Excited to be here!

[FlyingSquirrel]

Hello there! I thought I'd drop a quick intro about myself to break the ice and ease my way into the community. My name is Matt, and I live near Seattle, Washington. To summarize the part that photography has played in my life into a nutshell:

When I was a teenager I was passionate about photography and had dreams of being a pro nature photographer. A bunch of "stuff" happened, the dream was lost, and my passion faded. Now, after many years of a boring existence, something inside me "flipped on" and I've made a ton of changes in my life. I'm back into photography with more passion than ever before, and working toward my original dream of going pro one day. I have no delusions about the ease or pace at which I can make that happen, but I'm certain it's what I will do, no matter what. This is really cliche, but photography "completes me" so-to-speak.

Anyway, I'll probably be around on the forums asking a lot of questions, getting to know everyone, and having a blast. I look forward to it all!

As a side-note, many years ago when I was younger, I discovered this site's HDR gallery and was really inspired. I was thrilled to discover this site has grown into what it is now, and has such fantastic, free information, tutorials, and other resources. It's probably one of the best photography sites in existence, and I really mean that. So, thank you to everyone involved here!

[dubaiphil]

Welcome to the forum Matt.

You do realise that after a build up like that a shot of your pet cat or dog as your first photo post just isn't going to cut the mustard!!!

[jeeperman]

Welcome from another in the Seattle area, Matt, I think you will find it to be a rather helpful and even fun place to learn/grow. I look forward to seeing your images.

Paul

[FrankMi]

Welcome to CiC Matt and post away! We're looking forward to seeing your images and answering your questions if we can!

[FlyingSquirrel]

Thank you all for the warm welcome! Phil, your comment made me LOL. Speaking of posting my pics, I am rather intimidated by the incredible talent I see on here, but despite that I do still want to share. Where is the best location to put up pics? I noticed that I can create my own albums in my user profile on here; should I do that? Thanks again

[jeeperman]

Matt, you can certainly add images to an album, many do. It really depends upon what you want from posting it. If feed back on the image is what you are after....find the proper thread subject on the forum page and then fallow what this link says and you are set. HELP THREAD: How can I post images here?
The more info you include the more precise and complete response you will recieve. IE...what your goal was, what you like/dislike about said image and the settings you used.

Have fun,
Paul

[Mark von Kanel]

Another welcome to the forum from me. We will accept an image of your cat/dog but only im its of award winning quality and preferably in HDR...... Even the best on here put their trousers on in the same way you do Matt.

[FlyingSquirrel]

Jeeperman, thanks for the link. I'm reading through that thread now, and it's really helpful. I should be putting pics in my own gallery soon, then sharing in the critiquing area.

Mark, very true and a good point. Sometimes I do forget we all have to get started somewhere. Thanks for the encouragement!

Will see you guys around on the forums