I have been here for more than one year and I can not write negative critique because I don;t know if that person will accept my observation.
I acquire the knowledge of critique when I enrolled in photography (because it was part of the module); however Im wondering if some of the members here have knowledge of some of the composition or elements of photography.
Are you bored when U see critique or evaluation like: cute, good, beautiful. I would like to see a sentence why it is beautiful or cute?
Or you have many followers or following a lot that you don't have time to say something about the daily submission?
Lately I have one gentleman who is very very good in giving his critique; he follows me and I follow his magnificent submissions.
menarose,
i completely agree. i have just joined and am completely new to photography. if anyone was to critique my photos i would be disappointed if they could not leave an honest opinion - even if it is negative. in some ways a negative critique (worded in the right way) would be worth 100 ego boosting nice, cute, beautifuls - how else can you learn and improve without knowing what is wrong with your latest submission?
You need to remember that 365 is all fluffy, cutesy, nice and stuff so there is an un-written rule on not critiquing if you haven't asked for it.
In the past when I have wanted to be critiqued I have put "Critique Me Please" in the title, description and tags, that way you may get a few "honest" opinions.
@titam@elou I agree that getting critiques so I can improve is one of the main reasons I am on 365, and I welcome them. I also understand that some people are not comfortable saying anything negative or receiving negative opinions. When i comment on people's images, I try to say why I like it whenever I can so they know the reason I liked it. The few times I have given constructive criticism, it seems that they appreciated it, but It's hard to know who will be offended...I am certainly not an expert. Sometimes I feel that when people don't make any comment at all on a photo, that is their way of saying it didn't make them feel anything in any way; which makes me work harder. As far as my project goes...I say, feel free to tell me what you really think!
While critiques are good and helpful, this really is not the best place to get them even if you ask. It appears that people do not feel comfortable saying things because they have not had the experience of critiquing before.
I would like more, and I would love the time to send more out too. But as others say, its difficult to know wether it will be received well or not.
Some times just a 'fab, great, etc etc is all i have time for and I totally understand that others are under the same time pressures, I'm grateful either way.
Wow, Im enjoying your responses! Honestly, I enjoy receiving a negative or positive evaluation that means they observed what I submited. SOmetimes, Im too lazy to stay a seconds or two on one submission because they are soooo - ek. Thank you, all for your honest opinion.
Like the others said... Many folks here prefer not to receive criticism... And I am a bit leery of offering up advice when someone does ask because I don't feel qualified at all!
That said, a few followers gave me some gentle advice to improve my photos very early on and it was really helpful... And there are a few who offer it up now and I am extremely glad they do...
If you want critique it helps to ask for it specifically... Also, I find it easier to, uhm, speak up if the person posting the photo asks for comments about what others wld do differently... I feel I can do that without being qualified :)
And yes - its always nicer to get comments explaining what someone likes about a photo but there just isn't always the time I'm afraid...
Its all too easy to say what is wrong and much harder what is good.
And not every photo uploaded is meant to be fine art anyway, So if I like the photo I say so, even if I only have time for a "great" or "nice pic"
People here are very polite. I prefer something like "too contrasty for my taste", "why don't you crop the top", "better if the focus is on the eyes and not the nose", "don't like this white balance setting, etc. It's more engaging, IMO.
I often go too far in my comments, and have crossed the line too often. Sometimes I look at a photo for ages and write what I think and interpret (which may be all wrong). Don't think many people like that :-) I'd rather not write anything if all I can write is "great pic!"!
Well, I would be up for some honest critique because I feel I can only improve that way. Feel free to leave encouraging comments under my pics, @nod ;)
Again, I am very grateful to your response. I would like to share with you the reason I wrote this discussion. Yesterday, while I was watching the Olympics, one of the announcer/critique of one event said this: ".... while learning to be a judge, we are more critical of the negative side but as we learn more about judging, we are more gentle on looking on the positive than the negative side of it..." IT is NOT the same words but Im just trying to tell the jest of it. Therefore, critiquing has also its learning curve, we see that others don't see or don't like to see.
It's lovely to get appreciative comments. Especially at the outset. But there are times when I too would like to know how certain shots could be improved or I need some advice. If people ask for it I'm happy to give my honest opinion, and I expect the same in return.
When you work on a shot for some time you can sometimes be blind to things (good as well as bad) that strike everyone else immediately, which you yourself may not notice for some time otherwise.
