Critique Corner

I thought Critique Corner would train my eyes to what I am missing, I study the photos first and think 99% of the photos are perfect but when I read the comments I can see what the critiques are seeing, but on my own I just don't see what they see. Just wondering how long and how much focus is done to find what you find?
Thanks
Don

I learned a bunch of it in about 6 months. This has been a great training ground for me. Occasionally, I'll make a bonehead suggestion and others call me out on it and correct me (THANK YOU).

You will learn that not everyone has the same opinions on the photos here. And, some of the people have strengths in areas that others don't have. For example: Some people key on cropping at joints, others are sticklers for level horizons, still others poke at focus or exposure, many have post-processing expertise, and some have a superb eye for composition. You'll start to notice trends in comments made by different members.

Keep on studying the photographs and reading the comments by some of the experts here and you'll catch on. If I can do it, so can you.

Welcome to POTN...now get in here and post!

I use this section the most and have learned loads - still no expert, but I do offer my opinion from time to time. The act of criticizing may help the poster and definitely helps me.

All opinions are interesting, mostly valuable and mostly varied.

Love it!

I have learned so much here, and continue to learn every day. I can spot a crooked horizon from a mile away after hanging out here. I delete a lot more of my own work now that I have become so critical!

You will catch on quick too. You just have to become addicted to POTN like the rest of us!

DigitalDon wrote in post #15603924
I thought Critique Corner would train my eyes to what I am missing, I study the photos first and think 99% of the photos are perfect but when I read the comments I can see what the critiques are seeing, but on my own I just don't see what they see. Just wondering how long and how much focus is done to find what you find?
Thanks
Don

I'd say more like 99% of the photos posted here have issues vs. being really truly great images. Some people have an eye for photography and some don't. You can train yourself to get better, but some just have a knack for pleasing composition and such without having to try much.

DigitalDon wrote in post #15603924
I thought Critique Corner would train my eyes to what I am missing, I study the photos first and think 99% of the photos are perfect but when I read the comments I can see what the critiques are seeing, but on my own I just don't see what they see. Just wondering how long and how much focus is done to find what you find?
Thanks
Don

Keep working at it. As I shoot more and more I learn more and also get more critical of what makes a great photograph. I just posted some pictures of pintails that I took this winter and 12 months ago I would have been ecstatic about them... now they just look soft to me and make me want to continue to refine my technique. It's addicting!!!!

Thanks to all of you for your replies, I know I tried airbrushing three times in my life, once when I was in my twenties, again in my thirties, and then the last time in my late forties ( I really applied myself this last time) and I never got the eye for shading, shadows, deepth, composition, etc, so something tells me I may not get any better at seeing anything in photos.

Thanks
Don

Critique Corner is the best bit for me i like to look at the image/s posted kinda see what's in need if much try and work out what i would do then see what other think.
i have learnt so much like the others have said above i will defiantly improve you skills no end

DigitalDon wrote in post #15603924
Just wondering how long and how much focus is done to find what you find?

I see an image's faults within seconds of first looking at it. I wish I didn't, but what is wrong with something always seems to make more of an impact on me than what is good about an image.

When someone cuts themselves shaving - just a small nick with a miniature droplet of blood - I notice it immediately. My eyes don't first notice the 99.9% of the skin on their face that is still in tact - my eyes instead go right to the nick. I guess I am the same way when I look at a photograph.

Over the past few years I've spent so many hundreds of hours closely examining my own images for faults that seeing them is now almost instantaneous. Hopefully I will learn to see these faults while looking thru the viewfinder, when I am still able to correct them prior to clicking the shutter.

DigitalDon wrote in post #15603924
I thought Critique Corner would train my eyes to what I am missing, I study the photos first and think 99% of the photos are perfect but when I read the comments I can see what the critiques are seeing, but on my own I just don't see what they see. Just wondering how long and how much focus is done to find what you find?
Thanks
Don

Don - this is a good discussion topic... thanks for bringing it up.

I visit the critique threads for another reason. I really enjoy seeing what people are coming up with these days, and I always feel that something can be gained from examining the work of others. I also try to give back to POTN for all the help I've rec'd from its generous members.

Critique is something that I take very seriously.

People here often hang their hat on what others say, sometimes taking it to heart or being upset, but more often than not gaining a positive "take-away" from the discussion. Locally I'm a volunteer competition judge for several photographic organizations. Once a group finds out that you do this sort of thing you tend to get referred around like a "cheap date" .

Judging is a lot of fun though. I get to see innovative things, see who is doing "what" on the local photo circuit, and talk face to face with some vry talented folks. Not only do the 3-judge panels score each print, but we also give verbal critique in front of the maker as well the audience. Judges who are caustic, sarcastic and don't offer constructive commentary do not get invited back. It is a self-pruning process. We actually subscribe to that POTN rule of "Don't act like a jerk." It's wise common sense .

Critiquing is one of the best ways to improve your photographic eye. There is the obvious benefit of having others appraise your work objectively, but also judging the work of others is great practice as it can be very difficult to judge your own work objectively...

It can be useful to start with the question 'what's wrong with it?' and ask it for each area - composition, exposure etc...

Then ask the question 'what's right with it' which is just as important!

Thanks again for all the replies and this great site, it's like opening the photography book, manual, etc. to the page you are looking for with out having to look for it, if it wasn't for places and people like we have here then it would take me a lifetime just to understand the setting on the camera.

Thanks again
Don

I think most people would agree that critiques are one of the most helpful learning tools to become better at photography. Some critiques are really helpful and can even give you a -lightbulb turning on- type of moment. Other critiques may make you feel good (like "great pic!") but that type of critique is useless as it doesn't help you improve. In my mind I try to go through a systematic approach to evaluating a photograph.

1. technical aspect: exposure, subject, lighting, focus, white balance, etc
2. artistic: composition, lines, texture, overall look and feel, mood, emotion, etc.
3. post processing

I try to note both the positives and the things that could have been done better.