It's been a year since I joined NPN, and I wanted to mark that by expressing my appreciation to all those NPN members who have helped me so much.
I've changed a lot in this year with regard to photography. I enjoy it just as much, maybe more, but I've also become a lot more sober about it in the sense that what I don't yet know and can't yet do are weighing on me heavily right about now. Not being young, I don't have years and years to do this, so I'm very conscious of my learning time and time for accomplishment being limited. It's for that reason that I treasure every comment, praise and critique alike, because as far as I can see that's the only way I have to learn.
So thank you all, very much. Some of you have changed my life.
It's been a real pleasure to see your growth as a photographer and in PS too. You've asked loads of great questions, and started excellent threads that made us all think.
So thank YOU! You've contributed a lot and helped US all learn and grow too!
Don't feel weighed down by what you feel you DON'T know. Rejoice in how FAR you HAVE come and just continue to enjoy and learn at your own pace. This is supposed to be - above all - FUN!!
Congratulations on your first year, Barbara. For me, the most valuable lessons of my first year were learning the extent of my ignorance. This is a great community, and supportive while still teaching hard lessons. Remember to goal is to improve, not suddenly be perfect. You're doing great.
Wow, that was a fast year! It's been a lot of fun watching your progress, and your hungry attitude was been a great asset to NPN. Don't worry about how much you don't know yet, just rejoice in the growth you've experienced and the new friends you've made. Here's to another great year of growth and fun!
Your journey is pleasant to watch. You say you enjoy it as much and that, I think all will agree is the important thing. I've been at this for over 50 years and learned almost as much as you this year. If I make it many more years I'm sure I will still be learning.
I was briefly introduced to Ansel Adams many years ago and he was then, about the age I am now. I asked him if there were still thrills for him in photography and his answer was " absolutely".
Barbara, congratulations - and thanks for being part of NPN this past year!
We often set lofty goals for ourselves, some of which may be impossible to achieve due to a variety of reasons. Like any learning, it's an exponential curve - the better you get, the more it takes to make the smallest of improvements.
Ultimately, we reach a balance between our expectations and the time we have to pursue improvement. I think the most important aspect of this is to enjoy the process and let the results fall where they may.
Posted by Lorna Taylor on July 24, 2011 at 1:35 PM
Congrats Barbara - congrats on sticking with your photography! I've enjoyed watching your progress. Always remember, you're doing and learning for yourself, so there's really no reason to compare yourself against others. Just do what you enjoy doing.
Congratulations on a wonderful year Barbara. Your talent has grown wonderfully in my opinion. I've always thought I could learn something new every day. Shoot, the older I got, the smarter my parents got.
Keep up the good work.
Bob
Nice Barbara. a person could go crazy comparing their images some of the heavy hitters that post regularly here. My advice......don't do it! Awhile back I commented about the bar being set pretty high and Stan Rose responded, "don't worry about it, set your own bar." Of course he was right and once I started doing that I think I started to develope my own style and quit taking shots and processing images just because I thought they might get lots of "atta boys". Now I experiment a lot and I'm having more fun than ever doing it.
Your efforts are obviously paying off. Your understanding of composition and technique has improved dramatically IMO. Happy anniversary.
Discussion
9 repliesI've changed a lot in this year with regard to photography. I enjoy it just as much, maybe more, but I've also become a lot more sober about it in the sense that what I don't yet know and can't yet do are weighing on me heavily right about now. Not being young, I don't have years and years to do this, so I'm very conscious of my learning time and time for accomplishment being limited. It's for that reason that I treasure every comment, praise and critique alike, because as far as I can see that's the only way I have to learn.
So thank you all, very much. Some of you have changed my life.
It's been a real pleasure to see your growth as a photographer and in PS too. You've asked loads of great questions, and started excellent threads that made us all think.
So thank YOU! You've contributed a lot and helped US all learn and grow too!
Don't feel weighed down by what you feel you DON'T know. Rejoice in how FAR you HAVE come and just continue to enjoy and learn at your own pace. This is supposed to be - above all - FUN!!
Sandy
I was briefly introduced to Ansel Adams many years ago and he was then, about the age I am now. I asked him if there were still thrills for him in photography and his answer was " absolutely".
Enjoy.
Charlie
We often set lofty goals for ourselves, some of which may be impossible to achieve due to a variety of reasons. Like any learning, it's an exponential curve - the better you get, the more it takes to make the smallest of improvements.
Ultimately, we reach a balance between our expectations and the time we have to pursue improvement. I think the most important aspect of this is to enjoy the process and let the results fall where they may.
Lon
Keep up the good work.
Bob
Your efforts are obviously paying off. Your understanding of composition and technique has improved dramatically IMO. Happy anniversary.