I have noticed on 365, that there is a lot of praise on photos, and not a lot of criticism.
I'm opinionated, and i'm not afraid to tell it. Is this a bad thing on 365? I will only give constructive criticism, I wont just say that something is awful, only what i think is wrong with it and what would help in the future.
I am not trying to say that i know better than anyone, but i have noticed that there is not a lot of negative or even helpful things said on here, only "wow thats amazing"
is that because there are more amatuers here? or is it that anyone that does know is just keeping quiet so as not to offend anyone?
this is just something I have noticed, and i hope that me commenting on peoples photos about what i think could be fixed isnt bad 365 etiquette
I get what you are saying, but I think the people who want to be critiqued ask for it on the critique board, or tag their photos "critique." Otherwise, I think it's the old "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all."
Yes....constructive criticism is good. But I also find that it comes with personal opinion too. I have a couple of pictures where some people tell me they don't like it and why. And other people tell me how great it is and why. So the next question is.....who do you believe or listen to?
I'm new and very much an amatuer so right now I'm in awe of all the talent out there, I wouldn't dream of critiquing as I just don't feel I know enough or feel like I'm good enough to tell somewhere else where I think they could improve...
I think it is a good thing also. I tend to call it feedback. Funny thing, though. I have given people what they ask for, be it nice, or "feedback (and I can be tactful and explain why).
What I've noticed...their responses back are terse at best, and some people got upset and quit when some, including I, provided "feedback".
Some ask, but just can't take it. So, therefore, unless I am in a "give em what they want mood", I usually just move on and say nothing.
There are some here that want the criticism and some that want to just document their day-to-day life. Once you are here a bit longer--you will figure out which are which just by the comments they leave on your photos.
I'm an amateur, so I'm not qualified to tell anyone how to improve their photography. I'm a glass-full commenter, so I will always focus on the positive. That being said, if someone asks for critique, they should be able to handle the constructive criticism that follows. If I asked for critique, then I shouldn't be offended when someone tells me that my lighting is bad, I should've used a different shutter speed, ISO, etc., or that my composition and framing are all wrong. I've seen people put in tag lines the critique me phrase. So if you have good advice to offer, I say offer away!
I think a site like this is based around the very purpose of social networking, constructive criticism, and lively discussions. if you weren't meant to leave constructive criticism, I don't think there would be the option to comment on photos.
I have noticed some people on this site only want to get noticed. All they want is the "Amazing!!!!!" or "Takes me breath away" kind of comments. Maybe they have low photography self-esteem? Maybe nobody has ever said anything good about their photography? Whatever the reason, there are plenty of people on this site that do not welcome constructive criticism in any form.
I tend to ask questions. Just the other day a lady I follow posted a photo of a train track shot at an f/1.8. The depth of field was so shallow that hardly anything was in focus. So, I simply asked why had she chosen to shoot the photo at f/1.8 @ 1/2500 exposure instead of something more like f/8?
Constructive criticism is a very good thing. I welcome it. I leave it.
I think everyone appreciates constructive criticism. With that being said I think it is important to have an idea of their overall photography "style" before commenting. Not everyone has the time or equipment or create the image exactly how it was envisioned. Also, sometimes my only shots from the day are of me & my friends being silly. Those are more for memories sake and I wouldn't want criticized.
@jasonbarnette :) I'm no lady! I appreciated that comment. I really like the photo I posted, but I appreciate the technical critique because I'm learning! I was going to take your input and go reshoot that same spot today but it was already too dark when I got home. I'm gonna do it this weekend for sure. :) honestly, the only time I've adjusted aperture is when in shooting the sun or moon because i will admit, I don't know a damn thing ;) thanks again!
I think @clarissajohal hit the nail on the head - some people arent here to become wonderful photographers, and for them the enjoyment comes out of a years documentary and the challenge of doing just that. Others want to learn. I think if people ask for it, then fine.
I know when I see a photo that might not be technically brilliant, I always look for the good part and comment on that and remember the intention of the photo.
I think you will find if people aren't commenting then perhaps it's your photo. I did a rubbish one yesterday and this was reflected in that very few stopped by. When that happens most people can work out what was wrong, but I guess if you can't work it out you could post a thread on it to request feedback.
