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09/14/2007 02:15:47 PM · #1 |
I was wondering how many DPC'ers out there started on DPC as a curious amateur but in the process of submitting and receiving criticism here has graduated into professional photography. I would say right now DPC is the only photography community I'm involved with, it's where I get all my feedback and where I've learned most of what I know about photography. DPC was the vehicle for my enthusiasm for the subject and I don't think I'd be pursuing a professional career in photography without this site. I'd like to know how many people out there are 'born and raised DPC' and are out making a living as a photographer now.
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09/14/2007 02:23:53 PM · #2 |
| My continuing submissions and involvement with dpc have without a doubt faded over time but, this is the first place that really got my creative juices flowing in photography. I still check the forums out here all the time I just don't submit to much besides free studies. I started back my freshmen year of college taking pics through here, then started into classes and stuck with it. I was the chief photographer for my college newspaper and graduated back in May. I got a job straight out of school managing a business called Memory Lane Portraits. We specialize in outdoor family portraits and I pretty much run the entire operation here. I'm really excited too b/c we're opening a studio to work out of. I'm really lucky to have found a boss that has enough faith in my skill that he is willing to invest in getting me my own studio to work out of. I'm still getting used to telling people that I'm a professional photographer and not a student. I do think its safe to say though that my roots are here at dpc. |
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09/14/2007 02:26:33 PM · #3 |
I think  Goodman qualifies. Her work now compared to when she started on DPC is nothing short of astounding.
 DrAchoo is another. He started with DPC and now is represented by a gallery. |
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09/14/2007 03:53:15 PM · #4 |
I don't know if this would qualify but I definitely went digital with DPC! Don't think I'd have gotten this far without all you fine folks! :0)
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09/14/2007 04:04:43 PM · #5 |
| Actually I look at DPC as a “boot camp” of new photographers, rather than university or a college... You do gain thick skin here, and you take whatever they give you... ARRRâ€Â¦ I have grown another layer of skin, and I think now I am getting better at it... and after I won the first ribbon, now I am ready to fight ARGH!... |
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09/14/2007 04:14:15 PM · #6 |
I would never put myself in the same category as goodman or achoo, but I started out not having a clue and now have have a *little* side business of shooting local little league sporting events. :)
I don't feed my family with the income, but it definitely pays for my obsession hobby. |
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09/14/2007 04:17:54 PM · #7 |
Next up, are you a graduate because of, or in spite of DPC ?
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09/14/2007 06:35:31 PM · #8 |
I was turned onto this place by a friend of mine waaaay back in 2003 and have been a devout member ever since. It was shortly after my first son was born and I went photo crazy with my little advantix film camera and my old Sony Mavica. Before that, I had no photo experience whatsoever, as some of my early entries probably show. :)
I was in awe of all the amazing images I saw here and soon became a member. Shortly after that I gave up the Mavica for my 300D (which I'm still using). My main goal was to just take better photos of my kids which mushroomed into one big photography addiction.
Now, I wouldn't classify myself as a professional by any stretch of the imagination. But I enjoy it so much and had friends and family requesting photos that I started a very small little "Hobby-business". Some would call me a "soccer-mom photographer". I hate that term but whatever. I don't make much and only do it very sparingly and since I've moved to a new state, not at all. Lately, I've been thinking of turning my "business" site into just a personal photography gallery and giving up on the business part of it. I have more fun when I'm doing it for me then as treating it like a job. I may just take more of a charitable route and sign up with organiztions like Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep or Operation Love or possibly something environmental. It would make things a little more meaningful for me because it's really not about the money for me at all.
Anyhoo, to get back on topic. Yes, I would consider myself a DPC graduate. I LOVE THIS PLACE!! ;-D |
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09/14/2007 09:07:58 PM · #9 |
Well when I started here I knew practically nothing of digital photography, now I am employed as a professional photographer doing children's portraits, does that count?
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09/14/2007 11:34:52 PM · #10 |
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09/14/2007 11:53:26 PM · #11 |
Just had my first paying headshot client last Saturday! Best part is, she LOVES her headshots (which I must say are pretty darn awesome!) and truly enjoyed the experience!
Started on DPC(under pressure from my boyfriend) as a registered user last July, and a member last October. Now, though I have never won a ribbon or even made the top ten, I am definately a DPC graduate.
Before my boyfriend gave me a digital camera for Christmas '05, I had never given much thought to photography... period. With a lot of help from my guy and DPC, I am proud to call myself a photographer. I got the website, business cards, first happy customer and still LOADS more to learn.... but excited to do it!
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09/15/2007 12:01:38 AM · #12 |
Graduate? Hmmm... I'm trying to decide if this institution could graduate students or if it's just another playground. I learned a lot here in the beginning, but I'm not learning as much now as I was back then. DPC is a good place to learn a lot of basic concepts of photograhpy, but when those are learned, you either fall into a quagmire of practicing technique, or you spend more time looking inward for your niche. The deeper you look, the more out-of-mainstream you get.
I guess if graduation is a concept here, I have graduated. I still hang around because there are some interesting people here who inspire me. I'm just not into the game element of the challenge anymore.
Maybe at some point, DPC will coordinate a 'season' of learning that will promote thoughts and ideas that go beyond the existing level of learning. The mechanics are in place for it, but the desire just isn't here. The challenge concept could be an excellent opportunity to create a 'syllabus' of learning challenges that starts and ends on a schedule, where the basic concepts are taught through the challenge process, and keep going until some broader concepts are covered...
Then 'graduation' would be more appropriate :)
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09/15/2007 08:50:46 AM · #13 |
IN a way I suppose it does work to some kind of syllabus- there are set challenges with defined guidelines that usually cover the fundamentals of photography such landscapes, portraits, bokeh etc, and then you have the 'advanced' topics like unusual viewpoints and the master's free study.
So there is something for everyone and it gives everyone a chance regardless of skill level to compete in a challenge and get critiqued on their work.
I haven't 'graduated' yet. I'm yet to win a ribbon and write a tutorial. Then I would feel my input has been worthwhile. The greatest thing about this site is the learning curve as there is always something new to consider and learn from, coupled with the generosity of 99% of the forum users to share their tips and offer advice to anyone who asks it.
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