What have you learned from participating here at NPN? That's the question I am asking and as I consider my own answer I realize, I've learned quite a bit.
The first thing I have learned is how enjoyable it is to participate with a group, that share a passion for something as wonderful and fulfilling as photography and an appreciation of Nature. It's changed
the way I look at the world and the way I look inward, at myself too.
Being from a small area, I've never had the opportunity to participate in any kind of photography club, or any other similar platform. I feel very fortunate that I've found, what many, many people consider, to be the best example anywhere.
Technical wise, I have learned about all sorts of things, shooting landscapes with long telephotos, GND filters, how depth of field applies, all kinds of things. About the only thing I've learned about "the circle of confusion", is, I think I'm in it.
Creativity wise, many things , such as how people pre-visualize, the difference in people's personal approach.
I can get into that later, I'd rather hear from you, what your opinions are.
I can tell you one thing though, probably the most important thing, to me,is I've changed the way I think. Often, well to be honest, most always, I had rationalized and convinced myself that I had the answer. Therefore anyone who's "answer" wasn't the same as mine, was wrong. I guess I thought because I had an answer to a problem, it was "the" answer. Even though I tend to forget it sometimes,
I've learned from NPN to look for the second right answer, or the third.
Finally, I want share something with you. I've learned how considerate and kind people can be.
Last summer, we were participating in a discussion in GD discussion forum and part of the discussion was how to handle non members (posts allowed per week etc.) ,someone remarked how they couldn't understand, with all the benefits of NPN membership, why people wouldn't spend the relatively small amount required for membership. Well, I wrote back that sometimes people may want to join very badly but simply can't afford it. Using myself as an example, I had been a member for years but at the time I had been on strike all Fall and Winter, 8 months, and I had to let my membership go because
in trying support my family, I had to make every dollar count.
A short time later I got an e-mail from Jim stating that I had been signed up for a year. I e-mailed back right away to thank him and he told me that it wasn't just him involved, that other people besides him made this happen. I don't know if people had suggested it, or offered to pay for it,I still don't know. I just sat there at my computer, tears running down my cheeks. Even now, I'm not at home, I'm in a public place and I have look away and stuff because it still really affects me emotionally that people would be so kind and considerate of someone they have never even met. I'll never forget that act of kindness, ever.Thank you.
I've learned that NPN is much more than a website, just like a home is much more than a building. It's the people that make the difference.
Anyway, what have you learned? You don't have to reveal your inner soul like I tend to do I'm just curious to hear what others get out of this place and what has participating here taught you? Thanks, Tim
Hey Tim, no problem, glad to help, well, er, it wasn't me. Anyhow... I have learned the expected photography stuff at NPN, but much more significantly, I have learned that it IS possible to have an internet community that isn't nasty or mean. Except for my critiques, most people here are kind and helpful. There seems to be a core group of excellent photographers who post pretty frequently and often comment on the work of the rest of us. What a find! Perhaps I've developed tunnel vision, but I don't bother looking at other sites, much. I certainly don't post anywhere but NPN.
This endorsement was not paid for by NPN or any of it's affiliates or subsidiaries.
Pete D.
Posted by Grace Blair on October 13, 2006 at 9:28 AM
Oh wow! Thanks for your post, Tim. I am a "rank amateur" and I learn SO much every day that I veiw the forums and comments. And just when I think that I have taken a reasonably nice photo and post it I find that, in fact, it is less than mediocre by reading the comments. I have learned much better how to compose avian and fauna shots but still seem to have no clue about the other photography arenas. I am continuously grateful to the people who give their time and effort to critique my feeble efforts. And everyone is so patient and nice. THANK YOU!! I just hope that in some small way I can return the favors if I ever become experienced and talented enough to be able to help someone else down the road. I feel so fortunate to have found NPN and to be able to be a part of it!
Posted by Bill Chambers on October 13, 2006 at 11:03 AM
Another great thread Tim. I couldn't begin to list all I've learned from NPN. Technically speaking, I've learned a great deal. When I first started looking at NPN, it took me months just to figure out how to post an image. I had no clue what a url was; now I have one. I've learned tons about composition, pre-visualization, and the importance of pre-planning. All those things are great, but the PEOPLE I've met (albeit online) are the main reason I love NPN so much. In addition to being very knowledgeable, they are very caring and nurturing. Without a doubt the best website going, photography or otherwise!
About a big Group Hug and a round of "Kum Bah Yah"
What I have learnt?! It is possible that 10000 people (how many members are there Jim?) come together and have discussions, give suggestions, help out each other and can maintain the harmony.
