What Nikon is doing to maintain a lion market share is not sustainable without innovation given how many people are perfectly content with documenting their lives with their phones; and frankly, why buy a not so cheap entry dslr that was gimped beyond belief in comparison to it's bigger brothers when this money can be spent on a high end phone?

Unless you are into photography most companies give people very little incentive to buy their products at entry level. What do they expect? That people will keep on happily being milked forever? That they will not get sick of tossing working batteries out just because the manufacturer needs to make additional money to even break even on every entry level body because they overspent on marketing to create this illusion of best in the world (look how many people buy Nikon/Canon we must be the best).

There are so many things wrong with how companies are allowed to project their perceived value that then turns into gold for selected few, that it's not even funny anymore.

I would love to see some doom and gloom happen as change is long past due. Ricoh with it's rational approach to adverisig and PR expenditure; slow, steady yet completely affordable pace might sail right though this storm, together with clever Olympus and possibly Sony and Fuji. Companies who have a primary focus and realized you don't need to try to be everything for everyone.

Personally, I think both. Granted, maintaining multiple profiles is time consuming; however, it seems to be part of the business, like it or not. A self hosted website comes across much more professional in the eyes of many; however, it does not give you that great of an exposure. It works for the same way for practically any profession/business. Ideally, you have your own site, linked to social profiles; in this case, I'd personally look away from Flickr and more towards 500px and other more serious amateur/pros solutions out there; not forgetting about Instagram as their reach is just beyond ridiculous (now that it's owned by Facebook, you can maintain profiles on both at the same time).

One thing to remember, the way social platforms work, regardless of which one you pick, you need to actively engage your audience and 'return' favours/likes. It's almost sad, but without networking, your exposure will be limited unless you are absolutely outstanding. Everyone else needs to work on it.

It's easiest to start with an account on a favourite social platform, and as you get comfy with it, start expanding your presence to your self hosted portfolio and/or other platforms.

Please bear in mind my advice comes not from strictly photography experience, but marketing and evolving a business over the past decade. That said, It does seem to work very well. Starting to apply it to my photography, as time allows, with very positive results as well.

You possibly need to ask yourself few questions before you proceed - what exactly are you aiming for? Will you be able to personally maintain a self hosted website - do you have the knowledge or the patience, or the time? Do you, or will you need a platform to sell your work? Can it be easily incorporated into your self hosted solution or would you rather have someone else provide the knowledge and platform for you to do so. Do you consider yourself an artist or are you more into practical photography? Do you just want to sell prints or would like to provide a service, or both? They may seem overwhelming, but starting some logical process of gaining exposures will save you time later, should you be successful in reaching your goals. If not, you loose nothing and gain platforms to show off your work, even if just for fun.

Just my 2 cents.

Oh lol - that is unexpected, given each raw but last has 7 entries. Thank you!

We appear to have a bigger issue - first submitted photo vanished throwing off the results and I have to say I am a bit confused. Could you please maybe check John, if this was an accident or intentional action, before I proceed? Thought withdrawals are not supposed to happen?

Sounds good

I have one; practically unused. That said, I won't be back in the UK till the 20th of this month. If you can wait then I'm sure we can work something out Just please do remind me after the 20th.

Ha, now I definitely woul like to see your entry

Welcome aboard

As for people cheating; the risk is no bigger than with any other competition. You can't really tell if someone posted their own shot; or if it has, in fact, been taken with a Pentax or acceptable alternatives. A certain amount of trust is necessary.

Hello and welcome to the forums. Looking forward to your photos!