=== About me =====================================

I live in the Pacific Northwest, where I developed software for a living in the past. These days, i focus mainly on photography, music, the stock market, ...

My area of expertise is in computer graphics, primarily in 3D graphics software and hardware, both for rendering and for animation. It is very likely that you have previously used some of my 2D graphics software that I wrote in a former life. Really :).

=== Why Zen3D? ===================================

I believe that elegance and simplicity are important criteria for all designs, including software. Zen captures the essence of that philosophy.

Elegance + 3D graphics = Zen3D

=== My photography ===============================

I have always enjoyed music but creating art was never my strong point. And prior to getting my DSLR, I have never entered an art contest.

I am a relative new-comer to photography. I have had a couple of cameras over the years, but since I purchased my DSLR in January 2013, I have really enjoyed creating interesting photos (at least they are interesting to me :) ).

I appreciate receiving constructive criticism. I know why I put a particular photo on Flickr. But why does it appeal to you? And what do you think could be improved in any particular photo? Please share your thoughts with me.

=== My approach to Flickr ===========================

I find that there are so many amazing photographers and so many amazing photos on Flickr. When I like a photo, I generally mark it as a Favorite. If something really hits me, I will leave a Comment as well. For example, if the composition is just right, or the light is amazing, or I really like the colors, or the use of depth of field is perfect, or if the photo tells an interesting story, or ... :). I find that leaving any feedback is usually appreciated by the photographer, and the comment doesn't have to be complex or long to be appreciated. And when someone leaves me a comment, I try to show my appreciation for them making the effort to do so.

I also leave a comment if I really like a photo but if something where done differently, I would like it even more. In those cases, I try to leave constructive criticism.

And if I don't like a photo, I just keep my mouth shut :).

As far as Following goes, if I mark at least 3 photos by a photographer as Favorites, that tells me that the photographer has the potential to create more interesting photos, and I Follow that photographer.

And for people who Follow me, I first look at their profile. If they are Following more people than there are photos in their Favorites list, that tells me they don't really care about the other person's photos and I don't Follow them back. Even if they have interesting photos. I will bend this rule if they have made one of my photos a Favorite of theirs.

It's a bit long-winded, but it sums up how I approach Flickr, and it works for me.

=== FlickRiver Most Interesting ======================

www.flickriver.com/photos/zen3d/popular-interesting/

=== Are you following me? ==========================

I've noticed lately that I am being followed by a lot of people who don't have many (any?) favorite photos by the people they are following.

What does that tell me? I don't know. Perhaps these people don't bother to look at the photos of the people they are following? If someone is worth following but you don't like any of their photos, why follow them?

I have a new policy for people who I follow. If you follow my photo stream but don't indicate that any of my photos are a favorite of yours, don't expect me to follow you.

On the other hand, I am more than happy to reciprocate. If you like one of my photos, I will take the time to look at your stream and the odds are pretty good that I will like one of your photos.

Quid pro quo.