@nod yes i am sure... i often worry that this place is lulling me into a false sense of security... i don't work in photography or art, but i'm very direct at work too (i ruffle feathers a LOT!)... altho' over the years i've had to learn how to communicate negative messages to my bosses without getting their backs up... not always easy...
When I first got a DSLR, I joined a photog site where you could upload 1 photo/24 hours and people would critique it. I learned a lot at first but eventually the general tone of the website began to wear me down. Many, though not all, of the members were snobby and elitist. There was a lot of infighting in the forums. People seemed to feel that because they were anonymous on the web they didn't have to exhibit civilized behavior. Critiques often became issues of personal taste ( there's a fine line there, I find). Long story short, I eventually left the site and didn't venture back to a photography site until I found this one.
Yes, I would like some critique here but really do enjoy the positive attitude generally displayed on this site. It seems to be the trade off and it's one I can live with!
I stopped posting as much because I would spend ages looking at photos and offering comments/critique or an opinion, only to hurt someone's feelings or to get the fluff on my photos. We all have opinions and when the comments became either fluff or opinions I found other places to learn. Now, I post to check in and I still pop in and look for inspiration. People who offer real help like fix the crooked horizon line, really did change my photos.
The best way to grow here is to find photos you like and ask questions about them. Try it your way, link back to the person to give them credit.
Its an interesting question. I would love to give and receive more honest feedback but it is lovely and supportive here and does not have a culture of negative feedback. So, in summary, if you want feedback, you must ask for it on each photo.
@nod I have a thick skin. Go for it on mine. Anyone who would like to critique mine please do. @monika64 Monika that includes you to since you follow me already and I respect your opinion.
Having said that, and meaning it, some of the opinions may be subjective and not technical aspects. I may not always agree. And nod I can tell you to shut up if I need to without getting my feelings hurt or in any way upset about a critique. I don't like name calling, other than that. I can deal with it.
Since I will be starting a photoshop class in the fall, I expect that many of my shots will NEED critiqueing and lots of help.
i can take criticism especially from people who know the craft. but you can't just say "i don't like it" or "it's crappola" without telling me what makes it so and offering no suggestion to have made it better. i am a writer and have received numerous rejections so i'm quite thick skinned when it comes to criticism, but in each and every case there would be an explanation for the rejection and some suggestions as to how i can improve.
i know i've improved a little bit (just a scintilla) by looking at other's photos and know i can do more if told how. like @northy i feel cuddled and i'm afraid i might get used to it (the false sense of security).
by the same token i once made a feedback on someone's photo (nicely, very nicely because i did love the photo and i said it on the basis of if i would hang it on my wall) and i got rap for it and then the person unfollowed me :-)
but once in a while i would like to be told what i did right, what i did wrong and how i may have improved a shot.
a suggestion: if we want a particular photo critiqued, maybe it should be designated as such by title or by tag.
@summerfield i am always open to constructive critique and some know that and routinely provide... if there is a specific photo i want input on, i will say so, and usually get some helpful suggestions... i don't think i've ever been given negative feedback that was mean or pointless...
asking for feedback on what did i do wrong / right thing is a bit tricky... like i said above, i am leery about providing this type of input because i don't feel qualified to say...
i can tell you what i like about a photo... i can tell you what jars "my" eye (which does not speak to what others may see), and i can tell you what i might have tried to do differently - but of course, what i might have tried might not have worked... :D
I think this is a worthwhile thread, I wonder if the community could be shaken up as a whole to be more critical. But then many would leave, they want this only for a comfy warm place to put their pics. Go to the critique thread under discussions, or search critique-me. On the whole its very good luck if someone gives you a good crit, I love it, but then sometimes when its short and abrupt I wonder if it helps.
I came here to learn and when Lorrain @lorraineb made some suggestions it made it much easier to take the next few shots and I always try to remember what she said each time when I'm out. Sometimes it slips my mind when I'm in a rush or a shot is going to be gone but I try to remember Lorraine :)
If you dont get constructive comments then how can you learn? I think I have learned from looking at other images that I like or that catch my eye and see what they have done but it would be easier if there were a few suggestions on how to improve on the next shot like that. I would kind of like the last half of my year re-taking to improve on images as I continue to try new things and really try to get the water drops and crowns to turn out. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and the support. Sometimes the fluffy stuff encourages us but the critique is what improves us :) Hugs to you all!!!
