People are "nice" here. That's why i like it. There is little one-upmanship or similar, and it seems full of support. Even if, perhaps, the images presented are not exactly technically or artistically A1. But people are trying, and learning, and wanting to do better. More "technical" than a snapchat or similar environment, wanting to really make better images, and "technical" encompasses composition stuff too. But it's seldom nasty or demeaning here. Is the word "safe" applicable?
Dare I say more feminine than masculine? Now perhaps this is going to rile up some (male) people, but there is little male testosterone here, and I like that a lot, male that I am...
FAscinating that two males have posted thus far. I would have to agree with both of you about your assessment of the people on 365. It is why I can;t seem to stop
My push to post here started as wanting to learn more about taking better shots - wow, this site has become so much more than inspiration. It's also better than any continuing education course I ever took - have learned so much about geography, science, botany, history - so much more interesting than college classes ever were. Learning to look at things differently because you were so intrigued by another's post - learning to really see things you never noticed. And then there's the people on this site - so very encouraging - it's definitely been good as a confidence booster and I really enjoy returning the same. I look forward to my "365 Time" at night - there's always lots of smiles and silent ohhh's and new ideas that I'd like to try. Can't beat this place.
A good question, and as I sneak up on my one thousandth image this wouldn't be the first time that I've thought of it.
In no particular order:
1. It allows me to "express myself" in images, to let my mind wander if you will. I have been (and still am) a member of some photography groups on the likes of Facebook. In a couple of instances (one quite recent), I have posted images there and been told that "this is not photography" (I'm reasonably certain that it was as I did use my camera) and had the image removed and been blocked from the group. Obviously that doesn't happen here.
2. It's an opportunity to improve my art - those who follow me will know that while I do dabble landscapes and the like it's only when I'm running on inspiration. The main focus of my albums is quite different to a lot of what I see here but, looking back at my "project" so far I would like to think the images that I do post here have improved and that is in no small part due to my third reason...
3. The community - helpful, caring, knowledgable, fun and funny, there are great people here and long may it continue.
@graemestevens how i enjoy seeing you express yourself :)
and i agree with yours and other statements about what a friendly and supportive environment this is. i have learned such a lot and enjoyed 'getting to know' lots of other enthusiasts (some even in the flesh) and developed my skills ... long may it continue
When I started 3 years ago it was all about the photo and me, being so critical of my shots, would beat myself up. Then 6 months into my project the community stepped up and encouraged and supported me through breast cancer. I started a story and the photos flowed better. Seeing what others have composed helped me with subject matter. I am now into 4th year and searching for a shot to upload daily helps my creative side but also learning to be grateful and what is around me.
Community, Compassion, Care. What I like most from this site is the community, the compassion that these people give out to others goes way beyond mere photographic discussions, the care and friendships built are fabulous. I'm sporadic as I don't have the time to give properly to the three mentioned above. But its what will draw me back again and again over the years I am sure.
In my third year here and I too find it hard not to 'be here'. Everything that has been said above resonates with my own thoughts. Even when you are not here everyday, people are still nice enough to continue to look at your project and comment. I find that very special.
I agree with Ruth @newbank about people going beyond photo discussions - she herself is a great example of that! I woke one Saturday morning in 2014 to find a 'party' had been arranged because I had finished and handed in my doctoral dissertation. It is something that stays with me even now.
I have been so grateful for the support here and the lack of criticism and testosterone (as Frank @frankhymus calls it) compared to other sites.
I can genuinely say that I look forward to meeting people in real life one day when I travel to their part of the world or they travel to mine.
Thanks for starting this thread John, @jack4john I think it is important that we acknowledge what a special place this is.
Great subject to discuss John and why not have a glass of wine (or two) while viewing all the amazing shots here on 356.
I started so I could learn a thing or two about my camera by taking pictures everyday. I stay because of this awesome community and their positive support, as well as the inspiration I receive from viewing others projects (including yours).
I agree with everything that has been said, and having 'fallen off the wagon' for a few months, it was so easy to step back up and still find the support and kindness still here. I've yet to complete a whole consecutive year, but I have every intention of staying!
This site is amazing starting at the top. What Ross @Scrivna created is nothing short of genius. How he holds it all together, allowing every one of us to imagine, adventure, and create, is incredible. And honorable. Never enough thanks for that guy. :)
Great topic. I have met some amazing people and learnt so much. For me the friendly approach and wonderful community is unbelievable. Through organising some meets in London have made some great friends.
@losthorizon I totally agree with you about @scrivna. He had the genius to create and execute a site that brings our world and us closer together. Humanity needs that especially now it would seem
I agree with everyone, but I think my top three are:
1. People actually get what you're doing. We're basically all doing this together. Everyone else knows the struggles and joys of a 365 project. Everyone understands the rough days and the amazing days. We may have different reasons, subjects, and even be from different continents but this brings us together and we all just get it! A few friends/family are passively supportive with my project but they don't understand. They've never cared or really supported it in any big way. I'm lucky if one person Likes my daily photo on Facebook and that's just... really discouraging. I do this for myself but when people blatantly don't care that much it stings. Having people who understand is so encouraging even just by itself.
