I was looking through the thread "Why are YOU doing this" and noticed most people are in this to get better but I rarely ever see any suggestions from people on how to make things better. I think we get the hint when no one comments on our pictures that it wasn't our best, but we may not always know why or how to make it better.
I know I would love some suggestions on how to make my photos better. Anyone else feel this way? Or do you guys just like the laid back "like your photo" comments?
I personally would love constructive criticism, because God knows I need it! lol For instance, some of my pictures I know are "crap" but it still was part of my day, so there they are. But others I think are good, but everyone can always improve, but that's hard to do on your own.
I think since a lot of people are doing this just for fun and what not, it'd be hard to know where to offer constructive criticism and when to just "like your photo" or leave it.
Agreed. I sometimes don't know how to take it when I receive no comments on a particular picture. Some of my favorites had not a single comment. Was the photo not pleasing? Was the subject manner just not up my followers' alley? Was it good, but you are just tired of saying my photos are good? Or was it just plain bad?
I think suggestions for how to make the photo better or indulgence into why you like the photo will be nice and improve the photographer's honing in ability to what they should work on or what they are doing right.
I do agree that sometimes its hard to know if you should offer comments or not, I may start putting "All Comments Welcome" in my description.
I do think that spotting the 'doing it for fun' or 'journal of my life' members are easier to spot since most are done with cell phones or are more candid shots. But thats not always the case.
Glad to hear I'm not the only one feeling that way right now.
I think this is a great idea, Travis. However, being a recreational photographer, I would never dare to presume to make suggestions without an invitation! Plus, one might be working on something specific so directed feedback would probably be more helpful. I wonder if there would be a way for the poster to ask for specific feedback by posting the first comment? Poster could say something like, "I'm trying to _____________. Does it work? Any suggestions to make this shot better?" Just an idea. Thanks for bringing this up because I would love to be mentored to become better!
I agree. Great idea. Some of my photos are just to document something of that day, and I don't really want feedback. However, the one I posted today for example, I like, but I am not sure what I could've done to punch it up and make it more visually interesting, and I would love feedback from more experienced photographers.
It would be nice to have a constructive criticism tag (although that one is long), or a set phrase to put in the description that would let viewers know they can give constructive feedback. Ideas?
Sarah, I left you a couple comments, they are only my opinion but I hope they help.
Denise,
I agree a single line in comments or description would be more inviting for people to make constructive comments. I think I'm going to try that and see how it goes. Otherwise posting on this website vs flickr or face book is no different and its getting old posting in more then one place with no different results.
Maria,
Great idea... Maybe we could have a universal tag. If one of the Admins could suggest something and send out in the next news letter that would be awesome.
The universal tag is my favorite idea so far. I love criticism on my pictures. I also sometimes don't comment because I don't want someone to take it the wrong way.
i would love constructive criticsm.....i'm still learning and practicing with my point and shoot in hopes of getting a dslr in the coming months.....maybe i'll add "all comments welcome" like travis suggested or until they come up with some sort of tag or something.
digging this. I am such a n00b at photography its not even funny. I would love love LOVE some constructive criticism. Travis has already given me quite a bit and it has helped me out a ton.
On the other hand... I am such a n00b myself that as i stand right now... i would feel uncomfortable criticizing anyone else's photos. As I learn I would be more than willing to share the knowledge.
Mark, just because you are a newb doesn't mean that you don't know what is appealing. Constructive criticism is effective from veteran and amateur photographers.
I completely agree. I'm doing this for fun and some days I get lazy and take a picture of whatever there is, but at the same time I want to get better. There is so much for me to learn.
Hey,
I've been thinking about this too, glad someone has brought it up.
Rather than a tag system i thought maybe we could set up another discussion area, people could post a topic and ask for feedback on it, that way, your photo comments don't get cluttered and we have a handy discussion area where people can browse for advice.
I think if every person who wanted help posted in a single section we would have so many threads, photos would get lost. Even if a small portion of people posted I think your thread would be buried in hrs.
To be honest, at least for myself, I'd be posting in another area. Since I want criticism on all my photos, I would be making a thread every day for every photo. I'm sure other people on here would do the same thing. Plus, I always thought the comments section on the photo's page was specifically for that. Not only that but if you wanted to go back thru past days, weeks, months, it would take longer to locate a specific picture.
I think on each photo's page is the best place.
