I just want to ask you if you prefer to get commente with the truth, I mean, a good critique telling what in my opinion needs an improve, or a comment telling that the picturemis so good xD because sometimes people gets anoyed if others commente with suggests. I prefer to get good critiques, and you?
I would love people telling me ways that they think any of my photos can be improved. Positive feedback is wonderful, but I do always want honest critiques if there's something someone doesn't like, or ideas on how it could be better. There are many times I want to give constructive ideas to people, but I hesitate because I don't want them to take offense. In my case, feel free to give me everything you've got!
It is good to hear what you have done well and what you could do to improve next time. That way you get the best of both worlds. For me, I'm here to learn. I can't learn if I only hear what I did well or get told I've done something well when I haven't.
Truth. It helps me learn how to improve. A critique is good, as long as it isn't outright mean...there is a difference between someone critiquing and just telling you that your picture is bad.
I always appreciate constructive criticism and to hear different viewpoints and opinions ... Much prefer that to "good shot" - especially if you don't think it is a "good" shot :)
I try to point out what I like about the image and then make suggestions if improvement can happen. I realize that because someone says they like this or that about my image does not mean they like whole image or that it is a good image.
I think encouragement about the good things of the image goes farther than only offering negative comments no matter how instructive or constructive they may be.
The most I have learned here has been from constructive information. I constantly hear " keep the horizon level" because someone kindly told me that once. Many other reminders also- much preferred. If you like it say so, if you would recommend something if I were your student- go for it.
I like critique... hearing about the good stuff in a shot is nice, but the critique helps be become better - even if I don't agree with it, it makes me think about what other people are seeing in an image.
Definitely critique as someone totally new to photography I want to learn. I struggle to critique others though as don't yet feel I have enough experience or knowledge to give any constructive advice about improving!! I know what I do and don't like and try to say why I like the image but hoping I will start to develop my knowledge and skill along the way! Critique away have very thick skin lol! @gwhit123@spankyjane@serpantmedia
I always appreciate a good critique. I agree with guaranteed's above comment, a technical critique is always best. Everyone has different tastes and you can post a shot which one person loves and another person doesn't like.
I've also learned don't critique unless someone asks for one. Most of the time people get offended if you critique when it was not asked for.
Maybe we should put in our profile if we want a critique if you see a shot that needs one? Just a thought.
Feel free to critique my work, I want to get better too. :-)
Critiques are great! Seems as though all the comments I see are pretty much just compliments with no input on how to improve. I agree with @guaranteed technical critique is what I would like to see.
There is critique - such as - this shot would be better if you cropped it; or the lighting here would work better if you shifted the light source to the right; etc.
And there is criticism.
Most people are open to a critique from which they could learn something.
@paula365 I agree, Paula. Unless someone spells out they want a critique I think most of us tend to shy away from giving one. There's a critique tag folks use on here - what is it? critique-me or something like that?
I love to hear the positive. It means more to me when it is said in terms of what particularly they liked about a shot. It is nice to hear that it is a "good photo" too, but means more when I get a comment mentioning something specific.
And I love constructive criticism. The operative word being 'constructive'. While it may be the truth when someone says "I've seen better" or "Do'nt quit your day job to become a photographer" (actual quotes about a couple of my photos) that kind of comment is only given to be hurtful and in no way helps me to become a better photographer which is why I'm taking a photo a day. I don't mind when people give it in such a way as "in their opinion" or "they would prefer to see it". I can hear that and see if it would indeed make a better picture in my opinion the next time.
So yes I prefer the truth if you are intending to help me become better and not to try and tear me down.
Critique is good, how can you learn and improve without it? Although I have had someone scrutinise some of mine that I thought were alright lol, that might be a bit of a kick in testicular regions for some. I think this sight does have a lot of pussy footers and people will just comment on a shit shot for the hell of it. BUT, I started my project for fun and mainly to document day to day stuff, rather than be a better photographer, although I do believe I have definitely got better along the way, I am more picky as to what I put up now.
I think we probably do need to be more harsh if people are asking for critique, but the critiques I generally receive are just different opinions, I find people "critique" all over the shop and it's generally no help at all!
