
12th of April 2009 (Sun), 16:27
His video training website is unreal.

Maureen Souza
12th of April 2009 (Sun), 16:28
I have seen it.

Roy Mathers
12th of April 2009 (Sun), 16:38
His video training website is unreal.

Does that mean good or bad?

mattograph
12th of April 2009 (Sun), 17:00
Does that mean good or bad?

Very good. Very good indeed.