I use a site called inspi.re to get feedback in themed competitions. Feedback is expected there. But even so, often people will write C&C welcome; comments & critique welcome.
Perhaps those of us who want feedback could include "C&C welcome" in our photos "blurb" to let others know that they won't offend us by leaving suggestions for improvement. What do you think?
i agree. should be on photo's page. ORRRR, what if you can change the status of our username to give the option in settings to designate certain people that want feedback and those that don't want feedback....that way, anytime you upload a picture, it automatically enters a caption that comments and critique is welcome....
I totally agree that people should get feedback on their photo page! That's what the comments are for, if you want feedback on the photo just say so. I don't think we need a strictly regimented way of doing it, as Nike say... just do it.
The idea behind the Critique category would be to build up a valuable archive of critique that benefits the whole community. A place where everyone can read and learn about photographic techniques. The category is not meant as a direct replacement for what you guys want to do, but as something that sits along-side comments for people who may wish to delve deeper.
Also it may be quite hard for a new user who doesn't have many followers to get critique on their photo, again this is where the discussion category would be useful.
Personally, I like it just the way it is. I get critiqued all the time as a student and I use my page as an escape from that life. The positive and supportive vibe is what makes me strive to take good pictures and write interesting things for people to look at, but they are still more of a journal to me. Expressing emotion more than technical prowess. I love the feedback I get from my followers! It is a bright spot in a day that is not always filled with bright spots. I think they understand though that I am not here for photography tips, but to express myself.
On the other hand, I understand other people are really wanting to improve their skills and are wanting to be critiqued on their technique. That is what i think is great about this site though. It is open enough that you define your own purpose and goals for using in it. The people here are nice and helpful enough that if you want a technical critique, all you have to do is ask in your description and lots of people will respond. I am not by any means an expert but when people ask advice about things I know, I offer what I can give. I am with Denise though, I wouldn't just offer unsolicited advice. I do, however, find pics that I like the technique of and comment to ask how they did it, when I want to try it on my own.
Thanks for making a site where people who are daily journalers just expressing their world and those with technical photographic aspirations can be supported!
i would love the ability to just click a thumbs up and be done. then if i felt the need to comment i would, some photos i just like, and some i really really like and need to express why i like.
i don't think that this forum is really a good place for critiquing. there are other forums out there specifically for that purpose. and this type of thing could scare people away...most people are doing this for fun, as an outlet, to get away from world.
i am with sara above.
I like Gary's idea of having a tag by the username (like the new "ace" tag). I am using this project to improve my photography and, to a lesser extent, document a year. I think letting everyone who sees my photos know that I am looking for feedback will only help me. And if someone doesn't have a tag by their name I will know that they don't want a technical critique. I think all parties win in that situation.
I agree with sara hall, I get enough critique outside of websites like this one, and sometimes it IS nice to just get a positive vibe from people similar to you. I can't comprehend criticism every second of my day, and putting photos up on here or on flickr or something, isn't so that I can grow as a photographer, but share my photography with other people. It's as simple as that. I do understand, though, that there are some people who want criticism, but who's going to give it to them without the understanding that they want it? Jerks, probably. Just write "would love constructive criticism" in the description of your photo.
Also, I think that the amount of comments, favs, and views have a lot to do with how much networking you do, not just the quality of the photo. I see so many amazing photographers that only have a couple of views or one fav, and some starting-out photographers or not-as-good photographers that get dozens of favs.
I think a title change would be the best but since we may not get that support I'm going to start tagging my photo "CC" I've noticed a few adding that to their description already and hoping that we can get "CC" to catch on.
If everyone uses this tag it will make it easy to search for those who want help and provide a few comments back.
just so you know... neither the tags or the search pages order results by date, therefore it will be hard to find recently added photos with a specific tag.
- Tags & Day pages are ordered by popularity
- Search is ordered by relevance or popularity
It would be great if we could come up with a workable solution that benefits the whole community.
i agree though that there's enough critisicm elsewhere - my stuff gets completely RIPPED APART outside of this project
nice to have some friendly encouragement :)
same here. but im also very busy so occasionally i will post a picture that isnt great just because i didnt have time to keep reshooting or editing. i welcome any and all criticism though :)
I am like Erica... some days I am really trying to exercise my "eye" and really am working on my art form, but other days, I'm just trying to capture funny memories of my son, or something that happened throughout the day. I am really trying to work on my skills, so I would love some ideas, although, I have to admit, I'm sensitive, so take it easy ;)
I love the kind of critique that says you've got something right - but would probably learn a whole lot more if the wrong bits were pointed out, so I guess the 'CC' idea is the way to go ;)
Definitely, criticize my pictures. I want to get better but I have never had a chance to go to school nor have the time so your criticism will probably be the only help I get .
