Posted by David Taylor on January 15, 2009 at 1:58 AM
Hello everyone, Dave Taylor here. Carl Battreall recently asked me to take over as moderator of the Alaska chapter forum. It is my pleasure to accept this new challenge. First things first, I'd like to thank Carl for taking the initiative to start this regional forum. It has become a great resource to both local Alaskans and photographers traveling to our great state. I have big shoes to fill, but I'm hoping our members will help in the transition and future development of our community. I also hope that Carl will continue to offer his expertise in our forum, we wouldn't be here without him.
I have some hopes and plans for this forum, that I'd like to go through very quickly:
1. Grow. We already have a great core group of contributors. Most of us know Alaskan-based photographers who are not members currently. Professionals, amateurs, and addicts - all are welcome. Schools, clubs, etc. Lets get the word out and grow our ranks.
2. Contribute. A forum is only as good as it's content & willingness of its contributors to contribute. Do you have a travel story, a new photo &/or project you are excited about, logistic advice? Share early... and share often:)
3. I'd like to grow the site in the future as well. Other forums have sub-pages: Member Bios, Locations, and Events. Like I said, we have a great core member group, but one of the areas I want to continue to stress is Community. Some of us have only met in the ether of the net. Especially as our numbers grow, I'd like to offer group shoot options/meetups in the "real world". As you know, Alaska has so many places to explore, but many times they are out of the way and can be hazardous to explore in a party of 1. Our new Events feature can include things like simple coffee meetings, shooting in the field with a new buddy or 5 for an evening or a week long camping trip, or upcoming gallery shows. Many times it is difficult to find like minded people willing to undertake adventures with. Non photographers can have a hard time with the patience of waiting for the perfect light, but sometimes it's best not to be out there alone. We can carpool, help each other, and grow our community... building new friendships along the way. I'm starting an Events sticky, until we have a full time page devoted
This is hopefully just the beginning of an exciting new step in the continuation of our community, and our art.
What's next? Well I'd love to hear your ideas - and GO!
Posted by Bob Malvin on February 15, 2009 at 1:19 AM
David, if there is an easy way for someone to post pictures, that would help. It seems to me that you need to post them to the web or your own website, then upload? Is that the only way? I have posted and tried again later one and just gave up as it was such a hassle ...
Just my thoughts.
Posted by David Taylor on February 15, 2009 at 1:36 AM
Hello Bob-
Thanks for posting your thoughts - it is always much appreciated. I agree that it is a bit of a hassle for non-members to post their images. But I would really recommend considering becoming a member. With a NPN Membership you get your own 120 image portfolio page. These portfolio pages have brought real business to some of the photogs that you may "bump into" online here on NPN. Of course, as a member, NPN will host your uploaded images to display in the forums. Prices start at $49 for a one year membership. Hosting a major and image heavy forum are not cheap. Speaking for myself, my membership fee has become a great investment in my photography.
Please visit the links below and consider the opportunity, we'd love to have your participation!
http://www.naturephotographers.net/members.html
And a direct link to a 1 year membership sign up:
http://www.naturephotographers.net/member1year.html
Hope to hear from you soon, as well as see some images.
Posted by DAN HART on February 21, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Hi Dave;
This is my first view of the Alaska forums section although I have been on Photoportfolios. net for about 3 years now. Your comments are well placed regarding becoming a member. I sell a very significant percentage of my work via my photoportfolios pages. I would love to suggest some species specific postings. In other words, if people are looking to photograph brown bear specifically--have a post that lists as many locations and specifics as possible. This could be done for brown bear, bald eagles, puffins, wolves, foxes, moose, etc. Also, specific postings for special events or festivals in Alaska such as the annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival in Haines, Alaska. Or, special events such as rehab bird releases by Bird TLC in Anchorage, aurora shoots near Fairbanks with links to the Geophysical Inst. webpages for activity info, etc. Finally, perhaps a special nature photographer gear post for special items unique to nature photographers--where to get them, etc. Hope these suggestions are useful. Thanks for the forum.
Dan
Posted by David Taylor on February 21, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Dan-
Awesome ideas, and greatly appreciated. That is definitely one thing I'd like to see this forum become (member willing) - a user powered Encyclopedia Alaskana, if you will.
Thanks again, and please keep involved on YOUR forum. Your portfolio page is impressive - we could use your further input here.
It would be nice to organize a trip once a month to someplace we can all spend a day or so shooting some great photo's.
Like the matanuska Glacier for a day?
If there was enough interest we could pool our resources and rent a F350 econoline van for a day and share the cost.
We could have weekly meet and greats as well someplace local and get to know one another and maybe even form our own photo club that is mostly informal
With the kids going back to school and things starting to slow down for the winter this could be a great outlet to help pass the winter and motivate people to get out and about in the winter.
Posted by Larry Fischer on November 17, 2009 at 2:44 PM
How about a weekly or monthly theme?
