As many of you already know, Colm and I are in the process of setting up and moving into our own business. Due to the time constraints involved with this, Colm has decided to step down as co-moderator, so that he can fully concentrate on the business. To fill this void, I have asked one of our own members to take on the responsibility of being a moderator and he has agreed to, so effective immediately I will begin sharing moderating duties with our very own Alpha. Alpha brings to our forum a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable. Since joining our community, he has been a constant source of inspiration, and learning for all of us. I believe that this along with his willingness to share and impart this knowledge to users of cameras at all levels makes him the ideal choice for us. I hope you share this belief and that you will welcome him warmly to his new position. I do understand that many of you had concerns as to why moderation was quiet over the last month or so. I apologize if this has offended anyone, but would like you all to be aware that there are many things going on in the background that make this community run that are not readily apparent. Some things that happened were very disconcerting on a personal level, but I feel strongly that this forum is about all of us. Please understand that my interest is in making sure that we run as smoothly as possible from now on. After getting this forum to a certain point, it was obvious that we needed another direction to move in that will allow us to grow, develop and achieve the next level of direction, knowledge and sharing. I am sure with your continued support and involvement that we can reach these new levels together. You should see many new changes occur within the Photography Forum over the next few weeks. We now have our own web space, from Renderosity, as opposed to placing the website on my own personal pages. Alpha is already fast at work on tutorials and site design, and we are planning some exciting new changes all designed to bring you closer to your goals as a photographer, whether you or a beginner, avid amateur or professional. Please bear with us during this transition as all good things take time. Again, I apologize for my silence, but am happy to report we are ready to move on now, and ask for your patience and consideration during this time. Syyd.

To our new moderator team: From what I have observed the two of you will make a good team. Loads of creative talent and background. As the expected improvements (technical) are implemented I believe you will see increased participation and some new talent. The current group will continue to learn through increased interaction. The combination of photography and digital techniques is in the infant stage. Image control is now very much in the hands of the artist involved. We can go from stark realism to near fantasy and still be within the scope of the craft. I hope to follow along. Regards, Bill

Dear Bill, Thank you for this wonderful response....I believe what you are saying to be very very true. Its like a brave new world, and we are just glad to be here, truthfully. As a massive experimenter, and someone who likes merging photography and digital vision, its like a new dimension. Great having you here. Syyd

I knew it! (Alpha, I had an inkling...) This is great news! :-)

Hail to Alpha, could not be better choice. Both thumbs up man. And wise words from Bill. This is a nice place. I'm glad to be here. Yours; -Niko

Congratulations to Alpha who is definitely the man for the job! Great news! Great team! :) Thanks to both of you for your time, talent and leadership. :) Lisa

Ive been here for a few months now, and Im excited about what Im reading here. Not a day goes by that I dont visit renderosity, and getting to learn everyones personality is an interesting process! Congrats to Alpha!

I think this will be a great team. Congratulations Alpha. Diane

Does this mean we have to bow to him when he comes into the forum or chat? LOL..Just kidding...Its great news and you couldn't have picked a better person. With all this talent running around I am sure you all will make this the best forum ever. Good luck and best wishes to all Leigh (preggo brain, remember...so if anything sounds weird, mark it off to hormones..LOL)

This is good news to hear. Congrats to the both of you. Syyd for your strides into the business world and Alpha for becoming moderator. You both have my support and well wishes. Bsteph

congrats Alpha. -Gabe-