How much have you grown as a photographer since joining POTN?

I joined POTN when I was 14 years old. I hadn't even gotten my first DSLR yet, and I had already learned a bunch about the fundamentals of photography from the forum. When I finally got my DSLR, I began applying the fundamentals. I think that gave me a little bit of a head start in a way. From age 14-15, I was mainly learning fundamentals. From 15-16, I was learning how to touch up images without going overboard (:P--I think we've all dealt with that at one point or another). Age 16-17, I was working on lighting fundamentals. 17-18, more lighting fundamentals--and advanced retouching. From 18-19, editing and lighting still--I'm always working on lighting. I'm coming up on 20 years old in February. It's weird thinking about that number.

Since joining this forum, I've gone from taking pictures of flowers, my dog, my friends and family, and local landscapes, to doing shoots professional. I really attribute a lot of my personal growth as a photographer to this forum. I've learned a lot, and it's been a great 5 years here.

I was wondering if anyone else here has felt similarly?
How much do you feel you've grown as a photographer since joining POTN?

Thanks for sharing! I think I've gotten more image ideas than anything else. POTN has helped me grow in my knowledge of camera specs but obviously you have to be out trying things to gain technical and creative skills. However POTN has given me many ideas of images I want to try. I worked for about a year side by side to a popular wedding photographer in my area. That experience taught me SO MUCH on the technical side of how to make good images.

If POTN taught me anything, it's that I should get an 85L.

Huge growth, I barely knew the difference between raw and jpg when I landed here.

As my knowledge has grown through the years, thanks to POTN, my wallet has exponentially shrunk, thanks to POTN!

lilkngster wrote in post #17280888
As my knowledge has grown through the years, thanks to POTN, my wallet has exponentially shrunk, thanks to POTN!

Yes, me too! Love POTN

I knew nothing, and I mean nothing. Id say that 80% or more of my knowledge has come directly from others on this forum and the other 20% probably from links that I got on here.

As user of digital gear my knowledge is 90% came from here.
Best website to learn, I'm so happy to be with Canon, not with Fuji-shmugie and Nikon-shmikon

I learn here about DOF and speedlights, about post processing and how to use high ISO in Rebel, how to take macro shots and so on.

I asked how to take pictures in hip-hop concerts and hockey games. And P.O.T.N. members helped me right away.

I was able to grow to regular photographer mostly because of help from here.

Now... most of the pictures here are boring, because I could do the same

except for the age you mentioned, I agree with almost every word. I, too, started before I originaly purchased my DSLR. I haven't gotten to the point that I can say that my PP is polished....but ...one day. But what I can say - is that because of POTN and in parallel to the wonderful (mostly!) people here at POTN - I have really ENJOYED my learning experience and it even adds a special element to my hobby.

I was a total camera noob when I first bought my DSLR and didn't know anything. I was looking for some support and came upon this forum. When i realized that this forum had about everything I would need to learn about using a DSLR, I joined right away. Ever since then, my knowledge for photography has expanded thanks to all of the members that contributed to this forum.

As an old film shooter POTN has been invaluable to me as I transitioned to digital. I was slow to move from film so I had lots of catching up to do and the users here helped me understand where I needed to adapt.

I've learned a LOT and my wallet is much lighter. Thanks! grrrr

Mostly I've learned a lot about composition and technique. I love sharing my work and getting feedback but mostly enjoy other members' work. It's very interesting to view so many different styles from all over the world. I've been a member of many online forums but this one is by far the most interesting AND educational. Glad to be here.

I've learned that internet rumors are usually very untrue!

I was crawling and now I can stand up. I can't wait to walk.

When I stumbled upon POTN, I had just purchased a G12. The G12 crowd helped me a lot and when I knew I was ready for a DSLR, they helped me choose my first one. In addition, the 60D crowd helped me so much.

Now, I gain information from so many capable people here. Because the mods run the place so well, the atmosphere continues to be excellent. I love reading the various forums for amusement and to increase my knowledge base. They even inspire me to get out and shoot some photographs..... imagine that.