🚀 go-pugleaf

Because we don't really know what the future holds, on many levels, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the years of interaction and friendships we've built in both this forum, and the Photoshop Forum.

My life, and even my business, has been profoundly affected by the generous advice, interaction, encouragement, and constructive criticism I've received by so many of you.

I would like to share with you a few specifics of how my life has been enriched.

First off, I never would have even picked up a SLR had it not been for those of you who continually encouraged me when I was looking to upgrade from the Nikon 990 to another point and shoot. Not only have I been through three SLR's, but since that time I've actually being able to generate income in the realm of photography. Among some of the jobs that have come to me are weddings, portraiture, children, families, product, and more. I am aware of my limitations though and don�t presume to be more than I am. For this reason I have turned down jobs that I either felt were either out of the realm of my expertise, too big for me, or too stressful. But I cannot say the opportunities have not been there.

The changes in my life spread farther because of the skills many of you have helped me acquire. I'm in my third year serving on the Board of Directors for our local pro photographer's guild and have received several awards for various volunteer work, both on a local, state, and even national level related to design work submitted to the FPP and even the PPA in both 2007 and 2008. This would never have happened had some of you not been there for me when I asked for advice.

Going farther back in history, I will never forget one of my first experiences with the Adobe Forums. I started a thread about Photo Retouching & Restoration in the Photoshop Forum. At that time I was restoring an old photo pro bono for a friend. I posted my progress along the way, and received tons of advice. This was when I became familiar with Wade, Ann, Bonnie, Scott, Neil, Buko, Chris Cox, Ken, MO, and several others. I�m trying to remember the name of that nice guy from Tampa also.

The project went on for about three months if I remember right. This was the beginning of my infamous �long� threads. Just about the time I thought the retouch job was good enough I would get another constructive criticism on something. Scott Weichert in particular. I can remember laughing as hard as I�ve ever laughed. I thought I was done and ready to go, and Scott pointed out that it could be better. This would mean disassembling some of my hundreds of layers to go back and get it right.

Then when I needed business advice, I started another infamous long thread, having to do with Business Pricing. Again, I received an outpouring of advice that truly made it possible for me to gain the confidence to charge more. I still have trouble with this area, but at least I can now charge enough to make it worth being in business, for which I�ve also been blessed.

One milestone that was crossed was when Ken Neilson sent me his sample package on how to setup Job Tickets, and keep track of client jobs, etc. This was after having lost $500 on a client job where there was confusion regarding all the different requests at different times. Ken�s timely advice has saved me from making the same mistake again. To this day I think about Ken when I set up a new job ticket. Others also helped with this.

There is so much more I could go on to share with you all that would one way or another be related to some advice or support I received here at the forums.

Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn�t mention my first experience using Studio Lights at a Valentine�s Banquet for portraits. I would never have pulled it off had it not been for the help I received from some of you, such as Ann, Phil, Phil Scarsbrook, Allen, Wade, and so many more. There was even the added help of phone calls from Ann Shelbourne and Phil Scarsbrook when I needed the extra help.

I�m running of time as I�ve been asked to take pictures at a baby shower today� so this is a rush post, and I�m sure I�ve forgotten to mention some of you� but please know that I am ever so grateful for the unselfishness, patience, and generosity that you all have shown to me over the years.

Whatever happens in the future, my prayers are that each of you will be blessed in some special way!

Much love to you all�
Linda