What the?

[marcus]

I don't mean to be rude, bold, or upset the moderaters on this site but "what the?"
The preface for image reviews and critiques says something like; "got a thick skin.............." Well thats great, but you've actually got to be on the recieving end of a critique to test that skin. If nobody says anything about your photo, you are none the wiser.

In fact, you could go on taking shithouse photos for the rest of your life and not have the chance to get any better because everyone you ask is too afraid to say "I think that's shit!".

Maybe the ante needs to be upped (is that a word?) in relation to photo critiques. Maybe we need a section titled "photo critiques no holds barred" in which if you wish to view a photo you must comment on it. It is annoying to post an image, have 50 or 60 views yet nobody will say anything?

Does anyone else know where i'm coming from here or must I die a martyr. If so, hopefully I'll have 70 or so virgins waiting for me

[avkomp]

I know where you are coming from.
have shot pix where no one commented but heaps of people looked.

Some subjects just dont appeal to them I guess or perhaps they dont feel qualified to comment one way or another.

also I have noticed that sometimes members tend to comment on shots taken by forum members that they know or by raw beginners making first posts.

Sometimes there are just too many posts to comment on them all.

I am guilty of not commenting on all pix posted for comment.
My reasons are basically because I dont feel that I can offer anything other than a neutral comment which would be of no value in my opinion.
So I reply when I like something or can be of assistance.

Steve

[Jamie]

I fully agree with what you are saying and i hope that when i post an image i get an honest review.

In the past on another forum ive given an honest opinion of others when asked for it, but the thing is some people just dont like to hear the truth or my view which leads to problems.

So now if i dont like something i bite my tongue.

Jamie

[marcus]

also I have noticed that sometimes members tend to comment on shots taken by forum members that they know or by raw beginners making first posts.

Steve

Thanks Steve for your input. I too agree with your comments ( the above quote) It will be interesting to see what others think.........if they dare!

[Nnnnsic]

It is annoying to post an image, have 50 or 60 views yet nobody will say anything?

Well, that's really the same question as "why sign up if you're not planning to post anything?," and look at the amount of users with "0" on their post count.

Unfortunately, we can't force people to make a comment.

A lot of people simply won't want to... and that's fair.

Can you honestly say that every time you've viewed an image on this forum, you've given it a critique?

[marcus]

I hear you Jamie, thanks for posting

[Nnnnsic]

In the past on another forum ive given an honest opinion of others when asked for it, but the thing is some people just dont like to hear the truth or my view which leads to problems.

So let them deal with it.

Geeze, if you don't like an image, you won't be persecuted for saying it.

The person in question may or may not like what you've said, but so what?

If they don't, they can deal with it.

As a mod and admin, I'm not going to get on your case if someone tells me that you've upset them. I'll probably tell them to move on.

[Antsl]

Hi Marcus,

I hear you ... I have this little saying ... "I would rather be honest about an image rather than pissing in someone's pockets just for the sake of giving them a warm feeling!". If an image is not up to the mark then tell them so. It is what I expect of my colleagues when they critique my images and they expect of my when I review their work.

This being said it is worth remembering that this is a forum that has a range of different level photographers on it, from the rank beginners through to some rather good professionals; is it fair to expect the same level of work from a beginner as you would a professional? Some images that a professional may reject may represent a really good image for a beginner yet if we do not know this you may be either encouraging bad images from the pro or damning good work from the beginner, right at the time they need a little encouragement.

I think if you are going to critique work on this forum it is important that you back it up with advice on how you would make the image better yourself if you were in the same situation.

As a pro I am always questioning and challenging my own work although it is unlikely you are going to see it on this forum... worth considering is that as you get better at photography you will discover a few fellow photographers about you that you can trust to get some good advice from. These are the people you should turn to when you really want an honest evalution of your work.

[rjlhughes]

It's certainly true on some sites (like Photosig) that a very good image will be posted and someone who probably couldn't have taken a shot that's as good makes a very critical comment about a facet of the pic that doesn't bear commenting on. Perhaps its not always sour grapes, but it often isn't fair to the photographer.

Actually I can think of a time not long ago here when someone put up a shot I would have been proud to have taken - and a comment came back about a slight colour cast (or something).

Ill informed (or god forbid spiteful) criticism is worse than none.