What a good question for a thread. This is a difficult topic, but I think we can all agree, we are here to learn/improve our skills. I have learned so much from this site, especially from the get-pushed challenge (Thanks Northy!). I am happy to hear people like my shot. When I comment, I always try to reinforce what I like about the image and then give one new idea for the shot. This has worked well with my get-pushed partners! @petaqui@egad@jcarrollphoto@witchyjacq@boogie@catwhiskers@guaranteed@andrina@spankyjane@justjim@northy
This is very delicate question---if they're asking for opinions,then i guess-give it to 'em but if not--just say something NICE---You can't please everyone,one will say ."i like this image in b&w and the other person will say--no,do it in colors.".besides PICASSO did'nt listen to critique,so is the producers of the movie "The Artist :----and so is the KARD*ASS*HIANs==lol !!Question is :--how to tell someone that their breath stinks without hurting their feelings? Well,i'm bored,let's go brush our teeth !!:)--Personally, if they to want to critique me---be my guest,Knock ur self- out :)
@jodimuli So true... when I have specifically asked for critique I've ended up with so many differing opinions! Still good, helps me crystallise what I actually think! Ask 3 photographers, get 7 opinions, as someone here once said :)
I prefer either positive comments or silence. Critiques tend to annoy me. No matter how well-intended, I immediately bristle when I receive one. Most of what a person brings up I've already considered, made a decision on, and posted with the full knowledge of what an issue is with one of my shots. There have been a couple of great exceptions whereupon I immediately made the changes and preferred the end product better than what I had submitted, but generally, critiques are not welcome. I am genuinely my own worst critic anyway, and if I don't like something in my shot, I will research and reshoot until I am pleased :)
And LOL @ @miley89 for working in "testicular," "pussy," "shit," and "hell" into one post :)
I like critiques. When I post a shot, I would always love advice on how to make it better. I'm a photography beginner, and I know for a fact that I could use plenty of help to make my photos better. Of course, I don't have a problem with people telling me that they like a shot either!
I agree with @grizzlysghost. He described my reaction beautifully.
It can depend how the critique is made. A positively worded comment followed by a gentle suggestion is a better approach. That said I also post on Flickr. There tends to be an absence of critique there unless it is sought, and the explore page which is equivalent to our pp has its own magic monkeys. The difference between explore and pp is really just a question of taste.
I also agree with @grizzlysghost. Although I know that I have much to learn, I'm nervous enough about putting my images "out there" without dealing with unsolicited advice, lol!
That being said, I've learned so much from the people who took the time to let me know specifically what I did *right* in a photo -- it's made me work hard at repeating that success, or building on it. Because of that, I try hard when I comment on photos to let the photog know exactly what I like about it!
yeah, but whichever you think if folks on here have 100, 200 or 10000 followers/followees I mean what can they do? I follow 30 and I've got a few others I check on occasionally and I try and fail to give meaningful comments regardless of critique. I reckon if you had 5-8 followees you could meaningfully give them suggestions.
I more or less share the opinions of @grizzlysghost and @peterdegraaff only because, as Aaron said, I am my own worst critic. If there is something I'm not happy with, I will mention it in the description, and then if someone knows or has ideas on how to overcome whatever that issue is, i want them to share their knowledge.
The majority of constructive criticism falls into one of 2 categories: opinion/taste or scientific knowledge. If you want to tell me you'd like a shot of mine better if I did this or did that, that's fine but to avoid coming off as pretentious, it would be better if you did that in conjunction with what you DO like about the image. I'll take it under consideration if I haven't already (if you've ever seen my method to post processing you'd know I've already tried at least a dozen different ways before settling on the one you see in my album). Just keep in mind (and don't take offense) that I may not accept your opinion because part of being a photographer or an artist is making your images and art your own. If I wanted to copy other people's styles, I'd want crap loads of their constructive criticism. But in the end, I'm going to create and post my own style
Now, if your constructive criticism falls under the scientific knowledge category (this is where you point out something that is off that has nothing to do with taste), then by all means tell me in a mentoring kind of way.
@grizzlysghost I can only agree with Aaron. If you don't like something, generally just leave it alone. Unless you have had an ongoing relationship of comments and such with someone, and you have something encouraging to say. Unsolicited critiques can only make your skin crawl.
If you do indeed want critiques from people you have no relationship with, I suggest you should ask for it directly for each shot you post. A simple sentence like "Please help me improve. Anything you see I could have done better, please tell me."
There is a Flickr group of 365'ers that have entered into a relationship where we will critique each other's work honestly. There is a link somewhere in the recent discussion groups. Still, we should be doing it in a caring-yet-kind manner. Something like starting "Have you considered..." or "If this were my shot I might try..." Self-critique is often a ground-breaker as well. If you post something, and it is clear you see issues, even if you are not sure what, just own up to them...