@titam@38mm Have to agree with Jase, unless I ask for your critique just say you like my shot, if you don't like it don't comment. Some people do say "its a little dark for my liking but I love the composition" or things to that nature fair enough.
But a if it was "oh why didn't you cropped the top that looks crap" I would probably just delete their comment :P.
It all about time management for me and a lot of others so I try to pick a rule they may of followed or particular processing technique on comment on that in brief. If someone Favs your image don't really think much more needs to be said you have made the connection on a personal level...job done! @lorraineb I agree Lorrain if someone has commented at all thats all is needed.
After 16 months on here I had two "negative?" or constructive comments and I am reminded of those words often. One was about the level horizon and one about focusing on the eyes. I am thankful for the comments I can learn from. I think if you are being helpful and not just saying you dont like the photo then by all means go for it.
Quite funny that my input is going to come after @chewyteeth 's comment as he is part of this example of how some words/critiques/suggestions make a difference. I had already planned on going back to do more shots of the rusty bolts after I posted my first photo below. Did so before I saw @chewyteeths's comments, but his comments definitely made me play around in editing the second photo. Something I wouldn't have done without his comment. I do find that if a photo has a lot of comments I am not inclined to add another "great job" rah rah, not because the photo isn't good but because their message box is being flooded. I do like the encouraging atmosphere on here. As a novice too much technical critique would probably put me off posting ( if I was even able to understand what was being said), but I have to say David's comment was much appreciated and obviously used.
@titam There are those of us who don't feel qualified to give a critique because 1. we have never taken a single course or class on photography and 2. we have not even "graduated" to using a dSLR.
When I comment, I say what I like about the photo. It's not critique, but I do consider it feedback. It's always positive, because I feel it's easier for me to say what I like about it than what I don't like, since I don't feel I am qualified to say what's wrong with the picture.
Even if I am able to point out what's wrong with the picture, I don't feel I should say so because I cannot offer advice on how to improve it, as I have never taken a class in photography and I don't even use a dSLR.
I think, those who are qualified to critique should do so, for those who wish to improve and who ask for advice.
The rest of us are grateful for any kind of "boring" comment, because positive comments are a source of encouragement and motivation. As long as we feel encouraged to continue picking up the camera and taking photographs, we may someday feel it is time to upgrade to a dSLR or take a photography class. And wouldn't that be a wonderful thing? 8)
EXACTLY what you said. while I appreciate comments, I am bored of people say that my photos are pretty, cute, beautiful, etc. I'd MUCH rather have them say WHY they like my picture. not that I can be too picky -I don't give people the comments they deserve either, especially recently.
but if you ask for critique, you should get it. people have been very nice and given me some!!
@myautofocuslife - I honestly agree with you. On the other hand, there are many superb submission that are really, really magnificent that I can not even say a word, because I knew they PUT lot of hours to make them excel.
Similarly, I did not expect these many responses. Im so delighted that there are many out there so involved in their photography.
I learned how to see "differently" by reading and observing; by reading editor's choices from national newspapers; from Photography internet posting.
Like they said, observing, critiquing and judging has its learning curve - U have to have a critical eye to see the "superb" one.
Im humbled to belong to a very polite and kind community.
@titam I like to have my snaps noticed and I like to receive suggestions and feedback.
I have no technical training and my comments on the folk I follow are just that - comments. It is very rare that I can see a flaw and know what needs to be done to correct it.
I most appreciate possive comments from photographers whose work I admire and have received some hints from some talented people.
I browse the new faces from time to time and look for a style of photographer that does something within the limits of my equipment. The many, many excellent images have certainly developed my eye for a good capture.
I am nearly 3 months into my project and only 1 person has offered me feedback. They were really good about it, which is nice because I can be sensitive at times.
I'm with @godders on this one. Not every pic posted is meant to be fine art. I lot of people use 365 as a sort of journal. I have pictures in my 365 which are purely reminders of the day for when I look back through at the end.
If people genuinely want critique (and I mean 'cut you to the bone' honest), I'd suggest some of the DeviantArt groups. I don't think 365 is the place for that - or at least not for me. I'd like the security of knowing I'm on a journey through the year with people, where it's ok to have days you can post a sub-par pic when you need to, just to keep going.
I'm also happy with brief comments. 365 takes up a lot of time, and if some one's reaction to a shot is, "That's cool!" etc that's fair enough and I appreciate them taking the time to make a comment at all.
