Given how many photographers live and shoot in this region, I wonder if folks have any insight into why this board is so inactive compared to forums for other regions? Most posts get 0-2 responses and the IC board, which may be further dilutive, doesn't do much better. There are some really talented photographers here and its a shame there isn't more posting about ideas, conditions, recent images, etc. And here's one from November in Cades Cove.
I've wondered the same thing. The southeast is such a rich area for nature photography it's ironic that this is one of the least active forum. I tend to post in the ESS gallery because I'll get some coments there.
Maybe cash prizes for people who post and comment
Posted by Barry Vangrov on January 11, 2011 at 9:52 AM
I too have often wondered why so little activity. I've posted a few pictures and asked a couple of questions here but there just isn't much response. Fall color in the mountains seems to be the only subject that draws postings.
Posted by Mark Zemmin on January 11, 2011 at 8:28 PM
I have never been sure what this forum is for. I realize it is for regional specific questions, but I never really understood what else it is for.
There are very few postings of photographs and even less comments. Other forums have way greater participation. It takes time to prepare a photo to post on a forum, so at least others could say, hey I see your photo.
Interesting thoughts. Perhaps if we start making a collective effort to post our photos here and post and respond more actively to others we can get some momentum going. I paticipate in the RMNP forum and it is a truly fabulous forum. They do not have a separate image posting area which I think helps keep the dialogue and postings centered in one place. I encourage folks here to scan it periodically to see some great photography, the quality of the comments, etc. They have a few off topic postings but very few. But folks are always posting about recent quick shoots, experiences, questions about locations, techinique, exhibits, etc. We have some great photographers here in our part of the world and some beautiful areas of our own that we ought to be sharing.
Kathy, the bears (and two other cubs) crossed in front of my car on the Cades Cove loop early one morning. I grabbed a couple of quick shots and thought it worked better in b&w.
Posted by Steve Hamley on January 13, 2011 at 12:07 PM
I think that the members here are more independent than maybe those in other forums are. We're out there a lot, and I communicate with SENP friends via e-mail or phone quite frequently. Several of the SENP folks post fairly regularly on ES&S. Here are a couple of things that keep me personally from posting more.
The one image per 48 hour limit is frustrating and time consuming at best, and I'm tired of dealing with it. I'd be far more interested in posting several images, say fall, spring, etc at once - it takes a couple of weeks to post a half dozen images. Why the 48-hour limit? I do have to qualify that I use large format film, so me dumping my memory card on to SENP isn't going to happen.
Most of the galleries are image critique galleries. I'm usually able to critique my images myself with some exceptions, so I don't feel the need to post images for that reason.
I've also been working on a black-and-white church and historic (old ;D) building project that I've been printing in platinotype or palladiotype, and those images although very well received, don't really fit in any categories here.
But mostly it's the 48-hour thing.
But here's one from fall that I don't think I've posted here yet.
Steve, the 48 hour rule does not limit our ability to post photos as replies to our own thread, right? The way its done at RMNP is that a member can post a photo and then post however many replies adding an additional image with each. So you frequently see someone post 4-6 images from a recent shoot that way. But they can't be in new threads. I have assumed that was the approach here, too, but perhaps not.
I like this image a lot, has a nice damp gray autumn feel to it that really makes the yellows pop. I also have found its often difficult to execute these shots looking downstream but I think this one works well. Thanks for sharing!
Steve, the 48 hour rule does not limit our ability to post photos as replies to our own thread, right? The way its done at RMNP is that a member can post a photo and then post however many replies adding an additional image with each. So you frequently see someone post 4-6 images from a recent shoot that way. But they can't be in new threads. I have assumed that was the approach here, too, but perhaps not.
I like this image a lot, has a nice damp gray autumn feel to it that really makes the yellows pop. I also have found its often difficult to execute these shots looking downstream but I think this one works well. Thanks for sharing!