[Greg B]

The preface for image reviews and critiques says something like; "got a thick skin.............." Well thats great, but you've actually got to be on the recieving end of a critique to test that skin. If nobody says anything about your photo, you are none the wiser.

The preface actually says

Got a thin skin? Then look elsewhere. Post a link to an image that you've made, and invite others to offer their critiques. Honesty is encouraged, but please be positive in your constructive criticism. Flaming and just plain nastiness will not be tolerated.

Not that the description of the sections should be read like statutes or regulations, but I think the point here is that, if you post in this section, you may receive a review which might be critical of your work.

I have posted "don't like it because" reviews, and I have seen others do the same. I am not sure that failing to receive a negative critique here could lead to "taking shithouse photos for the rest of your life and not have the chance to get any better" but I guess everyone wants to get an honest critique while hoping that it will be favourable.

We must remember that this is a recreational pursuit, and we are here for fun. I enjoy looking through images posted without necessarily wanting to spend time commenting on them all.

It is a tricky issue, but the problem you are describing will always be there I think.

However, next time you post an image, I'll try and make a comment.

[Onyx]

This critique forum used to be renouned for its honesty of peer feedback. I'd like to see that reinstated.

Ok, here's my overall general comment for everyone who's ever posted a picture of their kid. Parents will likely think their kids are the cutest in the world, and whatever little bubs does is super sweet or higly adorable. A picture of someone else's kid with a stupid blank stare or retarded facial expression is the single most boring image in existence IMHO. Those are best kept in photo albums shown to family and friends whom might appreciate them, or shared among your parenting support group where you can ooh and ahh as much as you like.

And for those who post the same content to multiple photography forums/sites - those posts are automatically ignored by me. I can't quite figure out whether you're needing your ego stroked or there's another motive for posting the exact same content to multiple online locations - everything straight copy/pasted. Please enlighten me what the purpose is - for those guilty of this, you know who you are.

And lastly, the lack of replies to a post should indicate to the OP that the content does not appeal to the audience. Whether it's the ho-hum image or an unfamiliar subject matter. Sometimes the things unsaid are the things that should mean the most. PS. Please, no personal offense intended. There is sarcasm mixed in with the rant posted above.

[marcus]

Leigh, Antsl & Bob, I have read all your comments and understand where your coming from. I guess it's a hard issue to tackle, but I still think in some way it needs to be resolved.
Sorry Greg, your comment just popped up as I was writing this....I'll get back to ya shortly.

[Antsl]

Maybe Marcus you should just add in your intro to an image that you "don't want us to hold back on our thoughts" and I will oblige!

[Killakoala]

I like to comment on photos that i feel need a comment on, but it's not always possible due to my spasmodic internet connection. (Satellite is not always reliable.)

If there are other comments in the post that have raised issues that i would have commented on, i will not coment unless i think it is good and i like it.

I enjoy looking at the photos posted, although i don't get chance to see all of them as my time on the net is limited, so i only have a chance to post on a few of them. i don't just comment on 'forum members i like' as i choose the photos to look at at random.

HOWEVER, when i am critical i always write constructive criticism and offer ways of improving the image, perhaps even experimenting with different effects for a photo and a change of compostion.

In a nutshell, i like looking at other forum members photos.

[rjlhughes]

Onyx,

good points. (apart from the rant about parental infatuation - programmed in to humans to keep the species going - and very successful that's been too.)

I use Flickr as a test ground these days, although the crits aren't as detailed as they may be here, you do get a good idea of what a more mixed and younger audience thinks.

And if you really want the truth about your image and a lesson added in - ask sheetshooter.

[marcus]

Onyx...........luv ya work (although my kids are posted here ) but only the ones I thought maybe worthy. And if not, so be it!! I agree!

Antsl...... Maybe that should be the Title of the thread

I too am guilty of looking at a post but not commenting.......BUT, I endeavour to check that post later and will try to comment on it good or bad so the photographer posting at least has another opinion.

Maybe we should have a section "Do you think this photo is shit?" and plp can post stuff without feeling pressured and plp can comment without feeling pressured

Just a suggestion.

[MattC]

Steve (Avkomp) and Marcus,

I think that you are right about there being a central core of members. Newer members tend to gather around those members, but I have noticed that most of those core members spread themselves around. They crap on amongst themselves (most of the time it is hard for me to figure out just what they are on... or just on about ), but also try to make newer members feel welcome. Just my observation.