2. The community is wonderful! Everyone has already said this but I want to say it too :) Being on 365 is like being in a room full of friends. Everyone is so lovely and kind, which is incredibly hard to find these days. Especially on the internet! I'm still getting over my shyness with commenting but I love seeing comments and photos from familiar faces. Especially considering how varied we are! There are people all over the world, from all different walks of life, with all different kinds of lives. Its amazing to get this sort of intimate glimpse into different lifestyles, cultures, places, and lives.
3. 365 is just naturally inspiring. No one has ever pushed me to "do better" or "get better" and I can only think of maybe 3 or 4 polite suggestions for techniques or things that might look neat with certain photos. But I still find myself wanting to push myself and do better, try more. I might be inspired by something specifically, like a color or general subject like a flower, but mostly its just from seeing art. I see beautiful, interesting, captivating photos every single day. Even if they're not technically perfect I love pretty much all of it (as my ridiculous number of favs shows). Before I found 365, I took photos just to do it. I catered to people who didn't care and my project showed that. It was pretty mediocre and lame. Now? I'm proud of almost every image I post (and most I take!) I haven't been this inspired in over 5-6 years and I've literally never taken more photos than I have the past six months.
1) Absolutely the people! @scrivna from Ross to all my followers you can't beat the friendships, positive attitude, encouragement, fun, humor and humility, and non-judgmental way people stretch you here. Who would have thought when I started on 365 six years ago I'd be making friends in Australia, South Africa, Malta, England, Finland and all over the world! It's a giving community too- the camera I use the most today was thanks to the generosity of someone here on 365- and I've seen others help people out too. I've come to one strong conclusion: I don't have to check out other on-line photographic communities. I know I've found the best.
2) The creativity. When I think of some of the amazing photographers I've seen display their work here and all the different pictures one can view across the board it inspires me to find my own "voice" and experiment with different ways to express it- whether in camera or in post processing. When I began 365 all I had was a very, really VERY simple point and shoot. I dreamed of taking better photos and often complained that my camera limited me. BUT I learned after a while that the way I see things is the constant in my photos- not the camera. And thanks to that little point and shoot and the encouragement and direction I received here, I actually developed as a photographer more than if I'd started out with something better. This site helped me to discover what inspires me and where to go with that creatively. And whenever I had a question- no one was hiding their "tricks of the trade" or keeping secrets. There was always someone willing to share their expertise and I learned (and am still learning) from those wonderful people!
3) It's just FUN!! I love the challenges, the dialogue, learning about the world and seeing the unique perspective of each photographer that comes through their photos. And how fun is it when you get to Skype with a fellow 365er or meet them in person!?
1. everything i know about photography i learned on 365. best learning place. ever. and not just about photography but about other things that matter, too.
2. everyone i've met on this site, virtual and real, are the most wonderful people i've known in my lifetime.
The internet can be really stressful (bad news, bad behavior, hurt feelings, etc.) but this site is an oasis of calm courteousness where thoughtful people from the four corners of the globe (well, mainly the English-speaking corners) interact around a common interest. I have learned so much by looking at other people's photos, and having a small audience for my photos has been very motivating. This is an excellent use of the internet.
I would have to say the friendliness of the site, I have met some wonderful people on London Meets, Chicago Meets!! and from those meet ups I have made firm friends.
Looking at the amazing shots on here has inspired me to improve my own photography
My camera never collects dust!!! always out and about looking for the next photographic opportunity
I love seeing photos from all over the world and meeting people from those pkaces. It is an amazing site. I have had one meetup with another member in Australia which was so much fun.
I do get frustrated with myself because I never get over wising I got more recognition. I have been on the popular page once in 5 years and have entered dozens of challenges and only been a finalist once. I don't think people "get" me at all.
1. Started as evidence for a sponsorship challenge for DofE diamond awzrd., wasn't that much of a challenge after 30 days so decided to continue.
2. Made me much more observant and aware of my surroundings and environment as I scan for photo opportunities every day.
3. I've 'met' many like minded people all around the world who take the time to set and judge challenges, offer feedback and advice and who provide inspiration in their artistry.
I've definitely grown as a photographer because of 365's members. Thank you all ;)
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Dare I say more feminine than masculine? Now perhaps this is going to rile up some (male) people, but there is little male testosterone here, and I like that a lot, male that I am...
In no particular order:
1. It allows me to "express myself" in images, to let my mind wander if you will. I have been (and still am) a member of some photography groups on the likes of Facebook. In a couple of instances (one quite recent), I have posted images there and been told that "this is not photography" (I'm reasonably certain that it was as I did use my camera) and had the image removed and been blocked from the group. Obviously that doesn't happen here.
2. It's an opportunity to improve my art - those who follow me will know that while I do dabble landscapes and the like it's only when I'm running on inspiration. The main focus of my albums is quite different to a lot of what I see here but, looking back at my "project" so far I would like to think the images that I do post here have improved and that is in no small part due to my third reason...
