rlochraven

One things which didn't make my '10 Things' list was that I am an amateur photographer. I've been into photography for quite a while. For the longest time, I just had various 'basic' 35mm cameras. My first SLR was a Nikon N6006. Still have it some where. Was able to do some cool stuff with it. I was even the photographer for my own wedding (I framed the shots and my brother-in-law used the cable release to snap the shots). It was interesting to do, but they all came out well. Then I got into the digital age. I had the Sony CD-R digital camera. That one was on purpose because of traveling to China (someone told a 'horror' story about the airport X-ray in China exposing their 35mm film). Then I went to an Olympus, then finally to my Nikon D-90. I made the D-90 jump primarily to have a faster camera for capturing my daughter and her karate. I've done some cool shots with it, like the night time trails of Chinese lanterns at Virginia Beach, or an extended exposure at Niagara Falls (from the Canadian side looking at Horseshoe Falls). Those were both pretty cool. But, then again, I'm nowhere near the caliber of the SG Photographers, though I wish I was. I'd love for the opportunity to work with and learn from some of them. I would say the 'best' picture I actual took was one with my first 35mm when I was in High School. It was of a girlfriend as we waited outside before concert. I'm still amazed at how well that picture came out from such a 'basic' camera.

One of the things that I try hard to do is be a gentleman, no matter what the circumstance, especially towards women. Some times it really hurts my head when I see how some people (especially men) treat women. Maybe it's just a product that mom raised me right, to respect women, and also having a daughter and wanting to make sure she gets treated right. Then again, if someone messes with my daughter, they should be more afraid of the force of her karate kicks, but then again, my razor sharp kitana may be more frightening...

Back from that tangent, I am serious when I say I try to be respectful of all women, especially here on SG and on any Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.). There are a lot of reasons for that. One which I'm cognizant of is that no woman on SG is 'mine'. I don't have the right to say or claim that. In many cases, the ladies here often are in relationships, and I have no right to inject myself into that. Even if someone is single... The other thing that gets me is negativity. I've seen a few posts where 'ingrates' try to bring down the positive things people do, or leave derogatory comments. I can't stand that. And don't get me started on 'dic pics'. That just baffles and infuriates me... I don't get it?! In what venue is that acceptable?? None that I'm aware of. I've seen a few of the ladies her in SG and on Instagram post about that. Ugh! Sometime I feel like I should apologize for the real men on the web for those that can't behave well.

And that also brings me to a question I would like to ask everyone out there. What is the 'acceptable' range for comments on a set, or even to a candid pic? I'll be honest, there are pics out there that are extremely hot and provocative, and yes, some can cause 'physical reactions'. But is it okay to STATE that in a comment? I guess that goes with the above. I mean, if I was a putting myself out there like the ladies do here, would I want every other person telling me about the 'physical reactions' they have, especially if they are graphic descriptions? I don't think I would want that. So, at least for me, I wouldn't want to do that to any of the ladies here. With that said, let me know what you think.