Question for you all

[easypickings]

I was really curious about something. K will be awarded to those that respond too It's a 2 part question. Why do you like photography and what brings you to photography forums.

I like the satisfaction of capturing what I see in my mind's eye or manipulating a photo to make it something special. I think mostly the latter for me. I like forums such as NEMs because I get to share my photos and get feedback on ways to improve my skill - make me a better photographer. I also enjoy learning about new programs on the market and different techniques to try. I like to see what others come up with and how I can use it in my repetoire.

What about you?

[lablover]

In March Popular Photography they state 94% of U.S. shooters take pictures to preserve memories ... 9% do it to master skills. (I know, that is 103% .. but that is what they have.)

I have to admit, I take photos to preserve memories. Family get togethers, dogs playing, flowers blooming, etc. The reason I like forums ... to learn how to improve taking those memories.

[easypickings]

excellent Sue...k to you has been delivered..what would you like to improve the most? Learn the mechanics of picture taking or how to process or even how to make scrapbook pages?

[Dave]

Why do you like photography ...
Photography is a visual art.  When I see something that I really like and enjoy, I want to share it with others.  A photographic image is the best way to share this experience with others.

... what brings you to photography forums.
I go to photography forums (specifically NEMs) for a few reasons:

• It is a venue to share the images I captured
• It is an excellent vehicle for sharing knowledge
• It is nice to be able to interact and enjoy the camaraderie of others interested in the same things I am interested in

A friend of mine sort of wraps it up this way.  He says:

"... Taking photographs is my passion ... Sharing them is my joy ..."

[Chiller]

 For me photography is a creative outlet, and an escape from the regular every day world.   I love to see things, and like others make that memory come alive with my camera.  Whether that subject is already there, or I have to create my own subjects and visions.
  Lately, I have mixed feelings about the forums.  I suffer from what I like to call, "forum burnout".   I have been on the forums since 2003, and now just getting on them seems like a chore.  I take week to two week breaks , but for me the forums are about friends, and enjoying a hobby together with others that share the same passion. 

[Jiro]

Why do you like photography ...

I can express my ideas using photography as my medium. If I feel a connection with something, I try to ask myself what is that connection and further involve myself with it. It's the same with music for me. I compose songs whenever I feel something so personal and just want to express it out.

... what brings you to photography forums.

...to learn. I can be my own worst critic. But without letting others comment on my work, I can't know if I have improved or not. It's all the same about learning. You can tell yourself "I'm already this good." But, until a true person who has really immersed himself in the same medium as photography saw your work, you literally have no idea at what level you are already in. It's nice to interact, to exchange comments and criticisms. But I think what really draws me to join some photography forums is the hope that somehow I can come across some individuals who has the tenacity to really push you to look deeper, think deeper, and feel with more intensity to guide you to produce images that is really an extension of you. You know, these are the guys who can easily spot if you have not mastered yet the idea about exposure control or the effect of aperture and shutter preference on your work. They are also the guys who could really say to you - "Hmmnnn... this guy already knows the basics, time to let him know more about composition and personal expression." I can't pay myself to go on a private school of arts to pursue photography. But looking at others work, listening to their comments and advices, I have learned a lot. To this, I thank you all for being a part of that in one way or the other.  

[Longsider1882]

I take photographs as I get so much pleasure in becoming absorbed in my surroundings; particularly whilst doing macro. I can close off everything external and be at one with the world, to capture that moment in time.

I come to the forum to share them with my many friends, to gain knowledge from some of the best photographers in the world and to hopefully one day give that knowledge to others; and NEM's is the best by far.

Thanks to all who have assisted me on a remarkable journey.

Andy

[Dori]

I love photography for several reasons. 
My Dad, he loved photography.  He passed in '82 and I look at it
as kind of a gift to him.
To force myself to stop and notice things around me.  Kind of
a window on the world for me.  To see the beauty in the mundane.
I come to the forums to learn and to connect with others.

[Dodie]

Why do you like photography
As a child I have very few photographic memories, so I take lots of family photos and make scrapbooks, I have about 10 albums for each kid,(thank God, I only have two kids). And I take photos of flowers and the outdoors just because I like too.

