Why post/comment?

[Rrdjserv]

Why do you post?
1) To share your photos
2) To get helpful criticism
3) To win the weekly contest
4) Other

Why do you comment?
1) To give advise
2) To give praise
3) Because someone commented on mine?
4) I don't comment.
5) Other

Just curious. --Rick

[Buddy4344]

Rick,
Great questions.

I clearly post for helpful criticism but must admit I am a little excited when i make the finals. BUT, on the occasion that I have made the finals on a shot

There is actually another reason I post. I made a self challenge to only post "fresh" images. Those shot within a few weeks of my posting. The challenge is to have 2 shots each week to meet that criteria. This pushes me to get out in all types of weather or to shoot lightbox when weather is bad. The result of weekly practice and feedback make me a better photographer (my hypothesis). As you may know from my forum comments, last week I spent time organizing my photo files. In looking back over 4 years of digital photography I can say I had some good shots all along, BUT I consistently have better shots now - and with better control over composition, dof, shutter speed, iso, etc.

Why do I comment? Basically #1. I give opinions and try to explain by point of view. I hope that is taken as advice, but it is only the opinion of this amateur.

[Rrdjserv]

Interesting comments, Buddy.

I, like you, have looked back at my old photos and feel like I have learned much over the years. I also feel like I still have a long way to go. That is the reason I post. To learn. There are many very talented people on here and I always enjoy reading their comments. It is a pat on the back when your photo gets selected as a winner, but it's only frosting on the cake.

Commenting is a different subject. At first I commented very little. Afterall, how can you give advise to someone that soars high above you? After months, I decided that I have an opinion even if it isn't correct. Most people here take advise in the nature that it is given... as helpful criticism and as a personal perspective. I do not, however, comment on someone's photo just because they comment on mine. If I think that the photo is outstanding, then I say so. If I think I can help make the photo better, then I comment. I hope no one here thinks that I am ignoring them if I don't comment.

--Rick

[TcJohnson]

Rick,........I come here each week plus most every day when possible to learn from what others are doing and the techniques they use. It is truely amazing what people come up with in there images, and thoughts. I find that individual technique and editing skills vary greatly. There is alot to be learned from all who come here. Even if you are only able to use a small portion of information from this person or that person. By combining information with practice I feel my skills grow and I get better shots more often. You know imagination is a terrible thing to waste. I also feel we get a history lesson on occasion. The insperation to move forward with the positive thinking process, perhaps make plans to visit a place or meet with others. Expand our mental, emotional and physical capibilities. Not to mention the friends we hopfully make along the way. So in my thinking its a combination of things. On the Why do you post side 1,2,4 and on the Why do you comment side 1,2,5, Three three and four dont apply because first of all I'm already a winner, Next you are only fooling yourself if you think that commenting on others only after they have commented on your works is proper. Last not commenting is not helping you, me or anyone else. I feel as others do and hope that others understand that if i do not comment on something its not because i dont like them or care It may be I do not have the skills needed to assist or understand the image presented. But there again thats why i came here to learn, grow and help where i can.

[KHedquist]

Rick,

Great thread. I stumbled on Byte quite by accident and I haven't regretted it. I have been shooting since is was very young and thought I was doing pretty well. I soon found out how much I had to learn. And learn i have. ( Sounds like Yoda). Anyway, I have learned so much by listening to what others had to say not only about my photos but others too. I learned and am still learning how to look at subjects and try to apply the suggestions given to improve my skills.

I find that by making comments it helps me to be objective and hopefully give helpful advice. And conversely, it helps me accept the advice given on my photos. Quite often my eyes are opened to a different take on my own shot that makes more sense than how I originally intended it to be perceived.

It is very rewarding to be selected for the finals and I would be kidding myself if I said winning isn't nice. To be chosen by your peers is very satisfying. Especially with the talent that we have here.

I enjoy the interaction we have here. I too have looked back at old photos and can see how much I have learned from the critiques I have received.

[Punwit]

Rick,

To me it's an combination of all that you listed to varying degrees plus a sense of community. Mostly I'm here to learn so my picture posts are a request for feedback so that I can pick the brains of folks that share a similar passion and my comments to them are a way to help hone my own critiquing skills which I believe also helps hone my own photography. As far as the contest goes, I'm less impressed with being selected by a secret cabal that offers up no explanation for thier criteria than I am with the input presented to me by members whose bonafides I can see in thier galleries. Of course my position on this may be colored by the fact that I've only made the cut one time in my year plus here.

I'll admit that I feel beholden to those that take time from thier day to offer me their opinion so I do return the favor as I can because I would feel quite guilty to take, take, take and never give.

I also find that posting pictures and responding to those that comment as well as commenting on other's images builds a sense of community. The connections are important to me and I feel that the friendships I'm growing enrich me as a person as well as a photographer.

So probably 50 % learning, 40 % community and sharing of a passion, 10 % winning.

Great idea for a thread Rick.

Darren

[skeuos]

Rick, great idea for a thread. It's nice to see what other people think on this topic. Here are my thoughts.

