I agree Tom - that's what I don't like about it is the advertisers and the sales people.

I was in  jessops and hears the guys trying to sell a Nikon D40 and a 24mm lens (the more expensive one). While he was at the back I told the guy looking to buy that he should get the 17/18mm lens coz it'll give him more of a view due to the crop factor. He claims the camera was a gift for his daughter (nice bloody gift) and he knew what he was looking for but I could see in his eyes that I had put some doubt into his mind as to whether his lens choice was now right...

Rich - I get what you're saying but I still gotta go on my rebelious path and say that I'm into this new way of things about viewing angles and no longer crop factor. To me it's like a 18mm lens with a smaller front element so you see less... Make sense?
P.S. HERE'S YOUR COOKIE :D It's a Double choc chip one...

Gir - I like your explaination with the pen thing, pretty illistrative way of explaining it, now can I see that stamp with 200 legable words on it please? HEE HEE

Yeah people get fooled into buying compacts on the zoom and MP size, were as they would get a far better buy by doing a bit of research before hand.

See that's what I'm talking about - Inspiration not immitation :)

Rich If you don't come right with those suggestions, I reckon contact a local High School and ask them their supplier is or if they can find out...

I would have those it a hard item to find :-/

38
28
17

In that order :)

I LOVE 38 because it transends all religions and joins them at the end game... Plus it's flawless in technic.

Quote - I  Why should we post art at all then? Surely we can't expect others to want to view our work knowing we hold those viewpoints.

Quote - OK guys,
It wasn't my intention to impose my views or to imply that my way is the right way... I agree that it would be a shame if everyone else did the same ;o)
Just wanted to answer the initial questions honestly, knowing that it's a bit of an objectionable viewpoint... but it's just one individual viewpoint.

WOW - this is really a great discussion. I'm really enjoying it.

I agree with Kort - if no one is looking why produce at all, what a dull world it would be if we didn't have creators and viewers. I have to ask if one doesn't view but makes why then show your work?

G - I really liked your answer to the inital question, look it sparked this conversation. Which I'm really enjoying as it's intelectual and full of views. Thank you for being honest and I suppose having that view point. I honestly never ever thought that no one would have a mentor or someone as inspiration to produce their work. I'm not talking about influence at all but purely seeing a beautiful, stunning work of art and being inspired to produce your own piece. I've got to admit that I love viewing other peoples work and being inspired. For me the inspiration is normally to go out and start at that project that I've been planning or to sit and edit some images that are long over due for it (not in the way that I've previously seen but to do something new and creative).

I really hope you can go and view even a few of the really old pioneers of photography, just to see what they used and the fashions that the ages went through is amazing!

Very cool, it the link on the Homepage I take it.
Nice to see our forum is tops!

WOW - what a stck of kit!!! And a Sling bag!!!

The kit lens will most certainly be an upgrade from the point and shoot but you'll see what an upgrade the 28 - 105 lens is compared to the kit lens.

Happy times and fun with your new 'toys'.

I agree Jocko, the photographic journalists who go into war scenes really are amazing, such bravery!

Diane Arbus' work and profile was on "The Genius of Photography"
Last night. I was quite amazing at the timing as I had just watched "FUR" a movie based on her biography.

Ansel Adams really is the bomb

Diane Arbus

Diane Arbus Images

Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams Images

Okay lets be politically correct and watered down as the whole worl dis becoming.

It's a festive season challenge.

Bruce is going to do something about this so don't post anything in this thread...

I think that's a shame really, that you don't view other works.

What is the point of taking photos or making art then?

We (I) don't go to copy other people's styles or works. I view for interest, appreciation and inspiration.

Going to the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the year again was amazing. It seems to get better every year. It's so amazing and inspiring. I wish I had the 'balls' to get up at 2am in the Arctic Circle to go and get in the water to shoot Leopard Seals catching penguins... Brave!!!

I think you need o view art to view your expressions. Yes taking photos or creating art should be one expression and not a mere copy of someone elses, I agree.

But at the same time what is the point when everyone could just decide not to look? I think viewing art/photos is one of the most rewarding things next to making it. You can dismiss it as terrible or totally fall in love with it and be inspired or simply thinking of the piece later can make you smile.

I also find that when I view someones work I feel like they are sharing a bit of their personality with me. It's as if I'm starting to know them.

Ansel Adams - To my mind the greatest B&W landscape photographer ever. He managed to turn white into silver in print. Just amazing work and after his death year after year new calenders and books are still published every year.

I really hope you change your views from childhood and do taking in some books or exhibitions.

Cheers Stacey, Hardly worth the effort really... Thanx

Quote - (as per 945 - which would actually make a great photo study background i think).

Btw - hand painted? You dont cut corners here do you?

edit to add - 912 doesnt look bad either.

I didn't even read your choices, I just made my own... What do they say about great minds?

Handpainted 912 and Handpainted 945

Good think about those is if the parents want to contact you 'recolouring' the background in PS at an addition cost would be easy.

I was actually thinking a grey one would be nice coz it would/might bring out the persons natural skin tones more. Plus if you apply a WB action to the batch in the end the grey won't turn blue or something...