I like forums such as NEMs because

I can learn a lot from the Pros. here on NEMs. Just look where I started here on NEMs to my photo's now. If ya say Forums don't make a difference ........I believe your statement would be wrong.  Not only that I feel I have met some wonderful friends on here.

[easypickings]

Dave, Jiro, Carl, Dodie, Dori and Andy..thank you all so much for responding...your K's are in the mail

So, if I understand you all right...the common reasons for photography are
1.to stop and see the beauty around you
2. to preserve memories
3. to lose/find yourself
4. as a form of art..

and the reasons for the forum is:
1. to connect/make friends who share a common interest
2. to learn about your craft

My next question is - aside from posting pictures and commenting on each others photos, what would you like to see more of here..What would get you to interact, mingle and make friends on here..2 k for each person that can give me a response to this question. What is the best way to learn, share and make friends on the forum?

[Longsider1882]

My next question is - aside from posting pictures and commenting on each others photos, what would you like to see more of here..What would get you to interact, mingle and make friends on here..2 k for each person that can give me a response to this question. What is the best way to learn, share and make friends on the forum?

A virtual pub, to sit and have a natter and a virtual beer 

Seriously, the ice breakers like the treasure hunt would be great; my wife who other than an occasional point and shoot shot loved it. Some people come on board and seem a bit shy to post, and these are the people who should be given the encouragement; I was a bit shy at first (not like me normally) but I jumped on in, others don't so encouragement is required.

The beginners boards are great, and it is good to see aMAYzn getting these going again, especially with his video links; more of this please, he has lifted my confidence in PS already.

All in, NEM's is really just the place, encourage, learn and share.

Thanks

Andy

[easypickings]

Andy some valid points are made there..I'll ship you your karma on the next BA flight

A virtual pub could be fun..especially being able to chat real time. something to think about anyway...

I'm pleased that you enjoy the scavenger hunts, and I hope that you and others will participate in the next one (this weekend)..we're long overdue for one!

[Dori]

I like what I find here.  Many things to do, challenges to try, C & C to endure....(just kidding!) 

I am working on a personal challenge that I will most likely have to humble myself and ask for help, I know I can get that here.

I have been to other forums where discord is rampant.  I see none of that here.

I can understand what Carl means about 'Forum Burnout' but for me it's 'Forum Boredom'.  This Forum and one other I am not bored with, so you are stuck with me.   

[Longsider1882]

Andy some valid points are made there..I'll ship you your karma on the next BA flight

A virtual pub could be fun..especially being able to chat real time. something to think about anyway...

I'm pleased that you enjoy the scavenger hunts, and I hope that you and others will participate in the next one (this weekend)..we're long overdue for one!

I should be planting trees on Saturday, but will still have a go as both Janet and I had great fun 

Thanks for asking and any K coming my way is an added bonus so thanks for all.

Andy

[easypickings]

Dori..it's good to hear that you are comfortable here and are finding the help you need. I look forward to seeing your project when completed...you now have me curious. I certainly understand about forum burn-out. I think after a while we all lose the "fun" aspect of photography...
2k will coming your way..

Andy, looking forward to having you both onboard..I'm coming up with that list now it'll be a challenge for sure! You're welcome with the K...I have plenty more to hand out too..

[oldCarlos]

Firstly, it has always been a part of my life, so seems natural that the interest is there.
My Dad took pictures of the family (& cine film too) of myself & my sisters from being babes..... for which I am eternally grateful. It brings me endless pleasure to see my parents & G/parents again when looking at old family photo's or watching cine films from 50 years ago.
 
I think it important to capture moments for posterity, especially for young kids who are too young to remember & bring a sense of family history to those same kids many years into the future.

Secondly, for me it's a way to relax & unwind. It's also a good motivator/excuse to get out & do some walking!
I just enjoy trying to capture something I find interesting or pleasing.


Re forums; I read & read & read for weeks.....till my eyes nearly bled,     when researching digital cameras & tbh found it tedious at the end, it was mind boggling.  
Since I got my camera though & started to take pics, I found NEM's & the help, advice etc on here is brilliant!
I love looking at other posters photos & their views of the world + it has opened my eyes to the processing techniques available, which should ultimately help improve my images (although I don't derive too much pleasure from it atm.....there's so much to learn)

I guess eventually, it will be great to help others who are just starting out, even if it's just encouragment.

