Photo comments/critiques

[Rrdjserv]

There has been some discussion on lack of photo comments. It also seems to me that the number of comments has been declining over the months. I suppose that there are a number of reasons:
1) lack of time
2) lack of interest in other's photos
3) lack of knowledge/confidence to comment
4) afraid of hurting someone's feelings

Comments help build the strength of a site. It creates friendships, knowledge and better photographers. It helps share photography ideas and techniques.

It's true that there are a few people who only want to hear praise about their entries, but I think most people want to hear the truth. I must admit that I have toned down my comments because several people have left this site because they took the comments negatively. Personally, I love hearing ANY comment. And by commenting, you actually learn; you learn why you like or dislike a photo. You think about what you would have done to improve this shot. You think about what makes this photo stand out above all others.

Let's all put a little more effort into commenting, helping our fellow photographer and helping ourselves.

[51Goldie]

Only hearing praise is actually a negative in itself, as without fair but helpful criticism we will never improve. If you don't want your photo critiqued there is an opt out button. Personally I have had some fairly tough comments but have then relooked at my shots and thought about the comments as I really want to improve. I say bring it on - it can only help me to improve!

[RTaylor]

Thanks for starting this thread Rick. I agree, we need to get more members involved. There are some that post their photos into the contest, and actually win POTW, they never return to thank the members for voting, their image wins POTM, and again they still don't return to say thank you or even congratulate the others or make comments on anyones work. One of them comes to mind of someone I think from Russia.
Even though many start out becoming members because they want to enter into the contest, many have stayed because they enjoy the feedback both good and constructive critiques. I have no real analogy as to why the past couple weeks comments have come to almost a halt from many current members.
There was one member in the first few months of 2010 after I think only coming in 2nd and not yet had any POTW's he stated "I guess I'm selfish, I'm here just to win contests" what good is winning contests with absolutely no interactions with the members. No matter how good a photographer is by the images they submit, every photographer can't win all the time. It should be more the camaraderie and helpful comments that keep members coming back.

[mdfraser]

I have to say critiqing is the main reason I came here. I would like to hear the good sure, but it's the helping hints and suggestive comments that I need. I'm no pro and I know that, but I know that through corobarration and learning from others I can become better. That's why I'll post some more pics and see what happens this time.

I posted some pics open to critique some months ago and feedback was almost nill...I'll be honest I stayed away for a little bit because of it. I'm not going anywhere though.

On another note, I have given small critiques to others. Obviously, I'm not a professional photographer, but critiqing is also part of the learning process in becoming a better photographer...if you ask me.

[Rrdjserv]

Mike-
I hope you do stay around. There are a few things you can do to help attract comments:

1) Comment on other's photos. People may reciprocate.
2) Place 2 photos into the contest every week. Photos outside of the contest tend to be ignored.
3) Stick around. People comment more on people they "know".
4) Submit your best/interesting shots. People tend to pass by the ordinary/boring shots.

I have viewed your gallery and you have some nice photos.

[RTaylor]

Glad you are hanging around Mike. People probably shouldn't ignore photos not posted to the contest, especially when posted to the critique area. For some reason, years ago, it starting happening that way, and no one made the suggestion to not ignore those non contest image and members always told others, for feedback, post to the contest. Its just what most of us longer members are used to now.
I try to comment on those images in critique and sometimes in members albums when I see them, but can't always notice them all because of time constraints.
I'm thinking some members might skip over what they consider ordinary and not exciting, because they are not sure what to say to help that person out. Its always easier to say what you think about the great images posted, but harder to try to relay politely what you think the person needs to do to improve, especially for those new to photography.
Making sure your exif data shows is always a help to anyone wanting to give you tips. As Rick mentioned, sometimes people can be shy and only begin to comment on members photos if others have commented on theirs. Guess we will have to work on some of the shy members

[Kalena]

Rick I am sorry to hear that you have felt that you have had to "tone down" some of your comments. In my opinion your comments are always polite, honest and helpful. There are some of us, including myself, that have gone on to win the competitions after following the advice given by yourself and others on the site like you. It's this unselfish willingness to impart advice to others that in my opinion sets this site apart. If there are some people who's egos are so fragile that they can't handle some well intended criticism then this is probably not the site for them. As regards commenting myself, I don't feel qualified to criticise other's work as I'm still very much a novice but I do try to express why I like something. In saying that, I don’t always know why I like something and then the odd "WOW" will creep in. . If you are continuing to use the site then you must be getting something from it and I know not everyone has the time to comment on every photo but I do believe it is important to make the effort to try to give something back the the site and it's members.

[Rrdjserv]

Kalena-
Thanks for your opinions.
I remember being hesitant about commenting on other people's photos when I started out. I had no confidence. But then again, most of my photos bordered on the lousy side. I read the comments and kept practicing.
Having won many contests, I would think that your confidence level would be soaring by now. And just because you leave a comment, does not mean that they have to do it. You are just leaving your opinion. And everybody has the right to do that.

[Kalena]

Rick, I'm not always great at expressing myself. I think you may have misinterpreted part of what I said or perhaps I have misinterpreted you? . I don’t expect someone to comment just because I do. I just meant that it would be nice if everyone could take even a couple of minutes each week to comment on one or two of the competition entries thereby increasing the number of comments posted and at the same time contributing to the community. Like yourself I'm sure my confidence will improve in time but I find it hard to believe that you photos ever bordered on the lousy side!!! LOL!