Posted by Roger Rouch on October 13, 2006 at 1:17 PM
I've learned a lot of things, but one that comes to mind occationally is about how we critique images. I think I've learned that many or most of the photos posted for comment are someone's idea of an important feeling about nature they had when they were taking the photo or visiting the area. When I first started looking at photos here I often wondered why anyone would take a picture of this or that. Or why the photo doesn't look quite right. I'm starting to see a little beauty in nearly every photo I see posted here. I've looked at photos for the last 3 years now, and I almost think I may be seeing a little more of the beauty in people as well.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on October 14, 2006 at 5:05 AM
I've learned that NPN is much more than a website, just like a home is much more than a building. It's the people that make the difference.
Yes, absolutely, no doubt about it. And I say that from very much the same perspective as you, Tim.
It has been the people who participate here who have made this venture such a rewarding one. Time and time again, through the good and the not-so-good, I too have been the recipient of people's kindness, support and encouragement. People I never met in person, only in Cyberspace. Ultimately, our humanity overcomes the indifference of the medium.
Some day, some how, I hope to meet each and every one of you in person.
Posted by Ed Cordes on October 14, 2006 at 11:07 AM
Great therad. I am sure that I am like most members who have learned so much of the technical and asthetic stuff about photography here on NPN. However, I must add to the feeling of family. I tell others, many of whom are not photographers, about the NPN experience and they think I am exagerating. When I tell them there are literally thousands of members from all over the world who discuss pros and cons of an artistic medium in a polite manner, without controversy, malice or sarcasim, or politics they are amazed.
A fellow NPNer, George Hall and I live in the same community. We often mention our NPN "friends" to our coworkers and family. When lsitening to the manner is which we speak most listeners think we have actually met these people. We refer to images and comments by Jim, Guy, Hank, Bob, Mike, Ronnie, Kent, Bill, Juzza, Michelle and many many others with a familiararity that belies the strictly cyberspace relationship.
I echo the comments by others that this atmosphere is created by a mutual love of nature and its photography. Our love for natrure is extended to a basic love and respect for other human beings. Therefore we are all, through our common ground of nature photography, representing what the true potential of human endeavor can be. Constructive dialogue and healthy, but polite and respectful debate, can lead to a whole that is truly greater than its parts. After all, isn't this what a family is all about?
Yes, we all get a lot from NPN. Let's keep it up.
Posted by Steve Foss on October 14, 2006 at 11:09 PM
It's the environment here that allows us to post dumb questions and not worry about getting our privates squashed beyond recognition. The same can't be said on most other sites. There are members here ranging from the total newcomer to the stone cold pro, and what I like most here is that few members take on airs. And those really rare ones that do, well, their privates eventually get squashed . . .
I'm serious, though. I know a lot about some things and less about others, and nothing, or almost nothing, about yet other things. Multiply the complex of strengths and weaknesses by hundreds of other members, mixing and matching expertises, and you have an interactive encyclopedia. And, on top of that, you have people who truly enjoy encouraging and empowering other photographers. That doesn't suck.
Posted by beth summer on October 15, 2006 at 10:44 AM
Coming from a small town with no photography club or any feedback locally, I turn to NPN for "photo shop talk" in all areas of photography. NPN has become my family. I often tell my friends about NPN and they just don't get it Only NPNer's truly understand the importance that this site has become to so many of us around the world. The common denominator of photography has brought together an outstanding group of people from all walks of life and beyond the usual learning of techniques, creativity and other ideas, NPN has created an INTERNATION FAMILY. I'm so honored to be among this family...I've learned NOT to give into my fears of looking dumb when I participate...I've learned that there is support in NPN...I've learned to open up in my thoughts of photography...I've learned to look "beyond" in an image...I've learned that I can "learn something new everyday" in NPN Looking forward to many more years of learning and enjoying my NPN family
Posted by Jude Haase on October 15, 2006 at 10:14 PM
I don't know where to start! All I know is that I've learned so much in so short a time. And it's all due to being a part of NPN, I feel. The positive vibe here is so strong that you can't help but to build from where ever your at. I've had so much help, not only from posting on NPN but also from e-mailing back and forth with members. Everyone has always just volunteered help and info on photography!! There aren't many places you can find people that are like that. While talking about this, I'd like to thank everyone that has ever helped me in any way!!
Also!
I'm very busy with work right now so if you don't hear from me much. I'll be back soon!!
i may be very late to this topic but never the less i have learned so much on npn.. it has made me a much better photographer wheni am in the field... you just start to learn what you should be looking for in an image instead of just shooting.. let me say that i am fairly new to photography.. i have been making images for about three years and over the last year or so i have really stepped up my game and my skills.. due to my last 3 or 4 months as a member.. i am just finishing up college (24 yrs old) and many of my friends are interested in photography.. i recomend this site to them but they think there work is not good enough for the site becasue they see so many awsome pics.. i remember the first time i posted.. i was shaking and i must have looked at the image 100 times after posting it to see if it was ok.. man i got a lot of great responces and it was awsome.. anyhow the site is awsome and i use it as my home page..
