Mentoring for Newer Photographers

Why not a "I have a (photography related) problem" section where anybody can start a topic, but the poster selects who may post comments and allow/disallow other members perhaps even to the extent that the poster could delete irrelevant posts.

Everybody would see the result, but the 'nice photo' and 'thanks, appreciate it' brigade would be excluded.

The problem with having more sections is that some members will be unsure where to post even more than now and the images will all get mixed up anyway.

As it is we get ads in General Chat, photos in Digital SLRs, and all sorts of things. No big deal to shift them but more sections will probably mean more confusion.

Your Photos is just that, a place to put your Pentax-related images for whatever purpose you like. Just state why it's there.

"Pentax related" is there simply not to exclude Pentax Users with Sigma, Tamron and other lenses. And of course the Pentax made Samsung products.

Hope that helps!

Is it not possible though that a problem might exist in somebody's understanding, for which there is no photo? Where would they post?

Do you mean for which there is no section?

It would go in whichever section was most appropriate. For example, a question related to Photoshop belongs in General Digital Photography Chat. One related to film belongs in Pentax Film SLR Cameras. One related to a technical problem belongs in Troubleshooter. And so on.

I don't think it's possible to have a section for every eventuality, so the nearest one will do just fine. You can post supporting or explanatory images in these sections along with the question.

i'm with George,i feel almost ready to start showing my work. BUT, if there is something wrong, or right, with it i would rather know.Honesty is the best policy. I comment on pictures,and say "nice","like it" etc etc,as i don't know enough to comment further. If i/we can see where/what you all mean,i/we the newbies could possibly learn quicker (hopefully)

So what are you waiting for? theres nothing like the present as they say.

I'm always happy to help people, and from time to time I run Saturday morning beginners sessions at ADAPS. If I were to do it for non-ADAPS members then I would have to hire the rooms and make a small charge per person to cover the costs.

We're talking West Manchester here and probably a Saturday morning from 10am to 12noon, although there's not a sharp cut off time. I have laptops and a digital projector available so most things can be covered.

If enough people were interested we could lay something on. A couple of intensive hours can cover quite a lot of ground.

On here the facility already exists. Do what some already do - if you need some specific help, send me a PM so I can assist before you "go public" on the forum.

I like Peter's idea at the top of this page, but maybe it should be simplified to fit into the current forum possibilities/boundaries.

What I mean is this;
We now have a grown and mature Gallery in which people can post their best work and get notified if reactions are posted. This is how the Gallery was meant to be in the first place, right?

Rename the My Photos section into:
I need C&C on my photos.

Implement a clear message stating:

ATTENTION:
By posting photo's in this section you are seeking C&C and grant other forum members to have a go with your pictures if they feel it would help you in understanding their comments. If you don't want others to edit your pictures don't post here, but use the Gallery instead.

Now...that wouldn't be to difficult to understand and implement, right?

Martin.

An excellent suggestion, Martin.

G

I have said this before but think that a great number of commonly recuring questions/problems could be handled with a revised/revamped sticky section.

Thinking about this further I will throw out a few ideas

1. Camera Setup, it has always struck me as odd that manufacturers do not include a setup video in the box. How many questions do we get asking 'how do I set this up' or where do I find that option. Plainly lots of people have problems with manuals. If bandwidth is a problem then maybe we can create a PentaxUser DVD, which users can buy for a nominal charge.

As a starting ponit it should not be too difficult to create a video for each Pentax model.

2. When I think of video I think of Don over in Winnipeg. How great would it be to have Don guide you through some of the improvised setups that he has shared with us. I am sure that there are a whole range of subjects/topics that could be included.

3. Structured Meets, following on from John's idea. For example, a topic is chosen and one or more people agree to hold a masterclass. A venue/venues is/are chosen and members can then register to attend. A charge could be levied to reimburse the 'mentor' for his time and to cover costs.

4. I too like Peter's idea, but I will throw in another twist. What if the poster asks for replies via pm or to their email address (this would allow attachments to be sent). The original poster can then read through the responses in private, without fear of embarrassment. The stipulation being that he/she should then compile a post that summarises what was useful, so that it then becomes available as a reference source for all users of the forum. Due acknowledgement to contributors should of course be included and their permission obtained prior to posting. This might sound complicated at first, but it is quite simple to setup. I have created several 'Word' documents with snippets from threads that I have found useful.

5. Following on from the point above and on a similar theme I see great benefit in expanding and building upon the work Matt did with his Flash and Silkypix guides.

6. Finally and I know this has been mentioned before, but I really do feel that it is time that this site had it own lens database, that allows users to post comments to.

Regards - Steve

Martin, good !
That was my point as well: to make the difference (yourPhoto=CC and Gallery) clear !

Just to put a differant point of view, I am fairly new to using a DSLR camera, I went on an introduction course at Anglesy Abbey and that was a great help. I have also learned from the forum topics, and when I get more time!!! (next year retire) then I can start making more use of the forums etc. I chose Pentax as the best for my use, and I do not have any complaints either with the equipment or with the advice I get from reading the forums.
I think that a forum offering advice to new people like myself would be a good idea, but not sure how it would work.