- This topic has 12 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 4y, 9mo ago by
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- https://instagram.com/lightstalking
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/lightstalking
- Allows Edits: Yes
@admin-2- Posts:14124
Allows Edits? YesFolks, we are slowing turning into a “nice shot” forum. Let’s not let that happen. The world does not need another of those.
The Shark Tank is for NEGATIVE BUT CONSTRUCTIVE criticism.
Please refresh your memory of the rules here.
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Rob congratulations and well said. The forum can be a great learning tool if members are encouraged to use constructive honesty in a kind manner. A few years back it was more like that and actually seemed a livelier place because of it.
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I have four university degrees, including a doctorate and consider lightstalking as equivalent to a university environment. In all my years of schooling I don’t recall students thanking their instructors for doing their jobs or thanking their peers for helpful comments. So I’m more a believer in “no thanks needed.” When I make comments, what I expect in return is agreement or disagreement, along with illustrations and explanations of why so that I may learn more. There’s no right or wrong way of doing anything, but commonly accepted ways that may not always be the best at the moment. When someone edits my photo and makes it look better or worse, the best help to me are explanations of why and how they made those changes so I may replicate or avoid them as I see fit. Anyone who comments on or edits my photo can know without a doubt that I’m thankful they even took the time to notice it, let alone to help me improve. Thus filling up web pages with redundant thank you’s and praises serves mainly to slow down page loading and locating useful information.
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Your house your rules Rob.
I will say that only negative comments can be demoralizing for some people. I agree with the raison d’etre of constructive criticism, however, if criticism is the only thing on offer be prepared for a certain amount of atrophy.
My opinion…a balance needs to be struck. 🙂
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Criticism can be kind and can be helpful. “The shadows are too dark” is not helpful. If the shadows were lifted the eye would naturally follow etc is helpful. If you use LR try the follow on those shadows is even more helpful.
Lovely shot cos someone is ya mate helps no one. Possibly if someone needs a pat on the head for producing mediocrity the ST is not going to be the comfort zone they seek.
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When I post a critique, I generally try to say one positive thing before launching into the constructive criticism. And we should be a little gentle with newbies.
It would be nice if there was a button to click saying “Outstanding image — no suggestions.” That way a killer great image could receive some acknowledgement instead of dead silence.
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- https://www.instagram.com/christopher.pook/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/pookies_pics/
- Allows Edits: Yes
@chrispook- Posts:3263
Allows Edits? YesGood reminder. Not been around much – busy at work. Just come up for air (and beer) in Dubai. Had plenty of the latter, so take what I say with a pinch of salt.
I don’t critique much, and don’t put up much for critique. I’ll do one now for good form. 🙂
Photography is a wonderful blend of art and science. Critique should reflect this, in being both subjective and objective. On the subjective side, a photograph can move you. A good photograph will. A good photography can tell a story, transport you to another place, or give you an insight into another world. Of course that is me speaking with my own experiences and interests in mind – mainly a love of documentary photography.
Offering subjective critique is valuable, but, well, subjective. It says as much about the reviewer as it does about the reviewed.
Objective critique is easier, really, because it is about the science of photography. How to use the trinity of shutter speed, aperture and ISO to achieve a given effect. Straightforward really.
Good critique is not about being nasty. Nor is it about being nice. It’s about offering advice that will lead to improvement, either over time with the adoption of new shooting techniques, or improvement on a specific image with different processing.
I’ve noticed two different schools of critique here, both useful generally. One school is about the actuality of the shot. Using different combinations of the Trinity, stepping 3 paces to the left for different framing, using a different focal lengths, etc. That’s useful.
There is also a school that talks about post processing, and what can be done to improve an existing image. Also really good, and useful.
None of that needs to be nasty, especially.
We have some amazing photographers on here, and it’s really kind of them to give time to helping the rest of us develop.
I would hate to see critique becoming formulaic, and yet there is a formula. For me the perfect critique would be; ‘I liked (or disliked) this shot because… it made me feel… If you had done… then… and here is an example…. From a technical perspective you may consider in future trying… which would give you…
That is, by and large, what we get here, and I am grateful.
A really good critique will give both subjective and objective advice, leaving the recipient better informed, and energized to go do more, feeling good, no matter the quality of the image submitted for review. A really good critique is not easy!
I feel a bit guilty because I don’t always follow through with the great advice that I have received on this site over the years, but that does not detract from my appreciation to you all for taking time to help me develop.
I also feel a bit guilty for not taking part more in offering critique, but, well, I plead a busy life.
In any event, much appreciate this group, and Rob et al for facilitating.
I’ll raise a glass to you all, and throw one in the pool! Looking forward to great critique. With best wishes to you all, wherever you may be.
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