I find it hard enough to comment on those I do like, in which I always try and say why. But were I to also be criticising, you need to choose your wording much more carefully and take time over it. I have also occasionally asked questions.
i perosonally find it extremely helpful and if you don't agree it's down to opinion anyway. I find that i don't give to much of it because i'm 14 so people might not find that helpful. What do you think, it is okay?
When someone posts "please send constructive criticism", and I feel I have something to offer, then I might do so. Alot of photography is really subjective, and even if technically I would do something differently, there are probably a dozen who like the way it was done. However, I often hold off on even that much criticism, because no matter how gently done, I've seen those who offer critique flamed by other commenters. Nicely flamed of course, this is a nice kinda site, but still enough to discourage any kind of critque, despite the OPs asking for it.
The only person I critique really is my mom, and I do that over the phone IF SHE ASKS ME.
By the same token, if I comment that I like something, I try to say WHY I like it.
I find constructive criticism incredibly helpful.. Although my pictures are all based on a theme and it can be quite silly I do put a *lot* of time, thought and effort into getting the shots I want. I would love some more criticism on the composition of my photos as I absolutely adore photography and as soon as I get a DSLR I will be taking photos of more than just a duck, so it would be helpful to know what I am doing right/wrong already!
I don't often leave criticism as I am just a newbie and don't feel I can comment on other people's photos in that way yet.. that said, if I were to leave some criticism I would always put in a positive point as well (being a teacher I have been on *loads* of courses where they stress how important it is not just to give negatives/things to improve but also give positive feedback too..) because personally I might find it a little bit weird if someone randomly wrote "[Something] could be better" or "I don't like the [technique] you have used" without also saying why it caught their eye in the first place, like "I like the [lighting effect] but I think the colours could have been brought out better by using a [different technique/edit point]."
nice. such a non descriptive word. the concern i have is there are so many people here with such a wide range and experience, it can be easy to step on toes. if in the description critique is ask, that is great, but others might not appreciate it. also, people use this site for many different things. shots of daily life, ways to improve, showcase of work, etc. mine, for example so far has mostly been just day in the life / what can i do with cell phone and point and shoot. if i get a good image that is great, but i am not too worried about it. i am curious how my thoughts may change as the year goes on, but i don't expect to have many great shots, just to have fun.
i think it would be great to find a way to have it set so images that want to be critiqued can, and those that enter them in that area know that it can mean both positive and negative, although i would hope if even negative it is done in a good way, such as how Jason pointed out above me.
even word choice can affect how critique is handled. if i haven't had my coffee yet i am much more short in word choices, and could come across much more harsh then it was meant. with so many people it could easily be overwhelming. just my thoughts on it.
I love constructive criticism. I'd love to get it from people too. I'm on here to learn. BUT, with that said, I am in no position to be giving it out. I am a total amateur and would be talking out of my, you know what, if I started telling someone else how to improve their photography. LoL
So maybe you're right... part of it could be that there are so many "newbies" to photography on the site. Another part could be that there are a lot of people on here only doing it to document a year of their life. Not to take increasingly great shots. Who knows??
But, I do think that if you feel like you'd like to try and help others by critiquing, you should. And people who don't want to, shouldn't. So keep on with your bad self girl! I'm sure people really appreciate getting comments from you. =)
i just dont want to "offend" anyone ..... (ITS JUST ME) if i dont like something in the photo, or if i notice something different or negative, its just easy for me to leave THEIR page ..... and say "nothing at all" ...... just like what @miranda said....
i only commented on photos that i LIKE .... im not here to rant anyone either ..... in the other hand..... my page is WELCOME for "constructive critisism...... ♥
@lightfantastic Hey, I am here to learn, and if I am doing something wrong I don't mind being told... it is the only way we can improve...if not for those out there that are willing to speak up and say "hey, it would work better if you did this" we would all think our works rocked OR we would take too deeply the people that are just out to hurt others feelings... SO? Speak up! I love it!
