No Place for the New guy to go. - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/29/2007 02:53:31 AM · #1

Hi, I am Linc....

I have been trudging around here for a few months and wanting to participate but really understanding how. I have been a photographer for many years but only recently put away my film. I bought an Olympus e-20 and some little extras that were offered on ebay for it. But I don't understand how to get the data that is required for a submission. I also did not see a Forum for the new people to get the answers without bugging the people who might have better things to do.

So is this the right place to get help with things like that?

The next thing is that I have little to no ability to edit my pictures other then cropping them or changing the color balance. I don't see many challenges that are for pictures that are unedited. Am I missing something or is this more of a 'graphic artist' place? I mean no disrespect, I just want to make sure I am in the right place.

Thanks

Linc

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

08/29/2007 02:57:45 AM · #2

Tutorials

How'd they do that

And you might want to peruse

mk's unofficial FAQs

And welcome!

Message edited by author 2007-08-29 07:00:36.

Judi

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

08/29/2007 03:02:35 AM · #3

First of all...welcome to DPC.

Secondly...don't worry...we all get overwhelmed at least once on here.

Thirdly...don't expect to learn everything over night.

Now on here there are people of all abilities and all types of camera equipment and all different style preferences. But there is one thing that 99% of the members have in common. They are here to help and will help you.

Now start looking around and don't be shy in PM'ing people about their images. Read the abouts of the images for ideas and steps in what they did.

You can look here for tutorials on processing and photographic assistant.

How'd They Do That?

User-Written Tutorials

You can look here for Site Rules for all the different types of editing challenges.

Challenge Rules

If you look through there you can see there are even Minimal Editing Challenges. Just because you are a member here...doesn't mean you HAVE to enter the challenges. Many members just enjoy the other benefits the site has to offer.

Lastly....don't rush in. Take your time, grab a cuppa or two or three, chat with some members and relax.

Feel better?

Monique64

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

08/29/2007 03:15:16 AM · #4

I process my photos a bit but have found DPC invaluable when it comes to any photographic questions that I have. Whether it is camera problems, technical, processing or a critique on a shot, there is always someone to help. Just go for it and see if it's for you.

FireBird

08/29/2007 03:18:10 AM · #5

Originally posted by Linc:

Well, one way to participate is to vote and comment. The more I vote and comment, the better I seem to do in the challenges. BTW you don't have to be a photoshop expert to enter challenges. Most of the exclusive challenges you can enter use basic editing rules. You are already an experienced photog in film so basic editing and less should be comfortable to you. As a registered member I believe you can only vote on the exclusive challenges, but I believe you can comment on all challenges. (somebody correct me if I'm wrong)

In any event, welcome to DPC and I'm looking forward to seeing, voting, and commenting on your first entry.

eschelar

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

08/29/2007 03:19:59 AM · #6

Barring that, you might consider learning a bit about a program called The Gimp. it's free. and quite powerful.

There are also other tools available for doing basic edits to photos. Most of us start with the basics and go at our own pace.

Look to learn also at The Radiant Vista.

I will also have some basic photoshop tutorial companions to the stuff on the Radiant Vista on my space in a short while intended for PS 7.0 and higher. I will have links in my profile a little later.

Nothing super amazing, but definitely enough to do some of the more important basic stuff, and kept simple.

Some of that stuff may be doable in Photoshop Elements if you have a copy and it's not much money.

Additionally, if there's a shot that means something special to you, feel free to post it in Individual Photograph Discussion. Lots of people will give you ideas and help if you need it.

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

08/29/2007 04:51:34 AM · #7

Thanks for the grand welcome.

I will check out the links supplied and run down the details on those sites and check back. I do already use GIMP as an editing tool but I am not very good at it. Just learning at this point.

Hopefully one of the links will tell me how to get out of the camera the information and file type that DPC requires.

As for voting, I have voted and left comments, but I feel a little odd judging other peoples images. Especially since I have not posted anything.

In time right..

Thanks

Linc

sabphoto

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+

08/29/2007 05:12:26 AM · #8

Originally posted by Linc:

I also did not see a Forum for the new people to get the answers without bugging the people who might have better things to do.

lol you silly silly man, if we had better things to do we wouldn't be here lol. Also they don't have a newbie forum cause it makes you dive in and introduce yourself, making you vulnerable....ok that's my story but I'm sticking with it.

by the way...welcome have fun and don't take all the votes and comments to heart.

scwalsh

Sony DSLR-A200

08/29/2007 05:20:02 AM · #9

Welcome to the site

if you want to get a good reference book for editing photos the book that i bought was "he Photoshop cs2 book"/b] by b]Scott Kelby he also has a version for Elements

this is a great book well laid out and in laymens terms very easy to follow step by step instructions

you should check it out

//www.scottkelbybooks.com/product/the-photoshop-cs2-book-for-digital-photographers/

//www.scottkelbybooks.com/product/adobe-photoshop-elements-5-book-for-digital-photographers/

scwalsh

chip_k

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

08/29/2007 05:51:50 AM · #10

Originally posted by sabphoto:

lol you silly silly man, if we had better things to do we wouldn't be here lol.

ROFL!!!!!! :)

PhotoDave

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II

08/29/2007 06:32:53 AM · #11

First off, welcome to DPC Linc!!

Secondly do have a look at the links provided above. As for challenge submissions they are usually jpg and the physical size and file size requirements can usually be found in the individual challenge descriptions .

Lastly feel free to post questions as DPC is not like a lot of online communities out there that belittle the new people. You will find there are LOTS of awesome people willing to help with almost ;) anything you ask.

