Forgive this question but it is causing some debate in some nature photography circles (organisations). As UKNP is a bit different in its format to other such organisations I have been asked to post the question here.
How many participants of UKNP are 30 years old or under?
If you are what was the catalyst that got you started in specifically nature photography?
If you are what do you get from this forum that makes you revisit it?
Many thanks in advance to those that reply.
Cheers
T (see you soon)
Posted by John Robinson on October 24, 2012 at 7:21 AM
Tom
Probably a very apt time to ask the question
Cheers
JR
Posted by Bob Johnson on October 24, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Right, so it would appear that I may be the one of (if not the!) only member under 30!
Tom, I got started in nature photography through birdwatching. I had done that since I was about 9, and an interest to record what I saw developed naturally. I started digiscoping (for those who don't know, this involves attaching a compact camera to a telescope) but then progressed to a DSLR as I wanted to take photography a bit more seriously.
Why do I return to this forum? When I first started posting, the quality was superb on here, and I saw lots of big names which drew me to the site. I have to say I feel it has gone downhill, despite our best efforts to revive it. Certainly the number of posters has decreased, as has, to me, the quality.
Just my thoughts
Oscar
Posted by Andy Astbury on October 25, 2012 at 6:25 AM
30 years old - jesus, I wish!
A very astute observation Oscar for one so young
Posted by Neil Burton on October 25, 2012 at 8:29 AM
He is right of course, from the mouths of babes and all that. We have lost a few very good photographers, who were the reason for my joining in the first place. But helpful advice has come from most members here, it is a great community, what is left of it. Of course there are many free resources out there with a large number of professional photographers. Thumbnails on the threads so you can quickly decide what to look at.
I'd say that most posters won't be and the reason will be largely down to cost - money and time!
Nature photography at the level that most on NPN/UKNP practise at is expensive - both in terms of time and money. Most people are only settled enough in life and jobs post 30 to have the cash to splash on camera gear, honeypot safaris/tours and time in the field. Under 30 and you're still studying, working to try and pay off the student debts, or busy with making a home and family.
Sure, you can get by with not buying the latest & greatest and kudos to those that manage it... but it is a numbers game in the end and as people progress they generally become frustrated with the lower spec'd kit and end up pursuing frame rate, fast apertures, focal length (and now) megapixels - and they all cost £'s.
Its as I expected ... Oscar keep going - it is worth it!
T
Posted by Dawn Monrose on October 27, 2012 at 9:53 AM
I'm under 30 too! For another couple of years anyways! I know I don't post very often, but I still dip in occasionally. I don't have a lot of time for photography - holding down a full time job to pay the rent takes up most of my time. Also currently sitting snuggled under a blanket fighting a terrible throat infection ain't helping the photography.
Anyway - I got into photography from a love of wildlife. I was always interested in nature from a very young age, and being lucky enough to live in a very rural place where I could roam the local countryside with my friends. I started photography with a compact, trying and failing to photograph a moth among other things. Dad bought me a Nikon F501 (still got it!) and I gradually learnt more and more about photography and saved up for better gear. I started on film and slide which I think helped to me understand the science behind photography.
I wish I could do more photography, but I have to hold down a full time job to pay the rent, the bills, the car, and maybe save up for that house deposit too. Nick has it spot on.
One thing I do love about the forum is that I can dip in and see what's happening in the world of wildlife photography, even if I'm unable to get out and do any! It's a real shame some of those big names have left the forum - I wonder why? I find the images on here really inspirational, for my own photography when I can get out and about.
So really, to you all!
Posted by Nick Mckeown on October 27, 2012 at 3:03 PM
Rapidly approaching twice that number. I am going to be a voice in the wilderness here. I joined the forum just under a year ago because of the quality of the images not because of any "big names" since they must have left before I joined. I think the quality is still there but there is perhaps less comments being left now although these comments are still valuable and constructive as ever. I would imagine that the average age of the hard core of commentators is 50+ and they will probably bring many years of experience gained the hard way and to me that is just as valuable as any "big name". In fact all the pro's in the world will not make you a better photographer, only you will by learning from your mistakes and that takes time. Some people are more naturally gifted than others and have a natural "eye" for a good image and will be on a faster learning curve than others and the digital age helps in this respect because mistakes are easily deleted at no cost. How many developed images have ended up in the bin for those whose experience was gained on film? Too many to count.