I'm in the same boat as some others.. I'm an amateur and so definitely do not feel comfortable giving out critique and only want to build other people up on their photography confidence. That being said, I definitely want some critique to my photos but never thought to specifically ask. I think I will start doing so!
I dont know, I guess we have the tags for people wanting critiques, the critique "room" to post in etc. But this site is not really intended for criticisms, it is a picture a day project, and not everyone is here looking for critiques. Some people just want to take pictures-this is why I am here. I just want to take pictures. Do I want to get better? Who doesnt? But honestly, I would be a little bothered if people just started posting constructive criticism if I didn't specifically ASK for it. A lot of the time, I post pics I like, and could care less if my white balance is off or if there is too much dead space to one side.
I agree...I try to give some criticism when needed and I really appreciate it when people give it to me. You know what they say, 'honesty is the best policy'. Care to give me any of your 'boldness'?
I would say the best constructive critisism if you aren't sure is view photo and move on without saying anything...there is not someone telling you must comment on each photo so that way you won't feel you are breaking an etiquette rule
I've only been shooting photos since last June, so I'm not in any position to critique anyone. If it's something obvious, I might make a suggestion, but nothing technical. I'm open to help and constructive criticism on mine. I'm really trying to learn, and I can't even tell you how much I have learned on here from looking at other peoples photos and reading the discussion boards. It has been an amazing six months!!
I like constructive criticism. For example, someone told me that they though one photo would be nicer if it was sharper. I went back and achieved that needed sharpness. I send an occasional photo to my brother and he tears apart my photos. I do not find that type of criticism to be helpful at this point in time. I can handle one point at a time, but not a scathing review. Criticism when stated constructively or in suggestions is welcome. I try to put the words "critique me " or something like that for a tag when I really need some help. I find that I learn even with words of specific praise (i.e. good lighting, great colors, etc.). I know these are the things that I need to try for in my photos. I cannot believe how much I am learning through everyone in the 365 project. Thank you!
@lightfantastic
Thanks for posting this topic, I was wondering this just yesterday. Personally, I had started this project with the intention of seeing whether or not I would stick with something for an entire year. However, I must say that the lack of feedback I receive, good or bad, has greatly hindered my motivation for this project. I know next to nothing about photography so it would be nice to hear someone with more experience say "hey, next time try this angle, or attempt more natural lighting."
feel free to critique the hell outta my photos!!!.... you can get your fill of negative criticism all you want there!!!!.... i would actually appreciate it!... (but maybe throw in a positive comment in there too)
I JUST got my DSLR and am still mucking about figuring out all the settings, etc on it, so I think my shots thus far are far from critique-worthy; it would be pointless until I at least have some semblance of knowing what I'm doing. So to suggest a different.....well.....anything would be kind of a waste of words, unless you're willing to launch into a big technical explanation of what the hell you're talking about. I think quite a few people on this site are in the same boat as myself. I'm liking all the positive feedback I'm getting on my VERY amateur photography and it's pushing me to try new and different things. And when I feel somewhat more confident in my ability then I think I'll be brave enough to ask for a critique. In the meantime, I'm really really enjoying some of the amazing talent on this site and am feeling quite inspired by it all. I think when any of you pro's out there take the time to notice of any of us newbie's work, at least in my case, it boosts my confidence big time and makes me want to post better and better shots in the hopes of capturing your attention. So thanks for your comments and I hope soon I'll have the know-how and bravery to ask some of you to critique my stuff:)
I think if it truly is constructive then it is great. @jasonbarnette jasons question to stacy about the wide aperture was a perfect example of that. Now if you are knocking someones pictures or being rude or judgmental in your comments, like I experienced today, I think it really is a totally different thing.
I give a critique if they ask and I feel like I have anything to offer, but I like to praise people for their work no matter what their skill level :) I feel like anyone on this site taking a photo a day deserves praise. I say a lot of redundant comments, but I only say what I mean and for the most part everything I see here is beautiful... And I can't think of anything else to say except just that sometimes. Cheers! :)
For me I like the... I really like how you did (something) with your photo, did you consider doing (something different), because it could help (do this thing) with your image....
