I remember it was Lon who helped me out the most when I first started posting here on NPN about two years ago but in the Photoshop arena. Though I had been doing film photography for over 30 years at the time, I had very little exposure to PS layers and masks. If you asked me anything about darkroom work, I could write a book but not Photoshop. I think his / this kind of critique approach is priceless in my opinion and just want to thank Lon again since it was a turning point for me on the PS front.
Lon, if you don't remember, it was a stormy image over the Grand Canyon that you helped me with. I believe it was also when you introduced me to TK's masks and layers which are now indispensable in my work flow. Thanks again. Eva
Posted by Lon Overacker on March 10, 2011 at 10:32 PM
Thanks Eva! I appreciate the comments. I think we all enjoy helping others to one degree or another. I'm glad you brought this up too and I think perfect use of this private forum.
I have to be honest and say that helping Barbara I have two objectives. The first of course is to genuinely offer help, but secondly is to literally push back and try and get her to turn on a light switch or something. I think many folks (and I've received comments) are getting a little saturated with all the questions. Don't get me wrong, I wish more folks had the passion and drive to learn like she does and of course asking questions is how you learn (one of the ways anway.) But on the flip side, if everything is a right or wrong answer or approach, then all the various opinions and critiques she gets is ultimately not helping her. We all have our opinions and she needs to have one with respect to her own work. I think she does, but she's trying to please too many people and follow too many rules or guidelines.
I'm trying to push back so she can answer these questions for herself. I also think she's running in to the "jack of all trades and master of none" syndrome; trying to be proficient in multiple genres of photography from landscape to avian, flora, fauna, macro AND photo art.
Anyway, something I wanted to get off my chest. I'll continue to offer help to her and others, but there comes a point too where I could spend time helping others too. While I've received some thanks in her posts, I've yet to receive a private email with any additional question or thanks. And while I'm not looking for a pat of thanks, I'm kinda at that point that I'm not sure that my advice is helping...
Any thoughts?
thanks again Eva. I remember your post, but once one passes the half century mark, memory becomes a challenge...
Lon
Posted by Eva McDermott on March 11, 2011 at 7:25 AM
Posted by Jim Erhardt on March 13, 2011 at 9:22 AM
Good stuff! Lon, thanks for suggesting the self-critique approach. I think this is a great way to help those who are relatively new to photography or who are struggling with it.
Posted by Varina Patel on March 14, 2011 at 7:31 AM
Lon - you went above and beyond with this... and I know it's not the first time. It's a great example to set.
Posted by Lon Overacker on March 14, 2011 at 5:06 PM
Thanks everyone! Yes, I do hope I didn't push to far with Barbara, but it seems that she is one who can take it. Part of my motivation honestly was to push back as I thought that she was in a way almost monopolizing the help in both the forums and galleries. The good news though is that I think she is learning and improving so it seems to be working out. Pretty soon she'll be mentoring others!
Discussion
5 repliesHere is the link to the thread. Thread
I remember it was Lon who helped me out the most when I first started posting here on NPN about two years ago but in the Photoshop arena. Though I had been doing film photography for over 30 years at the time, I had very little exposure to PS layers and masks. If you asked me anything about darkroom work, I could write a book but not Photoshop. I think his / this kind of critique approach is priceless in my opinion and just want to thank Lon again since it was a turning point for me on the PS front.
Lon, if you don't remember, it was a stormy image over the Grand Canyon that you helped me with. I believe it was also when you introduced me to TK's masks and layers which are now indispensable in my work flow. Thanks again. Eva
I have to be honest and say that helping Barbara I have two objectives. The first of course is to genuinely offer help, but secondly is to literally push back and try and get her to turn on a light switch or something. I think many folks (and I've received comments) are getting a little saturated with all the questions. Don't get me wrong, I wish more folks had the passion and drive to learn like she does and of course asking questions is how you learn (one of the ways anway.) But on the flip side, if everything is a right or wrong answer or approach, then all the various opinions and critiques she gets is ultimately not helping her. We all have our opinions and she needs to have one with respect to her own work. I think she does, but she's trying to please too many people and follow too many rules or guidelines.
I'm trying to push back so she can answer these questions for herself. I also think she's running in to the "jack of all trades and master of none" syndrome; trying to be proficient in multiple genres of photography from landscape to avian, flora, fauna, macro AND photo art.
Anyway, something I wanted to get off my chest. I'll continue to offer help to her and others, but there comes a point too where I could spend time helping others too. While I've received some thanks in her posts, I've yet to receive a private email with any additional question or thanks. And while I'm not looking for a pat of thanks, I'm kinda at that point that I'm not sure that my advice is helping...
Any thoughts?
thanks again Eva. I remember your post, but once one passes the half century mark, memory becomes a challenge...
Lon
Lon