Carmina--on the contrary, if people gave suggestions on different and better forums, I would think that was fine. As for the rest of your statements, I acknowledge your opinion of me and my comments.

Is it an odd co-inky dink that every single naysayer/troll who has posted in this thread does 'not' have a website linked?

MPLS--I am not saying the forum should guarantee a positive response. I am saying that if you/the forum made things clearer, you would avoid this kind of situation altogether.

I agree, honest is good--like an honest statement about the forum, for instance.

fotorelic wrote:
MPLS--I am not saying the forum should guarantee a positive response. I am saying that if you/the forum made things clearer, you would avoid this kind of situation altogether.

I agree, honest is good--like an honest statement about the forum, for instance.


What is your honest statement about the forum? I'd love to hear it.

Carmina--again, statement acknowledged. I have read many past threads about this topic. I don't feel I need to prove myself. You may think as you will of me.

fotorelic wrote:
I don't agree that Question 9 answers the OP's question. But again, this is not the point. The article and resources article are written in a friendly tone. If the OP read both articles, I would find it logical that he or she would think that this is a friendly place to ask a question.

I have added something to the beginning of my "Newbies" post that will hopefully give them an idea of what to expect when posting

evan you're a panderer and you should have included the text here because heaven knows people deserve to be spoon fed.

Here are some general tips on getting the most out of your FM Weddings posting experience:
-This forum is dedicated to professional wedding photography, and the majority of the regular participants are either professionals, or aspire to be pros. We WELCOME the participation of amateurs and hobbyists, but you will be better received by the shark tank if you are respectful of the fact that it takes a great deal of time and effort to become a good professional wedding photographer. You should be clear on whether you are shooting the wedding in any "professional" capacity, or if you are simply taking pictures for fun as a guest.

-Questions that demonstrate a lack of familiarity with the basics of focus and exposure will inevitably be heckled. They may be answered, but they will be heckled. I don't condone this, but merely caution you to expect it.

-If you are asking for help troubleshooting your images, it is imperative that you include the images (or a link to them), leave the exif intact OR post the exact settings used (mode, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, flash, etc), camera and lens used, etc. We can't tell you what went wrong if we can't see the images and know how they were shot.

-Have a thick skin! Some of the most crusty, cranky folks on here also have the best information to share.

MPLS--Simply this. My words--you/the forum should use your words.

"This forum is dedicated to professional wedding photography. To this end, it is our hope that aspiring and established wedding photographers alike, will find support, advice and camaraderie. If you are seeking information about beginning wedding photography, or are not an aspiring wedding photographer, you may find that other forums are more suited to you. (List of possible forums)."

I'm still waiting for ksmahgrts to tell me how to make that ham sandwich...

fotorelic wrote:
MPLS--Simply this. My words--you/the forum should use your words.

"This forum is dedicated to professional wedding photography. To this end, it is our hope that aspiring and established wedding photographers alike, will find support, advice and camaraderie. If you are seeking information about beginning wedding photography, or are not an aspiring wedding photographer, you may find that other forums are more suited to you. (List of possible forums)."

that would be lovely if it were true. too bad you've ignored repeated statements that AMATEURS ARE WELCOME.

words and actions have proven this as countless amateurs have grown into established pros with the help of this forum.

Evan--sounds fine. That is exactly what I was suggesting.

ksmahgrts--If amateurs are welcome, it sure doesn't show. But Evan's statement is good, IMHO.

Nail Biter!

fotorelic wrote:
ksmahgrts--If amateurs are welcome, it sure doesn't show. But Evan's statement is good, IMHO.

again. it shows in the countless amateurs who have grown in this forum and are now established pros. that's pretty definitive proof.

should we call for a show of hands to convince you?

As one who actually read the newbies thread upon registering FM, I would have found the newest statement humorous, but as a good forewarning to folks who are truly "newbs" (myself).

Is having a website another requirement for this forum? If so, Mr. Baines...get to work!

I'm laughing out loud at the constant reference to trolls. This thread is still moving..on page six now!

ksmahgrts--It isn't necessary to convince me. I am referring to this particular thread.

Since i am at the very beginning of being an amatuer aspiring to be a pro:

Start the count:
1.........



Evan .... nice intro.


Jazzy ..... don't forget the blog.

I added a little bit to the intro since grits posted it. Of course, I'm open to suggestions to make this the most useful and tranquility-inspiring intro that it can possibly be.



Here are some general tips on getting the most out of your FM Weddings posting experience:
-This forum is dedicated to professional wedding photography, and the majority of the regular participants are either professionals, or aspire to be pros. We WELCOME the participation of amateurs and hobbyists, but you will be better received by the shark tank if you are respectful of the fact that it takes a great deal of time and effort to become a good professional wedding photographer. If you are posting images or asking for help with taking pictures, you should be clear on whether you are shooting the wedding in any "professional" capacity, or if you are simply taking pictures for fun as a guest.

-Questions that demonstrate a lack of familiarity with the basics of focus and exposure will inevitably be heckled. They may be answered, but they will be heckled. I don't condone this, but merely caution you to expect it. This is magnified ten-fold if you claim or imply any "professional" status. Shooting a wedding is frequently very demanding of one's technical abilities, and it is the general consensus that anyone shooting a wedding in a remotely "official" capacity should already be thoroughly grounded in the fundamentals of focus, exposure, and other basic camera functions.

-If you are asking for help troubleshooting your images, it is imperative that you include the images (or a link to them), leave the exif intact OR post the exact settings used (mode, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, flash, etc), camera and lens used, etc. We can't tell you what went wrong if we can't see the images and know how they were shot.

-Have a thick skin! Some of the most crusty, cranky folks on here also have the best information to share.

You might give a couple of suggestions for forums better suited.

I'll have to be honest here... I think there is a whole lot of whining going on. FM is one of the kindler, gentler forums I have ever visited.... I’ve seen MANY newbs get all kinds of help, myself included. I’ve never been turned away... then again; I was respectful of people’s livelihoods to the extent possible while nurturing my fledgling business.

I intend to help any serious newcomer the best I can... folks that want it handed to them, or come with contempt, can forget it. Simple as that, really.