Steve, the 48 hour rule does not limit our ability to post photos as replies to our own thread, right? The way its done at RMNP is that a member can post a photo and then post however many replies adding an additional image with each. So you frequently see someone post 4-6 images from a recent shoot that way. But they can't be in new threads. I have assumed that was the approach here, too, but perhaps not.
I like this image a lot, has a nice damp gray autumn feel to it that really makes the yellows pop. I also have found its often difficult to execute these shots looking downstream but I think this one works well. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by Steve Hamley on January 13, 2011 at 2:18 PM
Ed,
Thanks for the comments. I didn't care for the water being too "hot" but it rained quite a bit the evening before, and I usually don't manipulate images beyond simple manipulations as a matter of choice. It also works if you crop the bottom, but the image becomes less dynamic, so you lose something.
Another thing that would help the forum is if the software would "bump" threads that have been replied to to the top of the page. Right now, you have to look more carefully for replies, and I have to admit i don't think I've ever looked for replies beyond the current first page.
I view the RMNP forum frequently. Everyone on that forum post frequently and really do a great job. I have learned a lot about your section of America just from your photographs and comments.Our SENP section has a lot to offer beside waterfalls, and mountain trails. Our coastlines are glorious and the south has much to share, but photographs are seldom posted from these areas. I'm wondering if there are any members from these areas. I live in Atlanta and visit the mountains and south often.Maybe there just aren't many members in the SENP area. I really would like to see something beside waterfalls, mountain streams and such, even tho they are beautiful. Butter beans every day for dinner gets old.Oh, by the way, I really like your photograph, Steve.
Posted by Steve Hamley on January 14, 2011 at 7:05 AM
Thanks Jackie,
I'd like to do more coastal stuff, but I live in Knoxville and can get to the Smokies after work. The coast would be a wonderful change of butter beans, but getting there frequently enough to produce good images is the curse of the working class. The only way you can really get world class images is to be out there a lot.
Speaking of which, Nye and Jerry report that Roan was the best they ever saw yesterday. Knee deep cake frosting snow, and the white mountains turned orange and magenta with alpenglow. It will probably be good today, but I am at work.
And just a historical note, when I joined SENP in 2004, Jerry, Richard, Matthew and I were about the only ones that ever posted much. It's quite active now in comparison, although I think we all understand it could be much better.
I used to coordinate some SENP group shoots in the Smokies, and tried to do so something similar about three years ago but was not able to follow through due to other issues. So maybe I'll do that again soon. Early retirement may be an option soon, and that would allow me to do more things with and for SENP.
Cheers, Steve
Posted by Steve Hamley on January 14, 2011 at 7:22 AM
Here's one from the church series, probably violating a rule, but it's something I do besides pure nature. It was done with an 8x10 camera with a 150mm (quite wide on 8x10) lens. I have usually cropped it to about the old whole plate size, 6-1/2 x 8-1/2 and printed on silver chloride or palladium/platinum. Of course, the jpeg doesn't look much like those prints do.
I've also acquired a 5x7 camera with an additional 4x5 back with lens boards large enough to use some of the old diffused focus portrait/impressionistic lenses. I'm looking forward to using these to to something similar to the Orton effect someone posted last fall. So SENP did inspire me to try something a bit different.
Quite a shot of a wonderful old church. I don't recognize this one, so please post where you took this. Your photo gear sounds impressive. I do believe there is a gallery called" man and nature" or something like that. I think this shot fits in well with telling our story about our part (SENP) of America. I know you must have had beautiful snow up there. Did you take any photographs? When the snow came this year, we were in south Ga. Positively no show here. I was soooo disappointed.
Posted by Steve Hamley on January 14, 2011 at 8:44 AM
Jackie,
The church is Shannondale Presbyterian on Tazewell Pike in Knoxville, Tennessee. There were a number of similar churches throughout the Virginia, East Tennessee and Western North Carolina area built about the same time, and many of them are either Presbyterian or Methodist. Unfortunately, some are no longer photogenic mostly because of poorly implemented ADA ramps and signs that were installed without regard to the aesthetics of these wonderful old churches.
