Introduce Yourself & Welcome Other Members (archive)

[deetheturk]

Hi everyone,

My name is David and this is the first photography site ive joined. I come from Scotland but have lived in Turkey for the last 3 1/2 years. Photography is still quite new to me although i have had camera's for the last 12yrs or so. Hopfully i can learn a thing or two from you guys I own a Canon 5d mk11 , 7d plus a few lenses,enough about me ,cheers for having me.

David......

[Donald]

Hi everyone,

My name is David and this is the first photography site ive joined. I come from Scotland but have lived in Turkey for the last 3 1/2 years. Photography is still quite new to me although i have had camera's for the last 12yrs or so. Hopfully i can learn a thing or two from you guys I own a Canon 5d mk11 , 7d plus a few lenses,enough about me ,cheers for having me.

David......

David - Great to have you here.

Where are you from (we Scots always ask that, don't we?)?

I'm delighted that you've chosen CiC fro your first dip into the world of online photography forums. Just as well to start with the best (but them I'm biased)! But I do hope you find CiC a useful as well as enjoyable learning forum to be involved with.

If you ever need any help in getting images posted into your message, then please do read the helpful guide that walks you through how to do it. Click HERE to read the thread.

Something else you might find useful. Sometimes people are not sure about asking for comments and criticism on their images. This thread gives you some helpful advice and guidance about how to get the best feedback from fellow members.

Finally, so that you don't continue to get people asking you what your proper name is, because most us use that on here, you can go to Edit Profile (under 'Forum Actions' on the Menu Bar), or you can just press on 'Settings' on the menu bar right up at the top right of the window. Once there you can enter the name by which you wish to be addressed under 'Real Name'. Then it will appear underneath your Username in all your posts. You can also enter your location so that it does the same, just as in my details alongside this message. Then we all know where everyone is in the world.

[deetheturk]

Hi Donald,

Thanks for the warm welcome,another Scottish trait,I come from Kilsyth originally then moved to Kirkintilloch before moving to Turkey 3 1/2 years ago.
The website looks great by the way and I'm sure I'll benefit from everyone's photographic knowledge,thanks again for having me.

[Studio Menno]

Hello Everybody!

My name is Menno Manheim and I am a self taught part-time photographer. Photography only started to appeal to me when the digital camera's became popular and affordable. In the film age most exposed used rolls ended op in a drawer waiting for the right financial moment to be developed and printed. Only a few made it.

Then when we bought our first and very cheap digital camera (Trust) the instant (and free) result encouraged me to do more with photography. With this cheap camera I took pictures of the birth of our daughter in 2005.

In 2006 we bought zoom camera, the Panasonic Lumix FZ-7. This was a huge step forward. The FZ-7 was a great camera for that time and we still use it around the house. Of course it was nothing compared to the professional DSLR's the real photographers were using, but I got some great results from it.

That year I took pictures during the church community weekend and afterwards everybody received a cd with the 665 photos that I took. People were very enthusiastic about my photography and two couples asked me to take the pictures at their wedding. I told them I only had that small camera, but that was okay to them since I was taking such good pictures with it.

In 2007 after I successfully did the two weddings there were increasing requests. So I decided to take a more professional approach. I bought my first DSLR, the Pentax K10D (Yes, I am a Pentaxian) with a 18-55 kit lens and a 28-400 zoom and I started my first small business, FishEye Foto. As a starting photographer with mainly friends and acquaintances as clients I aimed for the Christian market with low pricing for young marrying couples. To me this was a way to finance my photography hobby and help out fellow Christians who often marry young with only a small budget.

But this was all very time consuming and I could only make a small amount of money. Of course I also had my other career called a day job in the ICT and I needed to spend more time to study for that job. So I decided to end FishEye Foto and since then I only did an occasional shoot for friends. Meanwhile my hobby extended to studio photography. First with a mobile studio with a backdrop and some construction lights. Later I had created a kind of studio in the attic. With this setup I did some maternity shoots and I did many shoots with mainly (daughters of) friends and their friends.

Then in February 2012 many of my ICT colleagues were fired because of the financial crisis. They all did receive some amount of money for compensation. Then I started thinking what I would do if they would fire me, 45 years old, and hand me some money. My chances on a new job may not have been that good. And would it not be great if I was able to make a living as a photographer?

