First, I got a blue for an image with possibly the least amount of planning and editing ever, then I've spent all week watching three scores that have been over 6.3 ever since the outset. I really don't see myself having something like this again for a while, but I wanted to take a moment and thank people for a heck of a wonderful week at DPC.
I got here a little over three and a half years ago, and the amazing amount of knowledge, help, and encouragement that I've gotten here has truly been a blessing for which I'm grateful beyond measure.
There are quite a few people who have been instrumental in mentorship roles, but I truly have to call out three people in particular.
The first, the one who really went all out and made a concerted effort to teach me, and really most importantly, encourage me, was Sean cutlassdude70. He took an, ignorant, recalcitrant, fearful hack with a camera and turned him into someone that wanted to learn and expand his techniques and develop what Sean managed to see as some raw talent. He taught me not to be afraid of my camera, and he helped me to unleash my own natural curiosity and awe of the world around me so that I would become inspired to be the photographer that bought the camera in the first place. His patience, talent, and skills were all put to the test, but like the truly gifted teacher that he is, he hung on, and the world opened up for me that I may express my vision through the lens of my camera. I hate to sound all ethereal and sappy, but through his teaching and support, somewhere along the line, this stuff started to click, and now I love photography more than I ever would have imagined.
Then there's Robert.....Bear_Music. Teacher, mentor, moral compass needle, (With an emphasis on NEEDLE, 'cause he never hesitates to tell me if he thinks I need reined in 'cause I'm being an idiot.) sounding board, and just all 'round good guy who despite the fact that he seems to have 23,659,993,464,112 irons in the fire, still manages to have time for me when I need it. I have learned much from him, and hopefully, he will still have time here and there to show me.
The last person I'm specifically going to mention in depth is Deb Melethia. This gentle, kind soul is without question one of the finest people I've met. I cannot think of anywhere I have ever been where someone who is so unprepossessing is such a marked example of goodness, decency, and a screwball humorous, wondrous outlook on life. Though I hear she is physically the size of a large raccoon from the people who have met her, the immense size of her heart carries through here in a manner I've rarely seen anywhere. So what does this have to do with me, you ask? It's the way that she has of inspring you to do better, to ask more from yourself, to remember that it's all about the love of what you're doing and that as long as what you do conveys the message as you meant to convey it, that is, that ONE person REALLY gets it, then you have achieved what you set out to do. She taught me that once you do that, once you become completely comfortable with your image because it's what you meant to post, or enter, then you are released from any angst, or need for the approval of others. Yes, it's a beautiful thing to be appreciated, recognized, and lauded for putting forth a really nice piece of work, but it's better to know that what you've created is EXACTLY as you intended. Through that, I have become comfortable with the photographer that I am. She taught me that without ever really taking me aside and telling me.
There are, of course, many, many others here who have touched my life and my heart in countless ways, through encouragement, "lively" discussions, the awesome GTGs, and just a myriad of other little things that count.
I figured I'd pay some dues here while I'm all full of love with how I'm doing.....before the voting starts on my Fine Art entry and brings me back to earth. I have also learned to be comfortable with the weaknesses I have in my photography, to learn about them and work on them, and one of them is that I'm not really creative in any kind of unique way. That means the FA challenge, is *WAY* out of my comfort zone, but I have to push myself to grow.......dammit! LOL!!!
Oh by the way...congratulations Jeb on the wonderful progress you have made as a photographer on DPC... and also how much mellower you have become. :O)
The very best to you my friend and may the photo gods smile down on you from now on.
Oh by the way...congratulations Jeb on the wonderful progress you have made as a photographer on DPC... and also how much mellower you have become. :O)
The very best to you my friend and may the photo gods smile down on you from now on.
Sounds like you have found a fine set of friends/mentors on this wonderful site.
I haven't been posting long and have found the same. And thanks to you, I now have a mentor too... that will hopefully put up with all my idiosyncrasies and share in my successes.
Congratulations on the great week, Jeb. I've always admired your work, and you are a class act here on the forum. I'd say you will have other weeks just like this one.
glad that you are enjoying. You certainly have lot of energy and enthusiasm for things (at least for photography). I can only say congrates and wish success in whatever you do.
PS:
Originally posted by NikonJeb:
There are, of course, many, many others here who have touched my life and my heart in countless ways, through encouragement, "lively" discussions, the awesome GTGs, and just a myriad of other little things that count.
Thanks for the kind words, Jeb. You've come a long ways. I'm not sure I appreciate the "needle" comment though, as I have been TRYING to use my rapier on you. A needle ain't nearly big enough to handle this job...
Thanks for the kind words, Jeb. You've come a long ways. I'm not sure I appreciate the "needle" comment though, as I have been TRYING to use my rapier on you. A needle ain't nearly big enough to handle this job...
R.
ROFLMSDOAO!!!!
Actually, I was trying to be nice, 'cause sometimes you've had to club me into submission.....like to get me to get that 12-24 I now love so much......8>)
He made me buy my 10-22 as well. It's a "thing" with Robert... :-) (And don't get me wrong - I'm EVER so very grateful he did! In fact, I have infected others...)
Thanks for the kind words, Jeb. You've come a long ways. I'm not sure I appreciate the "needle" comment though, as I have been TRYING to use my rapier on you. A needle ain't nearly big enough to handle this job...
R.
ROFLMSDOAO!!!!
Actually, I was trying to be nice, 'cause sometimes you've had to club me into submission.....like to get me to get that 12-24 I now love so much......8>)
AHA...I knew it. Robert gets a commission from the lens makers. I know for a fact that he managed to convince two DPC members who were visiting to purchase that very same lens... shrewed ain't he. :O)
AHA...I knew it. Robert gets a commission from the lens makers. I know for a fact that he managed to convince two DPC members who were visiting to purchase that very same lens... shrewed ain't he. :O) Ray
