(RANT) Perfectionists (RANT)

anyone see the recent issue of shutterbug?

On page 34 there's a backlit shot of a cowboy standing in a doorway...the photographer is inside shooting towards the outside...the composition is not even (more on top and one side...very decidedly "off")...the doorway is slanted at an obscure angle (not the normal and acceptable slant) and the framing is odd.

And it's a fantastic shot! However, it most assuredly would have been trashed here because it does not follow the "rules" of composition in any way...wonder how the guy/woman would feel if they knew their excellent (and published shot) wouldn't make it past potn...

Another thing I've found interesting...you ever see how many slow moving water shots with what are called "blown highlights" around here, makes it into publication? It's mindblowing.

I do not mind critique. I really don't. If it will further my photography. But if it's just to boost the "reviewers" ego, by making others look/feel small, it's not worth my time/effort.

I echo what Mark said. I'm my own worst critic. (lol, though I can think of some that may critique even that statement )

calicokat wrote in post #2477447
A BS Filter, now we are talking

I want it!

Of course, once installed, I would only get about 10% of what I'm getting now.

Permagrin wrote in post #2478091
anyone see the recent issue of shutterbug?

On page 34 there's a backlit shot of a cowboy standing in a doorway...the photographer is inside shooting towards the outside...the composition is not even (more on top and one side...very decidedly "off")...the doorway is slanted at an obscure angle (not the normal and acceptable slant) and the framing is odd.

And it's a fantastic shot! However, it most assuredly would have been trashed here because it does not follow the "rules" of composition in any way...wonder how the guy/woman would feel if they knew their excellent (and published shot) wouldn't make it past potn...

I agree, it's a fantastic shot. It conveys the mood perfectly.

One thing about being truly gifted (pro or amateur) is knowing when to chuck the rulebook.

Few would not agree that Shakespeare was a great and gifted writer. But a "purist" could spend days expounding upon his bad grammar and poor syntax (even by Elizabethan standards).

Notice how few of the "purists" are in print after 400 years?

20droger wrote in post #2478210
I want it!

Of course, once installed, I would only get about 10% of what I'm getting now.

I think the filter would turn on me in the long run

Pete wrote in post #2476971
I sometimes get a bit annoyed at camera club judges who make comments that are pretty incomprehensible ("this would have looked better with a touch of fill-in flash" on a shot that's obviously taken with a telephoto lens, or judges who want immovable objects moved to make the composition better, or ones that completely miss the intended mood of the shot).

On a personal level, I've had stick for some shots I've put up here, but I take them as a cack-handed compliment as people are starting to expect better of me.

Nah, your shots are just c**p mate (that's a joke for those who don't get it!)

Permagrin wrote in post #2478091
And it's a fantastic shot! However, it most assuredly would have been trashed here because it does not follow the "rules" of composition in any way...wonder how the guy/woman would feel if they knew their excellent (and published shot) wouldn't make it past potn...

Well said!!!!!!! I can't abide those who follow the 'rules' slavishly. I often find myself commenting against the grain on composition here for that very reason!

Everytime I show a print to my family, they oooooooooooh and aaaaaaaaah...tell me what a marvelous photographer I am and spend hours raving to friends and other family about the amazing work I have done. While it is nice that family likes my work...some of it just doesn't live up to the hype they try to place on it. While their praise is nice, they would praise anything I did...simply because they are proud of something that none of them are particularly adept at.
I am starting to have the feeling that the PPA of PA consists of 5 members of one family and none of them are adept at much of anything beyond pointing out flaws in the works of others. The comments are just laughable at this point.

Woolburr wrote in post #2480009
Everytime I show a print to my family, they oooooooooooh and aaaaaaaaah...tell me what a marvelous photographer I am and spend hours raving to friends and other family about the amazing work I have done. While it is nice that family likes my work...some of it just doesn't live up to the hype they try to place on it. While their praise is nice, they would praise anything I did...simply because they are proud of something that none of them are particularly adept at.
I am starting to have the feeling that the PPA of PA consists of 5 members of one family and none of them are adept at much of anything beyond pointing out flaws in the works of others. The comments are just laughable at this point.

LOL, thats a great way to think of it. I just posted a C&C in the people section and the ones in question have not touched it