I'm also trying to locate similar churches with double steeples, so e-mail me or post if you see one in your travels.
I've been out once for snow, but otherwise I've been at work most of the time. Nye and Jerry should have some beautiful images posted on their site soon of the Roan shoot yesterday. I also imagine Lori might have some shots from Max Patch, but second-hand info seems to indicate she's snowed in with over two feet of snow and drifts. You get that on Max Patch, and I'm surprised that Roan was doable since Carver Gap is 5500 feet.
Cheers, Steve
Posted by Robin Neville on January 16, 2011 at 6:43 PM
Thanks for posting and creating some interest Ed. I too have wondered why people weren't more active here.
Posted by Mark Zemmin on January 17, 2011 at 11:11 AM
Here is a shot from Tallulah River, GA. We had about 6-9" of snow last week and it has been slow to melt. Very few people had been here, so the snow was very pristine.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on January 28, 2011 at 7:54 AM
Another thing that would help the forum is if the software would "bump" threads that have been replied to to the top of the page. Right now, you have to look more carefully for replies, and I have to admit i don't think I've ever looked for replies beyond the current first page.
You can already do this. Go to the topic listing screen for the forum or the thumbnail screen for the IC gallery and use the "Sort by Post or Comment" toggle function located under the Posting Guidelines link. You can also set this action as a default on your Preferences screen.
Some regional forums/galleries are simply more active than others. Take some time to visit the UKNP group if you want to see great work and a very high level of activity. UKNP is an excellent model of a regional group putting both the forum and gallery to good (and their intended) use.
BTW, the IC gallery software is far better for displaying photos. Along with a very attractive thumbnail page, you can upload an optional larger photo. Additionally, all photos posted in the regional IC galleries also appear in the All Photos gallery, giving your work exposure throughout the entire NPN site.
The forum software is intended for discussion. Again, take a look at the UKNP group to see how they leverage both their discussion forum and IC gallery to good effect.
Most of the galleries are image critique galleries. I'm usually able to critique my images myself with some exceptions, so I don't feel the need to post images for that reason.
Photo critique is one of the primary missions of NPN - to help photographers improve their work. Even if a photographer's work has risen to the point of no longer requiring critique, they should offer that expertise to others in the form of critique. The 48 hour limit is intended to encourage that. Many years ago when we did not have a limit, the ratio of photos-to-comments was heavily skewed. Everyone wanted to post photos but not take the time to give critique, and then complained that their photos were not being commented on!
If you want to post a series of photos, you can do that by posting the additional photos in replies. You can do that in either the forums or galleries.
Posted by Steve Hamley on January 28, 2011 at 8:11 PM
Discussion
21 repliesI agree. There are a few of us who post here on a somewhat regular basis. I, for one, would like to see more activity here as well.
Andrew
Maybe cash prizes for people who post and comment
Kathy, the bears (and two other cubs) crossed in front of my car on the Cades Cove loop early one morning. I grabbed a couple of quick shots and thought it worked better in b&w.
The one image per 48 hour limit is frustrating and time consuming at best, and I'm tired of dealing with it. I'd be far more interested in posting several images, say fall, spring, etc at once - it takes a couple of weeks to post a half dozen images. Why the 48-hour limit? I do have to qualify that I use large format film, so me dumping my memory card on to SENP isn't going to happen.
Most of the galleries are image critique galleries. I'm usually able to critique my images myself with some exceptions, so I don't feel the need to post images for that reason.
I've also been working on a black-and-white church and historic (old ;D) building project that I've been printing in platinotype or palladiotype, and those images although very well received, don't really fit in any categories here.
But mostly it's the 48-hour thing.
But here's one from fall that I don't think I've posted here yet.
Cheers, Steve
I like this image a lot, has a nice damp gray autumn feel to it that really makes the yellows pop. I also have found its often difficult to execute these shots looking downstream but I think this one works well. Thanks for sharing!
