My name is Levina de Ruijter. I bought a Canon 40D two years ago and started photographing the city birds. This has become a big passion. My first lens was a Tamron 55-200mm, which I believe is the cheapest little telezoom around. I loved that lens. Still do. But it is retired now as I recently upgraded to the Canon 300mm f/4 which is perfect for the kind of birds I photograph.
I think I have made some progress in the two years that I've been doing this, but at the same time I am very uncertain about the quality of my photographs as I find it very difficult to judge my own work. I do share my images though, but my home photography forum is about sharing and not so much about critique. I'm also on flickr, but then again, who isn't… So when I was told of BPN I came looking and after browsing the forum and reading a bit I decided to join, hoping it will help me to improve. I also look forward seeing other people's work and learn from them (as well as having the pleasure of commenting with kind honesty).
I don't know when I'll pluck up the courage to actually post an image though (which I will do in the Eager To Learn Image Critiques section), but I'm sure happy to be here.
Levina, don't be nervous! We in the ETL forum know everybody starts somewhere and there's no place to go but up so post away - we'd love to see your images and help you with your passion for birds!
Welcome to BPN Levina!! As Jules mentions, we all started somewhere. I can still remember how nervous I was the first time I posted on a forum, so don't be shy - we are all here to learn There is lots of good info to read here too, so make yourself at home and browse around!
Thank you Daniel. I have selected a few images and will post one of them shortly. I'm reading in fact the posting rules right now. I also have been browsing the forum and am delighted with all the knowledge people are so generously sharing, although it's a bit much to take in. And as for learning, well, I have already learned that my workflow isn't exactly the very best!
Welcome to BPN Levina!!! It was my first trip to your country this past year for myself! Van Gogh was my idol in art school.....so my trip to the museum...left me feeling much like you are to bpn! Since you are beggining......I highly suggest you visit Jules in ETL! She's great and will only encourage you to push yourself as your skills improve!
Big welcome and looking forward to your posts!!!
Thank you very much for your kind welcome, Roman. I'm glad you liked your stay here and of course the museum! I have been a big Van Gogh fan myself since I was a young girl and first saw his work. He still is one of my favourite painters.
As to posting my first image in ETL, I have done so, two days ago, but the message said it had to be reviewed first. However, I'm beginning to think that maybe something went wrong. If it's not up tomorrow, I will be bold and pm Jules.
No problem Levina!!! I am actually thrilled that for the first time.....someone said I went unnoticed:D:D:D! Trust me.....very rare! Glad to have you onboard!!!
Welcome. I spend on visiting for at least 2 1/2 weeks in April of 2012. See you there.
If you don't post you won't learn. It does not hurt :)
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
Thank you mr. Morris. I'll make sure to keep April 2012 free!
I have posted two images in the ETL forum now and I have already learned that I haven't learned much in the two years that I have been photographing birds...
Hello from Amsterdam.
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I've been "Jules" since 3rd grade when my best friend was also a Julie.
