Howmdo you deal with people who think they are great at photography but kinda suck?

I have a few friends who think they are wonderful. And frankly they are garbage. They are all proud about it and it bugs me. Just for kicks what are some ways I could deal with it?

Sure there is...you could make an appointment with a psychologist to determine why your own ego is so shallow that you need to berate the work of others in order to boost your own self-esteem.

You do what everyone here does and give their pictures high praise and compliments.

Aperture1.4 wrote in post #12778553
I have a few friends who think they are wonderful. And frankly they are garbage. They are all proud about it and it bugs me. Just for kicks what are some ways I could deal with it?

Just get over yourself.

Why do you think your friends need to be "told" their photographs are "garbage"? Who appointed you the critic of their photography? What personal "insecurities" do you have that makes you unable to allow your friends to be proud of their efforts? Why does their pride "bug" you? What does it mean to call someone your friend or to think of yourself as one of their friends?

Why not just be nice?

Aperture1.4 wrote in post #12778553
I have a few friends who think they are wonderful. And frankly they are garbage. They are all proud about it and it bugs me. Just for kicks what are some ways I could deal with it?

1) Drink heavily.
or
2) Never take another photo for the rest of your life.
or
3) Remember that they're your FRIENDS, and get over it.

Here's how I handle this with some coworkers.

First off, all captures are good. They had to spend sometime out doing so they get an "At'a Boy".

Then, I may suggest something small that would have made the picture better - rule of thirds, foot zooming, greater/lesser DoF, so on. Normally, they'll try the suggestion on their next shoot and bring the results back and talk about the change.

I never berate them or their pictures. Even if a picture sucks, it's still good. I have started small with them and now they are really coming around and producing some much better work, to the point we're now discussing filters and some PP techniques.

You help them along just like you were helped along but never berate them. Take time to tell them how you got a photo and help the learn. It's the only way to get better.

Aperture1.4 wrote in post #12778553
I have a few friends who think they are wonderful. And frankly they are garbage. They are all proud about it and it bugs me. Just for kicks what are some ways I could deal with it?

Well, to start, "Get a life" does come to mind...

I normally wouldn't equate the terms "friend" and "garbage" in the same sentence. You need to get over yourself and stop raining on their parade. If they're happy and content, who are you to say otherwise? If you can't be part of the solution (help them out and provide tips to improve), then you're part of the problem. Better yet, post up some of your work in the Critique forum and show us all just how fantastic you are. This all sounds a bit high-schoolish to me...maybe it'll even turn into a "dissed on Facebook" thing.

You could carry a mirror with you everywhere you go; when your “friends” start talking about the latest shot they have taken you can then simply look into your mirror to remind yourself how wonderful you truly are, and how far they have to go…

If you have a strong desire to have them acknowledge your superiority simply tell them. Really what do you hope to gain by doing this. If you want to help them then the word garbage should not be in the conversation. If you want them to just quit talking about their "nice work", again simply tell them your real feelings. I hardly think that you would qualify as their friends as friends don't even do this anonymously.

Photography is a subjective medium. What I like you may indeed view as garbage. Does that make you right and me wrong. IMO there is no right or wrong answer. Everyone is entitled their own opinions of others work. If their commentary on their own work is bothering you that much simply avoid them. If they are making glaring technical errors you can try and help in a constructive way but somehow I don't think that is your agenda here. Some take things like the rule of thirds as gospel while I view them as suggested guidelines.

I think you need to decide if you want to be friends with them not.

Get over it because they may think the same about your photography.

Jealousy is a nasty thing. Especially if they are truly your friends.
Having people say your friends work is good when it is not, should not bother you.

Pot, meet kettle.

If you want to keep those friends:
Don't critique other peoples work unless they ask for it.
Don't offer to help anyone get better unless they ask you for help.

Hey, I am one of those people! I suggest you just let me...be me. My limited talents are no threat to you so just smile and bite your tongue when I show you my work.
I think it's a basic lesson on how to treat anyone, not just an amateur photographer.

When they're not looking.. break their camera...

He's talking about me. Yes, I suck. Take a look at this for proof:

A true friend would not be looking for ways to knock another friend down. A true friend would be encouraging their friends. If you know so much about photography, then share it with them, but do it politely. People can accomplish great things with direction and encouragement.