I love that everyone on this site is so nice to each other. On the other hand, I sometimes get the feeling that people are so nice here that they are afraid to offer constructive criticism to other members. Whenever I get a comment that suggests a way that I might have made a better photograph, I appreciate it. In some cases, it is a matter of editing, and I can post an improved version of my photograph. In other cases, it might be something that will help me in the future.
I've also found that when I have offered suggestions to other 365ers, they appreciate it. I think most of us are looking to improve our photography, and there is a lot more to be learned from a comment like, "This photo could have been improved by..." than by comments like, "Great shot."
So, here is my suggestion: Keep being nice, but don't be afraid to tell me what I could have done better.
This topic hasnt come up in a while! I agree people here can be too nice, but that is also why it is such a neat place to chill out, no stress :)
years ago there was a tag for people who were into sharing such feedback, cant remember what it was offhand. There is also a whole section of the discussion board dedicated to critique but it doesnt seem to be used much.
Perhaps you could start a weekly thread such as the fav fav one where people share their photos that they would like feedback on?
i do agree with you, frogger, and with @kali66. it's a wonderful place to spend time, and learn, and become friends, and have fun, and i would also be happy to have more constructive criticism from people. i think the tag had 'critique' in it, kali? i would be glad to see it resurrected. also a weekly feedback thread sounds grand
I have found the best way to get feedback- constructive or otherwise- is to put it in the commentary under the picture. Critique me please or any suggestions...and so on. And that helps for me because I'm of the mindset that if it's not asked for it may not be wanted.
@pistache@kali66 was it "critique me" or "critique me please" or something like that? I suppose you could just type them in and see what comes up!
Often, though, I'm not looking for feedback about a particular photo. However, I post something and someone will make a suggestion that would make the photo better.
Even positive comments can be helpful when someone points out specific features of a photo that make it good.
Anyway, be nice, but feel free to make helpful comments on my photos.
I think that we need to consider that not everyone is here for the same reasons. Personally, I don't care for critique, essentially because I don't like to follow rules lol, it's more of a creative thing for me I guess. Some people are here just for the daily diary type entry and have no interest in "improving" or the technicalities of photography. To each their own! I don't offer critique either because I feel like I am imposing what I would like to see onto someone elses vision or art. If I wanted critique, I would ask for it. Again tho, to each their own! :)
I really like Kali's idea of having a weekly thread that people could post photos they want critiqued. (though I would institute a rule of a maximum 2 photos a week to it).
And, Tim - since there are many members who are already involved in weekly/monthly chores (northy does get-pushed, kali does favourite fav, Jackie does the fav from your album, Skip does flashback, Mel does 52 week challenge, Sheralee does 52 portraits, and I do the Weekly SH*T list and word of the month)
Would you consider starting this thread and doing it on a weekly basis? I bet it would be a great success. I would make sure it makes it to the SH*T list every week.
It’s easy to do. I can let you know how it is done if you are unsure of the technical side of how to start a thread.
Agree 100% with what @kklinck said - I'm happy enough to neither critique nor to be critiqued unless I've asked for feedback.
I like to enjoy everyone's images for what they are without thinking about how they could be improved, and if I've posted something, then I'm happy with it (some more than others of course!)
That said, @tdaug80 I second what the others said about starting a weekly thread especially for this purpose - excellent idea :)
@kklinck@m2016 good that you pointed this out, and i could imagine it might apply to lots of 365-ers. so perhaps the critique-me tag and a weekly thread is the way to go ...
I do like the idea of posting pictures in a space to request critique. I am personally self taught operating with my camera phone. I realize that will never compare with professionals who use much more powerful cameras and more sophisticated editing programs. However, I would love to learn more about composition. I like when people comment using language or concepts with which I am not proficient. For example, I did not previously know what "leading lines" were. However, several people have used this term to describe an aspect of my photos they liked. This kind of discussion has helped me to learn more about what makes a great photo besides my gut instincts.
I like the idea of the critique-me tag and also the new weekly thread though, like Frogger, I’d always welcome critique. Sometimes I’m at a loss re how to make it better but wouldn’t think to put it in a thread. I always have in my comment about my photo that I appreciate suggestions but rarely do I get them. I know it takes longer to look at a photo thoughtfully and find the words to express a critique but I sure appreciate it when it happens
For those who are interested in critique on a regular basis, one opportunity we had on the site around 2014 was to become a member of a critique group. Our group had about 6 of us who committed to providing feedback to each other on a regular basis. We sometimes agreed on some kind of focus or theme, and sometimes just on a timeline (e.g., once a week). The group started in response to a thread that asked for volunteers to mentor or be mentored, and then from that, informally, groups were formed (some were pairs: a mentor and a mentee) and others, like ours, consisted of a few people. I learned a lot from that group interaction and we stayed together as a group more or less for a few years. And even now still informally comment on one another or provide feedback here and there.
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
years ago there was a tag for people who were into sharing such feedback, cant remember what it was offhand. There is also a whole section of the discussion board dedicated to critique but it doesnt seem to be used much.
Perhaps you could start a weekly thread such as the fav fav one where people share their photos that they would like feedback on?
@pistache @kali66 was it "critique me" or "critique me please" or something like that? I suppose you could just type them in and see what comes up!
Even positive comments can be helpful when someone points out specific features of a photo that make it good.
Anyway, be nice, but feel free to make helpful comments on my photos.
And, Tim - since there are many members who are already involved in weekly/monthly chores (northy does get-pushed, kali does favourite fav, Jackie does the fav from your album, Skip does flashback, Mel does 52 week challenge, Sheralee does 52 portraits, and I do the Weekly SH*T list and word of the month)
Would you consider starting this thread and doing it on a weekly basis? I bet it would be a great success. I would make sure it makes it to the SH*T list every week.
It’s easy to do. I can let you know how it is done if you are unsure of the technical side of how to start a thread.
I like to enjoy everyone's images for what they are without thinking about how they could be improved, and if I've posted something, then I'm happy with it (some more than others of course!)
That said, @tdaug80 I second what the others said about starting a weekly thread especially for this purpose - excellent idea :)