@humphreyhippo Humphrey, you have nailed an ongoing debate that I have been having with myself over my project. I'm halfway through my second year and I had to take a month long break because of work/family obligations. I just didn't have time to comment. But since I came back a few days ago, I'm struggling with what to post.
When I started year two, everyone said, "Now you can break all the rules." I'm still on the fence between creating a photo journal of my life (which is what I have been doing) or posting a better photo that I took on a different day because some days the weather or time or just creativity aren't as good as others. I'm just not sure. For myself, I prefer the journal of my journey, but I always wonder if followers would rather see the better photo.
@titam I have always spent alot of time really looking at each photo large and making a thoughtful comment, but it takes a ton of time, especially after you've been on this site for a while and get alot of followers. There were nights when I was spending two or three hours commenting. It is the reason I considered quitting my project. So I do believe some of it is just time.
@lauriehiggins At the end of the day, the only 'rule' of this site really is, "it's your project, your rules" which is why I wouldn't want it to morph into a photography critiquing site. There are other sites out there that already fill that niche. I have some shots in my project that are pure photography - and others that I wouldn't put within a country mile of Flickr, but in a year, or five years time, will remind of a certain day, good or bad.
@nod Thanks. I have no problem with giving or receiving opinions (after all, I have lots of opinions!) but I think it should be restricted to those who ask for them, rather than the 'default' of the site.
I like the idea of a 'critique-me' tag for those that would like that. There is also the 'Critique' section of the discussion boards which maybe people could make more use of.
I fear there is a large, & largely silent, user base of this site who are just doing their own thing & don't particularly want some one to come & tell them the picture of their kids/cat doesn't obey the rule of thirds. ;)
This site is a lot of things to a lot of people, and personally, I'd like it to stay that way.
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i completely agree. i have just joined and am completely new to photography. if anyone was to critique my photos i would be disappointed if they could not leave an honest opinion - even if it is negative. in some ways a negative critique (worded in the right way) would be worth 100 ego boosting nice, cute, beautifuls - how else can you learn and improve without knowing what is wrong with your latest submission?
In the past when I have wanted to be critiqued I have put "Critique Me Please" in the title, description and tags, that way you may get a few "honest" opinions.
@titam @elou
Some times just a 'fab, great, etc etc is all i have time for and I totally understand that others are under the same time pressures, I'm grateful either way.
That said, a few followers gave me some gentle advice to improve my photos very early on and it was really helpful... And there are a few who offer it up now and I am extremely glad they do...
If you want critique it helps to ask for it specifically... Also, I find it easier to, uhm, speak up if the person posting the photo asks for comments about what others wld do differently... I feel I can do that without being qualified :)
And yes - its always nicer to get comments explaining what someone likes about a photo but there just isn't always the time I'm afraid...
And not every photo uploaded is meant to be fine art anyway, So if I like the photo I say so, even if I only have time for a "great" or "nice pic"
I often go too far in my comments, and have crossed the line too often. Sometimes I look at a photo for ages and write what I think and interpret (which may be all wrong). Don't think many people like that :-) I'd rather not write anything if all I can write is "great pic!"!
When you work on a shot for some time you can sometimes be blind to things (good as well as bad) that strike everyone else immediately, which you yourself may not notice for some time otherwise.
Yes, I would like some critique here but really do enjoy the positive attitude generally displayed on this site. It seems to be the trade off and it's one I can live with!
The best way to grow here is to find photos you like and ask questions about them. Try it your way, link back to the person to give them credit.
Having said that, and meaning it, some of the opinions may be subjective and not technical aspects. I may not always agree. And nod I can tell you to shut up if I need to without getting my feelings hurt or in any way upset about a critique. I don't like name calling, other than that. I can deal with it.