Ocean, mountains, mammals, birds, plants, human encroachment, glaciers, winter, insects, rivers, waterfalls, trees, color, pattern, moon, sun, aurora, etc.
Then announce a winner?
Copied somewhat off the weekly challenge but AK has a world of their own.
Might stimulate some to search of old photos or take new ones.
the fisch
Posted by Larry Fischer on November 30, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Surprised no one has responded to my 11/17/2009 post, pro or con.
Competition is the essence of learning and success.
the fisch
Posted by Robert Barkley on October 19, 2010 at 12:10 AM
Workshops... get together, look at pictures, trade editing/composition strategies. Drink coffee.
Monthly is too frequently.
Annually is too sparse.
Discussion
8 repliesI have some hopes and plans for this forum, that I'd like to go through very quickly:
1. Grow. We already have a great core group of contributors. Most of us know Alaskan-based photographers who are not members currently. Professionals, amateurs, and addicts - all are welcome. Schools, clubs, etc. Lets get the word out and grow our ranks.
2. Contribute. A forum is only as good as it's content & willingness of its contributors to contribute. Do you have a travel story, a new photo &/or project you are excited about, logistic advice? Share early... and share often:)
3. I'd like to grow the site in the future as well. Other forums have sub-pages: Member Bios, Locations, and Events. Like I said, we have a great core member group, but one of the areas I want to continue to stress is Community. Some of us have only met in the ether of the net. Especially as our numbers grow, I'd like to offer group shoot options/meetups in the "real world". As you know, Alaska has so many places to explore, but many times they are out of the way and can be hazardous to explore in a party of 1. Our new Events feature can include things like simple coffee meetings, shooting in the field with a new buddy or 5 for an evening or a week long camping trip, or upcoming gallery shows. Many times it is difficult to find like minded people willing to undertake adventures with. Non photographers can have a hard time with the patience of waiting for the perfect light, but sometimes it's best not to be out there alone. We can carpool, help each other, and grow our community... building new friendships along the way. I'm starting an Events sticky, until we have a full time page devoted
This is hopefully just the beginning of an exciting new step in the continuation of our community, and our art.
What's next? Well I'd love to hear your ideas - and GO!
Just my thoughts.
Thanks for posting your thoughts - it is always much appreciated. I agree that it is a bit of a hassle for non-members to post their images. But I would really recommend considering becoming a member. With a NPN Membership you get your own 120 image portfolio page. These portfolio pages have brought real business to some of the photogs that you may "bump into" online here on NPN. Of course, as a member, NPN will host your uploaded images to display in the forums. Prices start at $49 for a one year membership. Hosting a major and image heavy forum are not cheap. Speaking for myself, my membership fee has become a great investment in my photography.
Please visit the links below and consider the opportunity, we'd love to have your participation!
http://www.naturephotographers.net/members.html
And a direct link to a 1 year membership sign up:
http://www.naturephotographers.net/member1year.html
Hope to hear from you soon, as well as see some images.
This is my first view of the Alaska forums section although I have been on Photoportfolios. net for about 3 years now. Your comments are well placed regarding becoming a member. I sell a very significant percentage of my work via my photoportfolios pages. I would love to suggest some species specific postings. In other words, if people are looking to photograph brown bear specifically--have a post that lists as many locations and specifics as possible. This could be done for brown bear, bald eagles, puffins, wolves, foxes, moose, etc. Also, specific postings for special events or festivals in Alaska such as the annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival in Haines, Alaska. Or, special events such as rehab bird releases by Bird TLC in Anchorage, aurora shoots near Fairbanks with links to the Geophysical Inst. webpages for activity info, etc. Finally, perhaps a special nature photographer gear post for special items unique to nature photographers--where to get them, etc. Hope these suggestions are useful. Thanks for the forum.
Dan
Awesome ideas, and greatly appreciated. That is definitely one thing I'd like to see this forum become (member willing) - a user powered Encyclopedia Alaskana, if you will.
Thanks again, and please keep involved on YOUR forum. Your portfolio page is impressive - we could use your further input here.
It would be nice to organize a trip once a month to someplace we can all spend a day or so shooting some great photo's.
Like the matanuska Glacier for a day?
If there was enough interest we could pool our resources and rent a F350 econoline van for a day and share the cost.
We could have weekly meet and greats as well someplace local and get to know one another and maybe even form our own photo club that is mostly informal
With the kids going back to school and things starting to slow down for the winter this could be a great outlet to help pass the winter and motivate people to get out and about in the winter.
Ocean, mountains, mammals, birds, plants, human encroachment, glaciers, winter, insects, rivers, waterfalls, trees, color, pattern, moon, sun, aurora, etc.
Then announce a winner?
Copied somewhat off the weekly challenge but AK has a world of their own.
Might stimulate some to search of old photos or take new ones.
the fisch
Competition is the essence of learning and success.
the fisch
Monthly is too frequently.
Annually is too sparse.
Quarterly?