Posted by Allen Pearson on December 22, 2007 at 1:15 PM
I am a nature photographer relatively new to the field. I have sold some prints over the past year at a local art show. I have a passion for nature and am interested in joining this organization. Since I have new to the field, I have a few questions. 1). Do I need any specials skills. 2) Should I know how to use Photoshop or Lightroom before I join? and 3) Do I need any particular camera or megapixels?
I am self-taught and am concerned about receiving a sale and not be able to meet the clients request. Any opinions and advice would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Posted by Basil Greber on December 22, 2007 at 1:20 PM
If you have a passion for nature and are trying to improve the quality of your images, joining NPN is a good idea. People are plenty helpful, and not very gear-oriented. Of course it is helpful if you know how to use Photoshop since this is an integral part of the picture making process, but you can learn that after joining, too.
Just my humble opinions. I'm of course not speaking on behalf of Jim or NPN.
Basil
Posted by Steve Foss on December 22, 2007 at 1:35 PM
Allen, we're all at different points in our photographic journey, and there are plenty of NPN members everywhere along the road.
"If you have a passion for nature and are trying to improve the quality of your images, joining NPN is a good idea."
No! It's a great idea!
Our community is of nature photographers, by nature photographers, and for nature photographers; regardless of their skill level, or their equipment. Allen, all that is needed is a camera (film or digital), a way to process and edit images so that you can post them in the appropriate forum for critique and dedication to the art and craft of photography.
We are all here to help one another, to learn, and to have fun, and this is the best place I've found to do exactly that!
We welcome your participation at NPN!
-PB
Posted by Ed Cordes on December 22, 2007 at 2:13 PM
By all means join NPN. You will find that everyone is helpful and you will learn a lot. All of us have had our skills improve with the initial image taking as well as in PhotoShop or what ever processing tool you use. Spend as much time as you can reading the critiques of other's images; post your own for critique and study the tutorials.. Don't be afraid to ask questions. There are no dumb or too simple questions here. We all were beginners once. So, join, enjoy and learn. Glad to have you!!
Posted by Bill Fach on December 22, 2007 at 4:13 PM
Allen: Joining NPN was the single most important factor in my development as a photographer. I have learned so much from the folks here in every aspect of photography, ranging from capture to final presentation. It is a wonderful community that will be pleased to have you aboard.
Posted by Bill Chambers on December 22, 2007 at 4:41 PM
Being new at this is probably the best reason I can think of to join NPN. NPN covers the entire spectrum of photographers from beginner to seasoned pro, has photographers who enjoy and excel in every area (landscapes, avian, floral, etc.) and, most importantly, who will be happy to help you out with info, advice, guidance, and critiques, and do so in a supportive manner. We would love to have you join us and become part of the family.
Hi, Allen. I wish I had found NPN sooner than I did. I would have learned so much more so much faster. As I read the comments down to here, where I can post my own, I noticed words like, "community," "family," "supportive," "helpful." That is exactly what you will find here. So the only "requirements" are that you would like to share your passion for nature photography with people of like mind. Come on in. It's warm and comfy and a great place to spend time.
Posted by Pat Sampson on December 22, 2007 at 6:50 PM
Allen,
With regard to membership the fees are probably the best photographic purchase my wife and I have made. No claims that we're consistently creating good images but we are steadily improving and we have a forum in which to try new ideas and new images. Also, IMO you have an opportunity to study some of the finest work around and see it critqued. NPN membership is one of the very few things I'd unreservedly endorse for a student of Nature photography.
Pat
Pat
Posted by Kent Staubus on December 22, 2007 at 7:27 PM
Well, first time I've heard our crew referred to as an "organization." That somehow implies we are organized. If you like to talk about nature photos or something close enough and are generally nice, you are a perfect fit. We have a good selection of people from many different places and different abilities. We all are passionate about photography!
Kent in SD
Posted by Dan Borzynski on December 22, 2007 at 7:59 PM
Just join, or at least be active, and enjoy the process. Everything else is just a way to spend more money!
Posted by Toni Lankerd on December 22, 2007 at 11:50 PM
Allen, NPN is the best place (thanks to Jim and Donna!!!) to learn and improve your photography so please, join the "family"!