[oldCarlos]

Crikey, soooo many replies since I started typing my response to the 2 questions (i'm a 1 finger typist.  )

I too know about forum `burnout` after modding on a football fans' site for 5 yrs. (40+ hrs per week) so don't intend to let my new hobby take over my life......well that's the intention. 


Re what i'd like more of. As a beginner I was really enjoying Docs assignments, they really were enjoyable & helped me learn a lot about my camera & settings, so I guess `assignments/challenges`.

I think the NEMO's world tour is a fantastic idea too btw

Since meeting up with Andy (we live pretty close to each other) it has made the forum even more enjoyable for me & hopefully in the future I'll get to meet more posters too.

[Jiro]

...What is the best way to learn, share and make friends on the forum?

I'm not so sure if it is the best way to learn, but this is my suggestion to make the comments and criticisms more engaging.

1. We can further evolve the beginner board into something more specific, like someone who "really wants to learn" post an image for comment and then we let one of the senior photographers take the challenge of commenting on the posted image.

2. For the commentator or evaluator, acting as a virtual critic, he must really be specific about everything and the comments must be objective. No holds barred but with respect and integrity on the criticisms. If the image is really commendable, then specify what really made it work, not just a vague appreciation of the image.

3. Then, to really help the one who posted the image, each comment from the evaluator or virtual critic has to be supplemented by an edited work to show what he meant by his critics. It's OK to write it down, but to really show what you meant on your objective evaluation, an actual edit on the work I believe would be far more effective. I know, it involves a lot of work on the evaluator, but this is real help. If we can help, then help we need to give. There are no rewards in here, just the belief that we helped someone grow on their photographic journey. A lot of British photography magazines do this kind of work. Someone sends them an email with the image they want to be criticized, and then post the comment on the magazine with the edited work displayed side by side against the original image. It's really much easier to understand the idea from this action.

We can actually all learn from this because each posted and commented work can be seen by everyone. This is just my thought. Personally, I'd really want any comments and criticisms to work this way. The evaluators can draw straws if they want on who'll be the one to make the objective evaluation so others will not get burned out doing it every time. Just an opinion. It's like hitting all 3 birds with one stone - You learn, share valuable information and techniques, and lastly gained some new friends who really wants to help us all along the way. 

Thanks for listening.  

[lablover]

My next question is - aside from posting pictures and commenting on each others photos, what would you like to see more of here..What would get you to interact, mingle and make friends on here..2 k for each person that can give me a response to this question. What is the best way to learn, share and make friends on the forum?

Boy Renee, you are really asking some hard questions today.  I know you said aside from posting pictures and commenting, but ... I get discouraged when after commenting many times on different peoples photos ... and then they never comment on any photos I post... good or bad. Some never comment on any other photos posted ... mine or anyone else. I would like to interact with them, but when they make no effort to, I get where I just will not comment on any of their posts. I wish I/we could get them to interact, but I have no idea how.

Maybe we need a coffee table room ... or what every you would want to call it (it would be the kitchen table here  ). Some place we can talk about every day things/happenings. I know we have chit chat but it does not seem like a place to talk openly about life, weather, etc. I tried a couple years ago to have a good morning post ... how is everyone today ... after no one answered after a couple of weeks I gave up.

"what would you like to see more of here"  I loved the challenges we use to have. Not contests ... just make them challenges. Something that would make each of us challenge ourselves to do. Then discuss what we did and why.

OK, stepping down off my soapbox.

[Dodie]

 What is the best way to learn, share and make friends on the forum?

best way to learn.....Look at rooms your interested in, read the comments (darn good ones on here I might add). Look at the tutorials and do them and challenges.

Share.....I try and share my views when possible....not an expert to get technical, but leave comments of what I like.

Make friends on the forum....I have made many friendships on this forum that I value very much. Tho I have not  met any in person they are all deep in my heart.

[Bambi]

Well to  join in the discussion:

Why do I take photos?
Because I can  . I don't really know why. All I know is that I've always seen things and then taken a mental picture of it. in just past few years have I been able to really explore this aspect of myself. it's as much about self-discovery as it is to tell a story

Why do I frequent BB?
lots of reasons:

• to share my love of the art
• to see photos that I wouldn't see otherwise
• to learn and improve

[easypickings]

okay...bear with me here with responses ..I'm at work and sometimes it's hard to focus on the topic..