-dave

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/29/2007 06:45:31 AM · #12

I have been reading the links and there is quite a bit of information there. Are there some on the editing that are written for Gimp or are myself and eschelar the only ones using it? :)

Still reading the other links.

Silly eh... I resemble that remark. And several others not yet mentioned

Linc

Wenders11

Canon EOS-40D

08/29/2007 06:54:59 AM · #13

I was totally lost when I first started coming here. I remember being interested in entering a Free Study, but I had no idea what a Free Study was and the instructions that month only said "you know the drill". Well no I didn't, I just got here! And I was too embarrassed to post and ask about it because I thought maybe it was a dumb question. I eventually just hung out on the forums long enough to kind of get a sense of how things work around here and then after I entered a few challenges I kind of got the hang of things, but it did take a while to really get what was going on here.

Looking back I really just should have asked more questions, because I really never have met a nicer bunch of people than the people here. Everyone is really willing to help each other out. So if you have questions, just ask, we won't laugh you off the site or anything! :)

Message edited by author 2007-08-29 10:56:34.

PhotoDave

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II

08/29/2007 07:05:26 AM · #14

Just remember there are no stupid questions but occasionally you can get a stupid answer :)

Just saying that DPC is a pretty mature bunch with the exception of a couple people but Im not going to get in to any name calling ;) but even the jesters here are good people and no one will poke fun if you ask a seemingly simple question as we all were at the beginning at some piont.

-dave

Melethia

Canon EOS-80D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

08/29/2007 07:29:32 AM · #15

Just know that

Art ROFLMAO may burn your village, but only if you really deserve it. And his is a great portfolio to go visit if you have time after reading all those links!

Welcome. If you have questions on using the software, post 'em and you'll get answers. You'll do fine!

Message edited by author 2007-08-29 11:30:44.

eschelar

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

08/29/2007 07:32:27 AM · #16

heh Actually linc, sorry to say, but I'm a PS user myself.

I'm doing some beginners PS tutorial companion thingies in the next few weeks, but I'm sorry, I don't have time to work anything up for the gimp as well. I believe you can skin the GIMP to work like PS, but things get a bit complicated because as I last checked, Adobe has pretty much locked everyone else on Adjustment layers... I love adjustment layers, so for me, PS 7.0 is the bare minimum to get started.

Doesn't the latest version of elements also include adjustment layers though?

The buy and sell parts of the forum here are off-limits to non-paying users, but they have some good info. I've been thinking about asking around regarding good upgrade paths to recommend. A friend of mine just got a job at ULead and he (a CS2 early adopter and ex-stock photog) is really enjoying their product line as well, Photo Impact being notable there. It's quite popular here in Taiwan.

I'm asking him if he can score me a copy and I can repay him with some freelance editing or something in return.

Message edited by author 2007-08-29 11:35:24.

scwalsh

Sony DSLR-A200

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

08/29/2007 10:21:13 AM · #17

one other thing
if you do chose to start using PS
one of the guys here

smurfguy has a web site //www.ppchallenge.com its a weekly challenge to PP a given photo its a great way to practice

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

08/29/2007 12:19:08 PM · #18

Is the portfolio for any pictures or just the ones that you have submitted in the challenges?

Anyone have an E-20 Olympus that can talk to me off-line about the camera?

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

08/29/2007 12:28:00 PM · #19

Originally posted by Linc:

Is the portfolio for any pictures or just the ones that you have submitted in the challenges?

Anyone have an E-20 Olympus that can talk to me off-line about the camera?

Non-paying members only have the challenge area for images. Paying members get additional portfolio space for other images.

bdenny

Sony DSC-H5

08/29/2007 02:37:44 PM · #20

Welcome to DPC! You've already made the first step by jumping into the forums. I remember how nervous I was when I first joined, I didn't know squat about any of this stuff! My first few entries clearly show that :) But the best way to learn is to ask questions and explore the site. The tutorial links are really helpful for that.

Welcome aboard!!

*if you click on your camera's name, then click on 'owners', you'll get a list of users with that camera. I suggest finding the most active or recent user and PMing them or searching the web.

Atropos

Nikon D40

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

08/29/2007 03:05:01 PM · #21

Welcome to DPC. Leave your inhibitions at the door =]

As for the editing bit, I think the others have helped enough with that. Just remember, most of us edit our photos because they aren't good enough straight out of the camera. Take shots that look good without editing (except for very minor adjustments) and you won't need to do all the crap most of us do to our photos. I know I should practice what I preach, but I'm not that good yet.

Edited to say: Also, we love our wine glasses at DPC. Take pictures of wine glasses if you want to win =D

Message edited by author 2007-08-29 19:06:16.

TCGuru

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/29/2007 03:41:49 PM · #22

Originally posted by Linc:

Is the portfolio for any pictures or just the ones that you have submitted in the challenges?

Anyone have an E-20 Olympus that can talk to me off-line about the camera?

kiwiness has one :)

Click on the camera type and it will take you to the highest rated photographs taken with your type of camera, click on the number by number of owners and it will give you a list of everyone here that owns one :) Apparently, there are 86 :)

Happy hunting and WELCOME TO DPC!!! :)
Don't resist, you will become obsessed ;) LOL

Oh, and nobody will burn your village :)

09/03/2007 05:02:50 AM · #23

So when submitting... what do I put in the 'Gallary' Dropdowns?

sabphoto

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+

09/03/2007 05:13:25 AM · #24

Originally posted by Linc:

So when submitting... what do I put in the 'Gallary' Dropdowns?

You don't HAVE to put anything but it makes it easier if people are searching the galleries for images later on. Just pick whatever it is closest to...flower under nature and floral, etc.