In the spirit of this forum....

Dennis Bloodnok · Jul 10, 2016

....I'd like to introduce myself.

I've only just heard about this community in a post within a 500px group, and since the 500px community feel is going through a rocky patch, I decided to pop over here and see how things are.

I'm a photographer from the South East of England, and whilst I don't purposely specialise, my natural inclination tends towards wildlife and countryside subjects. However, I have a pretty positive outlook on life, so I tend to go looking for the beauty in the world around me wherever I can find it, and that can include towns and cities, boats and ships or macro shots just as much as the more natural subjects.

Since becoming a little disappointed with the stewardship of 500px, I have set up a portfolio web site of my own, as you will see in my signature. Although I'm happy if people want to license my photos, it's not intended as a commercial site, but rather a window for the world to see what I do. What it misses, of course, is the ability for me to see others' work and learn, hence my interest in finding another community that will help me with that, hence, of course, my registering here. And so we come full circle.

Designer · Jul 10, 2016

Welcome!

Overread · Jul 10, 2016

Welcome to the site; nice to see another from the UK!

Had a quick look at your site and like what I see there! (love the cannon fire!)

Just a thought, but knowing at least one owl shot and I suspect a few of the others (I've a feeling you might have been to the British Wildlife centre?) are captive in your wildlife section. You might wish to consider having two sections - one for wildlife and one for captive/enclosure type shots. Just a thought but it does help to separate the two (and yes I'm aware our forums here don't)

Dennis Bloodnok · Jul 10, 2016

I did think about that; I am rather well aware now that some people get quite tight-lipped about shots of wild animals in captivity, thinking that it's in some way dishonest. I must admit I don't feel the same way, so probably won't separate them out, but I may well make it clearer on the site that some shots are of captive animals, particularly given that a bit of openness is rarely a mistake.

Thanks for that.

Overread · Jul 10, 2016

Aye I'm aware some consider it a "lesser" skill to shoot in zoos and the like. I never have; its a different skill but still a skill and still valid photography in my view. I agree a little mention wouldn't be untoward and wouldn't cause any harm.

I think the "dishonest" bit comes in because people view the shot and get the impression that its wild; thus it feels to them like they are cheated when they learn that you didn't spend weeks tracking and laying dead still in swamps to get the shot.

Gary A. · Jul 10, 2016

Welcome to the forum. I like that you seek out beauty across a broad spectrum of life. The world needs more of that.

Dennis Bloodnok · Jul 10, 2016

Well said, that man!

Actually, the beauty's already there. It just needs us to stop for a moment and see it. But then, having had a look at your galleries, you don't need me to tell you that.

zombiesniper · Jul 10, 2016

Welcome to TPF. Great looking gallery.
No drama here, plenty of very happily medicated folks.

Gary A. · Jul 10, 2016

Having reviewed your gallery, you strike me as a bit of a romantic. (I like that.)

Dennis Bloodnok · Jul 11, 2016

Thanks, all, for the welcome. Much appreciated.

@Gary A, you're probably right; romantic, optimist or both. And if that's the feeling the site portrays, I'm happy with that.

snowbear · Jul 11, 2016

Welcome aboard.

robbins.photo · Jul 11, 2016

Overread said:
Aye I'm aware some consider it a "lesser" skill to shoot in zoos and the like. I never have; its a different skill but still a skill and still valid photography in my view. I agree a little mention wouldn't be untoward and wouldn't cause any harm.

I think the "dishonest" bit comes in because people view the shot and get the impression that its wild; thus it feels to them like they are cheated when they learn that you didn't spend weeks tracking and laying dead still in swamps to get the shot.