First, let me say that I am in no way trying to tick off or offend anyone with what I'm about to say. Also, need to make sure everyone understands that I am not singling out anyone or any post. I hope that you guys will take this in the spirit in which it is intended.

I had time today to go back through about 150 threads trying to see what I've missed and I've noticed a growing number of threads where someone asks a question that is really a very basic photography question (a couple have been intermediate level). Usually someone with at least basic knowledge answers the question or several people who don't have the knowledge try to figure out how to accomplish whatever was being asked. Some of the answers were right, some where wrong and some were so strange that I knew the answer going in but by the time I finished reading the replies they had me confused. :)

I know there are quite a few people here who love the artistic side of photography and really don't like the technical side. But it is really amazing how much energy is spent here re-inventing the wheel. Don't get me wrong. Experimentation is crucial; especially expermintation outside the box. I think anyone who has seen my work knows that I love to experiment, not just with the camera but with the processing of images. I guess I just don't understand why anyone would conciously take that much time and energy trying to figure out how to do something that someone 100 years ago completely fleshed out.

We've discussed having photographers give a detailed technique tutorial on one of their images so that others can learn. My concern is that many of the people reading it won't have the basic photography skills necessary to understand -why- a photographer chooses a certain method or technique.

I guess what I'm saying is, if you feel you're shaky on the technical side there are dozens of books that teach you basic skills. Most of them today are written in a non-technical, graphic way and would really help you to understand what you're doing right and what you're doing wrong when it comes to your photos.

Whether or not you do that, those of us who do have the knowledge will still be here to answer your questions. I'm just of the opinion that learning those basic skills can do wonders for your images.

-=>Donald