I'm really pleased firstly to see so many chiming in. I love that we can all talk like this. You'll all get your double dose of K by morning..

Alright..on to business..

Bambi, I understand the challenge of doing something just cuz you can do it. I can be like that I was wondering, and this question is for you, what keeps you in photography? Is it that you CAN constantly challenge yourself with different techniques etc?

I'm not sure what BB is, but if it's the forum then I think that you are on the same track as everyone else for desires

Dodie - I'm pleased that you are getting what you want out of the forum

Sue - I know...I'm in a nosy mood today Gotta make you all work for your Karma ..I understand that you would get discouraged from lack of comments. I'm sure that's a point that everyone is nodding their heads at.

A chit chat area has been mentioned a few times. Does anyone else miss a more interactive way of communicating?

As for the challenges - we'll see what we can do

Jiro...I hear you with your ideas. In all honesty, and I hope that Mr. NEM doesn't mind me speaking here, but we tried that previously and it failed.

[Chiller]

I dont think there is anything wrong with NEMS at all.  The people are amazing, the forum has everything we want and need. I feel one of the best positive points I find at NEMS, that a lot of other forums done have is, we can also share a laugh here. I have found that a lot of the "big" forums have attitudes, and "punks".  
  Getting home at 7pm every night, and trying to "live" the 4 free hours I have get taken up pretty fast.   Weekends I try to be out shooting with the camera.    
  btw...do we get "k"s everytime we reply to this thread. ?   

[easypickings]

Carl...you might get more k...if you're lucky I got a whole jar of it right here...and I'm feeling generous tonight..hee hee...thanks for the comments and very true..time is limited for a lot of people. Life just gets in the way sometimes..

One thought I have (sorry but had my break here at work, hence the pause) was that maybe we can all be more pro-active..to get responses , you gotta give responses - maybe even chat a bit in the threads - you are certainly not regulated to one liners and sometimes it's fun to chat back and forth in the threads.

You guys are all awesome and make NEMs what it is - a place that is friendly, a place where we can all learn, and a place where newcomers can feel welcome to just join right in.

Any more thoughts?

[Royston]

I like photography because it's a way of being creative, something you can see for your efforts, a record if places you have been, things you have seen memories to treasure. I also like the challenge of creating a true reflection of what I see (not always successful) and the continuous learning.

What brings me to photography forums or to be more accurate NEM's - As a newbie I want to improve my skills and what better way to do it than by sharing with fellow enthusiasts. As an individual, when you look at photographs you have taken yourself you either think they are great or are left wondering could it have been better. Feedback is a vital part of learning and what better place to receive feedback than a forum (NEM'S). The forum also provides an opportunity to look at other members work and share your thoughts with them and offer advice if you have experience about a particular subject matter.

[easypickings]

Nicely said Royston. thank you for participating. k coming to you for joining in. You say that you are looking to learn and improve. I'm curious, what do you think of challenges - would you be interested in having more of them? Do you find them to be a useful tool in learning about photography or bettering your skills?

another question for everyone - if you like challenges - what kind of challenges would you like to see more of? does it help if the mods or members point out interesting articles and videos?

[Jackel]

Interesting comments so far.  I guess we all have our own drivers / motivations.  Some people like to capture a moment in time, others like to demonstrate their technical prowess and others maybe just experiment and want to learn more ……. we are all driven with different factors………….

The primary function of any forum is for like minded people to come together and share ideas, techniques, thoughts, processes, etc.

I would like to think that the difference with this forum (NEM’s) is that we have grown up together and in many cases, met with each other, and we have found a lot of fun, sharing time with like minded people…………..

As with any community, there will be tough times when all do not see eye to eye…….however, I will share with you something I discussed with Mr NEM several years ago (when I didn’t know the difference between a remote shutter release and a tripod)…………

It is always nice to put something back into the pot from which you have received……….

So for me, If I can help one photographer, I’m working my way back to putting something into the pot……………..

Who says who should do that and when?..........

OK, to coin one of Tom’s phrases…….”When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”………

In other words, you will know yourself……..Do what is in your heart!   