I think another problem might be is.. there are still only a couple thousand people on this site, plus no real easy way to find each other yet. Sure, we can hit browse, but that only shows 24 random pictures at a time.
I have been reading along and like the idea of somehow identifying pictures that I would like critiqued. I am in the same shoes as gary dollagaray, I am a novice using a simple point and shoot. I have taken many pictures over my lifetime and I like a lot of them. I would like critique on my low light and night photography, such as suggestions on aperture and ISO settings. I might take the suggestion of asking for critique as Denise Vetromile suggested and tag my photos with CC as Laura Wheeler suggested. I joined this project to get likes and dislikes for my photos and to watch how my photography has improved over the year.
I have scrolled through this post without my specs on....personally...I would love to get better and the only way would be for someone to point out my shortcomings. I am self taught and would love to have the likes of Annie (Paint the Moon) as my mentor. I think that CC would be great..as long as there is a place that specifically says...I think to tag the photos.
Oh and I missed a day yesterday because I couldn't log on... so this is my 364 project..lol
Well I'm here basically for the fun factor....and documenting a year in my family's life to look back on....
that having been said - constructive criticism is never a bad thing, and although 99.9% of my photos are snapshots from my life, it would never hurt to be able to improve them! I think I shall be adding 'CC welcome' to my photos from now on....
it might help me get a few more ideas and encouragement to keep going, too...I've only had 3 comments so far this year and 2 of those were from people I knew previously lol! It would be nice to know if it's because my photos are cr*p...ha ha ha!! xxx
I also often just add a quick snapshot as it's simply a day in my life365, but other photos I spend time trying to get right. I love to learn and would welcome CC too!
I'm doing it so I can look back on it at the end of the year, i'm not really bothered about the 'photography' aspect of it as all my pics so far have been taken on my phone.
Then it would become intimidating to post a picture. It is a 365, for you, to mark your day. I was in a group doing a photo challenge type thing, it was fun, then they turned it into voting for the best one and the same people kept winning, making you feel like you were not good enough, so I just quit it. There are other place to put your pictures up to be told what you need to do. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Connie I think the idea is that if you want CC on your photo, you add a CC tag....if you don't want CC - don't add it! That way it won't be intimidating unless you post for CC and then don't like what you get lol! It's not turning it into a competition - after all, there's the weekly challenge if that's what you're into - it's just for a bit of helpful and friendly advice and critique.....at the end of the day, the choice is yours if you want that or not! xx
Am with Connie, I post the picture I like, I dont care if others like them. Thats not what I thought this site was about :o( I joined thinking it would be good to see a years worth of photos, to give me a daily challenge, get me motivated!
Dont get me wrong, I get a little buzz when people leave comments about my photos, but I dont mind if I dont get a comment! Am happy as the site is, its simple, its fun and its about your photos, your take on life, its not a popularity contest!
I joined this site for fun not for criticism...learning how to take better photos is inherent in the project if that's your goal. The more photos you take, the more experience you gain.
There's enough criticism/negativity elsewhere on the web so I'm happy to come to a place where the comments are light and fun. If people were critical, I'd be gone in a heartbeat. It's not a bad thing to be "nice" or "friendly"...LOL
I think the website is for both people who just want to document their lives and also for those that want to improve their photography skills. I think this is why the idea of asking for critique works as you can opt in or out. Personally, I really want to hear what I can be doing better so I'm all up for this. I think Ross has done a great job in segregating it.
haha, I love all these people that are trying to tell me what my project should be and shouldn't. Odd coming from people saying 365 should be non judgmental.
Well guess what, criticism is happening now like it or not, if not delete the comment and go on with your day.
I have to say, this site is great to post pictures. At the same time, it's had a "competition" since I joined this year. When you hit Browse and click the "Popular" link you see what I mean. If you don't see your shot in the popular page you have two options: either try harder or something different next time, or don't worry about it. If this is to chronicle your life, than you shouldn't even worry about any criticism you get.
Gotta disagree with the idea that just taking photos will make you a better photographer. Yes, practice makes perfect, but if you keep shooting the same way you might never step outside the box. I'm glad I've gotten criticism. Some of them make me think that I really should have thought about the shot more but it's the best way to learn.