Posted by Allen Pearson on December 23, 2007 at 7:13 AM
WOW! Thank you for the excellent responses. Sounds like this is one big family. I understand from reading about the "organization" that some photographers have sold images to clients. Can anyone give me some ideas of client expectations as far as sizing of images or preparing images to sell?
Posted by Jim Erhardt on December 23, 2007 at 7:59 AM
Allen, there are many resources here on NPN and on PhotoPortfolios.net to help with the commercial side of nature photography;
1. On NPN, we have a forum dedicated to the marketing of nature photography - the Photo Marketing forum.
2. We have published many articles on NPN over the years on marketing photography. On the Articles & Reviews index page, you can use the search feature to find them. Start with the phrase "selling photography" (without the quotation marks) and refine your search from there.
Finally, as mentioned in the previous responses, participation in the NPN forums and galleries may be the best resource of all! It won't happen over night, but through your active participation all of these resources in combination will give you a huge head start - and it will be an enjoyable experience too.
We look forward to your participation!
Posted by Lon Overacker on December 23, 2007 at 2:07 PM
Allen,
I don't think there's a better internet community for a photographer starting out. And remember, we never stop learning, so basically everyone's a beginner!
To answer your questions, no, you don't need any of those things you mentioned to join. Sure, you'll need photo processing software to get your images to the web or in print, but certainly not a requirement for joining here; just to listen and learn if anything.
Don't tell anyone, but I'm still using PhotoShop v7... and as outdated as that is now, what I've learned in a year from this group has made a huge difference in advancing my PS skills.
More than anything technical, this forum is a family of nature photographers and regardless of your skill level, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. So jump right in!
I am a student photographer and learned more from this site and the critiques than my school. I still shot film and know next to nothing about digital processing but am learning from the critiques found on these forums. I think it's a great place to learn and improve photographic skills and knowledge.
Discussion
15 repliesI am self-taught and am concerned about receiving a sale and not be able to meet the clients request. Any opinions and advice would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Just my humble opinions. I'm of course not speaking on behalf of Jim or NPN.
Basil
No! It's a great idea!
Our community is of nature photographers, by nature photographers, and for nature photographers; regardless of their skill level, or their equipment. Allen, all that is needed is a camera (film or digital), a way to process and edit images so that you can post them in the appropriate forum for critique and dedication to the art and craft of photography.
We are all here to help one another, to learn, and to have fun, and this is the best place I've found to do exactly that!
We welcome your participation at NPN!
-PB
With regard to membership the fees are probably the best photographic purchase my wife and I have made. No claims that we're consistently creating good images but we are steadily improving and we have a forum in which to try new ideas and new images. Also, IMO you have an opportunity to study some of the finest work around and see it critqued. NPN membership is one of the very few things I'd unreservedly endorse for a student of Nature photography.
Pat
Pat
Kent in SD
1. On NPN, we have a forum dedicated to the marketing of nature photography - the Photo Marketing forum.
2. We have published many articles on NPN over the years on marketing photography. On the Articles & Reviews index page, you can use the search feature to find them. Start with the phrase "selling photography" (without the quotation marks) and refine your search from there.
3. On the portfolio site, there are some useful suggestions on the Photo Marketing and Resources page.
Finally, as mentioned in the previous responses, participation in the NPN forums and galleries may be the best resource of all! It won't happen over night, but through your active participation all of these resources in combination will give you a huge head start - and it will be an enjoyable experience too.
We look forward to your participation!
I don't think there's a better internet community for a photographer starting out. And remember, we never stop learning, so basically everyone's a beginner!
To answer your questions, no, you don't need any of those things you mentioned to join. Sure, you'll need photo processing software to get your images to the web or in print, but certainly not a requirement for joining here; just to listen and learn if anything.
Don't tell anyone, but I'm still using PhotoShop v7... and as outdated as that is now, what I've learned in a year from this group has made a huge difference in advancing my PS skills.
More than anything technical, this forum is a family of nature photographers and regardless of your skill level, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. So jump right in!
Lon