Comments/Critiques

[shootem]

When I upload a photo, and check yes for critique - that means I want your opinions. I want to hear what you like, and I want to hear what you think could make it better. It means I have the opportunity to learn, or maybe just take it with a grain of salt - and move on.
Just a rating does not tell me what you see. I look forward to the "why"
Okay - I'm going to lay myself out here. I have made some comments of late - that have obviously ticked some people (or their spouses) off. I have received pm's from one, retaliation in the way of scores, and even sometimes a few comments below mine - will be a comment that disses my comment.
It's as though if I don't just stroke some of you - as a few of you tend to do - I can't be part of the new "good ole boys" club - - -
Well that doesn't bother me - but what does is - if you want a critique, and it is written politely with positives as well as how I could see improvement - why not just accept it as it is meant - a suggestion - not a cut on your ability. And strictly MY point of view.
We don't have to agree. People many times disagree on art. But we shouldn't take it to heart, wear our feelings on our sleeves, and get upset.
Am I so far out of touch???? I have been a member here far longer than most that are currently active. I participate in Forums. I try to be fair, and give a critical comment. Hello.... help me out here... am I just to abrupt? If so - give me specific examples - Do that many of you not want my honest opinion?
There are just as many (actually more) that seem to appreciate my thoughts - -
Carolyn
www.havocphotography.com

[TampaDan]

It is my observation, from participating on a number of photo contest site for the last three years, and from talking to other people about this, that most people do not REALLY want an honest critique at all. They want to know why you think the photograph is good, or works, or somehow agrees with their own opinion. They want confirmation.

While there is some value in minor critiques and nit-picks pointing out little things that we sometimes don't see ourselves, most of the time, critiques are nothing more than opinions. The biggest flaw in 99% of the amateur/beginner photos I see is simple lack of interest. Boring, dull, ordinary shots of boring, dull, ordinary things. But that's just my opinon.

I love hearing how much you like my work, but I get very little from critiques. Ok, you have a different opinion than me, so what? You like B&W, I like color. You prefer a tighter crop, I prefer a wider shot. You prefer underexposed and blurry, I prefer correct exposure and sharp focus.

I agree with you 100% that it is extremely poor form to argue, retaliate, or even disagree with an honest critique. It is someone else's opinion...ignore it and move on. Have you alerted Admin? They should be warned and if repeated, banned. But that's just my opinion.

[Rufford]

I'll agree that most people just want to hear how great their image is. I know that's what I hope for every time I post something. I don't think that it's realistic though. It may just be me, but I'd prefer a bunch of fours and fives with constructive comments that I can use to improve than a bunch of nines that don't help me at all.

I think honesty here is hard to come by and I appreciate those who give honest reviews. I think far too often photos are reviewed with a 7 and a "nice shot". I think abruptness and honesty would provide a great wake-up call to the people who post. For me, the best thing for my photography is having someone tell me that I suck. It just makes me work harder the next time I shoot to make everything perfect.

So, shootem, I say keep posting exactly what you think. Whether people like it or not it will help them improve.

[northbeach]

I'm glad you brought this up, Carolyn, although I'm surprised to hear there are people who don't like your comments. i've always found you helpful, truthful and positive.

I'm not the most diplomatic person here, although I do try to be honest and I do try to be kind within the parameters of giving candid criticism. I've had a couple of emails too - someone took me to task because I said I didn't think an image was interesting (among other things and as I recall I explained why I thought that). And I do think there a tendency for people to group together and simply pat each other on the back. Comments like "very nice shot" and then hand out an 8 or a 9! Hello??

I share Dan's views and I also agree with Rufford.

I want to hear an opinion on what can make my work better. But the paucity of advice is sad in here often - limited so much to "'hot". There's a huge lack of imagination about many critiques and posts alike. And you can't teach imagination.

One other thing while I'm at it:-) I get tired of people posting an image that they know has obvious faults but post anyway and then give excuses.