I do seem to feel this place is more one of a popularity contest than to learn and grow. What I've experienced so far has almost made me want to just put down my camera or leave this site altogether. I find it a task to even shoot everyday to come up with something I know no one will even notice but maybe a few. I've lost my 'muse' bc of it, to tell you the truth.
Its only a popular contest if you want to make it one and I don't do this project for anyone but me. I couldn't care less if only a few see my photo, I would just like their honest opinion about it when they stop by.
Maryellen, that's a shame, don't be so hard on yourself, do the project for you, nobody else! i take loads of "bad" photos in a month, but it's not about that for me, it's about documenting life.
I too am a little perplexed at this recent 'competitivenees' that has entered this site (strange coming from someone who regularly enters the weekly theme competition I know.....) but honestly, the whole point of this for me is to improve my photographic skills (hopefully) and document life... I love looking through other peoples photos, liking something and thinking, "you know, I'll have tol try that one day"...
But I feel there's enough negativity in the world already so I would rather the site remains the positive experience it pretty much is.
Obviously, I like the boost when I have comments like "nice pic" or "great shot" etc but would get pretty fed up if people started telling me "The problem with this is...." If people want that - then add "all comments welcome" or something...
Who really cares if others (or even you) think it's a shit photo??? It's an image of your day....
For me, I'll carry on taking photos that document part of my day - some good, some bad, some boring, whatever...
I was just chucking my photos up here for the hosting space while I link to them properly elsewhere for friends to look at. I wasn't expecting people to randomly start commenting on them XD It's nice, and I don't mind constructive criticism, but to be honest I'm probably learning just as much simply by using my camera every day and trying new things with it. That's what this is all about, right? :D
I would love some criticism, as I have never so much as taken a photography class and the only way I have learned to take pictures is trial and error. Oh, and the auto focus that my camera does. I have never even turned off the auto focus, but I would like to learn how. I do know the rule of thirds and I have been told I am good with color, but that's about it.
Have to agree with Andy. A friend just took a peek at my pics on the site and reported back to me that he thought several photos were fantastic, some were good, but that a couple were lousy and should have been deleted. I felt like somewhat of a failure...until I realized, and promptly related to him, that this site was "for me", as a blog of my days, and although I was attempting to improve my photographic skills and challenge myself, I was also going to enjoy looking back after a year and say, "Oh, yeah! I remember that day I stubbed my toe and just grabbed a camera to shot a quick, out-of-focus, fuzzy pic to remember it by!"
I think I'll start posting "CC welcome & appreciated" in my comments of photos that I've taken a little more seriously. For example, I'd love for someone to go in and deconstruct my "Pier" photo to give me a few extra thoughts.
I want to improve as a photographer, in a perfect world I'd like to get paid for this one day. (far, far in the future!!)
I'd love for someone who knows what they are doing to offer critical comments on my stuff. Processing, colours, composition, whatever.
Some comments you will take on board and some you won't. For me, I'm not precious and won't run off to the corner crying if someone says my photo is messed up.
Let's see how this goes.
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
I think since a lot of people are doing this just for fun and what not, it'd be hard to know where to offer constructive criticism and when to just "like your photo" or leave it.
I think suggestions for how to make the photo better or indulgence into why you like the photo will be nice and improve the photographer's honing in ability to what they should work on or what they are doing right.
I do think that spotting the 'doing it for fun' or 'journal of my life' members are easier to spot since most are done with cell phones or are more candid shots. But thats not always the case.
Glad to hear I'm not the only one feeling that way right now.
It would be nice to have a constructive criticism tag (although that one is long), or a set phrase to put in the description that would let viewers know they can give constructive feedback. Ideas?
Denise,
I agree a single line in comments or description would be more inviting for people to make constructive comments. I think I'm going to try that and see how it goes. Otherwise posting on this website vs flickr or face book is no different and its getting old posting in more then one place with no different results.
Great idea... Maybe we could have a universal tag. If one of the Admins could suggest something and send out in the next news letter that would be awesome.
On the other hand... I am such a n00b myself that as i stand right now... i would feel uncomfortable criticizing anyone else's photos. As I learn I would be more than willing to share the knowledge.
I've been thinking about this too, glad someone has brought it up.
Rather than a tag system i thought maybe we could set up another discussion area, people could post a topic and ask for feedback on it, that way, your photo comments don't get cluttered and we have a handy discussion area where people can browse for advice.
