Don't give up

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has helped me over the past 6 years. While I am by no means a great photographer, I do feel like I have made considerable improvements since I started. I wanted to make this post to encourage anybody thinking about giving up photography that it is possible to improve. it just takes time and practice. I will say that a huge majority of what I have learned has been from this site. The help everybody has given me has been amazing.

Just to show everyone how far I have come here are some links to some very basic questions I asked when I first started.

https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=13558637

https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=11851447

https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=13664725

Also, here are some examples of my work. The first 3 pictures are when I first started, and the last 3 are where I am now. I was actually proud of those early shots when I took them, but now I can see how much work they needed.

If I can offer any advice, it would be the following 2 things....

1. Practice, Practice, Practice. With digital cameras film is cheap. Get away from the message boards and start taking pictures. Take the same shot 5 times with 5 different settings and compare the results. Photograph anything and everything you can. (My cat even takes off running now when I pick up my camera)

2. Listen to people on this board. Nobody is here to intentionally hurt your feelings. Get past the initial butt-hurt of people not liking your photo, and listen to what they are saying and apply it to your next photo. You will be amazed that what they were telling you really is helpful.

Here are some examples of my work. I really thought these first 3 were great photos at the time.

Old

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/baaV​Bg

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/baaV​Ht

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/bkNY​fU

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/HFyu​qG

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/BkNM​9g

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/rTq8​rQ

Thanks for posting this, Tim. I think many of us are going thru (or have gone thru) the same learning curve you are. Vast improvements in your pictures and I agree with you on the wealth and level of knowledge passed along via this forum.

Its gratifying to see people sharing their knowledge. And even more so to see people (like you and myself) who have gained from it.

The difference in your work is HUGE! Beautiful portraits that look pro to me. Kudos to you and the POTNers so generous with their time and knowledge, I also owe them all a big thanks.