Glamour comments!

A classic example how the wise old men here (Mods) can lighten up a situation whilst injecting a little humour...and it worked!


My hat goes off to them

Anyone wanna fight? I can't wait to see more of them smilies

OK OK I know the horse is dead. And I know this might bring him back to life. But I have 2 thoughts that I would like to share.

If you're going to critique something on GN or anywhere on POTN, then keep it to photography. No one is interested in your enlightened views or moral dogma. Those comments and judgment are no more welcome than the "nice a$$" comments.

If you're going to critique, hold it to a reasonable standard--and show an example. The best being your own work. Why complain that someone's work is not to the level of some lofty master? No kidding. If you are going to offer the critique, show an example from your OWN hand. That is a requirement on some forums and I think it would be good practice here. I'm really tired of reading negative comments about some folks work (usually beginners or intermediates) by other people who never or rarely post work and who likely couldn't do as well and certainly no better.

I think both of the suggestions are good examples for us to follow. Certainly, I won't be responding to moral judgements or personal taste. "i don't care for the tatoo" isn't a critique of the photographic work, unless what you mean is "i don't care for how the tattoo was lit, etc.", it's a value judgment.

Frankly, I think I will start asking people to post examples when I see critique. Especially if I am not sure of what they mean or if I don't think it could have been done reasonable in a given circumstance.

Charlesu, I think that you are right on, and that we should all hold to giving examples. The only problem that I see with that some of us view this site while at work and we don't have our own images with us. However, I do agree, and I will be the first to say that when I can, I will hold to this. I know that when I was starting out (wait...I still am), that I would get frusturated with comments on what not to do, but no suggestions/examples of what to do. Good work!

Charles,
I think it's a good idea to try and show an example what is meant, but in some instances that's not always feasible either. I'm afraid I won't be able to run out and get hold of a model straight away when wanting to critique a photo. Ok, that might be overdoing it, but you get the picture. I think it's a good idea to keep in mind though if it's possible to show one's ideas.

Of course, both of you are right. You won't always have an example shot. And serious, legitimate crit should always be helpful. The example helps because, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. And to be able to comment about it AND show how it is done is the ideal.

This is a really good community on the whole. And we're very fortunate. I hope we continue to have and develop the kind of camaraderie and respect that's so beneficial. I've been to many other forums that were far less successful at this.

We really don't have abusers here (that just sit and nit pick everyone else's work without posting their own or showing how things are done). We're lucky. Maybe we should just encourage examples whenever possible. It certainly lends the feedback more credibility.

Thank you Noni. Good comments.

As for me, I personally hate 'glamour' photos. They are not usually that good - poor setups, exposure, etc. To say nothing of being same'o, same'o. They all look pretty much alike. TA, TA, TA.

Just because a guy has a cute girlfriend (ok, sometimes they are not that cute) doesn't mean she really should be (or wants to be) shared with every other man in the world. [She may just want to please you!] And just because you can doesn't mean you should.

I often feel embarassed FOR the women and wonder if they realized their T&A would be flashed all over the world wide web for men to oogle. If my husband did that to me, I would feel more than a bit betrayed and used. I don't care what forum he did it on. However, I do like good art nudes. A man and wife doing lovely art nudes can be wonderful. But - ART NUDES are NOT glamour. Not even close.

But, thats just me. Maybe there are women who don't really care how the world 'views' them. Maybe the guys and the girls really think those shots are lovely. All I can say is God save us from illusion and may they all have a good time and not regret it in 10-20 years.

Please don't flame me - its just an opinion. And I like to live to shoot another day.

Me thinks you're in trouble...

Enlightened as in "stick to photography on a photography forum?" YAY, I'm an enlightened master. Or perhaps I simply read the forum rules a while ago. As for judgment, if you mean keep my opinion to myself, I shall...unless and until I don't. In which case, it's all good (and always has been). If everyone had the same opinion, the world would indeed be a very boring place.

See, this comment bugs me. And yes, stop reading now if you don't want to see an opinion. If someone had said "man, Reubens, you're not really getting the lighting right," do you think he'd've rolled over and quit painting? "Geesh, Michaelangelo, you really don't know how to handle a chisel" would not have upset him..."All right, Van Gogh, you need to do something in color. This B/W stuff just doesn't work" didn't send VG running off...

The finest of all artists were taught, critiqued, learned their craft. They were critted harshly, I am sure. But what came from it was marvelous work and incredible talent was honed.

Why shouldn't one hold themselves to the highest possible standards? Why shouldn't one strive to emulate those whose art has lived for centuries? And if one believes that painted art is not connected to photographic art, I hold a vastly different opinion. I think that the connection is very strong, very clear, and very easily seen.

Why shouldn't one be the best they can be? Unless, of course, the intent is to simply provide voyeuristic titillation to a group of friends and followers.

O.K., you can start reading again. LOL!!! enlightened moral dogma over for the mo'.

I've been shooting seriously since April 27th of this year. Until June, I had not taken a class. When I get to shoot a model, then I'll find out if I'm any good or not. But that may or may not occur anytime in the next few months...or years. So, why is my opinion less valid because I'm new? I have eyes, I see things, I understand things...do you really mean that only those with work which matches a pre-set approval standard can comment on the photography? Ask questions? And where would one find a pre-set approval standard list? 'Cause I'm curious about that.

I *know* I can't paint worth a hill o' beans. I don't know if I can photograph a model in the way I would want - until I shoot them. Past experience tells me that I might have an eye for this stuff, but we'll see.

Totally your prerogative.

I am reminded of an old chinese saying (paraphrased):
"Rivers are not denied entrance to the ocean; all are accepted, small and large. Thus is the expanse of the sea explained."

If the criteria is "you must've already posted a good shot to have anything you say listened to," I think that is a pretty elitist position. If your position is "well, you can't do any better," then I think that's a pretty defensive position to take. If your position is "put up, or shut up," I guess you should mark the "ignore" button on my name.

It is, as I've stated, all good...I just disagree.

Barb, thanks for your comments. I appreciate them.

Best-
Noni

There is another Chinese proverb:

"... if you keep your shut no one will think you're dumb..."

Something my mom used to tell me when I was young. Never did understand it 'cause I would just keep on ranting on until that sting on the back of my head. May be that explain why I'm nuts.

I remember an old chinese proverb also

"Your fingers can't be of the same length."

(bout as relevant to the issue as much of the preceding)

All best

If you keep your what shut? I sure hope that wasn't directed to anyone posting in this thread. Please clarify.

Thanks.

No it wasn't. Wasn't there to insult anybody except my myself. Like they say if can't insult anybody insult yourself. Just a quote I got from My Dear Mommy. But it is a real old Chinese Proverb. I should know got smack enough behind the head for it.

Just another useless/meaningless comment!!!

Thanks for the clarification. Moms have a way of confusing us, don't they?

He did cut his ear off, so maybe he couldn't take criticism?

bachscuttler wrote:
He did cut his ear off, so maybe he couldn't take criticism?

I thought that was all about psychotic love....you know, like stalking, except by sending his own body parts. LOL!!!! Ewwwwwwwww....

Best-
Noni