Critique?????

[Irish]

Hello All

I feel flattered...Have not been called a "junior" for many many years now Just new to the forum here...

My question????

What are the rules in critiqueing others work and how does the rating system work.....

I like honest but positive feedback and so if put up an image for critique (I notice there is not a specific forum for crutiqueing images) I expect a critical answer......I don't beleive we learn from being a "mutual admiration society".....give praise where it is due but not be over the top with it.....if an image does not work for me I say so and give my reasons for my opinion .

Comments please!!

[impasto]

From another 'junior': I noticed that one of your recent critiques was mildly questioned by the recipient and I support his point of view.

I fully agree that it would be rediculous if we all just fawn and never give any critism - I certainly did not join for that purpose! I know there's LOADS of room for improvement, and I expect other people to point out areas where they can help and give advice on how to improve.

HOWEVER - just saying 'the lighting lets this image down' doesn't help anyone. HOW? WHY? What can be done to improve it?

ALSO - you commented that the image 'seems out of focus' - well, it clearly isn't. But one had to actually open the larger image to see this - a little bit of effort well worth it, in order to give fair critism.

We all know that a 10 should go to a flawless image - but I think you should only score after having reviewed the other images in the contest... if the image in question rates 5 - where do you place the totally careless snapshots, with no composition and no technical ability?

It's very disheartening to get critique which has no positive advice to learn from: and even more disheartening to score a 5, when you have clearly progressed your photography beyond the true novice, with no technical skills.

Perhaps you should spend some time observing, BEFORE you start scoring images. Look at what other people have to say - there are very, very highly qualified people on the boards, who have been supporting and helping thousands of people like us to improve.

That said - I would be delighted if you would comment on my photographs - I'm sure you have a lot to add, but perhaps need to elaborate a bit.

[Irish]

Thanks for your reply and comments impasto.....

Thankyou for pointing about the larger image....most of my comments were based on the smaller image....I have adjusted my comments and ratings accordingly.......

I understand the rating system to be between 1 to 10......1 for the "totally careless snapshots, with no composition and no technical ability" and 10 for the "perfect" shot... 8 & 9 should be for images of merit......5 6 & 7 means the image has potential but lacks (in the opinion of the viewer) in some area e.g. composition etc.

I appreciate there are others with more experience on the board, I also notice that there are a lot more observers than those willing to make comments....I wonder WHY???

While I look at what others have to say and appreciate their comments I try and stay true to the feelings I have about an image.

I agree it is important to qualify your comment and I will try and do that in the future....not always easy to verbalise how you feel about and image though???

I would appreciate what other have to say on this subject.......

Thanks for "listening"