I think this forum is actually pretty good for image reviews - try posting an image on DPR and see how many responses you get before it gets pushed to oblivion by the endless "Canon vs Nikon" and "my rights have been violated" debates. This forum is much more image orientated than some others. Sure, the critiques here are not in the slightest bit harsh. The criticsm that I see comes in a constructive, inoffensive form offering tips on composition, lighting, technique and post processing. Sometimes it is even demonstrated.
Admittedly, not all images recieve the same degree of attention. Perhaps it is as simple as the image not striking a chord with the viewer. Sometimes it is hard to offer anything constructive. I would not worry about it too much.

Cheers

Matt

[Andoru]

marcus: kudos to you mate for starting the thread. I personally think that the level of critique on this forum is a bit wacky but didn't really pay much attention to it since I've only been a member for just a month.

One thing I find different about this forum is the closeness of the members, which may in turn affect the honesty of critique. It's easy to say "nice shots" or "well done" to mates but that's not critique in my view. It's not even a suggestion or a constructive comment.

I think that members are generally shy from saying what they think for various reasons some of which have already been highlighted by previous posts. However, I urge those who submit images for reviews and critique to please not take constructive criticisms personally. It is only in this spirit of honesty that we can learn from one another, which is after all, the function of the particular forum.

I understand that there are different types of photographers with different levels of proficiency. Nevertheless, comments do not need to be technical. For example, you can tell us what you like or don't like about the photo. What does the photo say to you? Is it emotive? Why you enjoy it etc. Things like that. One does not need to be a proficient chef to enjoy fine dining. And if you're comfortable, start asking questions such as whether there's anything you would like to see improved? Just keep in mind that even the best images may suffer from technical flaw, but so what? We enjoy them just the same.

A suggestion to the mods: why don't we have a forum for just snapshots? Something like "a picture I took" forum. That way we can separate those images meant for critique and those just for sharing.

[KerryPierce]

No virgins for you, Marcus... You're asking for the impossible.

Just kidding.

Seriously, there are a ton of reasons why people don't write critiques, time and effort being a couple at the top of the list. I also think that a lot of people don't want to offend the poster.

For myself, I won't comment on a lot of images, for precisely the above reasons and more. I not only don't want to offend people, I don't want to dissuade them from posting pics. There are still other reasons as well. For example, I simply may not understand what the photographer intended and/or know how to help him achieve that intent.

The user group is diverse, with varying levels of experience and expertise. Add to that the fact that photography is art, where people's likes and dislikes will vary greatly. Lot's of users are already reluctant to post pics, because of the perception that their stuff isn't good enough to post, in comparison to what they've seen here.

I'll generally respond to specific requests for feedback, if I see it and have something constructive to offer. But, I won't generally respond to a photo that's posted without a detailed request for critique. Seems to me that most photos are posted here with the simple intent of sharing them.

One man't treasure is another man's trash. If you want detailed critiques, you need to give a detailed request, so people can understand your goals.

[Antsl]

A suggestion to the mods: why don't we have a forum for just snapshots? Something like "a picture I took" forum. That way we can separate those images meant for critique and those just for sharing.

I like this idea! Lets put the "aint that cute" stuff in one section and the "is it art?" stuff in another so that we have a better idea of what to comment on seriously!

I do think that a few people need to get away from worrying about what f-stop was used to make an image and instead start talking more about the real asthetics of an image. The camera or the settings used are not as important as the use of design, light and emotion.... get these three elements right and you'll be able to make good photos using a Milo tin with a hole in the side of it!

[Andoru]

If you want detailed critiques, you need to give a detailed request, so people can understand your goals.

Which is why there's a genuine need for a separate forum for snapshots. Those posted in the critique forum - request for critique is automatically assumed.


Whether it offends the poster or not, all I can say that critique as a general learning tool works brilliantly (when it does work). It's not just in photography, but in numerous other fields. The number 1 reason why it may fail is "pride". Some people just can't stand the heat.

Which brings me to my next point. I think that the general caveat applies to those who want feedbacks for their images - if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Of course, it's not that dramatic, but you get the idea.

At the end of the day, it's all about taking pictures, sharing them, learning from one another and most importantly, enjoy photography and what it has to offer us. Aren't these the fundamental reasons why we starve ourselves so that we can continue to fund our lens lust?

