The images I've seen in this forum are the most beautiful and inspirational I've ever seen....bar none.
I shoot a D200 behind four lenses, the latest being the 70-200 f/2.8 VR, which allows me to create the same mediocre images, but with smoother bokeh. I will post images, soon, but still have a ways to go.
The moments that you guys capture absolutely break my heart, but at the same time they also give me hope. I can barely touch the bottom rung of this forum's ladder; but I'm coming.
Thanks to each and every one of you for your inspiration. The best wildlife photo's on the internet are to be found here.
Ant--Yes, I was talking about you; along with sharp lenses, your ESP is alarming. I've seen everything you've posted in the past few months. That says it all.
Tim--Your recent RTH snaps rock! My first attempts at shooting RTH's on the wing led me from spot focus to continuous focus. Duh!! I'm still incredibly dumb, but my "keeper" ratio is almost approaching 1 out of 100.
I found you guys after shooting a pair of nesting pileated's this past spring and subsequently running a search on the bird. Three or four clicks later, I found Imagemaster-Tony's pileated shots. Best ever!. My jaw dropped, my heart sank, and I damn near cried; after I recovered, I realized that Tony's art was something to aspire to, and have used that to my advantage, along with the art of everyone that posts here and shares a passion.
In the past year, I've seen every forum on the net. This is the place, no doubt. I've noticed that the majority of members shoot Canon, but no worries, mates; I've already decided that I need one of each. The 5D2 is already talking to me in my sleep.
NO NO guys you got it all wrong! he was talking about MY SHOTS! tell'em Mitch
Ask Ant to repost his 1st floral shots..you won't be dissapointed
Ok I was just foolin' around Mitch...welcome to the forum and don't be affraid to post ur shots..we're an easy crowd to be pleased go figure they like my shots
Welcome Mitch---Everybody starts at the beginning, so not to worry, you can be as good or better than anyone here--and we're all so damn nice that even if you post crap most of the time someone will say something nice about it.
Welcome Mitch---Everybody starts at the beginning, so not to worry, you can be as good or better than anyone here--and we're all so damn nice that even if you post crap most of the time someone will say something nice about it.
Jonny's not kidding >> We say nice things on his posts all the time LMAO Even though we don't mean it
You're right, FM is the place to be. I had the FM blocked at work for a while and was forced back onto lesser forums and you start to realise that here is where it's at - image quality, technical know how etc.etc.
I can only aspire to some of the stuff posted here too and sometimes it gets a bit disheartening but it's inspiring too, to know that it's possible.
The D200 is what I had before my D300 (unfortunate accident involving salt water!) and I have the 70-200Vr and it's a stunning lens. Do you have a TC ? the 70-200 can accomodate even a 1.7TC without too much loss of IQ and gives you some extra reach or maybe splash the cash for a 300 f4 which is brilliant and can take a Tc too, getting you up to 510mm.
Practice, practice, practice and start with bigger birds that are easier to get close to and work from there, and post some stuff - the people here are very kind !
Welcome Mitch
If you have that much enthusiasm, then you will have a blast learning and posting. I have a feeling you are sandbagging and are gonna put up one heck of a starter post so I anxiously await I promise to be helpful and..........well...........get a few 'nits' in too
What I have learned from Ant is amazing he was so instrumental in pointing out what PP really stood for The rest is all good humor and great talent. That being said, you are correct, the talent, the quality of pictures one gets to see here is awesome and inspiring, glad you found us and hang in there!
I've been on this forum for a few years now and the photos that get posted here still amaze me to this day. Every time someone comes along with something I have never seen or thought possible before I get amazed again. If you are really interested in wildlife and bird photography you will find this a great place to draw inspiration from. Keep asking yourself the question "how did they do that?" and eventually you will figure it out for yourself. The journey from novice to enthusaist is half the fun. Laugh when you miss and rejoice when you get a good one
