why?

[J D Skate]

Why is it that there are almost 60 people viewing Critque Corner, but there seems to only be one post every hour?

[dkimages]

We are scared to have someone pick apart our pictures.

[JackSpratsMom]

If I don't have anything new to say about a picture, it serves little point in my opinion to repeat the sentiments of all the other respondents.

Plus the fact my critiques are more related to my personal taste rather than extensive knowledge of technical expertise.

[Mgw189]

Plus the fact my critiques are more related to my personal taste rather than extensive knowledge of technical expertise.


That is exactly why you should post your comments. You dont need to be an expert to tell someone what you like or dislike. It just may open that person up to a different way to see something.

[strmrdr]

because it takes being a little bit of a jerk to do good c&c.
And some people take it personal and others just cant bring themselves to post the comments.

[Beau Hudspeth]

My mother always said "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."

In this section of the forum, that is rotten advice.

If you stink in your pick of subject matter, composition, lighting, settings, cropping, post production, gear, angle choices or a host of other 'attributes', and no one points it out, then what will you learn? Squat!

If you want C&C, expect HONEST C&C or don't ask for it.

All I ask of those posting their comments is use a bit of tact. A ruthless critique can break a new shooters spirit and drive them away from some possibly VERY useful advice.

"Nuf said.

[Hellashot]

People like to look. :) If you don't know what makes a good picture, you may not be wanting to post an opinion.

[Benji]

I offer critique based on my over 25 years as a professional portrait photographer, but it seems most of the time, my critique is drowned out by all the "good jobs" "well dones" "beautiful shot" comments from people who know absolutely nothing about portraiture. So unless I "get there first" I refrain from commenting. Besides, most who post here really don't want to know what is wrong with the image, they want the "good job" comments. (This is not true of everyone however.)

Benji

[thekid24]

Ive sent a couple of threads to the critique corner and really didnt get much. Really dissapointed, I figured there would be people ready to critique.

[J D Skate]

because it takes being a little bit of a jerk to do good c&c.
And some people take it personal and others just cant bring themselves to post the comments.

Thats a pretty good reason. lol:lol:

I try what ever someone tells me and if it does not work I forget about.:D

[Benji]

Ive sent a couple of threads to the critique corner and really didnt get much. Really dissapointed, I figured there would be people ready to critique.

I for one usually only critique portraits as they are my forte, so I am one less photographer here on POTN who will chime in on the other types of images.

Secondly lots of times I look at a portrait and I think this guy is really doing a great job and I will say so. At other times when it is obvious that this is this guys first or second time at portraiture I cut him lots of slack and only make general comments about all portraits rather than his image only. That way hopefully he will take the hint. I also will post links to my free portrait tutorials so he can look and see what makes a good portrait and then compare his to mine and hopefully learn that way.

Benji

The link mentioned above is
http://www.photocamel.com/forum/tutorials/16516-rules-good-portraiture.html

[Mr B Snappy]

Personally I post pictures on here because I want to improve. As long as the critique is a critique and not a slagging I welcome any comments.

[Mike2005]

I offer critique based on my over 25 years as a professional portrait photographer, but it seems most of the time, my critique is drowned out by all the "good jobs" "well dones" "beautiful shot" comments from people who know absolutely nothing about portraiture. So unless I "get there first" I refrain from commenting. Besides, most who post here really don't want to know what is wrong with the image, they want the "good job" comments. (This is not true of everyone however.)

Benji

Please don't refrain from commenting....everyone included who may agree with this sentiment. I recognize that many people fail to offer technical feedback and limit their comments to more subjective, personal critique. I don't think this is bad necessarily. I, for one, am not experienced enough to offer much more then subjective criticism. Yet this is exactly why I am here. To learn. I took a hiatus from learning photography and recently am trying to get back into it. I don't necessarily have the time to take a strucutred photography class. Work and family....and my desire to just plain hang out keeps me otherwise busy. Point is that I think this forum is a valuable resource for those of us that really want to learn. I appreciate the subjective comments, but am really more interested in a critique of the tehcnical aspects....good and bad. Those are the ones that will allow me (and all of us that want to learn) to develop skill. As this section specifically implies technical critique, that is why I will post here and I hope I can get some good feedback. Thanks.

[rammy]

People don't like criticism in general. We don't like hearing about what is not perfect with us, it seems to be a part of our nature? Why else would we have such bad advertising on "bettering ourselves, our looks, our lifestyles etc." We are "told in some many ways" what is wrong with us.

In photography, which can be an expression of ourselves it is also true. We don't seem to like to be told what is wrong or how to better ourselves because it suggests a flaw in ourselves or our character. Even when one is being objective and subjective. It seems to be taken as a personal attack.

I dare not consider myself a decent photographer and neither do I purport to be one. Even so, I used to comment critically and since I've had negative posts about my criticism, I will not anymore. I will only comment on where I can add value on techniques.

Something that a lot of people forget is that the "Critique" forum is all about the GOOD and the BAD and should be a forum that helps to learn WHY a photo is good or bad.

[J D Skate]

People don't like criticism in general. We don't like hearing about what is not perfect with us, it seems to be a part of our nature? Why else would we have such bad advertising on "bettering ourselves, our looks, our lifestyles etc." We are "told in some many ways" what is wrong with us.

In photography, which can be an expression of ourselves it is also true. We don't seem to like to be told what is wrong or how to better ourselves because it suggests a flaw in ourselves or our character. Even when one is being objective and subjective. It seems to be taken as a personal attack.

I dare not consider myself a decent photographer and neither do I purport to be one. Even so, I used to comment critically and since I've had negative posts about my criticism, I will not anymore. I will only comment on where I can add value on techniques.
I agree

[J D Skate]

I believe that Criticism should be very specific to avoid appearing personal.

[OCPickle]

I believe that Criticism should be very specific to avoid appearing personal.

So far everything you have said, I agree with. The above quote is one minor exeption. Specific criticism relating to a specific issue is very constructive. It is when criticism is personal that it appears personal. All people in all forums on the internet need to be a little careful to make sure their posts are coming across as intended. The reason smilies were invented was to make sure the poster's feelings are getting across adequately. Sarcasm (which should not be in a critique) is a fine example. The inflection in the voice tells when it is sarcasm or not. Inflection does exist in text...ergo...smilies. Aside from that, if the comment/critique was about the photo it should not be even allowed to be taken as a personal shot. Additonally, if someone posts pictures in the Critique Corner they are posting for the purpose of being critiqued. If they get a little sensitive about being told their picture is not that good they need a thicker skin and should think twice about posting in CC again. Obviously, the critiquer should be use decorum.

As for me personally, I don't post in the C&C unless I think it is an obvious issue or at least an issue that someone of my limited knowledge can give constructive advice about.

[Cocha]

I lurk here a lot because I learn from critiques of other people's work -- and I have a lot to learn. When I do post, I expect honest critiques and don't mind harsh criticism, as long as it's constructive. In general, I find those who do comment to be informed and informative.

Likewise, I don't comment on other people's work unless I feel I have something constructive to offer.