Ok end of rant. Back to writing thesis.

p.s. Antsl your avatar is way cool! :thumbsup:

[leek]

This subject seems to come up every 3 months or so... Same result - no change...

Personally I don't see the need for a separate section for image sharing.
If I don't expect critique, then I add "just sharing" to my post...

I'm not sure what triggered your thread marcus, but I've seen many examples of good critique here.
I've also seen images that have not received any comment - and have then received a deluge after being bumped by the owner. Sometimes time is a factor and image posts just slip off the bottom of the screen.

Also with respect to views vs. replies, don't forget that the number of views goes up exponentially as soon as you get a few replies as people who replied will generally also look at other people's replies to the same thread.

If you want serious critique - ask for it and it will (usually) be given...

[Aussie Dave]

Seeing so many people here not happy with the "quality" of critiques, I will now expect that these people will now give objective critiques (where possible).

Admittedly, it is always nice to receive something other than "nice pic - well done".....but if thats all someone has to offer, it's still better than no posts at all.

I do remember this came up a while ago...the only way around it (as I see it) is this:

- if someone asks for a critique, give it to them (in as much detail as you can)

- if someone asks for comments or ways to improve the shot, then say "nice pic - well done" OR "try doing this..."

It also has to come back to the person posting the pic for critique. Be careful what you are asking for.....

Thats my take on it anyway ! And I dont always post critiques either...

[nito]

Honestly, I think most people are too kind and dont want to give unfavourable critiques. Comes down to if there is nothing good to say, why say it at all for some of those no views. Also many people may post a shot to share what a image means to them and really dont want feedback. A lot of the time a critque is subjective.

I think the best asset for this site are the 1. friendly people and 2. the photos posted.

Either way you learn and grow as a photographer reading opinions,comments and sharing shots whether they are good or bad.

EDIT: Missing a i in critique

[gstark]

Maybe the ante needs to be upped (is that a word?) in relation to photo critiques. Maybe we need a section titled "photo critiques no holds barred" in which if you wish to view a photo you must comment on it. It is annoying to post an image, have 50 or 60 views yet nobody will say anything?

With all due respect, nobody here is going hang around every one of our 1000+ members forcing them to make a comment on any particular image.

If someone feels an image is worthy of comment, then great. If they don't, well, c'est la vie.

Get over it.

[gstark]

The criticsm that I see comes in a constructive, inoffensive form offering tips on composition, lighting, technique and post processing. Sometimes it is even demonstrated.
Admittedly, not all images recieve the same degree of attention. Perhaps it is as simple as the image not striking a chord with the viewer. Sometimes it is hard to offer anything constructive. I would not worry about it too much.

Well said.

Marcus, why do you feel that criticism has to be negative? That said, I've enough posts made here that tell the prohographer that whjat they've done doesn't work, or fails in some way or other.

But there are many ways to skin a cat, and by offering up alternative points of view, a person is far more likely to be receptive than by taking a more negative path.

Finally, taking a negative path can often lead to a misunderstanding whereby one may feel they're under attack. Please tell me what that can achieve?

[gstark]

A suggestion to the mods: why don't we have a forum for just snapshots? Something like "a picture I took" forum. That way we can separate those images meant for critique and those just for sharing.

I like this idea! Lets put the "aint that cute" stuff in one section

I don't like this idea at all.

I wish that all "cute" photos would just go away.

I do think that a few people need to get away from worrying about what f-stop was used to make an image and instead start talking more about the real asthetics of an image. The camera or the settings used are not as important as the use of design, light and emotion....

Actually, that's very dependamt upon the image in question. I'm suspecting an art outlook in your response, but if you're shooting a racing car, or a full moon, the technical aspects of the shot may be vital, and emotional content may be zero.

[gstark]

One final observation .... please refer to either Greg's post, where he posted the preamble to the Critiques section, o=r to that preamble directly.

It's a critiques section. That's what it's for, subject to the criteria written in the preamble.

Nobody is being forced to post their images, and nobody is being forced to make a response.

If your image elicits a response (or more) the great.

If it doesn't, then tough.

Get over it!

[marcus]

With all due respect, nobody here is going hang around every one of our 1000+ members forcing them to make a comment on any particular image.

If someone feels an image is worthy of comment, then great. If they don't, well, c'est la vie.

Get over it.

