Welcome to the forum!
As an adjunct to the Tangents blog, the intention with this forum is to answer any questions, and allow a diverse discussion of topics related photography. With that, see it as an open invitation to just climb in and start threads and to respond to any threads.
about this forum
-
I get anywhere from 5-20 emails (or even more) a day from photographers, with questions about various topics. Until 2 or 3 years ago, I tried to answer every one of them. (Well, there were a few strange ones that I just let slip by.) But with my increasing workload - weddings, various other shoots, maintaining the Tangents blog, writing books - I couldn't really afford to answer individual questions via email.
I tried to deflect questions to the Flickr group,
http://www.flickr.com/groups/flash-photography/
but that isn't necessarily related to the topic that was asked about.
And it seemed like many who emailed me, might have seen this as dismissive. (Not the intention though.)
While I really have limited time to answer individual question, I still would like to do so. But, I would rather address a larger audience who would also be interested in the question (instead of me addressing questions individually).
Also, others can then add their advice and observations.
In this way, a kind of database can be built up, useful for many others ... rather than me sending off lonely emails that would just disappear into the void.
So here we are .... and welcome!
-
Neil,
I just read your blog post about this new forum; great idea.
I have learned so much from your book and blog so far, I'm looking forward to more discussions and feedback here with other users. I'd love to catch you at the DWF convention, but sadly I can't make it.
Cheer,
Geoff C -
This is great, Neil. Of all the photographers I have studied with, I use your techniques more than any other. This is a great idea and I thank you for it.
-
Me too. I hit this site everyday. I have developed a use of bounce flash/flash contro and understanding over the last 3 yrs from this site that is invaluable! neil is very generous with sharing his methods etc. Sometimes a pull back shot he shows just opens up a world of understanding. The thought on his behalf to do that for us is very nice.
Ive had very seasoned photographers fooled thinking I had used a mainlight in traditional 45/45 with softbox for a portrait, but nope. Neils black foamie thing and carefully placed bounce.
At one time, in my quest to better my photography before I found Neil. I started questioning my ability. I got good images, but when I looked at Neils and others stuff, I just couldnt get my images in camera like his.
I had never had anyone share originals with me.
Neil showed me that, even he doesnt get it that way in camera. One particular thread opened up my confidence more than anything and to this day I swear it alone improved my work just from a confidence point alone.
When i saw what he did to his final image for show, it was astounded. I had been doing the same thing he did for years, yet thought he did it in camera. I had always set black point adjusted contrast for pop, color temp, cloning etc. yet I though Neils work came right from camera that way. It did make me try very hard though and 99% of my work is sellable right from camera cause of that. Yes, we must start with the best we can in camera....but to just know that he too modifies his images....makes you feel like you are doing good.
And I like this forum as opposed to some of the others layour as well. So far I have no complaints. -
Hahahah. Well it certainly seemed that way. Day after day you upload an image thats "Master Piece" and you just cant help but think they were shot that way.
As I said, it did one thing for sure, and that was my in camera images are much much closer to finished now. These days I have no problem showing my customers the LCD.
Years of striving for in camera excellence helped me....though did drive me nuts thinking guys like you just magically did something in camera to make these awesome Master Pieces. I do believe this is what causes people buy equipment that isnt needed.
I know now I can get same results in lighting with a Rebel or 1DsIII. To an amatuer, they always think its the expensive camera that does it.
Just have to look at it this way. An awesome Lasagna is awesome no matter whos oven its cooked in or what pan it sat in.
Hope you have a great Christmas Neil. Post some of your Christmas pics too. We know you'll take some. -
Thanks Neil! This should be a wonderful asset for everyone.
I hope that you will be diligent in quashing bad behavior and unrelenting in requiring participants to behave in a civil manner. So many other forums are just a free-for-all of offensive anonymous personal attacks, flame baiting and trolling ...
Best wishes, and thanks for the early Christmas gift ... I was expecting a lump of coal ... nothing quite nice as this ... :-)
Happy Holidays to you and yours! -
Butch .. I haven't bothered with writing up rules for the forum yet.
Hopefully it won't be necessary.
But the general rules would be to always be nice;
and not argue a point to the death;
no whining is allowed;
and that *I* have the final (and only) say in any matter.
But these things shouldn't even have to be explained. :) -
I think this one will be civil. It already has a different feel to it. On so many other forums, a user will ask a question and others get annoyed and jump on.
This feels different to me.
I see questions being asked, and helpful people with patience for those who might not know are answering with real answers and knowledge to back them up.
