Why do some get C&C and some don't?

[Keithaba]

I read almost all of the wedding posts, and it' odd how sometimes posts get lots of C&C, helpful C&C, and suggestions. Other's get maybe 1 comment, and then they go away?

What attributes lend to getting good C&C? It is frustrating for those who are seeking to become better when they only get 1 or 2 posts regarding how to improve thier shots.

It doesn't seem to be specific to certain types of pictures or anything.

For instance, this thread generated 3 pages of replies http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=561998

Yet this thread received no reply's. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=577871

And this one only got 1 reply, despite asking for C&C. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=576938

I think it would be beneficial for those who are really seeking C&C to get some solid suggestions. There are some very talented photogrpahers here, and I'm sure they can always offer suggestions. Is it just a time crunch thing?

[hawkeye60]

Excellent question, I don't know the answer but I've noticed the same thing happening.

[moeronn]

I notice it, as well. I comment when I feel I have something constructive to offer or if I just really like the shots. However, being that I only shoot weddings as a guest, my input is limited.

I usually have to ask multiple times in a post to get much feedback.

On the other hand, some people expect immediate feedback, not realizing that this site is viewed from many different time zones and that not everyone is comfortable or confident enough to comment. I'd say a large portion of viewers are here lurking to get ideas and may not even be registered.

[tsw910]

i may take some heat for this .. but oh well ..

since most of you are pretty new to the forum .. i'll give you some insights as i saw through the years on here ..

as anything else in life, there's alot of clique-ish thing that goes on, even here ... if you are a regular that post alot of images, or talks alot on the forum, you will get noticed and perhaps make some online friends .. which in return will comment on your photos that you've posted, being active will generate more " responses " .. unless you are just that exceptional talented photographer, ppl will respond automatically ... which there are a few that are awesome photographers who doesn't post much ...

so with that being said .. you can either get along and then go along .. or you can keep posting photos for C&C and eventually someone will take notice and provide feedback ..

but whatever you do, just dont take it personal ! .. sometimes images posted here are just so cookie cutter, ppl just move on ... especially in wedding section

[ironbelle]

I agree with tsw910's post somewhat, but sometimes the "popular" posters put up cookie cutter images just like everyone else and still get all kinds of replies. I've seen people with thousands of posts put up images that I don't think are that great and they still get "great job", "super",etc. It's like people are afraid to go against the grain. I get that in the sports forum which I post mainly in. I don't bother posting in other forums because I'm sure it would be worse. I'd rather have no posts than some trivial little post that has nothing to do with c&c. I visit all forums and post in different forums. Because I know what it's like to go to the trouble of putting up some images and captioning them and not have someone post a comment.

[Keithaba]

.. sometimes images posted here are just so cookie cutter, ppl just move on ... especially in wedding section

I think that is what people are looking for when they ask for C&C. It doesn't take long to type, "too cookie cutter, get more creative."

[CameraMan741]

honestly, i agree with the above. i go from section to section as every section has something to offer when it comes to compositions, ideas, etc...

but even if i feel that a picture needs some critique and someone has time to post advice, they probably wont since they wont want to be hassled with noob questions by the poster. yes, im guilty as it has happened. say, you post a picture, and someone critiques, and then he asks you 101 questions, its an inconvinence and a waste of time to the person who just offered some advice, unless its relevent to the picture. yes, im not a pro, but i have critiqued a picture on another forum, and have been asked what DSLR is good. its irrelevent and a waste of my time. sure i'll answer it, but thats what i think many people here try to avoid.


long, but honest.

now let the flaming begin...

[SOK]

I read almost all of the wedding posts, and it' odd how sometimes posts get lots of C&C, helpful C&C, and suggestions...It is frustrating for those who are seeking to become better when they only get 1 or 2 posts regarding how to improve thier shots...

So, if you read almost all of the wedding posts, surely you must know the answer to your own question! (As I'm sure you don't leave C&C on every single one you read...? The threads you cited are a good example?)

Sometimes you're busy, sometimes you have nothing constructive to add, sometimes there are so many things wrong you just don't where to start (or how to put it across in a 'nice' way), sometimes you just can't be bothered.

I've found the 'middle of the road' posts get the biggest view:reply ratio. I guess people are willing to acknowledge good work, and take the time to comment on not-so-good work....but the average stuff loses out.

From a personal perspective, if I'm going to offer comments, I like to provide some level of detail and not just offer a one liner such as "needs more DOF". So, unless I have the time or inclination to put my thoughts into words, I won't.

[ironchef31]

Sometimes you look at a photo and think "Boy... where do i even begin"

I think it's not knowing about the skill level of the photographer. It's about judging the photo against the skill level of the photographer.