I take it that you are not happy with my post, but there is no need to over exagerate what I have said. I did not say anything about forcing anybody to comment. I was merely making the point that if 50 or 60 people had the time to look at the image, then surely a REASONABLE percetange of them could give some quick feedback. As you said, get over it.

[kipper]

I have to agree with what Onyx has to say mostly.

Seeing a lot of kids with blank expressions on their faces doesn't really do a lot for me. However having said that, if you post them up saying you're trying to get a studio style feel or a candid. Have I achieved this, have I got the lighting right etc. might help getting some feedback as to where you went wrong. But just posting a picture and saying "This is my kid, they're so cute", doesn't really warrant any feedback.

As for posting on multiple forums, it really depends on that one their Onyx. I post the same shot on two forums. One is geared for nature, this isn't. I usually find that I get critique on my techniques there eg. not enough USM, too much flash, etc there. So it's not really the case of stroking the ego.

[gstark]

With all due respect, nobody here is going hang around every one of our 1000+ members forcing them to make a comment on any particular image.

If someone feels an image is worthy of comment, then great. If they don't, well, c'est la vie.

Get over it.

I take it that you are not happy with my post,

And you'd be totally wrong in that assumption.

but there is no need to over exagerate what I have said. I did not say anything about forcing anybody to comment. I was merely making the point that if 50 or 60 people had the time to look at the image, then surely a REASONABLE percetange of them could give some quick feedback. As you said, get over it.

Why?

Do you know what those people think about that image (or post)? Or if they have the time or inclination to respond?

Perhaps the've earmarked it for later attention, as I often do.

The fact that 50 or 60 people have looked at a post means nothing more than the post has been viewed 50 or 60 times. That includes your viewing of it too, btw, and it may mean that 10 people have each viewed it 5 or 6 times.

But if they have nothing to say about it, then nothing was the entirely approriate thing that was said.

[marcus]

Marcus, why do you feel that criticism has to be negative?

Gary, I don't think that the critique has to be negative, but I know a 'not so good photo' has more chance of nothing being said than a good one. And it is the photographer behind the 'not so good photo' that is really the person who could do with some constructive critisim to help them, rather than the person who took the good photo getting a pat on the back.

[HappyFotographer]

I would like to see a separate section for those truly wanting critiques and another/s for images that people just want to post to show what they have been upto. I've seen it on other forums and believe it works well.

As just about all I get to photograph these days are my children (and I'll try not and take offence at the reference of them being blank faced) after reading this thread there is no way in hell I will be posting another image of them on here.

Deb

[Sheetshooter]

I reckon the system as it is in place is about as good as one needs. The Image Reviews and Critiques Forum is, to my thinking, like a rich bouillabaisse and people of varying visual persuasions can pick from it the morsels that best suit their preferences.

I have offered comment on some pics in my brief time here and there have been other pics which I do not relate to and so, reluctant to present an irrelevant viewpoint, I have reserved comment.

It is sad for those who post their newly produced pride and joy and then receive no comment for their trouble. But I can't see how it can be made mandatory that people respond no matter what form of categorising is set in place.

As Gary suggested I think there are some instances where, whether you get a response or not, you just have to cop it sweet.

P.S.: I have posted shots here which earned no comment so I am well versed in shuffling back into my corner with my tail between my legs.

Cheers,

[rjlhughes]

In training there's a technique called non judgmental feedback which is particularly useful when dealing with a group of performers.

First you praise anything that you especially like.

Then you respond with how you felt about the performance, or in this case the picture.

That's quite different from instructing people directly, or correcting them.

An example might be:


"To me only the tip of your son's nose looks sharp in the photo. I would have preferred to see his eyes and little ears in focus too."

When you get feedback in that form you are hearing what the respondents true feelings and thoughts are, and can take them in the right perspective.

[gstark]

Marcus, why do you feel that criticism has to be negative?

Gary, I don't think that the critique has to be negative, but I know a 'not so good photo' has more chance of nothing being said than a good one. And it is the photographer behind the 'not so good photo' that is really the person who could do with some constructive critisim to help them, rather than the person who took the good photo getting a pat on the back.

Fine, and there are heaps of "not so good" photos that have recieved critiques.

I'm at the top of the recipient list of these ones, for instance.

But I do believe that you're looking at this from the wrong perspective; each person has a different POV on each and every image that's posted. That's a fact of life, and just because you feel that a photo is "not so good" in no way make makes that a true statement.

