I don’t think that I’ve yet mentioned that I am a amateur photographer, armed with a slightly older digital camera, little time, and some creativity. I think I have taken some good photos, but I still view myself as a newbie and I’m always looking for improvement. I could use a camera upgrade, but I’m learning new tricks and getting more ideas all the time, too.

A year ago, I found out about a site called JPG Magazine. The concept of the site/magazine is laughably simple. Photographers (amateurs included) submit their photography to the site. Members of the site vote on which photos should make the magazine. Chosen photos are then placed into the print magazine and the photographers, in many cases, receive compensation for their work.

I have an account. You should go check it out. What drew me to the site, initially was the thought of someone like me having one of my photos in a print magazine. Who wouldn’t want that? I still haven’t gotten anything printed, but the site has other advantages, even if you never make a print edition. Other people’s photographs often get my creative juices flowing and help me think about different things to shoot and different ways to shoot things. Lately, I’ve really been wanting to get a more professional camera with a macro lens for closer shots.

(click any image to see it full size)

One feature of the site that makes me go back pretty often is the themes. Every month, they release a handful of new themes to which you may submit a photo. Of those, a few will be themes for the next issue. You can only submit one photo per theme, which makes the photographer really think about which single photo to submit. The themes are one of my favorite sources of new ideas, mainly because I find myself looking for a new photograph to shoot that can fit in one of the themes. For example, the recent Delectable theme inspired my late night “Chocolate Alien” photograph. I should remind you that I’m an amateur here.

If you’ve been tinkering with your camera and looking for inspiration or for a place to share your photographs and get opinions on your work, check this site out.

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