I consider myself a recreational photographer ... it is a hobby, though a somewhat indulgent one. Still striving to improve my camera handling techniques as well as with image post-processing. At the moment, less than 25% of the photos in my photostream are public.

I use a Nikon DSLR and have been very lucky to have been given 2 good quality lenses by my late father - he never really got to use his lenses in his old age, but at least he appreciated my efforts in using them. I think I have now put together my 3 main quality lenses that I frequently use - a nice wide angle for landscape and urban; a macro for the little critters, flowers and portraits; and a zoom for those subjects that don't like me being too close.

I don't randomly gather contacts on Flickr, so if I choose to follow someone, it means that I appreciate their photostream. I do sincerely appreciate all comments made, regardless of their length ... it all takes some effort, even cut-and-paste comments / awards. I may not always acknowledge a comment, but that does not mean I don't appreciate them. I will go through photostreams of other members in my own time and make comments and favourite images on a regular basis as I know we all do enjoy having others appreciate our images.