[rjlhughes]

SS

"a rich bouillabaisse"


that's why people clam up...

[stubbsy]

Marcus

First up - I'm guessing something triggered this for you. Are there some of your images that weren't critiqued cos I'll do so happily

On a more serious note a few points to consider:

• Based on the law of averages, there will be some of our members who, for whatever reasons, don't feel capable of verbalising what they do or don't like about a shot
• Some shots sink to the bottom because of high post volume. I've had images get missed. I just go back and bump them with a comment along the lines of "So tell me, is this image REALLY that bad! I can take it"
• I know a fair few of the people here and some of them I'm honoured to call my friends. And guess what - they also get some of my harshest critiques (no point in arse licking as far as I'm concerned). Reason these CAN receive harsh critiques from me is, over time, I get to know what they are capable of and whether my comments are relevant (no point telling a newb their shot could be better if they had used different aperture settings to gain greater DOF if they are still getting used to their camera)
• There are times when I'll see an image and really have nothing good or bad to say about it (like Onyx - many baby pics are in this category for me) and Deb If you're reading this it DOESN'T mean I don't want to see your kids pics since there have been some GREAT baby photos here too.
• then there are are issues like time to post etc that have already been covered well already

And if we're voting on it - I'd say I like things just as they are. Add a happy snaps section and I just plain won't look there and in the process miss some great shots - since one person's happy snaps might be another's work of art. I'm more inclined to agree with Leek that you just add a tag if you DON'T want critique.

[famish]

As just about all I get to photograph these days are my children (and I'll try not and take offence at the reference of them being blank faced) after reading this thread there is no way in hell I will be posting another image of them on here.

Deb

I enjoy seeing photographs of children, Deb. It can be a difficult area of photography, and I love seeing it and learning from it.

you can expect to see some pics of my kids over time, as they are my main subjects.

Fiona

[famish]

On a more serious note a few points to consider:
[list][*]Based on the law of averages, there will be some of our members who, for whatever reasons, don't feel capable of verbalising what they do or don't like about a shot

Hi Peter... i'm a complete newby, and will take some time to feel comfortable offering criticism to another here. I am still working up "courage" to post some of my own shots, as I most definitely am not as experienced as many of the regulars here.

Fiona

[Matt. K]

Marcus
A very interesting thread you have started here. I would like to make a couple of comments...firstly, some of the forum members post their pictures in order to share them and are not particularly looking for a critique. I often post my pics for that reason. Secondly, I try and read all of the posts on this forum, but as it has grown it is now very time consuming and I am starting to miss quite a few. I think very few members now are able to read every post because of this reason. Sometimes I see an excellent image that needs no critique...so I might just say "Nice shot!" to show my appreciation and enjoyment of the image. Sometimes I see an image that has potential but the photographer has not exploited that potential. In this case I will make every effort to respond and make a positive critique. Sometimes I see an image that is so bland I wonder why the hell it was posted and I might respond or I might leave it to someone else to do that. And often I will post a pic that I think might cause some excitement and it gets bumped off the forum header so quickly no one sees it. That bugs me but that's life. I think you have made some worthwhile points and I would like to suggest that if a poster really wants a critical view of his image he should make that point in the subject heading. Something like.."Please view and critique!". In that case I think more of us would make the effort.

[Matt. K]

HappyFotographer
There are many great images of children in the fine art galleries of the world. You just damn well keep posting because we enjoy the obvious progress in your photographic skills. If it bores some then they can go look elsewhere. I am now going to dig out some baby pics of my son and the next 5 images I post will be just that. I will try and prove a point.

[stubbsy]

OK

Now I'm annoyed

<rant on>I've just seen two posts where people have commented or not commented on images based on the presence (or absence) of a request for a critique. Presumably in response to this thread. I've said it elsewhere, but it's a REVIEWS and CRITIQUES thread. My view is the requirement for review and critique is implied. I'd hate to get to the stage where I have to say "please critique" in every image post (since I'm enough of a masochist to always want comments), or feel obliged NOT to critique because the poster didn't ask<rant off>

[glamy]

I am one of those who do not comment much although I like looking at the pictures that are posted. I feel I am not technically qualified ( as you'd guess from my pictures), so when 2 or 3 people already have said"very nice"etc.. I do not feel I should add to that. Sometimes I wonder why some pics are posted, but then people may think the same of mine... I really like the comments made by some of our more qualified members (no names, I might miss a couple...) and I hope that even "cute photos" will keep turning up because I am sure someone likes them. In other words the critiques section is what we do with it, so please feel free!
Cheers,
Gerard

[sheepie]

Please forgive me for not reading every post in this thread, but I feel it's a good time for me to put my 1.5 cents in (others may disagree!)...

