What’s Your Preference?

fstopMike · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 03:05 AM

A photographer's Eye
The tickle of light on a fluttering leaf
The silvery shimmer of a plume of grass
Images from a world few others see

A bumblebee strolling on a blossom
A butterfly dining on the finest nectars
Delight found in the wonder of God's creation

The gleam of a drop after a cleansing rain
Shadows dancing on an open meadow
These are things that catch a photographer's eye

...And the world is never the same
~Mike~

Nine months ago, I was looking for a place to park my newfound enthusiasm for photography. I was wandering around the internet and found a website called Digital Photography School. It had been a long time since I had been to school, and I was wondering if this old dog could learn some new tricks, but I decided to jump in. Nine months and a few thousand posts later, I've decided that I've received way more than what I invested in my tuition....

And how much have I received? It's kinda like this....

I wasn't a stranger to a camera. I bought my first SLR in 1971 when I was in the army. I brought it out for trips and special occasions, and considered photography to be a hobby. Then Nikki Sue Nikon and DPS came into my life. I was looking to gain some knowledge, but I got so much more!

I've made friends all over the world. My friends show me the places where they live, they share their culture, they even introduce me to their families. They show me how they see the world and that has been an eye opener for me.

I was looking to gain some knowledge, but I got so much more. You opened my eyes, and not only my eyes, but my soul. A talent, long ago buried, was unearthed, and inspired by Nikki Sue, and with your encouragement and patience, has begun to flourish. So how do I say thanks? I'm not entirely sure, but here goes, 5000 times.

A thousand thanks to... Darren for creating a site where creativity can flourish and members can post and share in an encouraging environment, and to the moderators who do a thankless job maintaining that environment.

A thousand thanks to... all those who participate and share. I've probably left a comment, but maybe I missed your post. Every image I've seen has taught me something. I owe so much to those who have taken the time to post and share.

A thousand thanks to... all those who've taken the time to view my posts and leave encouraging words. You make me want to go out and do it again.

A thousand thanks to... those who have asked to be my friend, to those who have been my friend, but have never made it formal, to those who have taken the time to leave a visitor message, or a private message, and to those that will always drop by and leave an encouraging comment on every post of mine. Your encouragement and your friendship is greatly treasured.

A thousand thanks to... one special member who has consistently encouraged not only my photography, but my writing as well. You have helped awaken a God-given talent that I've let lay dormant for far too long.

And since I'm baring my soul, I guess I'll share this. I'm an old fart, so it isn't pretty...

Thank you all, from your friend, Mike

Fred flyfisher · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 03:20 AM

What a tremendous milestone Mike. Your ceaseless and tireless efforts on behalf of our common passion have been an inspiration to many others as well as myself to try and do a little better. To post another comment. To learn and try something new. To encourage someone else. I really have enjoyed your images and prose so to say the trip has been fun would be a gross understatement. Keep the light shining buddy and here's looking for 5000 more.

equilution · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 03:28 AM

That's awe inspiring, Mike! Thank you for that. ...and thank you for your gracious encouragement, and also for helping me to become a better photographer! I'm coming up on 1000 myself, and you and a small handful of others have really been a big part of my growth in the short time I've been here! So...again...thanks! Here's to another 5000!!!

Jim

martha36 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 03:37 AM

There are tears in my eyes. You touched a chord, just as you always do. With words and pictures.

Nicole · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 03:44 AM

Congrats on 5000, you've definitely got a way with words.

It's amazing how fast those posts fly by, isn't it?

Vinam · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 03:50 AM

Congrads on 5k Mike !

I am always impressed by your enthusiasum and creativity. I am also impressed by your progress in not just the techincal aspects of getting a " good shot " but also your following in the " written word tied to the captured image " ... your own poems and narratives take time and talent and I appreciate your fun approach.

Now all that wouldn't mean quite so much if you didn't share with us some kick-ass photography and although you've always had the " eye " your stuff just gets better and better. ( the two shots included with this post are good examples )

I am lucky to have a good friend like you to travel down the path with.. I look forward to seeing thousands more of your comments on my work and seeing what you come up with next.

so a thousand thank you's right back at ya and I'm getting to be an old fart myself ! lol

Vin

jennie · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 04:38 AM

awww..that is sweet..you really have a way with words..congratulatulations on your milestone Mike! a thousand cheers for a photographer who doesnt only have the eye for photography but a poet soul to match each one..

FoG · #8 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 04:48 AM

Well done on the posts and I for one look for yours when I log in .. always lovely shots always well presented ... Like you I too went on the net to find out how after being bought a P&S I could do more with it from being here and learning I moved from a Canon lil P& through a bridge to my treaured D60 ... I forgo another iste I should spend more time in to come in here to see what you guys have shot recently learnt far more the Photogrpahy tips and so on such as plants from around the world met some great people.. HEre's tp DPS and the place they made.... YAY

here's to you Mike and you don't look that old from where I am sitting

shellie20 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 05:14 AM

Hi Mike - congrats on the posts! Fantastic. And I love your pics. Hope to see more of them - and soon! And thank you for the kind words of wisdom you have left on some of my posts.

Warmest regards, Michelle.