Perhaps we should use a 1-5 scale for the categories of; foucus, exposure, composition. So a quick comment would be
f-3, e-2, c-4
and add a quick comment on one of the scores.

[Keithaba]

No flaming, no heat, I'm really just trying to figure it out.

[luigis]

Try to use a nice lady as your avatar and start with "Hi I'm Mary and I'm new to photography, what do you think of this pics?"
You will get a lot of C&C and a few more things but I guess the C&C is what matters.

Luigi

[midnight_rider]

I think one of the mods is trying to inspire more people to give advice.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=570929

I leave comments on a lot of things but to be honest I have not been shooting all that long and I need to improve a lot before I feel I can really C&C other peoples work. I have given some advice when I honestly felt I would not lead someone wrong or if they just ask for opinions. I wish more people would respond to my post but it seems that most people leave responses to the amazing pictures or if some one needs help and not advice. However I have learned tons from this forum by simply reading old post.

[sidx001]

Ok, I'm going to add my perspective on this subject because it's something that I have thought about as well. I actually remember all the posts that the OP mentioned and here are the reasons I did not comment on any of the three:

#1 There were already several people responding to the post, but another reason is that I'm not all that strong in Photoshop and she was looking for some help in PP.

#2 There wasn't anything that caught my eye for commenting. The poses were basic, run of the mill poses and I didn't see that I could add anything for the poster.

#3 This was a hard one for me. I can remember looking at the post and the first thought that came to my mind was "Why in the world is that picture being taken?" I don't like being negative without any solution or without any constructive idea to offer. The images in the second post of the thread were much better, but by that time I was soured by the upper pictures so I passed and never came back.

That's what I have found to be the case with the majority of the posts that ask for CC. There are a lot of posts that get CC from friends and I have noticed that the posts asking for PP help get a lot of repsonse as well.

For me, it's a lot to do with my comfort level in answering what the poster is asking for as well.

Anyway, that's my .02

[collierportraits]

Ok, here is my opinion and I'm sure it won't be popular, but I've thought a lot about this after wondering the same myself.

I think ironchef is on target. Some images are so . . . ah, well need so much improvement that you say, "There's so much to say, and I don't have the time for that one..." Basically, I think you'll find that the images that are really good will get a lot of feedback, but what I want to point out to each of you is this: How much help is "Great photos!!"? Not much, unless you're just posting for praise. In short, if you aren't getting any feedback - your images probably aren't that good. I know, I know, that's harsh, but true in most cases. UNLESS, the poster has really posted in a nice, supplicant manner. Then:

Now, how to get C & C? Well, I think it's the attitude of the OP. If they have a listening, humble attitude, well then it emboldens me to say more! If they are all defensive, I simply go away. So, for the posters, stay humble and willing to learn! For the Critiquers, stay nice and honest. (if it's possible at the same time)

[form]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I usually respond to posts depending on a few very personal factors:

1. If I have time to spend

2. If the subject matter is at least on a level that I consider has merit and is above the point of just-getting-started work.

3. If it seems to me that I might myself benefit from dissecting the samples by practicing my eye.

There are many local photographers who do weddings and get paid for a much worse job than I put out. I don't feel inclined to scrutinize that level of work very much because there are too many things wrong and too few things right for me to discern or assess and try to explain.

No one wants to hear that their work is really bad: If I can't make a very good or honest assessment, I say nothing. Does this make me sound elitist? I'm sure it does, but my perspective is influenced by my self image. At this point I feel that I am in the low-mid to mid level of photographic and editing skill and knowledge.

I openly admit that I am just learning myself and there is a huge gap between me and the truly great photographers in the world. Still, I like to think that the photos I take are no longer on the level of completely new and don't-know-what-I'm-doing-but-I'm-still-charging-for-it. I was there, about 2.5 years ago. If I met myself now I'd think, "gosh, you have no idea what to go for in an image; you just think that if you get the subject sharp and everything in focus with the sharpest aperture the lens can provide (like f/5.6 or f/8), it's a good photo. You know nothing about lighting, effect, composition or drawing the eye." You know what? I probably wouldn't have comprehended many things back then that I see now. Because my perspective is different.

[Bubble]

. if you are a regular that post alot of images, or talks alot on the forum, you will get noticed and perhaps make some online friends .. which in return will comment on your photos that you've posted, being active will generate more " responses " ..

So true. Not even in this section but through out the forum. It's more about networking and "friends" you have here.

[form]

Yes, that's probably true. Most of my posts don't draw much attention and it can't just be because the photos aren't any good, since I see plenty of snapshots that get lots of comments.

[picturecrazy]

everyone SAYS they want critique... but most don't.