Discussion
11 repliesThe first thing I have learned is how enjoyable it is to participate with a group, that share a passion for something as wonderful and fulfilling as photography and an appreciation of Nature. It's changed
the way I look at the world and the way I look inward, at myself too.
Being from a small area, I've never had the opportunity to participate in any kind of photography club, or any other similar platform. I feel very fortunate that I've found, what many, many people consider, to be the best example anywhere.
Technical wise, I have learned about all sorts of things, shooting landscapes with long telephotos, GND filters, how depth of field applies, all kinds of things. About the only thing I've learned about "the circle of confusion", is, I think I'm in it.
Creativity wise, many things , such as how people pre-visualize, the difference in people's personal approach.
I can get into that later, I'd rather hear from you, what your opinions are.
I can tell you one thing though, probably the most important thing, to me,is I've changed the way I think. Often, well to be honest, most always, I had rationalized and convinced myself that I had the answer. Therefore anyone who's "answer" wasn't the same as mine, was wrong. I guess I thought because I had an answer to a problem, it was "the" answer. Even though I tend to forget it sometimes,
I've learned from NPN to look for the second right answer, or the third.
Finally, I want share something with you. I've learned how considerate and kind people can be.
Last summer, we were participating in a discussion in GD discussion forum and part of the discussion was how to handle non members (posts allowed per week etc.) ,someone remarked how they couldn't understand, with all the benefits of NPN membership, why people wouldn't spend the relatively small amount required for membership. Well, I wrote back that sometimes people may want to join very badly but simply can't afford it. Using myself as an example, I had been a member for years but at the time I had been on strike all Fall and Winter, 8 months, and I had to let my membership go because
in trying support my family, I had to make every dollar count.
A short time later I got an e-mail from Jim stating that I had been signed up for a year. I e-mailed back right away to thank him and he told me that it wasn't just him involved, that other people besides him made this happen. I don't know if people had suggested it, or offered to pay for it,I still don't know. I just sat there at my computer, tears running down my cheeks. Even now, I'm not at home, I'm in a public place and I have look away and stuff because it still really affects me emotionally that people would be so kind and considerate of someone they have never even met. I'll never forget that act of kindness, ever.Thank you.
I've learned that NPN is much more than a website, just like a home is much more than a building. It's the people that make the difference.
Anyway, what have you learned? You don't have to reveal your inner soul like I tend to do
This endorsement was not paid for by NPN or any of it's affiliates or subsidiaries.
Pete D.
About a big Group Hug and a round of "Kum Bah Yah"
It is possible that 10000 people (how many members are there Jim?) come together and have discussions, give suggestions, help out each other and can maintain the harmony.
Yes, absolutely, no doubt about it. And I say that from very much the same perspective as you, Tim.
It has been the people who participate here who have made this venture such a rewarding one. Time and time again, through the good and the not-so-good, I too have been the recipient of people's kindness, support and encouragement. People I never met in person, only in Cyberspace. Ultimately, our humanity overcomes the indifference of the medium.
Some day, some how, I hope to meet each and every one of you in person.
A fellow NPNer, George Hall and I live in the same community. We often mention our NPN "friends" to our coworkers and family. When lsitening to the manner is which we speak most listeners think we have actually met these people. We refer to images and comments by Jim, Guy, Hank, Bob, Mike, Ronnie, Kent, Bill, Juzza, Michelle and many many others with a familiararity that belies the strictly cyberspace relationship.
I echo the comments by others that this atmosphere is created by a mutual love of nature and its photography. Our love for natrure is extended to a basic love and respect for other human beings. Therefore we are all, through our common ground of nature photography, representing what the true potential of human endeavor can be. Constructive dialogue and healthy, but polite and respectful debate, can lead to a whole that is truly greater than its parts. After all, isn't this what a family is all about?
Yes, we all get a lot from NPN. Let's keep it up.
I'm serious, though. I know a lot about some things and less about others, and nothing, or almost nothing, about yet other things. Multiply the complex of strengths and weaknesses by hundreds of other members, mixing and matching expertises, and you have an interactive encyclopedia. And, on top of that, you have people who truly enjoy encouraging and empowering other photographers. That doesn't suck.
Also!
I'm very busy with work right now so if you don't hear from me much. I'll be back soon!!