The FINE LINE and what you do?

This is mostly directed at the amatuers/hobbyists on here but, obviously, pros are welcomed also.

The "fine line" is this: If you post an image you like a lot but the C&C is mostly negative, how do you react? I don't mean do you get insulted or mad. I'm talking more about the ability to say "thanks but I disagree".

This hits me now as I'm starting my 4th year as an avid but still way amateur photographer. Over the years I've posted many things that got torched (quite rightfully) and my skills have benefited immensly from advice and C&C on this site. There is no way to over-appreciate the advice I've gotten here although the occasional "it's a snapshot" still leaves me cold.

Everyone's tastes are different, and that's how it should be. As long as you are not getting criticism for technique, which is an area that should be addressed if you get it wrong occasionally, anything else is subjective.

As long as you can remain open minded enough to consider what someone else might suggest with regard to composition, or lighting or whatever, I think it's OK to ultimately decide that you like it 'as is.'

Sorarse wrote in post #9323737
As long as you can remain open minded enough to consider what someone else might suggest with regard to composition, or lighting or whatever, I think it's OK to ultimately decide that you like it 'as is.'

I agree. Actually, if I didn't have the open mind and desire to learn, there would be little point to posting at all.

you must remember it is just someone's opinion. what you should try an take away from the post reactions is how to make the shot better. you may come back and ask questions on how you could make the shot better, lighting , composition, mechanics, exposure, post processing etc. even though you like the shot it may still be able to be improved.

I have seen many shots on here that bear the comment it's a snapshot that I think are great.... after all it is just an opinion.

Just remember Van Gogh. Paintings that only a brother would buy.

OTOH, he died in an insane asylum.

I am my sharpest critique. I rarely post here or elsewhere, if it's good I want to protect it from theft and if its bad I don't really want to be judged by it. I ask for criticism from friends and family. I admit I have learned alot browsing the critique sections, but I have to admit I would be unlikely to accept some of the harsher criticism I have seen here and elsewhere, so why ask for it?

birdfromboat wrote in post #9323906
I am my sharpest critique. I rarely post here or elsewhere, if it's good I want to protect it from theft and if its bad I don't really want to be judged by it. I ask for criticism from friends and family. I admit I have learned alot browsing the critique sections, but I have to admit I would be unlikely to accept some of the harsher criticism I have seen here and elsewhere, so why ask for it?

While I'm not very concerned with image theft I just don't need the validation of others to feel that I'm decent. Now if I'm having a particular issue with a shot then I'll come here and see what others can suggest, but I won't open myself to the opinions of the forum. Photographers are like lead guitarists, they see a picture and think "meh, I could do better" and the comments typically reflect that.

I'd much rather hear the truth. Or, at least an experienced opinion when I post work here. Thick skin is required sometimes. At the same time, I often see glowing, overwhelmingly positive responses to work I consider pretty bad. Sometimes I have to assume that maybe I just don't get it.

dave

Unless you make a living from selling your work the most important thing is that you like it. I don't spend a lot of time in Critique Corner but what I've observed is a heavy emphasis on the science of photography and not a lot of appreciation for the art. One example you see all the time is comments about blown highlights, there are times when they add to the composition yet that is completely ignored . It would be against the rules but I've often wondered how some of the work by the Masters of Photography would fare there.

Interesting question, and not limited to C&C. It's a rampant issue in the Gear Forums - you'll find "pixel peepers" for whom the camera/lens test results are the ultimate test of whether a piece of gear is "worthy", and you'll get the "street" photographers who only care about whether they can get the shots they want, when they want to. You'll also find the people who, because a particular combination works for them and their chosen genre, are firmly convinced that if everyone else were to "see the light" and use their gear we'd be able to end hunger, shelter the homeless and find world peace. It's an opinion, folks. Some opinions may have more behind them than others, but unless the person offering the opinion can justify it, it's no more valuable than anyone else's.

I like to think I know my best subjects pretty well but I'm willing to bend an ear towards just about anything anyone cares to share until someone asks "Why?"

I bristle when intent is brought up. Doesn't matter why... I already know I'm something of a "niche" photographer.

Just tell me if what I'm showing you works or not and how I could do it better.

When I get hammered by guys who are at the top of the game, I get mad and go improve until I get respect.

Worked for me with racing motorcycles, curing tobacco and takin' pitchers too

John,

I recall some of your work and I've enjoyed it! The thing that really surprises me is that your lovely wife is fine with you taking photos of younger lovely women.

Regarding criticism, most times I don't post for c&c. I take photos for my pleasure. I'm an amateur. My profession is software development. It's my passion and I'm apparently good at it. I only have so much time for photography. I strive to improve, and I think I've done pretty well so far, but it will always take second place so I know I'll never be great. Regardless, I take commentary very personally, whether I want to or not. I can empathize with folks on the receiving end of, "It's a snapshot," as I find that can be a cold and sometimes cruel insult, based on how it is said.

The time or two that I posted for c&c was for a specific aspect of the photo or PP. I usually need to mentally prepare for all manner of commentary, whether I agree with it or not. When I'm prepared, it's not bad. I can deal with it. Most times I'm not up for commentary from random people so I don't ask for c&c. Some will comment anyway, and often I've found the comments to be constructive and from folks I respect.

I do occasionally offer c&c to folks asking for it, but I'm always looking to find whatever is good in the photo or set of photos. If I can offer a helpful suggestion as well as a positive comment about what's there, then I may post a response. In almost all cases there's something good in or about the photo.

I do my best to give technical advice/opinions when giving critiques. But my biggest annoyance is actually when people take what I say out of context and flame me. No need to critique the critique. I wouldn't be giving my advice if it were 100% wrong. I'll admit, I HAVE been wrong before. But I feel at this point in the game, my knowledge on technical aspects is fairly sound.

I've never been offended by a critique of my own work. It just makes me want to try harder.

Your question is a little reminiscent of this thread...

I try to avoid 'explaining' why I did/like something, because most of the time it comes across as being defensive.

I take everything with a grain of salt - I don't get too upset about the bad stuff but I don't get too excited about the good feedback either.