Since I will be starting a photoshop class in the fall, I expect that many of my shots will NEED critiqueing and lots of help.
i know i've improved a little bit (just a scintilla) by looking at other's photos and know i can do more if told how. like @northy i feel cuddled and i'm afraid i might get used to it (the false sense of security).
by the same token i once made a feedback on someone's photo (nicely, very nicely because i did love the photo and i said it on the basis of if i would hang it on my wall) and i got rap for it and then the person unfollowed me :-)
but once in a while i would like to be told what i did right, what i did wrong and how i may have improved a shot.
a suggestion: if we want a particular photo critiqued, maybe it should be designated as such by title or by tag.
my ten cents (inflation factored in).
asking for feedback on what did i do wrong / right thing is a bit tricky... like i said above, i am leery about providing this type of input because i don't feel qualified to say...
i can tell you what i like about a photo... i can tell you what jars "my" eye (which does not speak to what others may see), and i can tell you what i might have tried to do differently - but of course, what i might have tried might not have worked... :D
If you dont get constructive comments then how can you learn? I think I have learned from looking at other images that I like or that catch my eye and see what they have done but it would be easier if there were a few suggestions on how to improve on the next shot like that. I would kind of like the last half of my year re-taking to improve on images as I continue to try new things and really try to get the water drops and crowns to turn out. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and the support. Sometimes the fluffy stuff encourages us but the critique is what improves us :) Hugs to you all!!!
But a if it was "oh why didn't you cropped the top that looks crap" I would probably just delete their comment :P.
It all about time management for me and a lot of others so I try to pick a rule they may of followed or particular processing technique on comment on that in brief. If someone Favs your image don't really think much more needs to be said you have made the connection on a personal level...job done!
@lorraineb I agree Lorrain if someone has commented at all thats all is needed.
When I comment, I say what I like about the photo. It's not critique, but I do consider it feedback. It's always positive, because I feel it's easier for me to say what I like about it than what I don't like, since I don't feel I am qualified to say what's wrong with the picture.
Even if I am able to point out what's wrong with the picture, I don't feel I should say so because I cannot offer advice on how to improve it, as I have never taken a class in photography and I don't even use a dSLR.
I think, those who are qualified to critique should do so, for those who wish to improve and who ask for advice.
The rest of us are grateful for any kind of "boring" comment, because positive comments are a source of encouragement and motivation. As long as we feel encouraged to continue picking up the camera and taking photographs, we may someday feel it is time to upgrade to a dSLR or take a photography class. And wouldn't that be a wonderful thing? 8)
but if you ask for critique, you should get it. people have been very nice and given me some!!
Similarly, I did not expect these many responses. Im so delighted that there are many out there so involved in their photography.
I learned how to see "differently" by reading and observing; by reading editor's choices from national newspapers; from Photography internet posting.
Like they said, observing, critiquing and judging has its learning curve - U have to have a critical eye to see the "superb" one.
Im humbled to belong to a very polite and kind community.
@k1w1 Thank you : )
I have no technical training and my comments on the folk I follow are just that - comments. It is very rare that I can see a flaw and know what needs to be done to correct it.
I most appreciate possive comments from photographers whose work I admire and have received some hints from some talented people.
I browse the new faces from time to time and look for a style of photographer that does something within the limits of my equipment. The many, many excellent images have certainly developed my eye for a good capture.
If people genuinely want critique (and I mean 'cut you to the bone' honest), I'd suggest some of the DeviantArt groups. I don't think 365 is the place for that - or at least not for me. I'd like the security of knowing I'm on a journey through the year with people, where it's ok to have days you can post a sub-par pic when you need to, just to keep going.
I'm also happy with brief comments. 365 takes up a lot of time, and if some one's reaction to a shot is, "That's cool!" etc that's fair enough and I appreciate them taking the time to make a comment at all.
When I started year two, everyone said, "Now you can break all the rules." I'm still on the fence between creating a photo journal of my life (which is what I have been doing) or posting a better photo that I took on a different day because some days the weather or time or just creativity aren't as good as others. I'm just not sure. For myself, I prefer the journal of my journey, but I always wonder if followers would rather see the better photo.
@titam I have always spent alot of time really looking at each photo large and making a thoughtful comment, but it takes a ton of time, especially after you've been on this site for a while and get alot of followers. There were nights when I was spending two or three hours commenting. It is the reason I considered quitting my project. So I do believe some of it is just time.
@nod Thanks. I have no problem with giving or receiving opinions (after all, I have lots of opinions!) but I think it should be restricted to those who ask for them, rather than the 'default' of the site.
I like the idea of a 'critique-me' tag for those that would like that. There is also the 'Critique' section of the discussion boards which maybe people could make more use of.
I fear there is a large, & largely silent, user base of this site who are just doing their own thing & don't particularly want some one to come & tell them the picture of their kids/cat doesn't obey the rule of thirds. ;)
This site is a lot of things to a lot of people, and personally, I'd like it to stay that way.