I post primarily to learn from others here. Sure the contest is nice, and I'm tickled to have won one, but that's not the biggest reason why I try to post my best stuff each week. Like Buddy, I try to post more recent shots in an effort to continually challenge myself to improve (and because more and more, I don't like my older shots). I was specifically looking for an atmosphere like Byte's - a close, vibrant, welcoming community of talented photographers who are willing to teach and share. Most of the other photo-sharing sites are just that - places to share photos, but not as much community and discussion. It's because of the significantly more talented photographers here taking the time to share their thoughts that I've been able to grow since joining here. It's fun to be able to revisit a scene or a set-up (in the case of still life) and use suggestions to improve a shot. The tips, techniques, and thought processes I've gained here are invaluable, and I am very much indebted to the people who have taken the time to teach.

I comment for 2 reasons. First, I think it's a useful tool for growing as a photographer to be able to move beyond simply saying "I like this picture," and instead detail why and what you like about it. Second, I like the dialog. Photography, and the thought processes involved, are fairly far removed from my day job, so it's a nice break to talk about it with other people who enjoy it. This is my hobby, so I enjoy sharing it with people. My backup hobby would be home-brewing, but you can't share beer over the internet, I can't store the necessary equipment right now, and my wife doesn't really care for beer all that much, plus she won't let me frame beer and hang it on the wall. Not to mention that the one time I tried, the results were less than desirable.

So, to bring this full circle, I post for reasons 1,2, and 4, and I critique for reasons 1, 2, and 5.

steve

[JoeMc]

Great thread Rick!

I comment and post for the same reason....To learn and share knowledge...... I have been faulted in the past about changing shots....or editting shots mid week.... I guess it's because the knowledge and opinion of the talent here means much more to me than the contest itself.

But we all like to be in the top 6 and we all like to be chosen by a group of peers to be the best for the week.

Like so many other on this site.....I strive for new material every week to post. I believe that Byte makes me a better photographer! That my friends is why I post and comment!

Cheers, Joe

[northbeach]

Why do I post? #'s 1, 2 and 3.

Why do I critique. To give advice if I'm able and to encourage.

This thread is worth reviving.

I see changes happening here, photographs are getting more varied and more creative as people grow their skill. I also think as the novelty of digital photography wears off people are returning more to the basicsof "good photography" and away from manipulation, oversharpening and oversaturation. With that move, creativity in subject is showing up.

Sheila.

[kasw3670]

good thread!

i post mainly to learn from others, and offer up what little helpful advise i can to others. i still very much consider myself a beginner but little by little day by day i'm getting better at this craft. i put this down to my own self learning and experimenting and the advise of the talent pool on this here great site.

[RTaylor]

I stumbled on this old thread and thought it interesting.

Maybe some of the newer members and past still active members can take a poll.
Would be curious to see if things changed since "The New Bytephoto" has opened

[Marla]

I send my pictures to get advice and constructive criticism from all of you. That's the only way to learn in doing something right.
But I must confess that you get excited when you're in the finals and if you win that's even a greater excitement.
What I enjoy the most are the comments, remarks and ideas you get from all the BytePhoto members and it really helps!
Marla

[cindylea]

I post because I like to share my photos and also because I learn from the helpful critiques from other photographers on this site. I started photography on Byte and have grown as a result of it. I can honestly say that I learned about photography on this site. Most of the photography books in our house belong to Sam. He reads them and tells me about what he reads. Saves me a lot of time. :-) He and I critique each others images but it is very helpful to get objective comments from my peers. These comments have inspired me, encouraged me, and made me look at my photographs in a new light.

I comment because I like to give back. I know what it feels like to be a beginner and get critiques, good or bad. They helped me learn and continue to teach me. I try to give constructive critiques because I think they are the most helpful. Great photo is more beneficial when it is backed up with both likes and dislikes. Likes and dislikes teach and when delivered in a constructive, helpful way they prompt improvement and encouragement.

Do I post to win? I would be lying if I said no. Posting to win encourages me to present what I feel is my best work. Would I post if there were no contest? A big YES to that one too for all of the above reasons.

I love Byte too, because of the friends I have made. Friends that have helped us through cancer in our family, friends that have always welcomed me back after dealing with a period of depression that totally takes away my joy for living and zaps my creativity. Thanks to you guys!

And thanks Rick for starting this thread.

Cindy

[cindylea]

I would like to add one more thing that I have learned on this site. I'm a talker. :-) It applies to both posting and commenting. Take the advice you get and USE it. Go back and crop, reshoot or experiment. I continue to do this and feel that it helps me improve and strive for excellence. I have also found that I come up with better images. You never know. The suggestions of fellow photographers may even get you a winner.

Cindy

[Gymnast46]

I'm a real neophyte when it comes to photography. Although an early adopter of digital cameras (bought my first Olympus almost ten years ago) I'd never given a lot of thought viewing photos as more than just "pictures". Looking at the efforts of the pros who post in this site has really awakened my interest in creative photography. I greatly appreciate the constructive criticism!