Blogging Experiences

I must say that this assignment has made me much more knowledgeable and appreciative of discussion groups and communities that are readily available on the web. I have found the experience to be absolutely positive with no discouraging or negative experiences to speak of. It has been great to both solicit and receive information as well as provide info for those who are seeking it. I can say, with certainty, that I will continue to participate in the photo discussion group that I have consistently participated in as well as joining other groups for different interests I have and hobbies that I participate in.
Thanks to all that have shared in the experience!
Eric

Rental equipment

I have previously posted about soliciting information on various camera lenses that I have been interested in. Even after doing your homework it is still a bit of a gamble to spend several hundreds of dollars on a piece of equipment that you might or might not like. I read a great post from somebody who was discussing how they have rented lenses to determine if they like them or not. I was able to contact this user and get the necessary information to contact this site myself. I am now awaiting the arrival of a lens that I am renting for a 10 day period of time to see if it meets my needs. If I like the lens then the website will apply the rental fee to the price of the purchase.
What an awesome development!

Shooting tips-Bokeh

This week I was able to both give and receive information and tips on the same subject, bokeh. Bokeh is a photographic technique that seeks to capture the blur, or out of focus, areas of the picture in order to enhance the aesthetic quality of the composition. I was really just experimenting, but after posting some questions I definitely had a much better grasp of how to use the technique effectively. Later in the week I noticed somebody posting their own questions in response to one of my previous questions and I was able to respond and assist them. Fun Stuff!

Pay it Forward

In my opinion the greatest benefit of participating in these discussion groups is the ability to both give and receive information. I, myself, find great pleasure in being able to provide others with information that they may find useful and valuable. It is this focus that brought me into a helping field first (residential counselor) and an educator second. The selfless manner in which members give of themselves with no expectation of payment or favor is a wonderful thing to partake in. When you're part of a digital community the likelihood that you'll ever meet that person in real life is slim to none yet the feeling of reciprocity keeps these sites alive and flourishing.
I am finding just as much, if not more, enjoyment from answering other member's posts as much as having mine responded to.

Bloggin' Away!!

I have been in the market recently for some camera equipment, including a wide angle lens. Lenses can be VERY expensive so the process of purchasing one is something I take very seriously. Not only do I want to get a good deal, I also want to make sure that the lens I buy is going to perform as I intend and expect it to. I also want to make sure that it is a reputable brand that is going to be durable and able to be repaired without sending it halfway around the world.
The ability to get feedback from many reliable sources has bee an amazing tool. I'm getting feedback from photographers from many different skill levels as well as from photographers that use their equipment for a variety of applications and subject matters. I didn't realize what a big difference your intended subject matters (i.e. sports, landscapes, travel, weddings, etc.) can make on potential equipment choices.
I am also finding it to be very gratifying to be able to offer some advice or provide answers to questions that other members have posed to the group.
I'm continuing to have a great time blogging away.

More than helpful

I've now posed a few questions to the message board at digital-photography : Digital Photography Discussions.  The responses have been nothing short of amazing. To hear so many different perspectives from both hobbyists and professional photographers has been tremendous. Not only that but I'm from photo enthusiasts from all over the world! Talk about a getting a different perspective. What started as a class assignment will be something that I will continue to partake in as long as I have interests and hobbies.

Digital Manners

I've been viewing my favorite photography discussion group, http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/digital-photography, for the past couple of days keeping a keen eye out for digital manners among posts and between members. I must say they're quite the courteous bunch. I haven't seen any instances of rude or tasteless comments or content. When posting questions your question is actually routed through a" review group" for approval before it actually shows up on their page.