Well I don't think any of us have the same eyes so we all see things differently. But the majority of people on this site don't say anything if they don't like a shot but I've had comments that have helped me improve. I just took a photography class where I thought our shots would be critiqued more and my eyes just weren't the same as the person who was running the class.
Each to their own and if you don't like a shot don't comment. The old thing about if you can't say something nice, say nothing. But if someone wants critiqued I mostly leave that to the professional on here, i don't feel that qualified.
I agree with aaron. And, silence actually speaks volumes. If no one comments, I'm forced to reflect. Humm, no one thought much of that shot, I wonder why? Maybe I already knew it sucked, which is no big deal. Maybe I suddenly see how it might not have communicated what I intended. OR, maybe I like it and no one else does. In any case, I'm thinking for myself, rather than reacting and changing something to please one or two people's tastes.
@peterdegraaff I don't know if I'll get back into the get pushed challenge or not.... last year I was challenged to do a water crown 3 times. I imagine if it was a bucket list item, I probably would have achieved one, but its not, so its not something I can put my heart in. Also, I ran out of ideas of things to challenge others with and didn't want to keep challenging everyone to the same thing over and over.
I would prefer to get constructive comments. I try to post only pictures that I am proud of, so I don't ask for critique very often (which is the only way to get it). When I get no or few comments I know that there is something "wrong" with the picture. Uusually I can work out what, but sometimes I am puzzled and would like to find out why I did not appeal to people.
There is a flickr group for 365'ers to get critiques, and I think that is a great idea. I am going to post photos I liked but got a weak response. Actually I am going to do that right now!
@peterdegraaff@jsw0109@grizzlysghost
There is a difference between receiving a critique when you are accomplished photographers like you guys are.... I would never critique your photographs as I would be aware that you have already made informed choices and know so much more than I do.
However, people who are learning (technique rather than Art) can learn from those who see and know more and I would love to have more constructive input from those who are more experienced. I wish there was a more effective way of soliciting help and advice without the fear of insulting or being insulted, also a way of knowing what people want or expect.
@monika64 what I did early on last year, when there was a shot I just couldn't get right, I tried doing different things in post and then uploading the various versions and actually asked what I was doing wrong. Various people tossed in their two cents and when Gary @gurry said what to do, I went back into editing mode with the original image, did what he said and - voila! Had what I was wanting. So I think the key to getting the constructive criticism you need is to put a specific image out there that you can't seem to get to look the way you envisioned and then ask people for recommendations on what to do to get the end result you are looking for. That way you don't get a bunch of "do it in b&w" "go for a tighter crop" "clone this or that out" type of suggestions. Afterall, you're probably not asking for help because you want a WWYD scenario, but because there is something specific you want to achieve. If you can communicate the end result you're trying for and then solicit advice, you'll probably get not just want you want, but what you need.
@monika64 I don't consider myself to be an accomplished photographer at all. More practiced than anything else and and skilled at particular techniques. In my view we learn more by practicing, looking at the photos of others, and trying out different things. If it works great, and if it doesn't well there is always a next time. If I posted photos based on what other want or expect I would never do what I want. I am happy if a photo makes PP or TT but this has often been unexpected. I want to try new things and work a lot out for myself. Sometimes others make suggestions, offline or elsewhere which can be helpful, but in the end I want to make art and photographs - not just take them. I think it takes time and patience. The discipline which 365 gives in encouraging a photo a day helps build experience over time, by using the camera and exploring it. Push challenges, camera setting or other challenges help this too.
Notwithstanding that, some comments can be ill considered such as suggesting a crop, when I included things for a reason. Public criticism can be a difficult tool because it can seem to put individuals on show. That is why privately suggested or offline works, or if sought. In about 8 week I will be attending a photography workshop and we have been asked to bring 10 examples of our work for a crtiqiue session. This promises to be an interesting learning experience.
@peterdegraaff@jsw0109@monika64@grizzlysghost Personally I like Critique! And would especially welcome it from any of the above fellow 365'ers, I am here to learn and usually i will post a couple of different take's of the same photo, maybe just at a different angle or different processing technique. Now with that said...I am far from a pro and do believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I am also my worst critic!!! I enjoy seeing what others would do or not do to improve my technique. If i view a pic that does not speak to me at all...i say nothing..and move on...I would never critique any of y'all's photo's but if i think i can possible help someone who is new and they ask for help, i most certainly do my best to help them out . I have learned so much from this community and alot of it was from others critique..please critique me any time you think you can add to my experience on here! :)..All of your knowledge is appreciated!