[AnnieS123]

I joined a photography site last April and when it was suddenly shut down in May I was disappointed. I searched in
google to see if I can find similar sites and ended up registering in many sites and Bytephoto was one of them. But
soon I realized myself that I am posting photos only in Bytephoto, which is really different from other sites.
When I entered my first photo here, I was eager to see if I get any feedback and was really surprised to see people
commenting on it. I was really glad that I joined a community where people are willing to help others by giving
friendly honest feedbacks.
Personally I think one or two might leave the site just because they get critiques on their photos, but it is those
critiques and comments that keep most of the people hanging on here. I believe most people would love to get
feedback on their photos, whether it is positive or negative. In my opinion if someone gives critiques in a rude
manner, it should not be encouraged. But as far as now, I find the members here really
polite and friendly and I don't remember any time reading a rude comment. Participating in contests and voting
every week are really fun, but reading and posting comments gives real life to the site without which it will be
dull.

[Redhead]

I came to this site to learn. The info everyone gave me improved my images BIG time. I've noticed that no one comments on my work anymore & I just thought that meant no one liked it or it really wasn't any good. Only hearing positive comments doesn't help me see things I missed.

On the other hand, the first time I made a critical comment to help improve an image, that person read every comment I made that week....contacted me PM, stated I didn't say the same type of thing to him I did to others. Then, withdrew a good image. I've never fealt qualified enough to ever do it again.

I am glad when someone teaches me something new, shows me something I didn't see before, or gives me an open eye to a better way to present the image I didn't consider.

I hope more people see this thread & join in making photography better & better
redhead: Marcie

[shootem]

Geez, but does this thread bring back memories! It's a funny thing, I've noticed that Americans tend to react in a defensive manner towards comments, moreso than most of the rest of the world. I don't know why this is, but it has certainly been the case over and over and over on an Internation site that I spend time on. In particular, Europeans tend to be able to *take* constructive critisizm very well. While we Americans tend to make excuses, and get defensive. Of course, there are many exeptions to this, but overall, it has been my finding.
I believe the most important thing one needs to remember is: A comment, or constructive critisizm, is an opinion. To be looked at, then filed. Taken with a grain of salt. And as mentioned above, making comments really does help one learn. You have to LOOK at the photograph in order to comment. There will always be those people that like something you have made, and there will always be others that don't. It's how YOU feel about it that is important... and if someone's comment hurts your feelings, maybe it's time to step back, and take another look... decide if the comment is valid or not (to you)... and then use it... or let it go.
"If you want *atta boys*... show your photograph to your mother" I was told this several years ago... and it really helped me look at comments in a different light.
If you post your photograph and want/receive comments... be polite and reciprocate. If you aren't comfortable, or feel you don't know enough, just say what you like about it, or don't like about it. Always helps to have a positive along with a negative... but geez, don't be afraid to comment constructively.
I usually tend to be short and to the point... that gets taken wrong at times.... but my time is usually short (you wouldn't know it by this post)... and I try to be helpful.
So..... guess I'll wrap this up by saying hi to Rick (been a long time!) and anyone else that may remember me... and thank Rick for for starting this thread. AND..... Thanks to Ruth for the great job on this website...
Carolyn

[ParulMehra]

It's really a good thread. When I joined this site I was new in this field. I got comments on my photos and I learned a lot through them. If you enjoy photography and you know you are in learning phase, you won't mind a critique comment. By that you improve yourself and your technique too. There is nothing to mind in that.

It's always good to see and praise others for their work. In return it always encourage me to do more good work. I enjoy comments and the moment I post my pics, I always wait for some comments.
Somehow I also feel that the flow of comments reduced a lot, not only for my shots, but for others also. That might be one of the reason that I don't see some of my fellow photographer very frequently. But I still hope to see good work on this site, learn from them and eventually that will help me and others to become a refined photographer one day. Comments always help. Even I don't win contest frequently, comments are like rewards for me. I think for a photographer best reward is that someone see his/her work and acknowledge with a comment.
I thank Byte photo and all the members for helping me out for my passion. I will keep putting my effort and hope the same from others also.

Parul

[Ed Vatza]

For a critique to be valuable, it requires an openness both on the part of the person who's work is being critiqued and the person giving the critique. One has to be open to what is being said while the other must feel open to saying what is honestly on their mind.

For a critique to be valuable, it must include both the good and the bad. Praising another's work so they will in turn do the same for your work does not constitute a critique and will not lead to growth as a photographer.

For a critique to be valuable, the person giving the critique must always remember that the image is, first and foremost, a representation of the creative vision of the person who made the image. Stating how you, the person providing the critique, would have done it differently is only valuable in the context of the creative vision of person who made the image.

And for a critique to be valuable, it must be shared. Not to respond is to respond. The lack of response says something. It means something. What's worse than a critique that we may perceive as negative? To my mind, being IGNORED is far worse.

Any thoughts?

[RTaylor]

Great edition to the thread Ed. You are right, sometimes no comments say something, but its still better to receive a comment and know why it might not be a favorite of the viewers.
There are times I see a long list of members logged in for at least close to a half hour or more. Yet, I see no new comments on the photos. Makes me wonder if some members are viewing while at work but don't want to leave comments, because it will be proof that they are goofing off at work lol.
A number of years ago, maybe 2003-2006, the members had to give a rating from 1-10 for each photo. Many used to get upset if their photo was given a 9 even though the comments were all positive except one small suggestion. Since the ratings have been turned off and only comments, it has taken the pressure off along with the hurt feelings that used to happen with the ratings. All the members agreed that they much prefer helpful comments.

You are also right that when giving a critique, you need to let the person know what you think they did right. I think that also helps with those new to photography, because sometimes they might not realize certain ways they may have composed a shot was actually good. I know those comments I received back 2003/2004 when I first started taking photos and posting here on Bytephoto helped me understand more. We have over 220 members and growing who have participated in the contest since Jan 2010, they just don't participate every single week.