Seems and feels more professional help rather than the norm.
I think it helps cause Neils appearance from time to time. I know he wont be able to chime in on everything, and alot of things wont be needed. So many have picked up on his knowledge, they could answer just as well or have had whatever happen to them.
But hes so well respected and his presence here makes this forum feel different.
Maybe its just me, but I sure feel it.
I look forward to seeing it grown and the new things we all have potential to learn here. I come here everyday for that reason. To see what new articals I can learn from him. Never even thought this site would have a forum....but its a great idea and it seems to be working very well so far. -
I first found Neil's blog searching the 'net to try to get a better understanding of max flash sync speed and then found the wealth of info the blog contained clarified a bunch of other flash questions I'd been pondering.
Have bought Neil's book (highly recommended, looking forward to the off-camera flash book) and now check the blog daily via RSS for my "fix" ;-)
Forum is a great idea - thanks again, Neil, for sharing your knowledge and techniques and in the process, a bunch of wonderful images.
Cheers,
CraigC
Australia -
Howie ... this forum template is perhaps a little unusual in that it veers away from the 'standard' forum layouts. With this one, the busy threads rise to the top, regardless of the category. But you can then also view them by category via the right-hand pane if you want to.
While the forum isn't super-busy yet, this current layout is the best I think, because it saves you having to click through multiple sub-forums to find that one or two active threads. -
Same as many above --
Thank you for the extensive site, AND, going back and updating your core postings. You did not need to do that but shows a great spirit of continuous improvement. While I like the Strobist site too, I find this site much more approachable, much easier to engage and find what you need.
The book is great, I need to re-read it.
This new forum is a GREAT idea -- a very good move for you and your "students".
Thanks!
Rob.
-
Neil's current book and the Tangents website were always my first port of call for any on camera flash advice and now for anything photography related. Both contain brilliant advice and are written in an easy to understand style. This is the one and only forum I've felt compelled to join, mainly due to the way both Neil and the vast majority of contributers give constructive and friendly advice.
Cheers
Rick -
Neil,
Great move. I love the forum and I have no doubt it will make it easier on you on not having to answer as many questions!
I rather like how you have the final say in any matter ;)
...I see what you did there... ha!! :D
Jonathan -
Hi Neil,
Came across your web site Tangents, I would copy some of your pointers in order to improve my flash work. Then I bought the on camera flash book and people would ask me what the BFT was all about. Along came off camera flash and I started understanding things a little more clearly. Now this blog,wow, your comments and inserts in your off camera book are bringing things together for me. Comments from you and other photogs are very helpful.
Thanks for the help and I'll keep that flash powered up and bouncing. -
@Neil: not sure where to address this but I tried logging in with Facebook and I simply get this error upon clicking the connect button:
`{
"error": {
"type": "OAuthException",
"message": "Error validating application."
}
}`
and btw. what forum is this? I can't find a single hint :-) -
Neil -
The label on Discussions that tells how many New posting are in the Discussion does not reset after I have opened the Discussion. I can get it to reset by clicking on the Category and then going back to All Discussions. Is this correct?
I am using Google Chrome on a Windows XP system.
Todd -
From Neil (second message on this thread):
"I intend adding a sub-forum here where anyone can post images or links to their site, and ask for a critique. I won't be doing the critiquing, but will have a regular guest photographer do the critiquing. "
->does this section exist ? would be cool but I could not find it. -
Just wanted to say how fantastic this forum is for all photographers of all different levels and hope to learn even more from you neil and fellow forum user's, I can onestly say my photography, particulary flash/lighting tech's have improved vastly because of you kindly sharing your expertise and wonderful tutorials.
Thanks again Neil.
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
In this Discussion
- BrianS December 2010
- ButchM December 2010
- Ced July 2011
- Clive December 2010
- CraigC December 2010
- Crissie December 2010
- David67 January 7
- Eric December 2010
- FrannyB December 2010
- fschop December 2010
- geoff December 2010
- Howie December 2010
- jesseh December 2010
- JSeawright April 2011
- Mark December 2010
- MarkMcA December 2010
- Mimple December 2010
- Neil vN July 2011
- Ovidiu June 2011
- Photocraftsman December 2010
- PhotogDave December 2010
- rafiayub February 2011
- rick January 2011
- RobOK January 2011
- rtcary June 2011
- Samyap December 2010
- sassone June 2011
- sherij December 2010
- Stephen June 2011
- urgyen February 12