So I started orientating on what it would require to start my own studio. What the startup costs would be, were I would start it and how much the monthly costs would be. Of course this was serious money. But then I heard about somebody I know who had started a business complex with creative professions in an industrial area. So I asked him what it would cost me if I ever got fired and wanted to start a studio in his building. Then when I could hire a space of 4 by 8 meters for only € 270,- without taxes per month, I decided not to wait for being fired, but I started the studio Studio Menno Fotografie next to my day job.

I had that studio for over a year and I did quite a few model shoots. I also did some paid shoots, but not enough to pay the rent. It was nice to have the studio, but it did not grow into the income providing business I hoped it would. So in May of this year I decided to terminate the lease per July 1st. Shortly after I did this I ran into a new great opportunity.

In the neighbourhood of where I live there was a building for rent in a street where all the shops are. The building was too large for me, but then the owner decided he wanted to let it out in parts. So I started negotiating and I managed to get a part of that building which is about 65 m2. The owner did some reconstruction and so did I. Of course it is a lot more expensive than the old studio, but still affordable if it makes money. The rent is € 425,- without taxes. But now I also have to pay for heating, water, electricity and internet which adds up to the amount.

To be able to offer regular opening hours my wife is now also part of the company. Actually we started a new company together and the studio is now called Lichthoek Foto. (Light Corner Photo) Light is the what photography and our Christian belief have in common. We are situated at a corner, but Lichthoek can also be translated as the angle of the light.

Next to studio photography we now offer a passport photo service, a dry-cleaning service and a shipping service. We opened September 1st and things are looking good. We expect to be able to cover our monthly costs within a short while. My wife runs the shop most hours during the day and I take over at 17:00 hrs until 18:30 hrs. Also I do the late night shopping, the Saturdays and I do after hours appointments for portrait photography. I still have my day job, but I hope to soon be able to exchange the wednesday afternoons against working in the studio.

There is a lot more to tell, but you are probably bored already and not reading this anymore. I understand it is possible to add one photo as a demonstration of my style. I do not think one photo can represent the things I do, but I will share a collection of the photos that are in our shop window. The girl in blue is our daughter Noömi.

[Donald]

Menno

Thank you for that very comprehensive and interesting introduction, and the images that accompanied it. I congratulate you on your determination to achieve your goal and the very disciplined and organised way you seem to have gone about it.

I hope you will enjoy being part of this forum and as well as, hopefully, learning so that you can extend your knowledge, you will share your skills and experience with others so that they can learn from you.

[Gary Albertson]

Hello to all Cambridge members! I'm a new member, and use a Sony A-77 for both landscape photography, and my grandkids La Crosse photography....some at night, very tricky compared to landscape where you have a lot of time to compose etc.
I'm interested in becoming more proficient at post photo editing, and currently use Aperture, and On One Software. On One for the layers, or imposing of sequenced images, which I can't quite get the feel of.

Also would like some input about using a Wacom Bamboo tablet for editing??

Looking forward to being an active member, and thanks to all

[Donald]

Hello to all Cambridge members! I'm a new member, and use a Sony A-77 for both landscape photography, and my grandkids La Crosse photography....

Gary - It's great to have you here and thank you for joining. I hope you enjoy it.

By the way - If you wish you can go to Edit Profile and put in your location, so that it appears in the sidebar alongside your message, just like mine beside this message. Then everybody knows where everybody else is.

Also would like some input about using a Wacom Bamboo tablet for editing??

Great. Go for it. I've got an older one and continue to love it. I use it all for all photo editing work. It takes a couple of days to get used to it, as it is very different than using a mouse. But once you do get comfortable with it, I'd guarantee it's one bit of kit than you will never let go.

[IainMacD]

Hi Folks
I am Ian and I am lucky enough to live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. I love to get out and about with my camera (Olympus E-5) and will post some shots from the weekend very soon.
I do belong to other forums on the web but like the look of CiC so may loiter around for a while if that is OK?
I look forward to watching and learning and joining in where applicable
Regards
Iain

[Donald]

... but like the look of CiC so may loiter around for a while if that is OK?

Please do Iain. Glenurquhart folks are always welcome.

I'm originally from near Spean Bridge, but now in the 'deep south' in Perthshire.