@ellimae there are many kinds of critique. I prefer giving and receiving critique which relates to content of photo. This is a different kind of critique to that about technique, and can take a far more philosophical, political, or literary approach. Sadly, this type of content can be the most misunderstood because it can be about the story contained within. It raises the question though as to whether we are content providers or content free?
@peterdegraaff I get ya Peter! Not a very clear line between that is there?! I would not like anyone critiquing a personal photo of mine that tells a story..how can they?...but i do think we can clearly see if a stick is sticking out of thier head and may mention that it is very distracting..but then again..that may be the Story!! lol~~This is a confusing and complicated issue for me..Now you would not be having a workshop that has you bring photo's to critique if there was not a time and a place for it ...Would you?
In photography, I think it's difficult because a critique is more of a personal opinion.
I once said to someone:
"Looks good, maybes straighten the lines a little bit rather than have them go to the left" (or something like that) and got:
"But I like it like that." as a response.
I think if I went through every person here who is asking for critique and said, "hmm I would have turned the contrast up", "that's a bit out of focus in the foreground" "maybe move it to the left a bit", "make it pink, make it blue" (Disney reference BTW) I would receive more chew than if I didn't say anything - which frankly, in this place, can speak volumes.
I don't consider myself a better photographer than anyone else to say what should or shouldn't be done with a photograph, as it's all personal opinion. Yes, they're are rules, but may opt to break them. A photograph may be blurry, but then, it might be intended to be like that.
Sometimes I'll comment on a photo, not because it's the best photo I've ever seen, but because the subject might be fun or a great idea, even if it might take a bit more practice to execute it a bit better - but I don't feel it's my place to shoot down someones efforts - masked by constructiveness or not.
Many people use 365 just as a journal, not as a way to improve photography, and so you can tag your photos 'critique-me" if you're looking for people to critique you, but as @grizzlysghost said, I'm my own worst critique, and if I'm not happy with something, I already know about it.
There is an art to critiquing in a positive manner just as there are folks who are in no position to offer critique in the first place because they lack in expertise. It's a great balancing act. Getting only positive comments is not always realistic... it can lead to a false sense of feeling that you are better than you really are and stifle your growth as an artist.
I agree with @grizzlysghost. I didn't come here for critiques and don't want the, but I don't want false encouragement either. That's not to say I never want anyone to critique me, but I'd rather it come from a pro which the majority on here are not.
Ok , critique is good but what qualifies someone to be able to give it. It has to be more than just what a person likes it has to be knowledgeable critique. I am sure there are people on this site who are qualified to give an informed opinion, but there are others who are not. Me for example. That's why you should contemplate joining a local photographic society or similar and have your shots judged by independent judges who have had to go through a process of having there work scrutinized to obtain specific qualifications. My camera club is affiliated to this society and they provide all the judges for our competitions ... http://www.lcpu.org/lcpu/lcpu.php I have entered competitions and had my work analyzed and commented on in front of a room of people, It can hurt your ego but at least that judge will tell you face to face why your shot is good or in my case usually bad and what is needed to improve. This site serves a purpose. You can see what others are producing. Compare it with your work. Apply self criticism. You know if you can do better, You know if what you are doing is pushing your limits or if you are just pressing the button in P mode. You can learn a lot about your photography from yourself.
The only time when I'll offer an unsolicited "critique" ("suggestion" is nearer the mark) is when someone has produced a photo which I think would be fantastic given a minor tweak. I don't think many people publish work here with the expectation of having it pulled apart.
For my part intelligent, considered critique is welcome; exhortations to check out a cool thing called the "Rule of Thirds" are not.
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I think encouragement about the good things of the image goes farther than only offering negative comments no matter how instructive or constructive they may be.
@gwhit123 @spankyjane @serpantmedia
I've also learned don't critique unless someone asks for one. Most of the time people get offended if you critique when it was not asked for.
Maybe we should put in our profile if we want a critique if you see a shot that needs one? Just a thought.
Feel free to critique my work, I want to get better too. :-)
And there is criticism.
Most people are open to a critique from which they could learn something.
And I love constructive criticism. The operative word being 'constructive'. While it may be the truth when someone says "I've seen better" or "Do'nt quit your day job to become a photographer" (actual quotes about a couple of my photos) that kind of comment is only given to be hurtful and in no way helps me to become a better photographer which is why I'm taking a photo a day. I don't mind when people give it in such a way as "in their opinion" or "they would prefer to see it". I can hear that and see if it would indeed make a better picture in my opinion the next time.
So yes I prefer the truth if you are intending to help me become better and not to try and tear me down.
