Has this Forum Improved your Photographic Skills

[Hogleg 44]

This Forum, that Abel created, is about 1 1/2 years old now. And I was wondering...For those of you that have been regulars for 6 month or longer, Do you feel that you are better as a photographer, because of the forum, than you would otherwise be, had Abel not had this brilliant idea???

[CaptainTom]

YES

[Davidtxs]

oh hell YES lol plus ya get to meet a ton of great people, gettin to watch leslie swingin from the ceiling fans at the gtgs is a def plus
Abel is DA MAN

[mcphotography]

I second David...Hell YES...and I agree I've met some great people since joining the forum both online and off and I've also learned alot about donuts here

[janetg]

absolutely - with being able to meet with folks such as donnie, and others - you learn so much -

(no pun intended on the able, abel...)

[suzyjazz]

Definitely. I think I'd really stink if not for the forum. I get a lot of ideas and inspiration here and try things I would not have otherwise.

[brad]

Better photographer? Yes, probably.. at the very least, better in my post processing skills thanks to some tips gleaned here.

More profitable photographer? Absolutely. I'm not sure I would have known where to begin when I decided to dive into this full time without the forum.

[coreymcl]

I have to agree, this is the only forum I have ever been too that you did not get grilled for asking simple questions that you may not understand. Not to mention the great people I have had a chance to meet and learn from.

Abel thanks for your site.

[PhotoByMark]

What? This is a photo forum? LOL.

I know I have learned all sorts of stuff here. And even better I have got to meet a few photographers from my area. In fact, we are meeting down at the Riverwalk on Sunday.

[Killeenguy]

confidence, new inspiration, friendships, happiness was found when i joined the forum...and i might add that this is my first forum i've ever belonged to. and don't plan on ever quiting ;)

[Jim Victory]

I have met some nice people and made some new friends. I have enjoyed getting together with other photographers for shoots and most of the time it is a pretty friendly atmosphere.

As far as improving my photography skills I have to be honest and say no. I have been a member of other photographic forums for many years and my knowledge base in digital photography would have to be attributed to my association with them.

Its just that when I was new to digital photography they were there to help me learn. They were there to help me understand Photoshop because I had never used it before.

I'm not saying there is not more to learn only that I look to old friends in other forums that have helped me in the past.

[merock]

Originally Posted by PhotoByMark

What? This is a photo forum?

That's what I was gonna say.....
But for sure. This place lets me vent my frustrations, get good honest critiques and feed back, and answers any questions I may have wheter it be technical, skill or artistic. It has also been a great place to learn vital information to survive. What a wonderful source and good community. Way to go Abel. I'm gonna give you a hug next time I see you.

[srwatters]

You tell me...

First photo shoot 4/05



More recent work 4/06



Crop, skin tones, BG, composition, general lighting... Yadda, yadda, yadda!

[Abel]

wow guys... this is really great to hear!

Jim your honesty is appreciated... even though you feel your skills havent improved while being here i can assure you that you have helped others (including myself) improve ours! Thanks to you and to all of the other members that continue to share their knowledge about photography, processing etc in general with the rest of the forum.

i myself have learned alot about photography, met many many new people online and in person. I cant even begine to count the amount of photogs lisa and i have met from all of the group outings we've been to in various cities etc. Ive gotten so many tips and tricks about equipment, processing, compostiion, inspiration etc etc... have had a chance at shooting weddings as a third shooter in order to get my feet wet in the industry etc.

I think I opened this forum about 6-8 months after i got involved in photography and man has it been a ride ever since! we hit our 3,900th member yesterday and i still find it hard to believe. I would not have thought 1000 was a realistic goal when this thing statted up.

I think there is great commaderie here that you just cant get on other forums since we are regionally based. tske the bridal show here in houston a few months ago. we had like 7 wedding photography booths with like 12 photograhers total from the forum working the show. everyone walked about prior to the show to see if anyone needed any help setting up or getting things together etc.

everyone was very eager to help each other and make sure that everyone did well during the show. how often do you see wedding photogs help each other out so much when in fact they really are each others competition in the market. it was obvious that the friendships that were made on the forum transended the "compeititor" feel and become more of a brotherhood where people were concerned about each other and making sure everything was going smoothly and showing their support.

not a day goes by that i dont notice the great attitudes that we have here on the forum. that is what has made this forum a success..

[EastTxCPA]

Absolutely. This is the only site I have been on that has both professional and amateur and everyone is treated equally. There are some great photographers on here that really know their stuff and they gladly give us the benefit of their experience and knowledge. If they don't know how much we appreciate the help, I am here to say a big thank you. Also, thanks to Abel for such a great site.