I hope you enjoy being on here enough to think about staying around.

[haggan]

Hi CiC, Jimmy here to join your outstanding website/forum/learning platform -it's really good. As a "lost" passionate hobby photographer and a lifetime learner I'm really glad I found CiC. I'm native Danish but been living in the south of Spain for 7 years. After a break for almost 20 years away from photography I found my path back to one of my biggest passions ever (the other big one is music) - so bought my self a Nikon D7000 2 years ago - and I really - really need to catch up a LOT of things again + try to learn all the new existing options with digital photography and software.
Kind regards,
Jimmy

[Donald]

As a "lost" passionate hobby photographer ...

Just like many of us on here, Jimmy. Work : Family : Life all seemed to just get in the way for a long time. However, I'm very glad you've found your way back and that you've needed up here on CiC.

I hope you enjoy being part of the forum and that it does help your learning.

[MTfotonut]

Hi! I'm Jan. A newby here on this forum. Here's hoping I become a better picture taker from seeing and listening to all of you and maybe get questions answered.

[davidedric]

Hi Jan and welcome to CiC.

This is very much a learning forum, so you have come to the right place. You will always get a courteous answer to any questions you ask. If you haven't already done so, do have a look at the tutorials - they cover a range of topics and are excellent.

You might want to edit your profile so that your real name shows as "Jan" alongside your posts. Otherwise, we will have to call you Mtfotonut, which doesn't sound very elegant!

Dave

[Paul63]

Hi everyone, my name is Paul I am from Newcastle NSW Australia, I use a Canon 7D with a 17-85mm, 50mm 1.8 & a Sigma DC 17-50mm 1:2.8. I am into general photography & it has been a hobby of mine for many years, I am looking forward in becoming an active member, because there is always something more you can learn very day with regards to photography, you can never have too much information.

Cheers
Paul

[JBW]

Okay, I am 62 years old and as my 62nd birthday present My wife bought me a Finepix S4200. It has been years since I had a camera and this is my first digital. I enjoy it immensely. I am hoping to begin the learning process needed to do more than point and click. My wife feels this is my best effort so far. Looking forward to becoming an active member here.
Brian.

[Donald]

Brian - Great to have you here. A very warm welcome.

I hope you enjoy being part of the forum and that you find it both useful and enjoyable. And well done on getting your picture posted. It seems simple ... once you know how to do it!

[Doum1981]

Hi!

My name is Dominic and I'm from Québec, Canada. I've found this forum while searching on Google for photography tips. I'm new at this, I bought my camera a few weeks ago (Sony a58).

I've spent a few hours browsing the forums. Some of the pictures posted here are breathtaking!

I can't wait to apply all the various advices I've read here!

[Donald]

Some of the pictures posted here are breathtaking!

The important thing to remember, Dominic, is that every single person on here was once at the same point on the learning curve that you are now at. They are able to make those pictures through studying and learning and practicing.

So, you can make these pictures as well. People on here will also be very willing to help you learn by answering questions and giving opinions on subjects. I hope you enjoy being involved.

So that you don't continue to get people asking you what your proper name is, because most us use that on here, you can go to Edit Profile (under 'Forum Actions' on the Menu Bar), or you can just press on 'Settings' on the menu bar right up at the top right of the window. Once there you can enter the name by which you wish to be addressed under 'Real Name'. Then it will appear underneath your Username in all your posts. You can also enter your location so that it does the same, just as in my details alongside this message. Then we all know where everyone is in the world.

[Dannie81170]

Hi, my name is Danielle from Lancaster PA. I am new to the world of photography, I am looking to learn as much as I can about the wonderful world of photography. I just purchases a Nikon D5200 with a 18-55mm lens it take great pictures. I am hoping to get-start taking family portraits.....there is a lot I have to learn it all sound like a foreign language to me I am hoping that I can meet some people on here that can explain it in simpler terms so I can understand.

[JPS]

Hi Danielle,
Welcome to CiC and photography.
Well out of the millions of places you could have end up while surfing the web, you have managed to find the best site. Best because it had great tutorials, forum, pictures, but most of all the members who are here to help and guide you during your photographic journey.
Start posting as soon as you feel ready and ask questions; lots of question, but most of all have fun.
I look forward to seeing your work and talking to you further in the future.
Kind regards
John