I know, this is a bit off-topic (or is it?), but I just wanted to toot a particular horn. Donald Holman - I have learned more from this guy than in any Photoshop book I've ever drudged through - and I'm not talking about strictly "photography". I make my living as a digital graphic artist - doing mostly print advertising - and the tips and suggestions that Donald freely donates to this forum are nothing shy of staggering. Folks, this is an education that you simply cannot get through traditional schools or classes - this is truly useful information that WILL make a difference in your final production, whether it be photography or any other digital imagery work in Photoshop. (In all seriousness, Donald - have you considered doing a book?) More than once, I have posted threads questioning ideal ways to attack post-processing or Photoshop techniques, and Donald has always been there with a rapid, concise and expert solution that (no BS) has saved my granolas more than once. Just to quote an example: "The problem is called posterization. There are usually 2 causes, first one is what GWFA explains above. The second is when you "step to hard" on an image when processing it. What that means is that by adjusting levels or curves or whatever else, you overstretch the data (usually seen as a comb-like look in your histogram)." I have run across this boatloads of times, but this is by far the best explanation I have ever heard of the situation - and with this new understanding, I now know what to be cautious of and/or what to look for. Admittedly, I am completely self-taught in the industry (advertising), and I have touted that as a bonus - simply because I haven't been "taught" how to create a presentation, my presentations look unique (at least they don't look the way my "teacher" would have done them), and I'm too ignorant to cave to the "that's not the way it's done" mentality - it opens up some very "creative" avenues....but it also takes a bit of supportive assistance....and that's exactly what I've been able to get with Donald's generous responses (as well as many other members - but Donald seems to stand out). Bottom line - thank you Renderosity - you've been a source of unlimited knowledge - and, in particular, thank you Donald - you have helped me more than you could possibly know! Wolf

I can't possibly add higher praise. You've said this well.

here, here!! to Donald!! :D :D :D
HIP! HIP! HOOOOOOOORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! :D

I want to be in the same line as the rest of you - Thank you sOOOoo much Donald for your continued support of the Rosity Community, and especially of the Photo Forum! U B da Bestest! Dee-Marie

So right. When I see the help he gives,then see the quality of work Donald does...it makes me try even harder. Hard for me to do a sepia tone now without expecting the same quality.This is a good thing.

"The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions."

Yes, I have to agree...I'm not a regular to this forum, but when I do visit I learn tons from Donald.....but...if it came down to it...."Elle" would get my vote! LOL! Kidding aside...thanx Donald...always learning from you.

In youth, we learn....with age, we understand.

Hip, hip, horray!!! Donald is a shining star!!!

Well said!!

Ditto :)

And every one said, 'If we only live,
We too will go to sea in a Sieve,---
To the hills of the Chankly Bore!'
Far and few, far and few, Are the lands where the Jumblies live;
Their heads are green, and their hands are blue, And they went to sea in a Sieve.

Edward Lear
http://www.nonsenselit.org/Lear/ns/jumblies.html

In all seriousness...yes....Donald....You are a Wizard, a Fountain of Knowledge, and not too High and Mighty to help and advise, those beneath Your expertise. Proud to be Your Bestest Friend! manly hugz

donald does not like ducks too

Wow ... I truly don't know what to say. Simply speechless. Thank you all. *okay ... kind of over the shock* I feel that I only give back a small part of what I get from this community. Much of what I am today as a photographer comes from the counsel, the uploading of images, the un-selfish giving of knowledge and the friendship of the people here. I think we're all very lucky to have this place and I know it has made me better than I could have been on my own. -=>Donald

You are and always will be my Techno Babe..... and I mean that in a loving sort of way......

I am, therefore I create.......
--- michelleamarante.com