I love criticism as long as it's something that will help me learn. I'm happy to give it if I feel the other person will accept it - I do balance it with a word of encouragement. I've learned the hard way that sometimes people say they want critique but get offended when it's offered - no, I'm not rude :-) I stick to technical criticism - my idea of a beautiful picture may be quite different to yours.
I try & look for the good points in other people's photos when I'm leaving comments. Most of the time I'm happy for constructive criticism, apart from when I'm posting happy snaps and I already know they're rubbish!
constructive criticism is far way better than a bitchy comment... but i don't criticize a lot for i, myself, is not good enough... so if i have nothing good to say, i better shut up... but if i could help, at least a little word. that'd be ok, i guess.. =)
I think its is a kind community here. I've not seen any photo bashing or hateful comments and for me, that makes this a safe place to be vulnerable with my work.
The people on this site, of all ages and skill levels, and we are coming from so many different places and cultures, so I think its wise to be careful with criticisms. I am learning so much by simply viewing other people's work, and reading posts and comments such as this. I appreciate that I can ask a technical question when I see something I'd like to try, or mention that I'm attempting a new photography skill, and people answer my queries with such great tips and advice.
I like constructive critisism as it helps me learn:-) On my photos i have some comments that are telling me where i have gone wrong and i don't mind - i can either take it into account or go and mess and correct it. On the other hand obviously a bit of flattery is nice too!
@amyhughes I just checked out your pics to see what negative experience you were talking about and WOW! That is exactly the kind of response that would make me leery of putting myself out there for a critique (which, actually, you weren't). I'm not sure why someone that is seemingly that angry is even on this site, as it seems to me to be all about encouragement, support, and positive feedback from what I can tell so far. I'm sorry you had that experience, and, if it counts for anything at all, I find your photos very inspiring. Sending you some online love, cause I know I would need some after running into that kind of negativity :)
I agree with faeriemoon (clarissajohal). There is something here for everyone and surely you can find your niche with the "critique me" crowd. There are no rules here, and the site is inviting to amateurs as an opportunity to just get out and take pictures. Not everyone here is trying to set the world on fire.
I also go by the unwritten rule of "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything" UNLESS critique/feedback is being asked for. In which case I politely state my opinion and include the good parts of the image and what I think could be improved.
Like some others, I don't feel that I have the knowledge or experience to critique someone else's photos, so I always try to say specifically what I like about them with my limited photography vocabulary. At the same time, it doesn't bother me at all if someone tells me how to improve my photos or expresses what didn't work or what they didn't like. It is great to learn from other people on here, even though I'm not out to be a professional photographer. I just do this for fun and to get a year of photos for myself that I enjoy looking at, but if I can learn how to improve them via critiques from others, that's great too! :)
@lightfantastic
Ria, There was once one of those Browse and Pick type of things for comments. Not just pick the best photo of the person, but it was to use the last photo the person posted and say one positive thing and then one or two constructive recommendations that you would have.
I actually really liked it because it was voluntary (so those that do not want feedback that is not "great capture" or "wow, love that" or "I wish I could do that". I wish they had more of them because I would do it once a week. While my photos are not always artistic, I am working on fun shots this week, and would love to have comments on them.
I saw one photo today and just wanted to tell the person that if his focus was three feet away on his subject, the entire photo could have been better, and that it currently was focused on a railing and just made the scene dizzy.
I think we should do that. I can do your last post, or you can start it and do my last post. Also let the people that follow you from that critique know that it is okay to offer suggestions.
If I can't find something positive to say about a picture, I generally skip commenting. When I do comment, I try to find something specific on which to focus. If the poster asks for an opinion as Phil Howcroft ( @phil_howcroft) did today, I will try to respond frankly. In general the tone of this site is so positive and supportive, I think people don't want to destroy this sense of community.
My experience has been sketchy here. I get few views and even fewer comments. I can generally tell when my photo wasn't so great by the number of views and no comments. lol... That happened on Sunday. It was viewed like 25 times without a single comment. I said to myself, "oh, gee, that photo sucks, I guess."
I've seen other photos hit the popular page though, not because they were particularly great photos but because the person has a large following who comment (sometimes not even on the photo but are simply chatting about something else) - which I think is sort of funny but I realize that there is really no better way to choose with so many photos being posted daily.
