Posted by Sonja Otto on February 15, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Hello from Colorado. Well after a year of visiting NPN, I have decided to join. It took so long because you all are so good and my pictures are....well, lacking, but I want to learn so have to just jump right in. I have been especially following Barbara Graham because her story is so much like mine. I have just been using a Canon Powershot camera, first the SX20 and now the SX30 IS. I know it has its shortcomings but thought maybe I could learn the basics before purchasing the much-wanted DSLR. I see how far Barbara has come with your guidance and her desire to learn.
I can't wait to start learning too, and hopefully at some point I can be a contributor. Thanks ahead of time for all of the suggestions you will be giving in the future.
Sonja Otto
Posted by Bill Chambers on February 15, 2011 at 4:16 PM
Welcome Sonja. You're correct, the best way to learn is to just jump in with both feet and start posting. Explain what you're doing and what you want in return in the way of feedback. NPN is a great place to learn. NPN also offers online courses that might be of interest to you. Looking forward to seeing your posts.
Posted by Lon Overacker on February 15, 2011 at 4:49 PM
Welcome to NPN Sonja!
I can only echo Bill's comments and encourage you to be active, ask questions and participate.
Welcome!
Lon
Posted by Buck Ward on February 15, 2011 at 6:07 PM
Hi Sonja. Welcome to NPN.
Your skill level is immaterial to your participation here... and it will improve. Image critique - both giving and getting - is an excellent way to learn what makes a good picture.
Welcome! Great to see more and more women!
Really looking forward to your posts and comments - the "newer" people give us all a very valuable perspective - so don't hesitate to jump right in!
Sandy
Posted by Kent Staubus on February 17, 2011 at 6:32 PM
The single most important thing to learn is how to "see" light. Any camera will allow you to learn that. I've been using a camera made in the 1930s lately and having a lot of fun! You will have a nice time here--we're friendly folks.
Hi, Sonja, welcome! Already lots of good advice to start you off. It really does help to keep everyone thinking and learning while answering someone's questions or reviewing images. Do jump on in and help us all to keep learning.
Posted by Barbara Graham on February 19, 2011 at 8:25 AM
Sonja, welcome! Thank you for your kind words about my progress. I never would have expected to find a site like NPN where expert nature photographers would be so willing to help other people learn and grow. It's really priceless. I'm so glad you've found NPN, too.
Discussion
10 repliesI can't wait to start learning too, and hopefully at some point I can be a contributor. Thanks ahead of time for all of the suggestions you will be giving in the future.
Sonja Otto
I can only echo Bill's comments and encourage you to be active, ask questions and participate.
Welcome!
Lon
Your skill level is immaterial to your participation here... and it will improve. Image critique - both giving and getting - is an excellent way to learn what makes a good picture.
Really looking forward to your posts and comments - the "newer" people give us all a very valuable perspective - so don't hesitate to jump right in!
Sandy
Kent in SD