Two milestones reached: 5000 posts and 1 year anniversary.

Hello fellow POTNers.

I would like to take this time to thank Pekka for providing such a great forum for learning, sharing, and most of all the community with which we get to enjoy a wonderful hobby (or for some of you a job). I would also like to thank the moderators for their tremendous work on keeping this forum the best on the net.

Last year (technically Dec 6th) I embarked on my quest to find a camera for my wife. We had an Olympus P&S that just wasn't getting the job done. My wife had seen some great photos of her boss' children taken with her 10D and immediately began telling me she wanted a DSLR. I found POTN like many others, via Google. Once I joined I was hooked. The information here and the eagerness for members to help others made my search for a camera very easy. I knew that if I had any questions they could be answered and most likely answered quickly.

Well I told you I was looking for a camera for my wife. Little did I know that my research would create such a thirst for knowledge about photography. I knew NOTHING about it, yet pursued to learn everything I could. I learn something new each and every day which keeps this hobby exciting. I have sort-of "taken over" my wife's camera and although she reminds me of that every now and then, she loves the pictures of our little girl. She was the reason we wanted better pictures and it is great having those memories to cherish for years to come.

Thank you again to all those whom have helped me along the way. I look forward to another year and perhaps another 5000 posts. To show how much I have grown as a photographer I wanted to share some shots over the past year.

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Seen a lot of keepers from you, Mike, and it's good to have you around. You keep us on our toes.

You certainly seem to have learned a lot in the past year, and already you're teaching others. Congrats on both counts, and here's to 5k more!

Congrats, Mike. Definitely put a lot of miles in. Your gear list has increased over the year as well. I know the feeling. I came here to find out something about my 10D and ended up getting more stuff than I could have imagined. I think this forum has inspired me to take many more pictures also. Your work is wonderful. I started seriously shooting because of my sons. Here's to another year and the next 5000 posts!

Congrats!

I'll be happy when I reach 1K.

Ronald S. Jr. wrote in post #2341063
Seen a lot of keepers from you, Mike, and it's good to have you around. You keep us on our toes.

You certainly seem to have learned a lot in the past year, and already you're teaching others. Congrats on both counts, and here's to 5k more!

Thanks Ronald. I missed your 10,000 post thread so let me say it here; congrats on your milestone as well. Also, I just read your window misfortune. I had a rock take out my windshield about 3 weeks ago. Luckily my policy covered it. Hope the replacement goes well. Mine was a piece of cake.

SuzyView wrote in post #2341105
Congrats, Mike. Definitely put a lot of miles in. Your gear list has increased over the year as well. I know the feeling. I came here to find out something about my 10D and ended up getting more stuff than I could have imagined. I think this forum has inspired me to take many more pictures also. Your work is wonderful. I started seriously shooting because of my sons. Here's to another year and the next 5000 posts!

Thanks Suzie. I used to try and keep up with you on the post count but eventually gave up. I have followed your posts and have seen you learn a tremendous amount as well over the past year. And talk about adding to the gear, you certainly did.

NickSimcheck wrote in post #2341108
Congrats!

I'll be happy when I reach 1K.

Thanks Nick. You'll get there, I promise.

Yeah. And I still shoot for free more than not. But I did do my first professional shoot this year, and it was truly rewarding. In my profession as a teacher, I know exactly what I'm talking about. As a technician with the camera gear, gee, I can't get anything straight, although I know how to set the camera. I'm getting confused in my old age. But I have been getting some fantastic shots at events. I have the "right" gear now for low light and for faster shooting. What a difference the right gear makes. And I am going to start teaching photography soon. I know, I'm going to have to write my own cheat sheets to keep myself straight. But it's all for community service. I don't try to sell myself as a pro, just a serious hobbyist. People do see me using my gear around town, so they know I'm out there. Don't you find that people take you more seriously if you know what you're doing?

Congrats Mike on the 5K milestone. I always enjoy seeing your talents at work and your title is definitely in keeping with your contributions to the forum.

Congratulations, Mike! It's been a pleasure seeing your work over the last year. Keep up the good work!

SuzyView wrote in post #2341142
Yeah. And I still shoot for free more than not. But I did do my first professional shoot this year, and it was truly rewarding. In my profession as a teacher, I know exactly what I'm talking about. As a technician with the camera gear, gee, I can't get anything straight, although I know how to set the camera. I'm getting confused in my old age. But I have been getting some fantastic shots at events. I have the "right" gear now for low light and for faster shooting. What a difference the right gear makes. And I am going to start teaching photography soon. I know, I'm going to have to write my own cheat sheets to keep myself straight. But it's all for community service. I don't try to sell myself as a pro, just a serious hobbyist. People do see me using my gear around town, so they know I'm out there. Don't you find that people take you more seriously if you know what you're doing?

I always shoot for free. And yes people always take you more seriously when you know what you are doing.

Kevin wrote in post #2341167
Congrats Mike on the 5K milestone. I always enjoy seeing your talents at work and your title is definitely in keeping with your contributions to the forum.

Thanks Kevin. Working on a new avatar?

BeccaNH wrote in post #2342498
Congratulations, Mike! It's been a pleasure seeing your work over the last year. Keep up the good work!

Thanks Becca. I will try to keep up the good work.

Congratulations buddy Mike!!! good for you.. I remember when we were both new members.. wow..times have gone by..

sari

Well done Mike ... world peace at last

saravrose wrote in post #2343273
Congratulations buddy Mike!!! good for you.. I remember when we were both new members.. wow..times have gone by..

sari

Thanks Sari. It has been fun.

condyk wrote in post #2343460
Well done Mike ... world peace at last

Ah, thanks Dave. My parents always told me to aim high.

Congrats..

Congrats on both 5K and your growth as an artist.