Good point, I know an ex pro who worked for a newspaper who upon retirement put his camera down never to pick up again. The pressure of the job had destroyed the love he used to have for photography. He now enjoys sailboarding and sailing which is pretty good for someone in their seventies! Perhaps self imposed projects would be better!

Hi, I enjoy the site, post photos, enter competitions and make comments, although lately I haven't commented so much as I have other commitments. I had a block a few months back but have got over that. Now, I hold my hand up regarding not doing this one, but perhaps, if we put up photographs of ourselves in the details there would be more sense of community - we could relate to the other members of the forum, site. What does anyone else think?

lol ...... Attachment 6764

Certainly the case I find Mike. The friends I recently did my course with have formed a very informal camera club, and each month we set a theme to work to and present at the next meeting. This gives me an incentive to get out and do things, when without this slight bit of peer pressure it would be too easy to just sit back and "do it some other time".

Giver or Taker?

I'm predominantly the latter at the moment, but working towards the former. As it stands, I am a "particpant".
I have posted several photos for critique, and so ask for critique (not a pat on the head; "that's nice" etc.), however, as a nearly new photographer it's not always easy to think of WHAT you want critiquing. Sometimes it's a case of "Just please tell me what is wrong and I will go away and improve".

Please don't put off new members with harsh words about a "less than perfect" post...give them some real critique, a gentle reminder of the rules, and see what happens. Bet they come back with an improved post, and improved pictures, and with the feeling that they have joined a helpful, friendly, knowledgeable forum.

Just my 2 penn'orth, for what it's worth (about 2p :) )