3. The community - helpful, caring, knowledgable, fun and funny, there are great people here and long may it continue.
and i agree with yours and other statements about what a friendly and supportive environment this is. i have learned such a lot and enjoyed 'getting to know' lots of other enthusiasts (some even in the flesh) and developed my skills ... long may it continue
I agree with Ruth @newbank about people going beyond photo discussions - she herself is a great example of that! I woke one Saturday morning in 2014 to find a 'party' had been arranged because I had finished and handed in my doctoral dissertation. It is something that stays with me even now.
I have been so grateful for the support here and the lack of criticism and testosterone (as Frank @frankhymus calls it) compared to other sites.
I can genuinely say that I look forward to meeting people in real life one day when I travel to their part of the world or they travel to mine.
Thanks for starting this thread John, @jack4john I think it is important that we acknowledge what a special place this is.
I started so I could learn a thing or two about my camera by taking pictures everyday. I stay because of this awesome community and their positive support, as well as the inspiration I receive from viewing others projects (including yours).
This site is amazing starting at the top. What Ross @Scrivna created is nothing short of genius. How he holds it all together, allowing every one of us to imagine, adventure, and create, is incredible. And honorable. Never enough thanks for that guy. :)
I agree with everyone, but I think my top three are:
1. People actually get what you're doing. We're basically all doing this together. Everyone else knows the struggles and joys of a 365 project. Everyone understands the rough days and the amazing days. We may have different reasons, subjects, and even be from different continents but this brings us together and we all just get it! A few friends/family are passively supportive with my project but they don't understand. They've never cared or really supported it in any big way. I'm lucky if one person Likes my daily photo on Facebook and that's just... really discouraging. I do this for myself but when people blatantly don't care that much it stings. Having people who understand is so encouraging even just by itself.
2. The community is wonderful! Everyone has already said this but I want to say it too :) Being on 365 is like being in a room full of friends. Everyone is so lovely and kind, which is incredibly hard to find these days. Especially on the internet! I'm still getting over my shyness with commenting but I love seeing comments and photos from familiar faces. Especially considering how varied we are! There are people all over the world, from all different walks of life, with all different kinds of lives. Its amazing to get this sort of intimate glimpse into different lifestyles, cultures, places, and lives.
3. 365 is just naturally inspiring. No one has ever pushed me to "do better" or "get better" and I can only think of maybe 3 or 4 polite suggestions for techniques or things that might look neat with certain photos. But I still find myself wanting to push myself and do better, try more. I might be inspired by something specifically, like a color or general subject like a flower, but mostly its just from seeing art. I see beautiful, interesting, captivating photos every single day. Even if they're not technically perfect I love pretty much all of it (as my ridiculous number of favs shows). Before I found 365, I took photos just to do it. I catered to people who didn't care and my project showed that. It was pretty mediocre and lame. Now? I'm proud of almost every image I post (and most I take!) I haven't been this inspired in over 5-6 years and I've literally never taken more photos than I have the past six months.
2) The creativity. When I think of some of the amazing photographers I've seen display their work here and all the different pictures one can view across the board it inspires me to find my own "voice" and experiment with different ways to express it- whether in camera or in post processing. When I began 365 all I had was a very, really VERY simple point and shoot. I dreamed of taking better photos and often complained that my camera limited me. BUT I learned after a while that the way I see things is the constant in my photos- not the camera. And thanks to that little point and shoot and the encouragement and direction I received here, I actually developed as a photographer more than if I'd started out with something better. This site helped me to discover what inspires me and where to go with that creatively. And whenever I had a question- no one was hiding their "tricks of the trade" or keeping secrets. There was always someone willing to share their expertise and I learned (and am still learning) from those wonderful people!
3) It's just FUN!! I love the challenges, the dialogue, learning about the world and seeing the unique perspective of each photographer that comes through their photos. And how fun is it when you get to Skype with a fellow 365er or meet them in person!?
Great discussion John! @jack4john
2. everyone i've met on this site, virtual and real, are the most wonderful people i've known in my lifetime.
3. it's my happy place. period.
I agree, a clever idea which continues to work - massive thanks to Ross for keeping it going @scrivna
2. Encouragement -- suggestions for improvement and also reinforcement that what I see others see and appreciate
3. Discipline -- I know I have to get that picture today so I push myself to look a little harder.
Very much enjoy meeting and interacting with people here. Thank you.
Looking at the amazing shots on here has inspired me to improve my own photography
My camera never collects dust!!! always out and about looking for the next photographic opportunity
I do get frustrated with myself because I never get over wising I got more recognition. I have been on the popular page once in 5 years and have entered dozens of challenges and only been a finalist once. I don't think people "get" me at all.
2) However found that I just loved seeing what others were posting and it stimulated me to try new and different approaches.
3) For me it has been far more beneficial than any training course and the community has been hugely supportive and helpful.
2. Made me much more observant and aware of my surroundings and environment as I scan for photo opportunities every day.
3. I've 'met' many like minded people all around the world who take the time to set and judge challenges, offer feedback and advice and who provide inspiration in their artistry.
I've definitely grown as a photographer because of 365's members. Thank you all ;)