With regards to age I would have thought it fairly obvious that most posters on the forum would be older than 30 and this would apply to many hobbies and pastimes since these tend to be put on the backburner once adulthood is fully embraced and the sound of tiny feet make large dents in your time and wallet. How many photographers do you meet in the field who are under 30?
I will echo Dawns final comment to all who participate in the forum.
Nick.
Posted by Paul Whippey on October 28, 2012 at 5:16 PM
Being in my mid 30's, Nick is totally spot on. I tip my hat to Oscar and Dawn, I'm not sure how you manage. I find it's not easy to finance this hobby even with a well paid job. Especially with the astronomical cost of owing a home, car etc. I would never have been able to buy my gear ten years ago. I keep coming back to NPN because it flattened out the learning curve for me, its a great learning resource.
Discussion
15 repliesForgive this question but it is causing some debate in some nature photography circles (organisations). As UKNP is a bit different in its format to other such organisations I have been asked to post the question here.
How many participants of UKNP are 30 years old or under?
If you are what was the catalyst that got you started in specifically nature photography?
If you are what do you get from this forum that makes you revisit it?
Many thanks in advance to those that reply.
Cheers
T (see you soon)
Probably a very apt time to ask the question
Cheers
JR
Bob
JR, you didn't answer the question.... are you over 30 or not?
JR
Considering the low interest at the moment, would be interesting to know the relative ages of the regular posters.
JR
Tom, I got started in nature photography through birdwatching. I had done that since I was about 9, and an interest to record what I saw developed naturally. I started digiscoping (for those who don't know, this involves attaching a compact camera to a telescope) but then progressed to a DSLR as I wanted to take photography a bit more seriously.
Why do I return to this forum? When I first started posting, the quality was superb on here, and I saw lots of big names which drew me to the site. I have to say I feel it has gone downhill, despite our best efforts to revive it. Certainly the number of posters has decreased, as has, to me, the quality.
Just my thoughts
Oscar
A very astute observation Oscar for one so young
I'd say that most posters won't be and the reason will be largely down to cost - money and time!
Nature photography at the level that most on NPN/UKNP practise at is expensive - both in terms of time and money. Most people are only settled enough in life and jobs post 30 to have the cash to splash on camera gear, honeypot safaris/tours and time in the field. Under 30 and you're still studying, working to try and pay off the student debts, or busy with making a home and family.
Sure, you can get by with not buying the latest & greatest and kudos to those that manage it... but it is a numbers game in the end and as people progress they generally become frustrated with the lower spec'd kit and end up pursuing frame rate, fast apertures, focal length (and now) megapixels - and they all cost £'s.
Its as I expected ... Oscar keep going - it is worth it!
T
Anyway - I got into photography from a love of wildlife. I was always interested in nature from a very young age, and being lucky enough to live in a very rural place where I could roam the local countryside with my friends. I started photography with a compact, trying and failing to photograph a moth among other things. Dad bought me a Nikon F501 (still got it!) and I gradually learnt more and more about photography and saved up for better gear. I started on film and slide which I think helped to me understand the science behind photography.
I wish I could do more photography, but I have to hold down a full time job to pay the rent, the bills, the car, and maybe save up for that house deposit too. Nick has it spot on.
One thing I do love about the forum is that I can dip in and see what's happening in the world of wildlife photography, even if I'm unable to get out and do any! It's a real shame some of those big names have left the forum - I wonder why? I find the images on here really inspirational, for my own photography when I can get out and about.
So really,
With regards to age I would have thought it fairly obvious that most posters on the forum would be older than 30 and this would apply to many hobbies and pastimes since these tend to be put on the backburner once adulthood is fully embraced and the sound of tiny feet make large dents in your time and wallet. How many photographers do you meet in the field who are under 30?
I will echo Dawns final comment
Nick.