I've had one constructive bit of criticism since joining and it was on my one and only photo that hit the popular page (how, I'm not sure - my 'core' group of followers being online at the same time and all posting at once, I think). The poster told me I had done a poor job of cropping the photo. Well, yes, he was correct but it was only because there was something else in that photo that would have detracted badly from it had I not cropped it where I did. lol...
From what I'm reading, most people are saying that if they don't like a photo they don't comment...which fits in with my own experience and the number of views vs. comments. For me, if I view a photo, I generally comment. But that's me.
I follow people I like - who's photos I enjoy or I want to learn from. I do wonder though about the people that have hundreds of followers that comment but who don't comment in return. I couldn't do that. I'd feel bad. But that's just me.
And then of course there was that young man, who said 'critique me please' who was soundly bashed in a post for saying that too many times. So it seems sometimes you can't win.
@byrdlip - You are absolutely right. I love the pictures that I take. And I love this project. I have found a difference in my pictures already. I just find that opinions/critiques are very subjective. You can't please everyone. The most important person for you to please is yourself. I appreciate any type of feedback. There must have been something good or bad that caught their eye for people to stop at my project.
I don't think it's bad at all. I wish for more of the constructive criticism on my pictures. I'm barely amateur. I'm a luck photographer, I admit it. I say keep commenting the way you are. most of us appreciate it right alongside all the "great shot" comments.
@brumbe --- continue the thread. In fact keep it going each week.
Do be aware this project is personal to all of us. Most people are not looking for any critiqing at all and to offer it would not be well received. Even some of those asking for it really don't want to hear anything negative. It's human nature. So, unless it is specificaly requested you will only see positive comments.
Someone was saying this the other day, people here are too nice, far better too nice than rude. There is a wide range of spectrums here, doing it for many different reasons. From what I've seem, if you want your photos critiqued, say so.
I'm the same as most, I'll comment if I really like the photo & if it doesn't stand out to me, I wont say anything. I have noticed a few people in their bio's will write (as I have done) that critique is welcome. My goal in doing this project is to improve, and I would love more notes on what i can do better. I've stayed away from most of the critique pages though so far, lol. maybe I'll get braver & work my way over there :) I really like that critique game thread, that's fun and very helpful for people like me that want the notes.
On this subject - I've now actually ask for criticism (good or bad) at the bottom of each pic....I might be an ex-graphic designer but I'm very much a non-technical amateur photographer and desperately want to learn more and have fun in the process.
Thanks to all those who have taken an interest in my project and have commented along the way. The fact that you take the time out to look - makes my day!!! :)
I think if you are really looking for good constructive criticism, this is just not the place. You have to take a class or join a photography club and participate in competitions to get it.
HJ is right about this site. This site is about a year in our lives, a personal look at our day via photographs. Even those photographers who are doing creative editing and photos are still giving us a look into their day.
This site, below, is all about critiqueing the photographs and may be more suited to what you are looking for.
When I comment on a photo, I always try to pick out at least one specific thing that I like and comment on it. I think that must be the teacher in me showing through. When I have my students comment on another person's work, I emphasize that they must say what they specifically liked about something. A comment like that is a lot more meaningful than just a simple "beautiful". I always want to know what exactly catches my viewers' eye and then use the "likes" as a means to making my next photos better. If someone with more skill than me has some advice though, I'd gladly receive it and learn from it.
Some people are not as open to critiquing as others. But it can be done in a positive manner if the critique is worded correctly. Here are some possible ways to offer a suggestion without being critical..."I wonder how this photo would look if you tried..." or "Try this for me..." or "I'd like to see how amazing it would look if you did..."
To be perfectly honest, I don't only post my "best" photos on 365, so I'm not primarily here for critique. For me, I try more to go for a daily photo (although not quite succeeding!) than trying to post a masterpiece every day - this also means I'm not that interested in critique on this particular site ;)
I'm with Jessica @novablue - I'm here for one personal purpose that has nothing to do with improvement or critical input. Likewise I'm not here to pass judgment or offer tips and pointers for those who don't want to hear it. I AM here to encourage others on their journey and share what I love about others' lovely images from their own lives and cultures and journeys.
