You POTN people have ruined me!

I have spent a lot of time on this site reading and learning. Especially learning about how to help make my pictures the best they can be. I appreciate all the honest feedback and suggestions.

However (and there is always a however).....

Now when people show me their "great" pictures I notice background clutter, subjects out of focus, picture noise, etc. I keep my thoughts and comments to myself.... AND I think how I would make the picture better. By reading, practicing, and learning from others I hope to get better as time goes on.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their help and support!

Yeah, this site changes you forever and then makes you spend all your money!!

I never shot sports until I started shooting digital (film is pretty expensive to learn on for just a hobby at something like sports where you burn a lot of shots).

Anyway - now when I go down to a hockey game I notice and I'm annoyed by the strobes because I know what the photogs are doing. My friends don't even notice - just like I used to never notice.

My "notice factor" has increased as well.....

Me too ha ha

and you'll appreciate newspaper photos more too...

The knowledge almost takes the enjoyment out of looking at photographs taken by friends and relatives. Oh wait, most relatives either don't take photos anymore (and wait for me) or they just stopped showing them to me.
I never even criticized them

Now about POTN~ I sure learned alot here including how to spend money I don't have and how to help others do the same.

artyboy wrote in post #5248454
and you'll appreciate newspaper photos more too...

That's funny. I found myself looking throught the newspaper today just looking for the photographers name and then critiqueing the pictures.

haha! u win some, you lose some...

Haha I can barely look at a picture without critiquing it in my head. Seeing what could be done better.. sad I know.

boucher.

Yes, I used to think I was a good photographer until I came here! I never critique friends' pictures though, even when they ask for it, because even when they ask for critique, they don't really want it. I usually just say "It's nice" or pick out some element of the shot that's not dreadful and say that that part's good.

I've been in sports television production for nearly 20 years...
You should try watching a sporting event on TV with me sometime. I'll point out things I guarentee you've never noticed.

It gets very difficult to just observe when you are actively involved in doing. Be it your job or your hobby!

Undoubtedly, a more analytical, or perhaps retentive, view emerges, and while this can stoke criticism, it can also underpin greater appreciation of other people's works. That said, it is important not to become so mired in rules that the technical aspect constantly eclipses the heart and aesthetic of the photograph.