Growing as a photographer: Do forums help?

In the following order, here is how forums help:

1. Learning about gear. Most threads are about gear. Not unimportant, but won't help you "grow" any more than knowing a lot about various hammers will help you "grow" as a carpenter.
2. Being inspired by the work of other photographers who post on the forum...
3. Being exposed to famous photographers you may have never heard of...

Overall, I'd say "no"... But they have their place.
 
Forums totally helped me out especially RRF. The members helped me with developing knowledge, and choosing my very first rangefinder camera. I shoot everyday and I'd like to think I make pretty interesting photographs. A lot of members on here are very knowledgeable and when I have a question that google or my buds can't answer. I know someone on here can. Thanks everyone.
 
For me the forums were like getting a hold of a speeding locomotive in terms of knowledge. I asked a question and 10 people would opine. Best invention ever.
 
I've found RFF - and a few other forums - very useful as a source of technical information on subjects like scanning, developing and so on; and it is also a good way to find people with similar interests to my own.

On the other hand, I find the gear 'obsessed-ness' of the internet forums laughable and, sometimes, infuriating... and RFF is by no means the worst. The 'Nikonians' forum seems to be largely populated by people with no real interest in actually taking photographs but simply in acquiring gear; APUG by geeks intent on tweaking characteristic curves to no particular end. It's all very odd.
 
Not only was I encouraged to return to film, but my M2 was put back in the frontline alongside the metered M6 - and that's even before I joined RFF. I am more critical of what I think are my good photos, and, being reminded here of the importance of editing, I am less scornful of what I think are my failures.
 
Forums like too much time in french class create bad habits. It is good to ask questions and learn but you should really put your time into shooting and pushing your comfort zone. I also find a lot of forum photography to be bland.
 
tbarker13 said:
I'd say it all depends on the user. It can be incredibly useful or an incredible waste of time (and money.)
I've learned tons about different types of gear, which has helped me refine the tools that I use for my photography. and it's wonderful to see some great work being done by other photographers.
But you can certainly get caught up in the gear buying and selling - almost to the point where you forget what the gear is really used for.
Click to expand...

Wise words!
 
Also agree with tbarker13...well said.

My renewed interest in film/analog was helped invaluably by forums -- I had questions and scores of people had answers.
Gear questions, technique questions, seeing others' work and discussing ideas...all precious and helpful.

I can't for the life of me see the point or usefulness of endless, navel-gazing threads about inane concepts, "whither..?" or pointless wonderings and other assorted wankery, which can get pretty bad here, have to say. At some point, you have to just take the damn picture and see for yourself.

To get you to that point, forums can help.
 
any interaction between people affords one the opportunity to learn and grow.
if i can grow as a person then i hope that growth would foster my growth as an image maker.
 
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