That being said, the more magazine-y, trendy-looking, almost-pro, creative shots - and there are loads here, any one almost indistinguishable from the next - are so 'the same' as to be negligible. For those, I can offer nothing in the way of either praise or critique and generally don't follow those people, either. But my lack of interest in their work doesn't mean it's not good - I just don't feel compelled to comment.
So we're all here doing and looking for and appreciating vastly different things - and that is as it should be!
I would love to have constructive criticism on my photos. Now if it's ALL constructive criticism, I might cry, so maybe a balance of both. :-) I am doing this project in the hopes of improving my photography skills after all. But I would like to know what I could improve on and also what someone thinks I've done "right" as well. So - anybody feel free!
I'm here to get my ego stroked on a daily basis for a years time, and if it's really done well then i'll pay another $20 for a second year of blowing smoke up my A$$.... I welcome all praise whether sincere or feigned, and cry at the very mention of criticism constructive or otherwise. Will you follow me please.... please..... really....... I'm serious, I'm an attention whore.
@lynne3804 ~ A fan of my chocaholic's thread, I thought it was dead & buried. Did you post in it Lynne? In your 400+ photos, there must be a one to share
like someone above said i do not put on my best photos most of the time.
i thought this was a place to put a photo from my day, to have a sort of photo journal and the comments are meant to encourage and show that people are actually looking at your photos. a pleasant reward for adding each day.
i realize it can turn into a competition to win a theme or get on the popular page.
but i have to keep in my mind that this is a place to share photos and have fun with it.
I post photographs because either I like them or they remind me of something in my life. It they appeal to other folk then that's great ... if somebody thinks they could improve the picture that's fine ... if nobody notices it then that's okay too .... the photographs are primarily for me. For me, 365 is literally that (for a second year round) - a photographic record of my life.
The unexpected aspect of 365 has been community and how we've learned to build up one another through encouragement, interest and support. To criticise a photograph without knowing the person who took it or why it was important to them is risky ... even if he or she asks for criticism! Like a number of those who posted above if a photograph doesn't appeal to me I'll not say anything.
Over the last almost fourteen months I've "met" amazing people with interesting stories who have shared joy and pain through photography ... these glimpses into one another's lives have certainly enriched mine. I miss some of the companions from last year who did just 365 pictures ... and I'm enjoying some new fellow-travellers from this year!
Enjoy the journey ... and if criticism is a person's main aim ... then maybe a pure photography site is the place to look for it.
@amorton1437 I have to agree. I'm doing this for me, not to please the masses. I know I'm not a stellar photographer (yet). I'm telling the story of a year in my life while I learn to use a rather complicated piece of equipment. If I want to be critiqued, I'll let you know.
I think the daily photograph documents your progression as a photographer. I do agree that constructive criticism is by far outweighed by praise here. It must be an anomaly in internet land, surely?!
Maybe if there was an option to display an icon next to your name that indicated your openness to critique or a way to clearly distinguish between those and those who just want to post pictures. There is no reason both can't be happy alongside each-other here.
Even though I'm all positive about constructive critizism, I think there is one basic rule about criticism that one should stick to at all times: never give critizism without being asked for it. The 365 community is generally very positive, but as was said a lot of times: some people just like to take photos and share them.
I joined 365 primarily to hone my skills in photography. So constructive criticisms are welcome.
Having said that however, I find myself sharing my life through the photos that I upload. And lately, there's always a whole lot more to say about each picture I upload. Some pictures triggers memories; some pictures describe my regular daily life; and quite a few tells about the people around me. So in a way it is also a diary.
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What I've noticed...their responses back are terse at best, and some people got upset and quit when some, including I, provided "feedback".
Some ask, but just can't take it. So, therefore, unless I am in a "give em what they want mood", I usually just move on and say nothing.
I have noticed some people on this site only want to get noticed. All they want is the "Amazing!!!!!" or "Takes me breath away" kind of comments. Maybe they have low photography self-esteem? Maybe nobody has ever said anything good about their photography? Whatever the reason, there are plenty of people on this site that do not welcome constructive criticism in any form.