I think we probably do need to be more harsh if people are asking for critique, but the critiques I generally receive are just different opinions, I find people "critique" all over the shop and it's generally no help at all!
@petaqui @egad @jcarrollphoto @witchyjacq @boogie @catwhiskers @guaranteed @andrina @spankyjane @justjim @northy
And LOL @ @miley89 for working in "testicular," "pussy," "shit," and "hell" into one post :)
It can depend how the critique is made. A positively worded comment followed by a gentle suggestion is a better approach. That said I also post on Flickr. There tends to be an absence of critique there unless it is sought, and the explore page which is equivalent to our pp has its own magic monkeys. The difference between explore and pp is really just a question of taste.
That being said, I've learned so much from the people who took the time to let me know specifically what I did *right* in a photo -- it's made me work hard at repeating that success, or building on it. Because of that, I try hard when I comment on photos to let the photog know exactly what I like about it!
The majority of constructive criticism falls into one of 2 categories: opinion/taste or scientific knowledge. If you want to tell me you'd like a shot of mine better if I did this or did that, that's fine but to avoid coming off as pretentious, it would be better if you did that in conjunction with what you DO like about the image. I'll take it under consideration if I haven't already (if you've ever seen my method to post processing you'd know I've already tried at least a dozen different ways before settling on the one you see in my album). Just keep in mind (and don't take offense) that I may not accept your opinion because part of being a photographer or an artist is making your images and art your own. If I wanted to copy other people's styles, I'd want crap loads of their constructive criticism. But in the end, I'm going to create and post my own style
Now, if your constructive criticism falls under the scientific knowledge category (this is where you point out something that is off that has nothing to do with taste), then by all means tell me in a mentoring kind of way.
If you do indeed want critiques from people you have no relationship with, I suggest you should ask for it directly for each shot you post. A simple sentence like "Please help me improve. Anything you see I could have done better, please tell me."
There is a Flickr group of 365'ers that have entered into a relationship where we will critique each other's work honestly. There is a link somewhere in the recent discussion groups. Still, we should be doing it in a caring-yet-kind manner. Something like starting "Have you considered..." or "If this were my shot I might try..." Self-critique is often a ground-breaker as well. If you post something, and it is clear you see issues, even if you are not sure what, just own up to them...
Each to their own and if you don't like a shot don't comment. The old thing about if you can't say something nice, say nothing. But if someone wants critiqued I mostly leave that to the professional on here, i don't feel that qualified.
There is a flickr group for 365'ers to get critiques, and I think that is a great idea. I am going to post photos I liked but got a weak response. Actually I am going to do that right now!
There is a difference between receiving a critique when you are accomplished photographers like you guys are.... I would never critique your photographs as I would be aware that you have already made informed choices and know so much more than I do.
However, people who are learning (technique rather than Art) can learn from those who see and know more and I would love to have more constructive input from those who are more experienced. I wish there was a more effective way of soliciting help and advice without the fear of insulting or being insulted, also a way of knowing what people want or expect.
Notwithstanding that, some comments can be ill considered such as suggesting a crop, when I included things for a reason. Public criticism can be a difficult tool because it can seem to put individuals on show. That is why privately suggested or offline works, or if sought. In about 8 week I will be attending a photography workshop and we have been asked to bring 10 examples of our work for a crtiqiue session. This promises to be an interesting learning experience.
I once said to someone:
"Looks good, maybes straighten the lines a little bit rather than have them go to the left" (or something like that) and got:
"But I like it like that." as a response.
I think if I went through every person here who is asking for critique and said, "hmm I would have turned the contrast up", "that's a bit out of focus in the foreground" "maybe move it to the left a bit", "make it pink, make it blue" (Disney reference BTW) I would receive more chew than if I didn't say anything - which frankly, in this place, can speak volumes.
I don't consider myself a better photographer than anyone else to say what should or shouldn't be done with a photograph, as it's all personal opinion. Yes, they're are rules, but may opt to break them. A photograph may be blurry, but then, it might be intended to be like that.
Sometimes I'll comment on a photo, not because it's the best photo I've ever seen, but because the subject might be fun or a great idea, even if it might take a bit more practice to execute it a bit better - but I don't feel it's my place to shoot down someones efforts - masked by constructiveness or not.
Many people use 365 just as a journal, not as a way to improve photography, and so you can tag your photos 'critique-me" if you're looking for people to critique you, but as @grizzlysghost said, I'm my own worst critique, and if I'm not happy with something, I already know about it.
For my part intelligent, considered critique is welcome; exhortations to check out a cool thing called the "Rule of Thirds" are not.