Good afternoon, everyone! My name is Melanie Cecere (friends call me "Mel".) I am new to photography. My first career (20 years) was in the Air Force as a munitions officer. My second career was in public education as a high school/middle school science teacher and assistant principal. Now "twice retired," I became restless and decided to take a short course in Photography--something TOTALLY out of my comfort zone! To my surprise, I was immediately hooked on it! I have always been drawn to the beauty and elegance of nature, and came upon NPN through a Google search for photography advice. After about 4 months of studying the NPN galleries for inspiration, I decided to go ahead and join.
I am very much a novice, but what I lack in experience and know-how I make up for in enthusiasm and tenacity. I plan on posting a few photos over the next few days. I am a bit reluctant only because I know they are not anything special. However, the reason I joined is to become a better photographer by learning from feedback from those that are much more seasoned.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this community. Let the journey begin!
Warmest regards,
Mel Cast Your Eyes Photography www.cast-your-eyes-photography.com
Hello Mel, and welcome to the NPN site. I'm an ex-Air Force person from the very early days when we could roll down the windows on the aircraft during mid-flights and watch the cars go by......
Actually I was assigned to the DEW Line in Alaska back in the late 60's doing Electrical Power Production throughout the entire state.....
You've found the right site for enhancing your photographic interests and skills if you care to. Glad you've found the site and joined the membership.
Enjoy your photographic journey.......
My membership and participation at NPN over the past 5 years has been the one most important factor in my learning curve of still photography so you have my vote for being at the right place. Look'n forward to seeing your work and watching you grow and becoming an active member here at the NPN family.
You will have fun. You will learn a lot by studying how people critique your work and you will learn as much or more by critiquing others work on this site. Once again--Welcome.........................Jim
Welcome Mel! This is a great site to learn about photography. Doesn't matter if you are brand new or been a pro for years, This is a great place to learn. As Jim said, you can learn a ton from the information others give you on how to improve your photos, but you learn even more, actually far more, by critiquing others' photos. To critique a photo you really have to think about what makes it good and what can improve it. It's a great way to learn!
Glad you joined us and I can't wait to see your posts!
Welcome to NPN, Mel. You've certainly found a great place to learn and develop your skills as well as very friendly community. I look forward to your participation.
Welcome Mel! Looking forward to seeing your post. You have joined a great group, hope you have lots of fun.
Posted by Brian Murphy on July 6, 2017 at 10:40 AM
Welcome aboard,
I am new to photography and have a lot to learn. You have come to the right place. The people on this site are helpful and give constructive critiques in a positive manner.
I look forward to seeing your posts.
Enjoy,
Brian
Welcome to NPN Mel. I think you will find NPN to be friendly, encouraging, and very welcoming. We're a family here, and we're glad to welcome you to the family.
What is your favorite photo subject? Landscapes, Avian, Wildlife, Flora, etc.? Whatever it is, there are many people here who will be happy to help you. Don't hesitate to post your images and, if you're nervous at first, just mention that in your post and people will be gentle. We were all nervous the first time we posted you will be in good company. I've been around here for 10-12 years now and I still learn new things all the time.
One note - Please comment on other's work, otherwise you will not receive many comments on your work. If you don't feel qualified to critique someone's work yet, don't worry. Start with something simple, like "Beautiful" or "Very nice image" and work up from there. There's a great reason for this (besides getting more comments on your work). It forces you to study other images, to pick out what you like and don't like, to see what works for others and what doesn't, and makes you really LOOK at the images. You will generally learn more from this than from the comments on your work.
Welcome! Where do you live? Nice website - I'd say you are not just a "beginner!"
NPN is a great learning place.
I was pretty new to digital photography when I joined 13 yrs ago, and by now, I have learned a lot from many people thru their critiques and offering critiques and have become pretty good, I think.
Glad you're with us!
Sandy
A warm welcome to NPN, Mel! Like some others here, I am a long time member. I firmly believe that my progress as a photographer would not have moved at the pace it has without the help I have have received at NPN! You have come to right place!
--P
Thanks so much to everyone for the warm welcome! Like I mentioned earlier, I have been following the NPN content for a several months, and one of the biggest factors in my decision to join was the warm, supportive, and constructive nature of the feedback given to the posted photos.
I hope to be a valuable contributor to the group!
Discussion
12 repliesI am very much a novice, but what I lack in experience and know-how I make up for in enthusiasm and tenacity. I plan on posting a few photos over the next few days. I am a bit reluctant only because I know they are not anything special. However, the reason I joined is to become a better photographer by learning from feedback from those that are much more seasoned.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this community. Let the journey begin!
Warmest regards,
Mel
Cast Your Eyes Photography
www.cast-your-eyes-photography.com
Actually I was assigned to the DEW Line in Alaska back in the late 60's doing Electrical Power Production throughout the entire state.....
You've found the right site for enhancing your photographic interests and skills if you care to. Glad you've found the site and joined the membership.
Enjoy your photographic journey.......
My membership and participation at NPN over the past 5 years has been the one most important factor in my learning curve of still photography so you have my vote for being at the right place. Look'n forward to seeing your work and watching you grow and becoming an active member here at the NPN family.
Mike
You will have fun. You will learn a lot by studying how people critique your work and you will learn as much or more by critiquing others work on this site. Once again--Welcome.........................Jim
Glad you joined us and I can't wait to see your posts!
I am new to photography and have a lot to learn. You have come to the right place. The people on this site are helpful and give constructive critiques in a positive manner.
I look forward to seeing your posts.
Enjoy,
Brian
What is your favorite photo subject? Landscapes, Avian, Wildlife, Flora, etc.? Whatever it is, there are many people here who will be happy to help you. Don't hesitate to post your images and, if you're nervous at first, just mention that in your post and people will be gentle. We were all nervous the first time we posted you will be in good company. I've been around here for 10-12 years now and I still learn new things all the time.
One note - Please comment on other's work, otherwise you will not receive many comments on your work. If you don't feel qualified to critique someone's work yet, don't worry. Start with something simple, like "Beautiful" or "Very nice image" and work up from there. There's a great reason for this (besides getting more comments on your work). It forces you to study other images, to pick out what you like and don't like, to see what works for others and what doesn't, and makes you really LOOK at the images. You will generally learn more from this than from the comments on your work.
Have fun!
NPN is a great learning place.
I was pretty new to digital photography when I joined 13 yrs ago, and by now, I have learned a lot from many people thru their critiques and offering critiques and have become pretty good, I think.
Glad you're with us!
Sandy
--P
I hope to be a valuable contributor to the group!
Mel