Do you think that would work?
I use a site called inspi.re to get feedback in themed competitions. Feedback is expected there. But even so, often people will write C&C welcome; comments & critique welcome.
Perhaps those of us who want feedback could include "C&C welcome" in our photos "blurb" to let others know that they won't offend us by leaving suggestions for improvement. What do you think?
The idea behind the Critique category would be to build up a valuable archive of critique that benefits the whole community. A place where everyone can read and learn about photographic techniques. The category is not meant as a direct replacement for what you guys want to do, but as something that sits along-side comments for people who may wish to delve deeper.
Also it may be quite hard for a new user who doesn't have many followers to get critique on their photo, again this is where the discussion category would be useful.
this place is way too nice ;)
On the other hand, I understand other people are really wanting to improve their skills and are wanting to be critiqued on their technique. That is what i think is great about this site though. It is open enough that you define your own purpose and goals for using in it. The people here are nice and helpful enough that if you want a technical critique, all you have to do is ask in your description and lots of people will respond. I am not by any means an expert but when people ask advice about things I know, I offer what I can give. I am with Denise though, I wouldn't just offer unsolicited advice. I do, however, find pics that I like the technique of and comment to ask how they did it, when I want to try it on my own.
Thanks for making a site where people who are daily journalers just expressing their world and those with technical photographic aspirations can be supported!
i don't think that this forum is really a good place for critiquing. there are other forums out there specifically for that purpose. and this type of thing could scare people away...most people are doing this for fun, as an outlet, to get away from world.
i am with sara above.
If everyone uses this tag it will make it easy to search for those who want help and provide a few comments back.
Thanks for the feed back everyone
- Tags & Day pages are ordered by popularity
- Search is ordered by relevance or popularity
It would be great if we could come up with a workable solution that benefits the whole community.
just tells people you want it!
i agree though that there's enough critisicm elsewhere - my stuff gets completely RIPPED APART outside of this project
nice to have some friendly encouragement :)
this is a toughy :p
Oh and I missed a day yesterday because I couldn't log on... so this is my 364 project..lol
that having been said - constructive criticism is never a bad thing, and although 99.9% of my photos are snapshots from my life, it would never hurt to be able to improve them! I think I shall be adding 'CC welcome' to my photos from now on....
it might help me get a few more ideas and encouragement to keep going, too...I've only had 3 comments so far this year and 2 of those were from people I knew previously lol! It would be nice to know if it's because my photos are cr*p...ha ha ha!! xxx
Dont get me wrong, I get a little buzz when people leave comments about my photos, but I dont mind if I dont get a comment! Am happy as the site is, its simple, its fun and its about your photos, your take on life, its not a popularity contest!
People just take photo on anything that they think it's the best moment of the day.
Me personally dont really feel like giving a critisism to 365Photo.
If this a photography webiste then it suited the category for cristisim.
365Project its should be the project that you dont plan.. so in any condition of the photos is always gorgeous.. thats what I feel :)
There's enough criticism/negativity elsewhere on the web so I'm happy to come to a place where the comments are light and fun. If people were critical, I'd be gone in a heartbeat. It's not a bad thing to be "nice" or "friendly"...LOL
Well guess what, criticism is happening now like it or not, if not delete the comment and go on with your day.
Gotta disagree with the idea that just taking photos will make you a better photographer. Yes, practice makes perfect, but if you keep shooting the same way you might never step outside the box. I'm glad I've gotten criticism. Some of them make me think that I really should have thought about the shot more but it's the best way to learn.
But I feel there's enough negativity in the world already so I would rather the site remains the positive experience it pretty much is.
Obviously, I like the boost when I have comments like "nice pic" or "great shot" etc but would get pretty fed up if people started telling me "The problem with this is...." If people want that - then add "all comments welcome" or something...
Who really cares if others (or even you) think it's a shit photo??? It's an image of your day....
For me, I'll carry on taking photos that document part of my day - some good, some bad, some boring, whatever...
Rant over :-)
I want to improve as a photographer, in a perfect world I'd like to get paid for this one day. (far, far in the future!!)
I'd love for someone who knows what they are doing to offer critical comments on my stuff. Processing, colours, composition, whatever.
Some comments you will take on board and some you won't. For me, I'm not precious and won't run off to the corner crying if someone says my photo is messed up.
Let's see how this goes.