mxwizard1 Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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RustyBug wrote:
Curious ...
lens
conditions
exif
backstory
which film used
I've often pondered this a bit also, given that this group primarily has a spirit of genuinely helping others (each with our own ways).
About the best I can come up with is to compare it to the patron who tries on some clothing and asks the salesperson the question of "Does this make me look fat?" Rarely is the patron looking for an answer that explains how it shows them unflattering in certain areas.
It is a question that requires a deft salesman with expertise in blending the truth with a high regard for the emotional investment of the patron ... otherwise, the patron will shop elsewhere, claiming the salesperson is either a) rude or b) doesn't know what they are talking about.
However, when working with a tailor or seamstress, there is a direct exchange of information with the patron, and both are working toward a fine fitting garment in a different kind of experience. I'd suggest that the number of folks who work with tailors & seamstresses is likely also on the order of 1% of 1% compared to those who don't enter into such an exchange oriented process and are simply looking for the existing product offering to be met with a flattering answer ... even though it may be only a generic product, rather than one custom tailored to be the most flattering it can be for them.
The goal of the tailor / seamstress is to produce a garment that fits the client and in the most flattering way possible, so the client is comfortable with it both functionally and aesthetically. Sometimes, it takes some educating a client toward what actually constitutes a good fitting and flattering garment ... and even then, not all clients would agree with their seamstress as to what the end product should be.
For those who are regulars here, I think they are willing to invest their time, attention and thoughts to developing an exchange of information experience more akin to working with a variety of seamstresses / tailors (each with their own sense of styling) than simply wanting a quick reply from the clerk telling them what they want to hear ... if that makes any sense.
I'm sure there are other factors also, but in today's realm of folks searching for instant gratification ... this forum likely isn't the most conducive for some. I always get a unique feeling when someone presents an image that "silences" me to gush over it with a simple or that I wouldn't dare suggest any changes. Style & taste are highly subjective, but critical review (Project Runway, etc.) isn't always well aligned to self-esteem building that some folks are really asking for.
Personally, I'm very reticent to embark on some leather, sewing and woodworking projects ... I already know they are fraught with a zillion flaws before I even start. My wife quilts, her brother is an excellent fine woodworker and my best friend is a cobbler, all with a critical eye for imperfections in their work (which I greatly respect). Rarely does anyone want to feel like they are producing the work of a ten year old by comparison, except for those who embrace the journey required to transition from apprentice to master. I know that my family / friend desire to see me progress, but I'm still "held back" by my own awareness of my amateurish skill level in those disciplines. It is a SILLY (human) self-imposed thing, as they all warmly encourage me to progressively participate in their beloved crafts, yet it is a powerful one that keeps me at bay more than it ever should. That's kind of how I wonder @ what keeps lurkers bay, despite our oft repeated, genuine invitations for more participation in this forum.
I'd like to think that those of us here respect and embrace that spirit of growth in the best way possible, not the least of which is simply ... Iron Sharpens Iron ... as we all strive to grow, no matter our current level. Maybe some day we'll grow to 2% participation, but till then I appreciate the 1% that we have.
2014 is nearly over, but there's still time to step toward new goals. And if not by the end of the year, then 2015 is just around the corner for some new goal setting. Historically, I set a photographic goal each year for something that I'm currently not comfortable with. For 2015, I think I'm going to make my goal the production of a custom leather camera bag ... which is "double" (sewing & leather) out of my comfort zone. It'll be fraught with imperfections and learning to start, and I'll need the exchange of information from others to help me progress to my final design, but I'll never get there if I don't start taking those steps that are currently outside my comfort zone.
Now, to all the lurkers (and non-lurkers) ... step out of your comfort zone, get in the game and "Bring on the pics".
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Well said. As a fairly new poster to the forum what kept me away for a long time was the fact that I saw such wonderful work and didn't think that my pics would or could measure up. I'm not a wine expert , but I know what I like and don't like, cost not being the deciding factor. I think that my skills are better than some and not as good as others, but I have taken the advice given to me by fellow members and am encouraged to go forward and try to apply that knowledge and experience. Others around me admire my photos. On our recent trip to Europe, a woman came to me at the end of the trip and thanked me for inspiring her to shoot more. She figured that if I was shooting something, that she should come over and see what it was, that I must be seeing something she didn't see. I was touched. I'm getting back into the hobby and am having way more fun now than 20 years ago. It is still hard to step out of MY comfort zone and post more...I am a work in progress....By the way I love the bird shot......
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