I tend to ask questions. Just the other day a lady I follow posted a photo of a train track shot at an f/1.8. The depth of field was so shallow that hardly anything was in focus. So, I simply asked why had she chosen to shoot the photo at f/1.8 @ 1/2500 exposure instead of something more like f/8?
Constructive criticism is a very good thing. I welcome it. I leave it.
etc., etc....
I know when I see a photo that might not be technically brilliant, I always look for the good part and comment on that and remember the intention of the photo.
I find it hard enough to comment on those I do like, in which I always try and say why. But were I to also be criticising, you need to choose your wording much more carefully and take time over it. I have also occasionally asked questions.
The only person I critique really is my mom, and I do that over the phone IF SHE ASKS ME.
By the same token, if I comment that I like something, I try to say WHY I like it.
I don't often leave criticism as I am just a newbie and don't feel I can comment on other people's photos in that way yet.. that said, if I were to leave some criticism I would always put in a positive point as well (being a teacher I have been on *loads* of courses where they stress how important it is not just to give negatives/things to improve but also give positive feedback too..) because personally I might find it a little bit weird if someone randomly wrote "[Something] could be better" or "I don't like the [technique] you have used" without also saying why it caught their eye in the first place, like "I like the [lighting effect] but I think the colours could have been brought out better by using a [different technique/edit point]."
Just some thoughts there.
i think it would be great to find a way to have it set so images that want to be critiqued can, and those that enter them in that area know that it can mean both positive and negative, although i would hope if even negative it is done in a good way, such as how Jason pointed out above me.
even word choice can affect how critique is handled. if i haven't had my coffee yet i am much more short in word choices, and could come across much more harsh then it was meant. with so many people it could easily be overwhelming. just my thoughts on it.
So maybe you're right... part of it could be that there are so many "newbies" to photography on the site. Another part could be that there are a lot of people on here only doing it to document a year of their life. Not to take increasingly great shots. Who knows??
But, I do think that if you feel like you'd like to try and help others by critiquing, you should. And people who don't want to, shouldn't. So keep on with your bad self girl! I'm sure people really appreciate getting comments from you. =)
i just dont want to "offend" anyone ..... (ITS JUST ME) if i dont like something in the photo, or if i notice something different or negative, its just easy for me to leave THEIR page ..... and say "nothing at all" ...... just like what @miranda said....
i only commented on photos that i LIKE .... im not here to rant anyone either ..... in the other hand..... my page is WELCOME for "constructive critisism...... ♥
Thanks for posting this topic, I was wondering this just yesterday. Personally, I had started this project with the intention of seeing whether or not I would stick with something for an entire year. However, I must say that the lack of feedback I receive, good or bad, has greatly hindered my motivation for this project. I know next to nothing about photography so it would be nice to hear someone with more experience say "hey, next time try this angle, or attempt more natural lighting."
For me I like the... I really like how you did (something) with your photo, did you consider doing (something different), because it could help (do this thing) with your image....
So, feel free to critique me!
The people on this site, of all ages and skill levels, and we are coming from so many different places and cultures, so I think its wise to be careful with criticisms. I am learning so much by simply viewing other people's work, and reading posts and comments such as this. I appreciate that I can ask a technical question when I see something I'd like to try, or mention that I'm attempting a new photography skill, and people answer my queries with such great tips and advice.
I like it here.
Ria, There was once one of those Browse and Pick type of things for comments. Not just pick the best photo of the person, but it was to use the last photo the person posted and say one positive thing and then one or two constructive recommendations that you would have.
I actually really liked it because it was voluntary (so those that do not want feedback that is not "great capture" or "wow, love that" or "I wish I could do that". I wish they had more of them because I would do it once a week. While my photos are not always artistic, I am working on fun shots this week, and would love to have comments on them.
I saw one photo today and just wanted to tell the person that if his focus was three feet away on his subject, the entire photo could have been better, and that it currently was focused on a railing and just made the scene dizzy.
I think we should do that. I can do your last post, or you can start it and do my last post. Also let the people that follow you from that critique know that it is okay to offer suggestions.