Participate!!!!!

[Jackel]

I guess I should add an addendum to the above............I myslef have struggled to post over the last 12 months because I have been busy with sorting personal circumstances, so read the last line as "Participate,,,,,,,,,Whenever you can"   

[easypickings]

Phew...that was a short rant...you guys got away with it tonight

Well said, Jackel...I couldn't say it better myself..

K your way, Mr. Jackel..

[Royston]

Nicely said Royston. thank you for participating. k coming to you for joining in. You say that you are looking to learn and improve. I'm curious, what do you think of challenges - would you be interested in having more of them? Do you find them to be a useful tool in learning about photography or bettering your skills?

Challenges for me are are personal motivators, I imagine many of the members like me have busy workdays and weekends where we play 'catch-up' so it's easy to drop down on the sofa with the remote (especially in the Canadian winter). As a relative newbie I am still working my way through the beginner assignments which for me are challenges, so for me personally, more assignments (increasing in skill level/techniques) would be very much appreciated and would improve my learning about photography and better my skills.


another question for everyone - if you like challenges - what kind of challenges would you like to see more of? does it help if the mods or members point out interesting articles and videos?

For me - YES

[easypickings]

Thank you to all for participating in this chat..Lots of good info was provided and it's always good to keep the lines of communication going.  Feel free to post any more thoughts on this thread..

[Royston]

Sorry - I seem to have included my reply in the quote

Challenges for me are are personal motivators, I imagine many of the members like me have busy workdays and weekends where we play 'catch-up' so it's easy to drop down on the sofa with the remote (especially in the Canadian winter). As a relative newbie I am still working my way through the beginner assignments which for me are challenges, so for me personally, more assignments (increasing in skill level/techniques) would be very much appreciated and would improve my learning about photography and better my skills.

[easypickings]

I agree..it's hard, especially in the winter and with our busy schedules to find time to do the things we enjoy- and yes, winter is a good time to learn new skills, or study about our art and prepare ourselves for the nicer weather ahead.  The thing that I like the best of this forum is that we are all still learning - no matter where you are on the ladder of photography, there are always new techniques to learn, old to improve upon etc..we can all share our skills and abilities with each other.

If there is something in particular that you'd like to see - a tutorial on a technique...something about lighting..how to pose a person..whatever- never hesitate to ask a mod. If it's beyond our skills or level, we'll find out - we'd benefit too.

[Bambi]

Bambi, I understand the challenge of doing something just cuz you can do it. I can be like that I was wondering, and this question is for you, what keeps you in photography? Is it that you CAN constantly challenge yourself with different techniques etc?

I'm not sure what BB is, but if it's the forum then I think that you are on the same track as everyone else for desires

I guess I was  a bit facetious in my response but I didn't mean to be, honest    I really meant that taking photography has become part of me. I feel funny when I go somewhere and don't take my camera. I went on a business trip before Christmas and I knew I wouldn't have time to take any photos. I still had to talk myself through leaving it behind  : I find taking photos inspiring and challenging- to see, really see the image and then find the way to portray so you can see it too. That's hard.

and yes, BB refers to Bulletin Boards aka 'forum'. It's probably an older term but it's from some of the horse boards I'm on.

[PhotonSnapper]

Why do you like photography and what brings you to photography forums?

In my consultant job I need to be very analytical, everything needs to be derived from logic, plans determine what and when I need to function correctly. I feel entirely miserable if there is no free time any more which allows me to let my thoughts and ideas flow. This is what I love in photography: one the one hand it lets my brain catch dreamy ideas and feelings, on the other hand it teaches me how to see things I've never realized they exist. I like to learn "picture language". Although I'm probaly a techy guy among photographers, my real passion is to get the techy things out of my conciousness. Rules need to become so evident that they don't block the flow of ideas any more, and this takes a lot of practice.

And here I come to the second question. Ths NEM forum is one of the few forums which really serves as a learning platform for everyone. Many people are so shy in getting and receiving feedback that it takes a very good moderation. And in NEM, the moderators are doing a really great job!! Friends may raise critiques without getting bad feelings. Trying to explain why I like the picture of somebody in this forum is a excellent lesson for myself, and I understand why other friends think differently about my pictures.