And often, when you give some REAL critique (which can be a bit brutal if you have a lot to improve on) people take it as the critiquer being rude or 'high and mighty'.

Tough love is the fastest and best way to learn in photography (as I learned 18 years ago). Problem is, hardly anybody in this day and age accept tough love.

Many people are really really busy and don't have time to devote detailed critique. A critique post often takes me about 45 minutes to an hour to do. And when you try to SUGAR COAT everything to not hurt someone's feelings, it takes even LONGER.

Example A:
picture 6 is not interesting. The composition is too central and boring.

as opposed to Example B:
you've done a nice job with 6. The flowers are pretty and you've caught the little girl in a unique moment. I really like what you are trying to achieve here, but in order to really give it that extra kick it would be better to place your subject less central. That would give it a better composition and make the image more interesting because the subject is better placed.

it's just a bunch of verbal diarrhea to say the same thing. People want Example B but people barely have time for example A.

[form]

Many humans are super-sensitive. Our government helps teach us to be that way. Politically Correct is a must.

[Meeshee]

I don't know a whole lot, but I do have an opinion and can post that. I do feel that I often see people explaining themselves, unless they are told their images are perfect. Even if someone is saying, "nice image, but looks soft", a lot of times the poster will reply why the image is soft or out of focus, or why the color looks off, rather then just simply saying thanks. Anyway, thats just an example.

[form]

Opinions are nice, but I think that the technical aspect of something is better to critique because technique is tangible and can be improved/corrected.

[weka2000]

Many humans are super-sensitive. Our government helps teach us to be that way. Politically Correct is a must.

Lucky for me there in no "P" or "C" in my name so Im exempt :lol:

The same thing happens in ALL the POTN sections. I only comment on subjects I know about, and normaly I say nothing to photos that do not move me either way.

Better 1 comment that helps me than 10 "thats nice" comments

Heck I just commented in the wedding section :rolleyes:

[Fingertip]

I have not responded a lot just because I am fairly new myself and would feel odd critiqing work thats better than mine. And to be honest, I will often check out peoples work who respond harshly to see if they can produce a decent image (If they can they have earned my respect). If I found fault with someone elses work and they were to check mine, I would be a laughing stock:lol:.

However, anyone can look at a picture and judge whether it "works" or not. If you think about it, there wouldn't be any professional photographers if the general public could not evaluate quality, even if they can't put their finger on why it looks good.

So, that being said I will make more of an effort to judge photos, even if it is only from a "how does it make me feel" perspective.

[cdifoto]

I'm too lazy to critique.

[NathanJK]

I don't critique if pictures suck, I don't want to have to spew crap to make someone feel good. Then again, I don't usually critique anyways though, its just not my thing. I also don't post asking for critique because I cry easily. I remember back in all of my college art classes we had ridiculous critique days, I've never heard so much BS spewed about horrible art in my life, I think it ruined me forever!

[tsw910]

everyone SAYS they want critique... but most don't.

And often, when you give some REAL critique (which can be a bit brutal if you have a lot to improve on) people take it as the critiquer being rude or 'high and mighty'


this is the other reason why alot of ppl dont "critique" .. i've heard and seen MANY MANY cases where the OP asks for it and then GOT IT .. and then HATES IT and never return ! while going off thinking that ppl on POTN are a bunch of stuck ups ..

if you really want to be Critique'd ... there a section where it can be very nerve wrecking if you have the stomach for it ..

[hawkeye60]

Try to use a nice lady as your avatar and start with "Hi I'm Mary and I'm new to photography, what do you think of this pics?"
You will get a lot of C&C and a few more things but I guess the C&C is what matters.

Luigi

Advice taken :D

[LeoChanPhotography]

hi keith.

great thread.

i've wondered the same thing myself :) i've posted a few times and always wondered why people don't write much about my shots. i'm an aspiring photographer and wonder if i'm able to make it in wedding photography and desparately want C&C!


I read almost all of the wedding posts, and it' odd how sometimes posts get lots of C&C, helpful C&C, and suggestions. Other's get maybe 1 comment, and then they go away?

What attributes lend to getting good C&C? It is frustrating for those who are seeking to become better when they only get 1 or 2 posts regarding how to improve thier shots.

It doesn't seem to be specific to certain types of pictures or anything.

For instance, this thread generated 3 pages of replies http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=561998

Yet this thread received no reply's. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=577871

And this one only got 1 reply, despite asking for C&C. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=576938

I think it would be beneficial for those who are really seeking C&C to get some solid suggestions. There are some very talented photogrpahers here, and I'm sure they can always offer suggestions. Is it just a time crunch thing?