I like this image a lot, has a nice damp gray autumn feel to it that really makes the yellows pop. I also have found its often difficult to execute these shots looking downstream but I think this one works well. Thanks for sharing!
I like this image a lot, has a nice damp gray autumn feel to it that really makes the yellows pop. I also have found its often difficult to execute these shots looking downstream but I think this one works well. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the comments. I didn't care for the water being too "hot" but it rained quite a bit the evening before, and I usually don't manipulate images beyond simple manipulations as a matter of choice. It also works if you crop the bottom, but the image becomes less dynamic, so you lose something.
Another thing that would help the forum is if the software would "bump" threads that have been replied to to the top of the page. Right now, you have to look more carefully for replies, and I have to admit i don't think I've ever looked for replies beyond the current first page.
Cheers, Steve
I'd like to do more coastal stuff, but I live in Knoxville and can get to the Smokies after work. The coast would be a wonderful change of butter beans, but getting there frequently enough to produce good images is the curse of the working class. The only way you can really get world class images is to be out there a lot.
Speaking of which, Nye and Jerry report that Roan was the best they ever saw yesterday. Knee deep cake frosting snow, and the white mountains turned orange and magenta with alpenglow. It will probably be good today, but I am at work.
And just a historical note, when I joined SENP in 2004, Jerry, Richard, Matthew and I were about the only ones that ever posted much. It's quite active now in comparison, although I think we all understand it could be much better.
I used to coordinate some SENP group shoots in the Smokies, and tried to do so something similar about three years ago but was not able to follow through due to other issues. So maybe I'll do that again soon. Early retirement may be an option soon, and that would allow me to do more things with and for SENP.
Cheers, Steve
I've also acquired a 5x7 camera with an additional 4x5 back with lens boards large enough to use some of the old diffused focus portrait/impressionistic lenses. I'm looking forward to using these to to something similar to the Orton effect someone posted last fall. So SENP did inspire me to try something a bit different.
Cheers, Steve
The church is Shannondale Presbyterian on Tazewell Pike in Knoxville, Tennessee. There were a number of similar churches throughout the Virginia, East Tennessee and Western North Carolina area built about the same time, and many of them are either Presbyterian or Methodist. Unfortunately, some are no longer photogenic mostly because of poorly implemented ADA ramps and signs that were installed without regard to the aesthetics of these wonderful old churches.
I'm also trying to locate similar churches with double steeples, so e-mail me or post if you see one in your travels.
I've been out once for snow, but otherwise I've been at work most of the time. Nye and Jerry should have some beautiful images posted on their site soon of the Roan shoot yesterday. I also imagine Lori might have some shots from Max Patch, but second-hand info seems to indicate she's snowed in with over two feet of snow and drifts. You get that on Max Patch, and I'm surprised that Roan was doable since Carver Gap is 5500 feet.
Cheers, Steve
Some regional forums/galleries are simply more active than others. Take some time to visit the UKNP group if you want to see great work and a very high level of activity. UKNP is an excellent model of a regional group putting both the forum and gallery to good (and their intended) use.
BTW, the IC gallery software is far better for displaying photos. Along with a very attractive thumbnail page, you can upload an optional larger photo. Additionally, all photos posted in the regional IC galleries also appear in the All Photos gallery, giving your work exposure throughout the entire NPN site.
The forum software is intended for discussion. Again, take a look at the UKNP group to see how they leverage both their discussion forum and IC gallery to good effect.
Photo critique is one of the primary missions of NPN - to help photographers improve their work. Even if a photographer's work has risen to the point of no longer requiring critique, they should offer that expertise to others in the form of critique. The 48 hour limit is intended to encourage that. Many years ago when we did not have a limit, the ratio of photos-to-comments was heavily skewed. Everyone wanted to post photos but not take the time to give critique, and then complained that their photos were not being commented on!
If you want to post a series of photos, you can do that by posting the additional photos in replies. You can do that in either the forums or galleries.
Cheers, Steve