other photography forums?

[Dazz1]

I started participating in online forums a long time ago, but when it came to photography, I started here, and haven't ventured elsewhere, yet. I have just recently wondered if I should read a few others just to see the differences, and/or commonalities around the world when it comes to photography. A couple that I have seen recommended include POTN, and Fredmiranda. POTN seems very active, and Fredmiranda seems to have a commercial side (selling images etc) to it, plus regular competitions.

Just seeking opinions on these and others that are to be recommended. Also about the issue of staying on one forum or being regular on more than one at the same time.

Just for completeness, I am also wondering about local camera clubs and whether to join one of those. I am not a big fan of clubs, having had bad committee experiences etc :)

[ameerat42]

***NOTE: Please keep this discussion within the limits of Forum Riles 5 and 9 (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/misc.php?do=vsarules)***

Dazz, that means you can't canvas opinions about other forums. Lots of people
would be on more than one photo forum, and it'd be best you try them yourself.

[Dazz1]

***NOTE: Please keep this discussion within the limits of Forum Riles 5 and 9 (http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/misc.php?do=vsarules)***

Dazz, that means you can't canvas opinions about other forums. Lots of people
would be on more than one photo forum, and it'd be best you try them yourself.

Geez, sorry Am. If you'd rather remove the thread, that would suit me.

Otherwise, I'll reframe the question to just seek opinions about being on more than one forum at once.

[ameerat42]

No worries. We can't give opinions on other forums, basically - good or bad.

[bobt]

Hmmmm .... seems a bit harsh to me not being able to discuss other relevant stuff. I've always thought that this was a pretty open place to discuss all manner of things!! It's a bit like inviting someone to a party but telling them you can't talk about anyone outside the party. :confused013

Anyway .... moving along .......

I think that there are benefits to be gained from all manner of forums. These range from specific focus sites to more generalised ones. I'm of the view that any photographer who doesn't access a wide range of sites isn't doing themselves any favors.

I have always been a member of a local camera club as well, and since doing so I have spent most of my time in some sort of role within that environment. You learn lots from entering competitions and receiving feedback, and having real-time conversations. Online groups such as Ausphoto are invaluable, but talking to real people in the flesh is a great way of improving your photography and social life. I agree that sometimes real world camera clubs can involve hassles if you get involved in the administration process - been there, done that. However, that shouldn't deter you from joining one.

Then there are web sites that offer in-depth technical studies of equipment and techniques - with resources way better than either Ausphoto or your local camera club. My point is, unless you avail yourself of all the available information you are less likely to extract the best from yourself or your equipment.

I don't actually know of any other competing sites to Ausphotography, but I do think we should be able to mention them if we do happen to know of any. The advantage of this site is that it is local rather than based overseas - that's important to me as we are, after all, mostly Australians here.

[Dazz1]

Hmmmm .... seems a bit harsh to me not being able to discuss other relevant stuff. I've always thought that this was a pretty open place to discuss all manner of things!! It's a bit like inviting someone to a party but telling them you can't talk about anyone outside the party. :confused013

Anyway .... moving along .......

I think that there are benefits to be gained from all manner of forums. These range from specific focus sites to more generalised ones. I'm of the view that any photographer who doesn't access a wide range of sites isn't doing themselves any favors.

I have always been a member of a local camera club as well, and since doing so I have spent most of my time in some sort of role within that environment. You learn lots from entering competitions and receiving feedback, and having real-time conversations. Online groups such as Ausphoto are invaluable, but talking to real people in the flesh is a great way of improving your photography and social life. I agree that sometimes real world camera clubs can involve hassles if you get involved in the administration process - been there, done that. However, that shouldn't deter you from joining one.

Then there are web sites that offer in-depth technical studies of equipment and techniques - with resources way better than either Ausphoto or your local camera club. My point is, unless you avail yourself of all the available information you are less likely to extract the best from yourself or your equipment.

I don't actually know of any other competing sites to Ausphotography, but I do think we should be able to mention them if we do happen to know of any. The advantage of this site is that it is local rather than based overseas - that's important to me as we are, after all, mostly Australians here.

I might join a local club I think. I go away a lot, so I will just have to participate part time - and stay out of admin :)

I agree that there are many resources out there, and I do access info, usually for with a google search, from many of them.

[ricktas]

You are free to discuss other photography forums, just not out-and-out promote them. No different to Mars not promoting Cadbury products etc.

Forums in general, web wide, are mostly seeing a downturn in members. People are using groups etc on facebook and other sites as replacements for forums these days. The forums tend to keep those that are not interested in facebook, or want a more in-depth discussion on whatever topic it is that is being discussed. Facebook etc, tends to get bogged down in 'who wants to shout the loudest', rather than who wants to impart the best info.

[bobt]

Interesting that forums are experiencing a downturn. The ubiquitous Facebook is such a major part of everyone's life now. I haven't really used it and I have great difficulty navigating it. Co-incidentally, i have just posted my first ever photos up there because I went to an event which was a photographer's dream - a couple of hundred women (and a few men) dressed up in red to dance to the song "Wuthering Heights". Possibly the silliest activity I've seen for a while, but enjoyable just because it was so silly. Anyway, that's my only real experience with the site and I find it a very cluttered and user unfriendly environment.

It is hard to maintain anything in this rapidly evolving electronic world. Children no longer use emails which, to them, have become old hat. Now they text and a variety of messaging services. However, I still maintain that a forum like Ausphotography will always have a very important place and remain a valuable mechanism to keep photographers in touch. I just can't see a Facebook group replacing that because of the different structures they use. Horses for courses I guess.

Mind you, I still like the "real life" camera clubs too - each environment caters for a different aspect of a photographer's needs, and the combination of all the options makes for a very rich and educational ecosystem.