Thank you, DPS !! - There's no better college than this !

[Ottor]

Didn't post this in "Earning with Photog" because the intent of this post isn't to dwell on the money, but what's been accomplished in the last couple of years... All, thanks mainly, to this forum and the professionals that lurk/teach/guide/and grumble at us newbies...

Bought my first camera 11/08. "Camera", not DSLR !! Never owned one before, with the exception of those cardboard boxes purchased at a convenience store..

I knew nothing about photography (Literally 'nothing').. Immediately found this place - since then:

Sold 3 Pictures off of Etsy for $100 each, now I'm told, are hanging on the walls of the University of Hawaii Library...

Won a local Project Mutual Phone Book cover contest with over 1200 entrants - my photograph is on over 84,000 phone books in Idaho - Won $200 to boot !

Shot some flowers in my backyard, had them made into greeting cards and sold about 15 boxes at the local Farmers Market - I dont' have that image anymore...

3rd Place in another local (Idaho) photography contest - a prepaid $50 VISA on it's way to me shortly...

And my favorite - there's a new hospital/clinic that was being built - I was on my way home and decided to stop one cold winter evening and take some shots .... I really liked the pictures, so approached the Hospital about having some on their walls... They didn't want any "Pictures", but did make me a wonderful offer to purchase all rights to one of the pictures to display on their advertising - brochures - Ad's - and... billboards! - I can't show you the 'exact' picture because it's not mine anymore, but it's similar to this..

Didn't take any college classes (but will soon), purchased a minimal number of books, and I dont' know anyone locally that I can use as a resource .... just this forum. I belong to a couple of others, but this is my main one I go to daily.. Just a thanks to those that are patient enough to take the time to reply to really basic questions... You can learn a ton just reading the numerous posts from everyone with different levels of experience..

I have a Canon XSI with the 2 'kit' lenses - 18-55 and the 75-300 non-IS... was able to pick up a 50mm 1.8, but holding out for my dream lens ... the 400mm Prime L .. Hopefully to some soon...

Thanks again...

R

[CheaperKings]

Sounds like you're off and running. Congrats!

[Jim Bryant]

Good for you.....congrats!

[Henry Wilt]

As said before, well done!

I would like to add my 2p if I may. I am new to photography also and found this site while researching (or dreaming of) the camera I would like to buy. I have found not only are the tips and tutorials extremely useful and informative, but the members on here seem to be so friendly and helpful that I am learning daily from reading their posts.

Thanks to one and all!