sky blue

<p>A good point, Margaret. <strong>Ratings have the potential to be an extrodinary asset to photographers.</strong> As it is, Photo.net is an asset to photographers merely for the friendships developed among the widest variety of those that love photography, from some of the very best to those that are just starting out as well as hobbiest and students. We learn much just by observation of our comrade's work.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>I must admit that I and I'm sure other photographers have tremendous disdain for the few individuals that only exhibit their contempt and disrespect for other photographers by their repeated, robotic, and mindless, 3/3 rating behavior.</strong> Those mindless ratings cannot be understood without commentary which they have no respect to insert. God forbid that Philip Greenspun has a software program applying the 3/3 ratings at random. That statement is in jest but the instant 3/3 ratings seem that mindless, that it is tough to comprehend where they may originate from and what reason there might be for receiving them. Since it is a mystery, it offers no legitimate help in producing better photographs and is a flaw to the rating system and in need of repair.</p>

<p>Certainly photographs fall in all of the rating areas that exist on PN and it's clear that there will be few near perfect photos in comparison with the vast number that are far from perfect, thus our photos will garner legitimate 3/3's if we post carelessly. If the 3/3 rater has any respect for themselves, then their 3/3 rating should be at least accompanied by a form statement relating to the general violation they are rating against, or their mental disturbance that causes them to sit for hours and satisfy their 3/3 rating addiction, or whatever may be causing them to administer their photographic justice. Some of these ratings, both good and bad are incidental with new members that go to the "Rate Photos" option for the first few times and speed through applying general rating to those images that appeal to them or don't. Perhaps this may be the entire source of 3/3 ratings since Photo.net is so large and worldwide. <strong>Short of this, there may be some bitter and miserable individuals rating 3/3's far their own gratification and self-promotion.</strong> <em>Those individuals will build up enough negative karma for themselves that someday they will bear the brunt of their thoughtless, lazy, and careless, deeds but we, we will continue as always if bothered by nothing more than the gnats, flies, and other pests of the world which little can be done to eradicate.</em> We will; however, continue to live life while they waste their and for this we receive the benefit.</p>

<p><strong>Mostly I should lend an agreeable comment with Margaret's viewpoint and offer a thank you to all of those who offer an honest and thoughtful rating to each of us and may I wish blessings upon those that choose to explain why in a helpful and respectful manner what the rating is for. More than anything, to the friends we have made here on Photo.net that we might otherwise have never known; to each of those friends, thank you! You inspire us, encourage us, and help us to grow as photographers but more than that, we grow as people and we look forward our visits and time that we spend together here in this modern cyberworld and perhaps one day the real one.</strong></p>

<p>Sincerely, ~Sky</p>

<p><strong>As for Nikon D200 & D300 - </strong>Yes, the D200 is worth $650 more than the D300 especially the ISO and noise improvments for low-light. <br>

I still use both but given the choice, I always reach for the 300.<br>

I cannot comment on the D700 yet but I presume the improvments will be worth it as well.</p>

<p><em>(tongue-in-cheek... kinda)</em> <br>

<strong>My friend if you aspire to be a professional, once you arrive, whatever equipment that you conduct business with will be the gear of a professional.</strong> <br>

Your camera is the vehicle or tool that carries your vision to the masses, be it Canon, Nikon, Leica, Hasselbald, Mamiya, custom built, or merely the disposable that you pick up off the table. If you find an Holga in your hands, use it to the best of your professional ability to make the necessary image. If you have the $$$, buy whatever camera and lenses that please you the most. If not, use the camera that you have until you become a professional and then buy what you need. If a picture needs to be made and all you have is a pinhole, then use it to make the photograph. Don't wait for "Professional" gear. Nikons work for professionals, Canons work for professionals, and the wide array of other company's gear is put to use by a professional somewhere. <br>

<em>Ask yourself</em>, "<strong>What is the picture before my eyes and what do I have available to best capture it?</strong>" <br>

This answer will include your gear, your knowledge of how to use it, available light, cooperation of the subject, manipulation of the shutter, processing of the result and revealing your success to an audience. <br>

The smiles or frowns, boos or cheers, the glint in the eyes of the viewers will tell you of your success. Selling the image will confirm that you are a professional. <em>(Which, by-the-way, you will not be worrying about once you are.)</em><br>

<strong>Get out and enjoy the camera that you have.</strong> Buy or save for a new one if you want but don't worry too much about the gear that you will use as a professional photographer. You will find that professionals have and do use them all.<br>

Best of luck to you in your quest to be a professional photojournalist. Be sure you always have some type of camera available and of course this is all simply my humble opinion/advice. Perhaps a grain of salt will make it more palatable. <br>

<em>(The only images of Sadaam's hanging came from a cellphone camera which without it no photos would exist...)</em><br>

<em>(If we give control of the Hubble telescope's camera to a child, it will not make the child a professional but one day as a professional he may use the Hubble's camera in his work or he could use his Canon... er, Nikon... oh, nevermind.)</em></p>

Indeed this was sad news - thanks for posting Landrum: Alberto, Yuri, Sarah, may you rest in peace as we

continue here but not for long and our sympathy to family, friends, and others deeply affected by your passing.

For this terrible road that we all must travel, the grief and saddness does not lessen from each departure. If anything

it worsens as we face this impending appointment ourselves. The ones who have gone inspire us to use our

remaining days with a new appreciation for every sunrise, each new and old friendship, and the variety of

achievements that we manage during our momentary lives. A simple calendar consumes us all and because of this,

may we all strive to make the best of each day we share together and leave inspiration to everyone that we must one

day leave behind. We seek a better place where death can no longer confound the goals, happiness, and thrill that

living provides. (John 3:16) ~Sky

Charge appropriately for your services and joy will return to your task of shooting weddings.

A couple with a small immediate family should not be paying the same as a couple with a large extended family. If you require more time for the shots, perhaps you can add an additional photographer to their bill in order to get the shots they want and cover for the service you provide.

Wonderful capture Julie. I can feel the atmosphere of this cafe in

your photo. Love the blur with the timekeeper. Did you plan this

or get lucky. (I will have to dig through my files for a cafe as

well)