Dphoto.us...what we're about.

[Steve Mitchell]

Dphoto.us is about 3 1/2 months old now. A lot has happened in that short period of time. A few bugs cropped up here and there, but we're sailing along pretty well now IMHO. First I want to thank the current membership for participating and sharing their knowledge. I hope we continue to grow and share information at the highest level.

I just wanted to taake a minute and share what I think this site is about. It's about photography, it's about the image. It's about sharing images, and reverse engineering how we got there. The equipment used, the post processing techniques, the circumstances surrounding the shot and the thought process involved. The sites about community. We don't care where you live, what kind of camera you have, whether you're a professional or a rank amateur, or whether or not you frequent or link to other sites.

Photography should be about community. A community while interacting on this site, as well as sharing good information from others. We have been remarkably free of any any attitudes on this site. Many hours of hard work has gone into creating this site. It's being created to try to contribute to the brilliant and artistic photographers around the world. Not everyone has an opportunity to photograph professionally. That doesn't mean many more don't have the talent to do so, they just may not have the opportunity. Or they might like to make more $ :) Professional and amateur photographers photograph a wide range of subjects. Life consists of a wide range of subjects.

Dphoto will always strive to give it's members a forum for discussion and a forum for learning via the image first. This site is you'rs the community's. Not mine. I pay the bills but the site is nothing without a vibrant photography community.

Thanks for participating.

[terpcurt]

Steve,

Thanks for your hard work in getting this site up and running, changing the software when it looked like a problem with some people, and your insites in photography... I have learned some new things, and also take all the knowledge of the people here, and try to think about how I can incorporate in what I do photography wise........

Getting a digital camera has really fired up the photobug in me... and I am loving every minute of it.... kit is also a hobby that my wife can share in....

Thanks again Steve

[Steve Mitchell]

Thanks for your comments Curt. That's exactly what this I love to hear. Whether it's your profession or your hobby, your passion should be fun. This site should be a place where we can share our passion and our knowledge while having fun in the process.

I am a little saddened that the internet photography community has become so territorial. My least favorite term in the world is "a purely business decision." Before I became a freelance photographer I spent 20 years in the corporate world, so believe me I know what that means. That means "I don't care about anything else except the money." Regardless of how it's rationalized, that's what that term means. And that's why I left the corporate world.

I believe if you approach anything with the right intention, concern for people first, and maintain the integrity and true spirit of your product or service, things will work out. I also understand the money issues, (the electric company does not get paid with good intentions). However Dphoto.us and all the other photography sites on the net are servicing YOU...the photography community, not strictly a given sites vision of it.

Link to anything you want if it helps the community. If you like something better and don't come back that's my issue. Meaning I haven't given the community a product that's worthwhile with staying power. The mission of this site is to promote and encourage the art of photography. I'm not going to say you have to live internet sheltered life here. I believe the net should be a place to seek and gain information, wherever you may find it.