...firstly, some of the forum members post their pictures in order to share them and are not particularly looking for a critique.

Agree entirely Matt - I reckon my mix is about half and half. We keep talking about the big strength of this forum being community feeling - people in commuinities like to share. Nothing wrong with that, I actually like seeing what others are up to - makes my life less boring (?)

...I would like to suggest that if a poster really wants a critical view of his image he should make that point in the subject heading. Something like.."Please view and critique!". In that case I think more of us would make the effort.

Agree with this point as well - this would at least help us who are overwhelmed with the number of posts keep up with those people really wanting some advice (again, not sure if my advice helps - but I'm not afraid to offer it if I think of something).

Someone else also suggested that if there were a seperate section for 'look what I've been doing' pics rather than the critique section, then we'd probably not see a lot of really nice stuff. Agree here too (must be a good day - I'm awfully agreeable today!).

Finally, I view the critique section as being just as much inspiration for everyone else, as a learning session for the individual photographer in question. I love seeing some of the shots here - even if we can't keep up, and even if we have nothing to say about a particular shot, it doesn't mean we don't care

[kinetic]

I am one of those who do not comment much although I like looking at the pictures that are posted. I feel I am not technically qualified ( as you'd guess from my pictures), so when 2 or 3 people already have said"very nice"etc.. I do not feel I should add to that.

I'm in the same boat - I'm not too keen to criticise things unless I think I can offer a solution, I don't feel comfortable saying "I don't like that" unless I have a suggestion for improvement.

As far as people getting no comments - it's a bummer that not all pictures get comments but it's pretty understandable with the amount of pictures that get posted here every day. If you're really desperate for feedback, you can always add a reply to your post to bump it up to the top of the screen (or alternatively, you can rename it with the words "naked" or "sex" in the title - and then lots of people will look)!!!

[big pix]

...... so to quote Gary "lets get over it" and get on to what we like to do...... taking Photo's, weather we share or ask for critique, on images that are posted, does it realy realy matter. yes it is nice to have positive feed back, but this will not always happen.

[jethro]

IN ONE SENTENCE. "BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER!"

[Alex]

There could be several reasons why people do not comment on some images, in my opinion:

1. The forum is getting bigger and bigger with lots of new images posted every day. So people read selectively. This happens to me very often. Sometimes I have to go by a title and chose posts that catch my attention. Not every day is like this for me, but most week days I cannot afford to read all the posts because of work and family comittments.

2. A picture in question, while excellent may not draw ones attention. I posted pics heaps of time with hardly any or no replies at all. Was I offended? No. This is because my captures were either not interesting enough or not in someone's taste. I must say, I often do not comment on images of certain types because they are not my style of photography. There have been many pictues of birds posted but I never commented on any of these, because birds (with feathers at least) are not my thing. They may be excellent and technically fantastic but they just don't do it for me. This is unless it shows something outstanding and grabs my attention. Also, if no one replies to your photo, well may be it's simply not interesting. I certainly posted a fair share of these, and it is a way of criticism in itself. Obviously, it wasn't enough to grab someone's attention and for them to spend a few minutes commenting.

3. Can't offer any constructive criticism. When I love the photo. I'll say it's fantastic, it's nice, etc. When I don't like the photo but can't suggest anything to improve due to lack of knowledge/ experience, then what am I going to say?

These are just a few points as I see them.

Alex

[Alex]

Just a couple of other points.

- I don't see anything wrong with asking for critique in more forums then one. Obviously it gets you exposure to a larger audience. So what? Why not use it. I used to do it myself, now I don't because I pretty much chose this forum as my 'home' forum. What? Does it have to be like your partner, if you go to another forum for opinion you are cheating?

- Having said all of the above, I believe this forum is trully amazing. It has this 'home' feel to it. As for critique, you'd be hard pressed finding another forum where you get as active response to photos you post.


Alex