Photo Critique

Anything one posts, image or text, is open to comment. If one doesn't like that, one shouldn't post.

This thread repeats itself from time to time, and often causes discord!

In my view, "Wow!" comments are over-used. Few pictures merit superlatives, and it devalues the best pictures if lesser ones are accorded similarly high praise.

It is also misleads the photographer. Encouragement is one thing - and a very vital one - but it serves nobody to tell them that their picture is fantastic when it is merely good (if that).

Why not just say: "I do like that!" if you can't put your finger on precisely why you do. Encouragement will have been provided, without putting a false value on the image.

G

I have to admit I rarely post comments to others photos, it's got to really impress me before I take the effort to add a sentence or two.

I find 'Wow' type comments do help encourage me, and generally feel that the better shots get slightly longer comments, reducing the dilution factor of 'over-use'. I have noticed recently an increase in comments consisting of only smileys, which seem to be a quick way of saying things like 'I like this' - though they don't work so well in the 'My photos' forum (They get confusing in Recent Activity, my preferred way of browsing new posts)

Personally I also find the number of Views a useful gauge of the standard of my photos.

I've rarely posted photos in the forums, as the Gallery is much easier to use. This certainly doesn't mean I'm not after critique - perhaps just that I'm lazy.

In my view if I like the shot I will say anything that comes to mind, or fits with that image, but if I don’t like the image who am I to say that is crap or I don’t like it! to that person who has taken it! the photo is nice or a WOW shot to them, but if there is room to improve on an image then that’s good to say
And I have but there no need to piss people off because you or I don’t like it, every one has there take on a photo and there own Taste,thats what makes it FUN.

I have to agree with Puma.

I don't worry about how what I write is perceived - I just write what springs to mind.

We all have our different backgrounds - If I say "great shot" I will give justification, but as already mentioned on this thread (and I made the same point last time this debate reared it's ugly head) some members of the forum might not be able to explain exactly why they like a shot in a technical manor. They just know what they like.

I do think that every time we have a discussion like this it comes across as elitist photography snobbery when members complain that feedback some people give is limited to "great shot". Life's too short, get over it.

Hello

I must admit to rarely offering criticism, constructive or otherwise as those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

Photography, to me is a great leveller as it does not matter about the education etc of a person it all comes down to the photo.

I respect others who offer criticism and advice, to be honest I look at and listen to their advice

The beginning of this post appears to dislike the approach myself and others take but I am not sure why

In my work life and physical training etc I rarely get contradicted but appreciate correct offers of criticism etc when justified, however, photo's are so subjective I feel that if someone comments 'excellent' etc, the recipient should be happy as this is a compliment and not moan that there was no critism etc.

I apologise for the following but if nobody slags your photo off look at the positives and shut the ***k up - of course this is only my opinion

Not everyone thrives upon criticism - some of us are just happy to accept praise

Moan over


Stu.

I blame the mammies. Some people were never brought up to take constructive criticism

This appears to be a hit and run thread too. OP hasn't ome back to respond to his responses.

But with 1500 viewings and 66+ replies, PentaxExpert-esque in his/her ability to get our juices going

It's not a requirement that anybody makes a further comment, although I know what you are saying. You guys could be having a dig at someone with no justification whatsoever, you have no idea why any particular person has made no post.

Thios thread is not turning into a war zone so don't worry about it, it's just a discussion.

Yes - there's actually been some really interesting comment and discussion. Entirely positive to get the juices going in some cases

Yes, to answer two deleted posts, there's a point where discussing someone's motives in posting can descend into an unwarranted bit of aggression that might well put some off ever posting again. We're not here to question people about why they have made a post or to cast aspertions as to motives.

A friendly forum doesn't demand explanations from members unless things have gone seriously wrong. Nothing has gone wrong in this thread....

I wasn't casting aspersions, John, just making a comment. It's a bit odd that after astarting this thread the OP hasn't commented at all.

Isn't this thread in the wrong part of the forum anyway? I thought this section was to "Post pictures taken using Pentax related equipment to show its capabilities here"

Yes, it is in the wrong place and I'll sort that out in a minute.

FWIW, without having read more than a few posts in this thread, I can only say if you want helpful critical assessment of your photos this is no the place to be.

I see no conflict between helpful (& strong) criticism & an enjoyable site. If you want to improve your photography firm but polite criticism - even controversy can be beneficial.
However the average comment around here is an anodyne "lovely shot" or similar regardless if the photo is great or fatally flawed. This helps no-one.

I proposed to one member that we make more incisive comments on photos but he ran a mile.

Would I appreciate more incisive comments on my photos? You betcha.

I think the OP is mainly talking about the gallery in fact, where I do see a bit of what he describes. I see it as pretty harmless to be honest. If people want to do that, why should it bother me? This is a hobby site not a boot camp. If they want appraisal, they can post in Your Photos requesting c&c. We're all pretty united that c&c should be honest, but reasonably tactful.

Could it just be that the OP has a life outside the forum, and has forgotten!