DSLRUsers.com

I volunteered to give the introduction to DLSRusers at the opening of the Fred hollows gallery in Melbourne on Thursday night... I wish not only to introduce out images with a view to promoting their sale, but to use the opportunity to explain to the public what we are all about... Now as a long time member and moderator I have my own ideas but I would like to hear what the community thinks is the essence of this forum.

Also any other ideas are welcome.

The education of people to become photographers, or better photgraphers, not just in the skills required to take a technically 'perfect' photograph, but also skills in the artistic nature of photography, which is often very different to the technically perfect image.

And to have fun!

Just my thoughts!!

I reckon it's a one-stop shop. A source of info about all aspects of photography, a place to showcase work and a place to go for support and assistance. It's also a place where newbies can rub shoulders with pros and learn from their experience without having to fork out big bucks to go to seminars or workshops!

Sharing at all levels

Scott,

I consider the "essence" of this forum to be a group of well humoured, like minded individuals that all share the same passion for photography. Whilst we all have varying skill levels, and all come from different backgrounds, down deep, I think we all just want to take a "good" photo.

Just my $0.02,
Tristan

This community has members ranging from grumpy old men (do I belong in this group? ) to enthusiastic young people just starting out in photography - that has to be a good thing!

Cheers

I read the forum more than I participate in forum discussions. The forum is a wonderful resource of information, especially for those who live in Australia.

Perhaps somehting regarding the way we come together? And how that has led to a group, curreently 29 images being presented at the Exhibition.

All performed without meeting each other face to face!

My 2 Cents worth,

I started out here awhile ago now, the friends I have made are awesome, yet I haven't met any of them personally.
I have learn't and continue to learn from so many that have gone that way before me.

It's a great Forum.

Mic.

Through many months I have been on this forum, I've gained so much experience that I would do without knowing these great people around. They've all helped me out and demonstrated the real value of being a true photographer.

The events and meets from this has bonded many friendships and greatly developed more experience for many members who participated.


Just my .02c

Scott,
I see the essence of this forum similar to all who have posted above. Not only is it a great place to chat about photographic ideas or problems (amongst a gammut of many other things), it has a magnificent community spirit about it, which I find makes me feel comfortable to express my own thoughts & views. Not only can you share your own photographic journey with everyone here, but you also get to share, and contribute, to everyone else's journey at the same time....and to see people advance their skills.

To me, this forum is all about diversity.

We are a diverse range of people with a widely diverse level of experience in matters photographic, living all over the world, brought together by the wonders of technology and a love of photography.

And it works!

I think we can be a bit more forthright! The forum is the largest active community of photographers in Australia. Members include rank beginners through to seasoned, experienced professionals including photographic educators. The glue that holds the forum together is the love of photographic imagery and equipment. The forum is also a gallery and a showcase for some of the most contemporary digital photography being produced. It is a place for members to display their skills and share their techniques with others for the purpose of improving the quality of digital photography as a serious artistic endeavour. It is a place that beginners can show their work without fear of ridicule and confident in the knowledge that constructive criticism will be honest, gentle and encouraging. It is a meeting place of like minded people who have got to know and trust one another so much that the lending of expensive equipment is commonplace…even though those involved have never met. It is a stepping stone for amateurs who wish to become professionals. It is a group of strangers who meet at night to shoot the city lights and then drink wine and eagerly look at each others photographs on the small screen on the back of their cameras. It is a place to share information, opinions, and jokes about politicians and the world in general. Apart from that…it is nothing.

Matt- perfect.

Whatever it is you come up with MHD, I'm sure you'll cover off everything that needs to be said.

Look forward to meeting you guys on Thursday.

Thankyou Matt...
Very well said...

Scott - If it's not too late...

I think what Matt said is a very good summary.

The big thing for me (and you'll know I've said this on many occassions) is that this is not simply an online community. As good as the online portion is, it has a very active offline life as well - something that I feel sets us apart from most others out there (in whatever field of interest). I believe it is this which reinforces the community spirit we see here.

Yes, there are many here who we consider friends (hopefully they feel the same about us) who we have never met. That's great. To me, though, it's the contact and personal friendships that have developed over a good wine and meal, or out taking those photo's we love, that has made this the place it is

Not at all sheepie.. (Hotel wireless is great, even if expense... they charge by the hour so I plan to use a bit of bandwidth )

I Already have a line in there about "Growing out of the internet into reality"