I've seen other photos hit the popular page though, not because they were particularly great photos but because the person has a large following who comment (sometimes not even on the photo but are simply chatting about something else) - which I think is sort of funny but I realize that there is really no better way to choose with so many photos being posted daily.
I've had one constructive bit of criticism since joining and it was on my one and only photo that hit the popular page (how, I'm not sure - my 'core' group of followers being online at the same time and all posting at once, I think). The poster told me I had done a poor job of cropping the photo. Well, yes, he was correct but it was only because there was something else in that photo that would have detracted badly from it had I not cropped it where I did. lol...
From what I'm reading, most people are saying that if they don't like a photo they don't comment...which fits in with my own experience and the number of views vs. comments. For me, if I view a photo, I generally comment. But that's me.
I follow people I like - who's photos I enjoy or I want to learn from. I do wonder though about the people that have hundreds of followers that comment but who don't comment in return. I couldn't do that. I'd feel bad. But that's just me.
And then of course there was that young man, who said 'critique me please' who was soundly bashed in a post for saying that too many times. So it seems sometimes you can't win.
If you want criticism tag your photos as "critique-me." And thats another way that you can give it. Search for the same terms.
Do be aware this project is personal to all of us. Most people are not looking for any critiqing at all and to offer it would not be well received. Even some of those asking for it really don't want to hear anything negative. It's human nature. So, unless it is specificaly requested you will only see positive comments.
If you ever run across one of my pictures feel free to express yourself.
Thanks to all those who have taken an interest in my project and have commented along the way. The fact that you take the time out to look - makes my day!!! :)
This site, below, is all about critiqueing the photographs and may be more suited to what you are looking for.
The Mindful Eye - http://www.tmelive.com/
Some people are not as open to critiquing as others. But it can be done in a positive manner if the critique is worded correctly. Here are some possible ways to offer a suggestion without being critical..."I wonder how this photo would look if you tried..." or "Try this for me..." or "I'd like to see how amazing it would look if you did..."
That being said, the more magazine-y, trendy-looking, almost-pro, creative shots - and there are loads here, any one almost indistinguishable from the next - are so 'the same' as to be negligible. For those, I can offer nothing in the way of either praise or critique and generally don't follow those people, either. But my lack of interest in their work doesn't mean it's not good - I just don't feel compelled to comment.
So we're all here doing and looking for and appreciating vastly different things - and that is as it should be!
Attention everyone on this thread: These two like me... you can too if you want!!!
like someone above said i do not put on my best photos most of the time.
i thought this was a place to put a photo from my day, to have a sort of photo journal and the comments are meant to encourage and show that people are actually looking at your photos. a pleasant reward for adding each day.
i realize it can turn into a competition to win a theme or get on the popular page.
but i have to keep in my mind that this is a place to share photos and have fun with it.
The unexpected aspect of 365 has been community and how we've learned to build up one another through encouragement, interest and support. To criticise a photograph without knowing the person who took it or why it was important to them is risky ... even if he or she asks for criticism! Like a number of those who posted above if a photograph doesn't appeal to me I'll not say anything.
Over the last almost fourteen months I've "met" amazing people with interesting stories who have shared joy and pain through photography ... these glimpses into one another's lives have certainly enriched mine. I miss some of the companions from last year who did just 365 pictures ... and I'm enjoying some new fellow-travellers from this year!
Enjoy the journey ... and if criticism is a person's main aim ... then maybe a pure photography site is the place to look for it.
Constructive criticism is ok if its solicited. I don't know that folks here are looking to do anything other than have fun and learn.
@dmortega - I'm glad that you are around to balance out the madness here.....somehow that was meant to be a compliment. :-P
Maybe if there was an option to display an icon next to your name that indicated your openness to critique or a way to clearly distinguish between those and those who just want to post pictures. There is no reason both can't be happy alongside each-other here.
Having said that however, I find myself sharing my life through the photos that I upload. And lately, there's always a whole lot more to say about each picture I upload. Some pictures triggers memories; some pictures describe my regular daily life; and quite a few tells about the people around me. So in a way it is also a diary.