Hi. I've seen this done a couple of times so thought I'd give it a try. I'm newly signed up to NPN, but have been silently watching for a while. I'm getting ready for retirement in a year and have always wanted to do nature photography when I do. I think being a member here is the very best way to become the best photographer that I can be, so I'm looking forward to posting some pictures and getting everyone's feedback (although it seems a little intimidating to put your soul out there on display). I have always done a lot of snap shots, some of them not too bad, but nothing to compare with the stuff I've seen on here. Should be fun though.
Welcome to NPN, Walt. I look forward to your shots. I'd have three comments:
1. Remember everyone here had to start as a nature photographer, post that first photo, brace themselves for comments.
2. You will learn more from readings and commenting on other's photo posts than you will from comments on your own. Strange but true. Take the time and make the effort. If you don't believe me, pick three NPN members whose shots you really like a lot, and then compare their comment count with others'. I'm just saying...
3. This is the friendliest, most helpful photo site on the internet. I may not be much of a nature photographer, but what limited skills I have developed have come through the patience and effort of members of this site.
Welcome. You have found an amazing resource in NPN. Actually, you are part of that resource, so participate. It will be fun and educational. Looking at lots of photographs is a good start, but critique is what really engages your mind in a way that will influence your own photography. Critique forces you to verbalize your reaction to an image. As far as getting critiqe, just remember the other guy is giving you a gift. One sincere suggestion for improvement is more useful than a thousands atta-boys. Besides, this is the intenet, no one knows your a dog.
Pete D.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on March 25, 2010 at 6:43 PM
Walt, welcome to NPN - we look forward to your participation!
Welcome! This is a great place for comradship and learning. A few years ago, I was where you are now, and as well - the regional ones under the "Forums" at in-person friends. Can't think of a better thing to work on after retiring than nature photography!
Walt, you won't find a better place to help you grow as a photographer no matter what your skill level. There is no finer group of folks than right here. We look forward to your participation. Welcome!
Posted by Nate Chappell on March 27, 2010 at 1:17 AM
Welcome Walt!
Posted by Bill Chambers on March 28, 2010 at 12:03 PM
Welcome to NPN Walt. You're right - posting that first image can be intimidating, but come on in, the water's fine! One thing to remember, posting comments on other images is a great way to learn as well. You don't have to be an art critic to post what you like or dislike about an image, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I actually learn more from commenting on other images than I do on feedback on my own.
Discussion
11 replies1. Remember everyone here had to start as a nature photographer, post that first photo, brace themselves for comments.
2. You will learn more from readings and commenting on other's photo posts than you will from comments on your own. Strange but true. Take the time and make the effort. If you don't believe me, pick three NPN members whose shots you really like a lot, and then compare their comment count with others'. I'm just saying...
3. This is the friendliest, most helpful photo site on the internet. I may not be much of a nature photographer, but what limited skills I have developed have come through the patience and effort of members of this site.
Don't be shy, just jump on in and begin participating.
Pete D.
Sandy r