I am not a frequent poster or photo contributor, but I do enjoy rail photography and come to this site every day to admire the latest photos and read the posts here. I truly do use the images, feedback, and pointers offered here to improve not just my rail photos, but all of my photography.
I would thus like to add my name to the long list of those who have found this site useful and informative, and offer a personal note of appreciation to the screeners, site admins, and forum participants. Your advice and feedback have helped me improve to the point that a recent photo of mine was just selected for the cover of the 2011 Union Pacific calendar:
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PhotoID: 305833 Photograph © Andre Beverly |
I thought the shot was pretty good when I took it, but I sure didn't realize where it would lead! There is no doubt in my mind that this proud moment would not have occurred were it not for the existence of this site and the knowledge shared here. Particularly useful for this shot was a thread Chase55671 posted on night shots.
In my opinion, I must say that having the bar set relatively high here really helps a person get better in their photography (if they are willing to learn from mistakes and honest criticism) and it gives one a sense of accomplishment when the goal of getting a photo accepted is met. I probably learn more from the rejections than just about anything else, but the forum and the outstanding photos here are like a free online photography course.
I am continuing to improve my skills (I still have plenty to learn) but I at least wanted to relay my gratitude and share a positive perspective of what this site is about. I know that those of you who offer advice or screen must sometimes wonder if the hassle of dealing with some of the tedious aspects is worth it, so I want to give you some first hand testimony that your efforts are valued--and I am sure I am not alone. Thank you.
Andre
PS I should also say that getting paid for a photo goes a long way toward validating this hobby with the wife (whom I dragged with me out into the dark desert--along with our son--to get that photo). Maybe the wife will now see that the hassle is worth it too...