Steppin on toes, hurting feelings... etc....

[shootem]

I feel I need to say this.

When I comment, good, bad, or indifferent, it's never personal. It comes from my view. It doesn't mean I'm right, you are wrong. It's MY view.

I left here quite some time ago for several reasons, one being health. Another being I got enough flack from folks that simply wanted ata boys, I got fed up and left. It's always been my feeling that if you post, and don't check the "no comments" box, you want comments. If one wants ata boys, show the picture to your mom.

I can at times have a rather abrupt manner, especially if I'm short on time. I apologize for that. I try to add the good, as well as what I feel can be improved upon (again.... to be taken with a grain of salt, it's JUST MY opinion) Sometimes something just doesn't work for me. I'd like to be able to say that without reserve.

That all said... if any of you that reads this, and gets their feelings hurt (never my intention) from my comments.... PLEASE let me know, and I won't post to your images. I don't want hard feelings, but I also don't want to feel I better watch what I say, and only tell you how good it is.

If I don't post at all, I'm either at a loss for words, don't know you well enough to say "doesn't work for me (and why)" or need to look at it more. OR, time is limited. Or all of the above lol!

I love to help, and give ideas, I've taught a few classes now (black and white printing, composition...) to small groups, and feel I can at times offer things to think about to improve photography.

I also value YOUR input on my work. Good, bad, indifferent. And believe me, you won't hurt my feelings. I take all comments with a grain of salt. I've received so much help from the members of this site. This is where it all started for me in 2005.

I love (and have missed) the comradery (sp?). And would love to spend more time here again, when it (time) is available to me.

Man, I can go on and on.... hope I've made sense, and made my point.

Carolyn
www.carolynguildphotography.com

[KHedquist]

Carolyn,

I for one have missed you and your input. It has always been insightful and to the point. I like that. It seems there is always a fine line we walk when giving constructive critiques.

I have always appreciated when I receive comments that explain both the like s and dislikes. That is what lets me know what i am doing right and wrong.

We see this type of thread every once in a while. Which I think is good. It reminds everyone why we are here. To improve.

I still wish others would comment more. It should be a two way street IMHO. Especially since the contest page has always been used for critiques and contest entries. The critique page isn't viewed much.

Anyway, I welcome the critiques as always. So don't pull any punches with me.

Cheers,

kevin

[Sambo]

Carolyn,

PLEASE, PLEASE, don't hold back with your opinion, at least on my posts! I really miss the critical comments of the old days. I've learned so much from yourself and others giving honest, objective critiques. I might not always agree, but I always take pleasure in learning!

Sam

[Buddy4344]

Carolyn,
Good post.

I have a similar view on feedback - but if one likes my shots, I also want feedback on why one likes it. The only real differentiator Byte offers that I see is the opportunity to learn from others. Let's keep quality feedback on this site.

I probably ruffle a few feathers too, but life is too short and feedback opportunities too rare on the web for photographers, so I am going to be candid.

By the way, my Mom did like my photos, but she pasted away last spring. My dad doesn't like my work, but then again, he is more from the Kodak Brownie school of photography. (a real quote: your close-ups are too dang close. Why don't you insert a small, full size image of the flower in each print so folks will know what they are looking at! ).

[skeuos]

Carolyn,
Not sure if we've ever really crossed paths here yet - I came on board during your absence - but having seen your work while browsing through the galleries, I'm happy to see you back.

As I'm quite a bit green behind the lens, I appreciate all candid feedback. Attaboys are generally less than useful. I have been on the receiving end of some fairly blunt critiques, and I'd like to think I'm better for it.

On the other side, I like to extol newcomers to the site to share their views on other shots (and not just be recipients) since I think one way to learn is to actually verbalize what you like/dislike about another shot.

So - you be straight with me, I'll be straight with you (for what my 2 cents are worth). That's an offer that I put out for anyone here.

steve

[Punwit]

I'm also in the group that prefers thoughtful, critical input over ego-stroking superlatives. It takes much less time and thought to type out, "Super shot, dude" than it does to really parse a photo and comment on how it makes you feel, what you think about the focus, exposure, color, white balance and composition. Anything short of a derisive dismissal helps me learn not only how to take better pictures but also helps me become more familiar with each of you as friends.

Darren

[Rrdjserv]

Carolyn-
Ditto.
--Rick

[pippafox]

yes please, Carolyn.
don't worry about toes.
ANY advice is valuable.
a nice gesture - thank you.

[shootem]

OK, so I'm overwhelmed... guess the thing I'd really like to drive home is that if I'm blunt, please try to see time may be nipping at my heels, and there's so much to comment on this site... and I'm really not a totally rude person... more direct and to the point I'd like to think AND if I don't like it... doesn't mean you shouldn't (you being other's giving critique as well as the photog!)

Carolyn.

[JoeMc]

Welcome back my friend....and you already know that I respect your opinion and ALWAYS want to know what you really feel about my work.
Cheers, Joe

[northbeach]

Carolyn, You are a breath of fresh air in here. I hope this post of yours doesn't mean that you're getting any of those unpleasant pm's whining about your feedback? I remember those bad old days that caused a lot of good and skilled people to leave here.

Over the years you have been a tremendous help to me and I've never taken any of your feedback amiss. You have always been respectful of my feelings and my work and you have always offered feedback that made me look at my images in a different light and learn from that. That's how I value criticism the most. From someone who makes me take another look with a different eye on the shot.

Sheila.

[shootem]

Joe.... LOL... I know I can tell you what I think... and you'll just take it or leave it.... no hard feelings... Thanks for that!

Sheila, thanks for the kind words. Nope... no nasty pm's or emails.... just wanted to put this out up front... so if anyone doesn't want to hear it, they can let me know.

Yes, we've had some tough times regarding critique, but it looks like byte has improved in that department.... Does any one have any idea where Matt (England) is? Man, he had some great stuff to offer. Sure glad to see Dave (Chronos) posting, 'cause he's dialed in on comp and pp for sure!

[northbeach]

Carolyn, Suzan and I were talking about that a few months ago...we both think Matt and his family emigrated to Canada, to BC Suzan thinks.
I sure miss his wonderful work and his kindnesss. What an wonderful man he seemed.

A lot of people are gone, or come back intermittently. I seem to stay, it's a wonderful community in some ways.

I think the overall standard has improved over the years.

Nice to see you here

Sheila

[~Rick~]

Why do ppl just say great shot dude ETC
Well some thoughts of mine are :
Maybe
-Some do not have the time to go into an indepth critique.
-Some may lack the confidence to put there thoughts into words considering some of the critique already given by more proficient photo takers and editors.
-Some do not have the technical knowledge to give out such advice.

Most of the time im in the great shot Dude , but sometimes do input why i like it.
I think ppl should be happy with the bump by not so knowledgable or unconfident members, at least it's to the front so it has a chance at better critique than languishing at the last page.
So be thankful that someone has said something at all

[Buddy4344]

Rick
good points. Actually, I am ok with "great shot" but love when more feedback is given.
Also, I guess I want to say if is ok on my shots, when appropriate, to write: "you missed the mark on your image for me this time" .... and explain more if one can elaborate.