On 23 Oct 2000, at 0:16, Ray Moth wrote:
> Chris, I agree, there *are* some darned nice shots! I disagree, however,
> that being in "still learning" mode means you've got to keep your mouth
> shut.
Someone once said, "It is better to remain silent and thought a fool,
than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt." (paraphrased)
I didn't say that I *had* to keep quiet (for me, an impossibility! <G>),
just that my personal feelings are that it's better that way. I dunno...
maybe I'm just dumbstruck with awe at the talent I always see when
viewing the TOPE photos?
> One of the things IMHO that we all need to learn, if we're going to
> improve, is how to appreciate and criticise (positively or otherwise)
> our own photographs and those of others.
Critiquing my own photos is easy... "(Sigh!) Crap again!" <G>
Seriously, though, I've received numerous positive comments (and
criticisms) on my stuff since joining the list, and it's been both helpful
and heartwarming. However, not knowing *that* much 'bout "doing it
*right* way," my comments are usually limited to, "Gee, that's a nice
one!"
> I believe everyone interested in photography is entitled to express an
> opinion on the pictures posted in TOPE.
Entitled, yes.
> I don't think anyone on this List would consider himself/herself to be
> more entitled to comment than anyone else, regardless of experience
I agree, and hope my original message didn't imply that.
> (and, of course, we're ALL in "still learning" mode - sorry for the
> platitude but someone was bound to say it!).
Life *is* a learning experience! And, I've learned *lots* through viewing
the TOPE photos and reading the comments, *and* through reading the
mailing list. But, IMHO, there's a *big* difference between the "learning
mode" of someone with years of experience as a more-than-just-taking-
snapshots photographer, and someone like myself who's only realized
in the last couple of years that cameras can be taken to (and used in)
places other than kid's birthday parties and other family functions.
As a quick side note, I've recently noticed myself more and more saying
things like, "Gee, the light sure looks interesting over there" and "That's
a very pretty scene." I've come to realize that my photographic hobby is
teaching me too SEE things, as opposed to merely LOOKING at things,
as life whizzes by. I'm also gaining a better appreciation of things I
never paid much attention to before like birds, other wildlife, flowers, etc.
(although I'm still having trouble telling elk from moose and squirrels
from chipmunks, and don't *anyone* ask me to point out a petunia cuz
I'll probably point to a rose!) <G>
In short, I think my life has been *truly* enriched by my photographic
hobby, notwithstanding the fact that I'm far from "good" at it. For this, I
am *very* thankful!
> I do find it rather humbling, though, to see how really good some
> people's work is, and I agree with you, this TOPE is excellent! Kudos
> to Olaf for organising it for us. :-)
Everytime I look at the work of members of the list, I'm both humbled
and amazed. The talent of the people in this list is simply world class!
And, I'm also amazed and humbled at the dedication and effort put in by
the people that make all these things (the TOPE, the mailing list, the
SIF, etc.) available to the rest of us. Hats off to ALL of them!
Regards,
Chris
P.S. Thanks to several people for "setting me straight" regarding the
placing of the photogs' names on the photos several weeks after the
TOPE closes. See??? I learned something *else* today! <G>
---
I'm *not* a Zuikoholic.... I'm a Zuikohobbiest!
Chris O'Neill (coneill@xxxxxxxxxxx)
http://www.nucleus.com/~coneill
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