Help is everywhere, you just need to ask. As mentioned in in my last blog "The Learning Curve", join a like minded group. A camera club in your town, an online site or forum. There are multitudes of places on the www that offer simple free memberships, some have a monthly or subscription fee, that allow you post your pictures for all to see. Most of the sites have competitions for fun, challenges to get you thinking and all usually have a forum of some kind. This is where the wealth of knowledge is hidden - your HELP pages!
Generally you will find that once you start to put some pictures up you will recieve feedback on your achievements. If you don't get comments on every photo you submit then DON'T get disheartened....as mentioned in the last blog you will develop a style and everyone's style will be different! Add to the comments of the photo that you wish to recieve critique - this is when you get valuable info, try a different setting, a different perspective, straightening, processing......it will be endless. You will never, ever get a general "This is a crap shot, I don't like it!" comment, only constructive help or "Well taken" etc. On the flip side, if you see an image you like, say so, but add why - you may have seen something the photographer missed or interpreted it differently - oh, and never ever say.........you get where I'm heading?
When I first got my camera, I thought "Wow, I need to show off my pictures!!" I looked around the web and found a few sites that were okay but were too big for me to start with. I found an Australian site, that is Australian resident members only - Australian Digital POTD (Photo of the day) or ADPOTD. This to me was the best start as that meant I was showcasing to "locals", the uploads from members were not in the hundreds everyday. This site is still my first port of call for sharing and knowledge. Each day of the year, except weekends and public holidays (we're Aussies remember - these are sacred days!) the site admin selects from the pool of uploaded photos a "photo of the day" or POTD. The best thing to do is head over to the site......all will be better explained there! The admin staff are pro's and the members are always friendly. The forum is full of tips, tricks and events. And no, I am not part of the admin team, just a member who is happy with the product and services provided!!
Redbubble is my other site.....my real introduction to interaction. This site is global, there are thousands of members, and within the site thousands of "groups" with themes or interests. I have recently been appointed as a co-host to one of these groups "Australian Travel Photography and Writing". This has helped me hone my photography to a standard that makes it a publishable item, it also opened a door in writing stories relating to travel adventure. The group has undergone a major project in creating its own magazine - "Discover Australia". Its content is from within the group - places of interest, travel tidbits, guides, essays and interviews. A group similar to this is another great place to learn, interact and develop your skills.
DPReview is another one worth taking a look at. They have reviews on equipment regularly, news from manufacturers and a very comprehensive forum.
Remember - it's all about fun, learn from mistakes and critique. Ask - the only silly question is the one you don't ask! Get involved, don't take a back seat, dive in and soon you will be answering the same questions you asked.
Take a look at these sites, which are my galleries. Get a feel for them and join up. It can only get better from here..........
ADPOTD gallery
Redbubble gallery
Some other resource sites that I visit:
