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04/21/2014 02:32:57 PM · #1
Hi to you all!

My name is Lisa and I have just signed up as a member here. I think this site looks like a great way to keep focused on new projects.

A little about me for anyone who might be curious: I'm 38 years old, a stay-at-home mum (aspiring photographer and writer) who used to be a languages teacher (French and Spanish). I am from Northern Ireland (Belfast) but we are currently living just outside New Orleans with our family (one toddler son and four pets!). :D

I've been trying to teach myself as much as possible about photography in the last 4 months or so and I think I'm improving already. Hopefully I will learn a lot more here with you! I'm looking forward to it. I just entered my first challenge and hopefully I'll get my head around how things work around here. I'm actually afraid to enter minimal editing challenges at the moment - I do everything in RAW now..

So, I'm pleased to meet you all! It's lovely to see such diverse work and talent on here. I also see that some people are really experiencing success. Well done to all of you! I hope to be joining you one day.

:D

04/21/2014 02:44:53 PM · #2
Welcome, Lisa! DPchallenge is an amazing family to grow with! I've been a member for just under 10 years, and I guarantee you will learn so much by participating in the challenges and studying the work of others after the challenge results are opened up. Sometimes, you will no doubt learn "the hard way" so a nice thick skin and the ability to perfectly balance sticking true to your own style and artistry, while being humble enough to take the often brutal critiques of others and changing will be in order! I started out so very clueless, but now earn my livelihood from portrait photography.... So, it is well worth it! Good Luck! Can't wait to see some of your work :)
04/21/2014 02:55:16 PM · #3
I'm not accomplished enough to offer any advice, but I am capable of commenting on the marvelous help that you'll get from members here. Great photographers with lots of experience and good, meaningful advice. Welcome, and enjoy!
04/21/2014 03:01:28 PM · #4
Welcome, Lisa!!! Keeping focused on new projects is EXACTLY what this site helps you do. Like Sandy, I knew next to nothing (you're ahead of where I was since you're already shooting RAW!), and while I'm not yet making a living off my photography, I'm sure getting close.

The mechanics of the site are easy to learn. More importantly, study the editing rule sets because a lot of newbs get tripped up there. Make sure you've got your camera date/time set adequately (another reason newbs get DQs), and finally, SAVE YOUR ORIGINAL!!! That may be THE most common reason for DQs. Remember that if you alter the RAW in any way (including some downloading changes), it does not count as the "original" and will result in a DQ. Always work with a copy.

Looking forward to your work!
04/21/2014 03:06:06 PM · #5
Wow! Ten years! That's an indication to me of the sort of thing you can get out of being a member here... :D It sounds good! Oh, and I used to teach teenagers (high school) for years, so I think I can draw on those days of having a thick skin, lol. I just want to improve enough to be able to make a living out of photography one day too so I'm ready for the harsh critiques. :D (I can't believe I'm saying that, lol!)
I'm just trying to get my thinking cap on to enter some more of this month's challenges, :D.

It's very exciting! (But I'm also ready for the hard work....) I kind of worry I'm never going to be as creative as the photographers I see here but I think that's a normal beginner's doubt creeping in. Hopefully with experience and hard work my photos will improve steadily. Fingers crossed! :D
04/21/2014 03:08:15 PM · #6
Ooh! That is good advice tanguera. Thank you! I think the time stamp on my camera is right at the moment - well it has saved them with the correct date in lightroom so I'm hoping that means it's OK? I'll have to get the manual out to figure out how to fix it if not! :D

So, even a change in a slider in the RAW manager means it's not the original? I will keep that in mind. Thanks for all this everyone!
04/21/2014 03:34:18 PM · #7
Pull out a box to sit on and enjoy the menagerie. Welcome!
04/21/2014 04:32:59 PM · #8
Originally posted by mishmao14:

So, even a change in a slider in the RAW manager means it's not the original? I will keep that in mind. Thanks for all this everyone!


LR allows you to edit a copy of the original. It's not the problem. The issue lies in the way you transfer your images from the card to the hard drive. Some programs alter the files in the process - a benign change in most cases (such as "date created/date modified"), but in the DPC universe, a disqualifying change. Don't get freaked out about DQs - even our most stellar ribbon hogs have gotten them :)
04/21/2014 05:41:36 PM · #9
G'day from the Down Under part of the world Lisa! This site is seriously amazing trying frustrating inspirational! This group of people have such a diversity of talent, I'm sure you'll find the answers to whatever questions you may have here, even if they're not specifically related to photography! And the people are incredible - just watch out for that tanguera chick, she'll lead you up the garden path if you don't watch out.

;)
04/21/2014 06:14:38 PM · #10
Welcome to DPC, Lisa.
Enjoy!

*I don't wanna hear any complaints from other members about never getting a basket or a gift card or tote bag. Only our most distinguished new members qualify for these perks. You are all just riff raff. :P
04/21/2014 06:33:03 PM · #11
Originally posted by tanguera:

Some programs alter the files in the process - a benign change in most cases (such as "date created/date modified"), but in the DPC universe, a disqualifying change.


I don't think DPC cares about your file's created/modified date- the rules looks for the "Date Taken" which is stored inside the image file in its metadata (EXIF Info) and nearly no program will modify that field. I am surprised to read similar comment again in recent days so thought I'll clarify.
04/21/2014 06:55:58 PM · #12
Originally posted by MEJazz:

Originally posted by tanguera:

Some programs alter the files in the process - a benign change in most cases (such as "date created/date modified"), but in the DPC universe, a disqualifying change.


I don't think DPC cares about your file's created/modified date- the rules looks for the "Date Taken" which is stored inside the image file in its metadata (EXIF Info) and nearly no program will modify that field. I am surprised to read similar comment again in recent days so thought I'll clarify.

This applies to RAW files, which are relatively immune from being "changed," however for JPEG files (shot for a Minimal challenge or "by accident") we always recommend using a card reader and your computer's operating system to drag-and-drop the files from the card to the hard drive, and then to work only on a copy.

You may find the scoring here "harsher" than you expect -- note that even most of the top photos in the challenges don't average above 7 ... if you monitor your scores during the week try adding 1.3-1.6 points ("DPC correction factor") to your score and you may feel better ... :-)

Besides entering the challenges, perhaps the fastest way to improve your photography is to comment on as many photos as you can, especially those you don't care for so much. Learning what "works" and doesn't for you by analyzing others' work objectively will help you take those factors into account when you make your own pictures.

Welcome! Have fun!
04/21/2014 09:38:55 PM · #13
Grog welkums Mishmo female to tribe. Please find small rock to sit on at back of cave. Iz gud place to watch an lern from elder takers-of-images.

Ignorr Thag and Ugg, but Gurrl give gud advise.
04/21/2014 10:33:15 PM · #14
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Ignorr Thag and Ugg, but Gurrl give gud advise.


Grog reeignyt reengnyt again start krush in Gurrl <3

Ahem....

Yes, I meant the altering the jpgs when transferring.

And Pam is a muckrucker. She rucks muck on decent folks. Best steer clear of her...
04/21/2014 10:56:16 PM · #15
Welcome to the funny farm! I see the bottle of wine Art left you is empty! He plays the welcome game but the cheese is moldy and the wine bottles are just that!

04/22/2014 02:10:07 AM · #16
Welcome Lisa! Glad to have you on board. I think that you will find this a great community to help you improve your photography skills. I know that it has been a tremendous source of learning for me.
04/22/2014 02:21:53 AM · #17
Welcome.
Side challenges are a good way to meet people here, and get started with feedback on your photos.
I would add one other thing that has not been mentioned in this thread yet. When you begin to upload photos to your portfolio, size them down to a medium size, 640-800 pixels wide, so that you don't fill up your portfolio space with just a few dozen photos.
04/22/2014 06:25:04 AM · #18
Welcome!! I am a noobie as well, self learner and just started shooting out of Auto mode and into RAW myself less than 6 months..

I find myself going back to my point and shoot here and there, but I tell ya, I have learned a lot already the people are awesome and its very addicting.. just don't get hung up on the voting or scores ever.. we all each have our own little style and talents.. but the learning is vast and its amazing!

04/22/2014 10:57:52 AM · #19
OK, one more question: does LR ever do that weird changey thing with the jpegs? It's the only program I use to upload these days...

And thank you for all the extra tips. I won't feel insulted by my inevitable low scores. To be quite honest with you, I am never happy with my own photos. I would score myself pretty low with them but I'm looking forward to learning how to improve. You might see some rather experimental stuff in my challenge entries to be honest! :D Just bear with me...

I must check out some of these side challenges now. I hadn't spotted them before...

04/22/2014 11:57:21 AM · #20
Originally posted by mishmao14:

I must check out some of these side challenges now. I hadn't spotted them before...


Incidentally, you can also CREATE side challenges :) Anyone can. And if you are doing "experimental" stuff, that would be the way to go. Basically, SCs can be anything you want - ongoing, limited time, rules, no rules, etc. There is no voting, and anyone who wants to try making an image fitting the SC theme can do so.
04/22/2014 11:59:50 AM · #21
Originally posted by mishmao14:

OK, one more question: does LR ever do that weird changey thing with the jpegs? It's the only program I use to upload these days...


I've seen exposure change. What sort of "weird changey thing" are you referring to specifically? Oh, and welcome. :)
04/22/2014 12:07:22 PM · #22
Originally posted by jgirl57:

... just don't get hung up on the voting or scores ever.. we all each have our own little style and talents.. but the learning is vast and its amazing!


You are wise beyond your registration date, young grasshoppah.
04/22/2014 12:17:49 PM · #23
hi Lisa, welcome to the site
04/22/2014 12:26:47 PM · #24
Originally posted by aliqui:

I've seen exposure change. What sort of "weird changey thing" are you referring to specifically? Oh, and welcome. :)


I just meant the thing that others were warning about above. I haven't actually experienced it myself (or at least I've not been aware of it)...

And where exactly are the side challenges? I can't seem to find them. (Doh!)

Message edited by author 2014-04-22 12:27:54.
04/22/2014 12:29:15 PM · #25
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