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Fun with MF images 2024

drevil

Well-known member
Staff member
what bugs me is that stanley himself didnt complain and even said he is ok with critique.

i think he can defense himself, when someone is TRULY rude towards him, as it should be

same thing happened a few weeks, when i criticized a picture full of dust spots, my words were exaggerated, sure, but come on. i even said i like the picture.
 

darr

Well-known member
Here's my take on critiquing photos and maintaining the peaceful vibe of this forum: If I ask for it, please feel free to fire away with your thoughts. But I'm just here to share some images, not to engage in a debate about the finer points of composition, etc. My photos aren't up for sale; I'm just in it for the sheer joy of sharing what I see. So, unless I specifically ask for feedback, let's keep the peace in this delightful corner of the internet. I've seen enough virtual smackdowns in other forums where self-proclaimed experts try to school photographers on their work. Let's skip the drama and enjoy the ride. If someone requests your opinion, sure, feel free to share it. But if not, keep the peace and move on.
 
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Pieter 12

Well-known member
Here's my take on critiquing photos and maintaining the peaceful vibe of this forum: If I ask for it, please feel free to fire away with your thoughts. But I'm just here to share some images, not to engage in a debate about the finer points of composition, etc. My photos aren't up for sale; I'm just in it for the sheer joy of sharing what I see. So, unless I specifically ask for feedback, let's keep the peace in this delightful corner of the internet. I've seen enough virtual smackdowns in other forums where self-proclaimed experts try to school photographers on their work. Let's skip the drama and enjoy the ride, shall we?
I don't want to seem argumentative, and I never comment on the artistic aspects of a posted image. However, when I see something that lacks in technical execution (several examples, usually showing the originator is not aware of it), I feel the need to point it out. Generally so the poster might consider improving their technique. Nothing dramatic. People who are posting here have laid out serious money for their occupation or hobby and it could be hoped they are just as serious about the execution.
 

darr

Well-known member
I don't want to seem argumentative, and I never comment on the artistic aspects of a posted image. However, when I see something that lacks in technical execution (several examples, usually showing the originator is not aware of it), I feel the need to point it out. Generally so the poster might consider improving their technique. Nothing dramatic. People who are posting here have laid out serious money for their occupation or hobby and it could be hoped they are just as serious about the execution.
Perhaps sending a private message could be a more effective approach. It opens up the opportunity for a dialogue that could potentially be more helpful.
 

jng

Well-known member
I don't want to seem argumentative, and I never comment on the artistic aspects of a posted image. However, when I see something that lacks in technical execution (several examples, usually showing the originator is not aware of it), I feel the need to point it out. Generally so the poster might consider improving their technique. Nothing dramatic. People who are posting here have laid out serious money for their occupation or hobby and it could be hoped they are just as serious about the execution.
Perhaps sending a private message could be a more effective approach. It opens up the opportunity for a dialogue that could potentially be more helpful.
In my own experience, the nature of electronic communication makes nuance and intention difficult to divine in certain if not many circumstances. So, while this may not have been the intent behind the original message ("I'm sorry. The obvious masking detracts from the image."), it's perhaps not too hard to see how its terseness may have been off-putting to some. I don't consider or assume anyone here to be "snowflakes" who melt under criticism; rather; there are certain social conventions that can be easy to overlook in the forum format.

Like @darr, I also post my images to share with others. I am not looking for critique or anything in return here. I think there used to be a thread for public critique elsewhere on GetDPI, but I couldn't find it in a quick search last night (I'm either misremembering or it was removed by the mods for lack of interest). In any case, as suggested above by Darr, a critique and conversation can be made via DM. It would then be up to the OP to share (or not) with the rest of the forum community. Or perhaps someone can (re)start a thread if there's interest in an open forum for public critique, and see how it goes. My two ¢.

John
 

Pieter 12

Well-known member
In my own experience, the nature of electronic communication makes nuance and intention difficult to divine in certain if not many circumstances. So, while this may not have been the intent behind the original message ("I'm sorry. The obvious masking detracts from the image."), it's perhaps not too hard to see how its terseness may have been off-putting to some. I don't consider or assume anyone here to be "snowflakes" who melt under criticism; rather; there are certain social conventions that can be easy to overlook in the forum format.

Like @darr, I also post my images to share with others. I am not looking for critique or anything in return here. I think there used to be a thread for public critique elsewhere on GetDPI, but I couldn't find it in a quick search last night (I'm either misremembering or it was removed by the mods for lack of interest). In any case, as suggested above by Darr, a critique and conversation can be made via DM. It would then be up to the OP to share (or not) with the rest of the forum community. Or perhaps someone can (re)start a thread if there's interest in an open forum for public critique, and see how it goes. My two ¢.

John
I dunno. A DM seems like a targeted and personal critique. Open commentary allows for others to chime in, concurring or disagreeing with the point being made. All my comment has seemed to churn up is whether it is legitimate to comment on (other than "like") something that has been posted for public consumption.
 

daz7

Active member
I dunno. A DM seems like a targeted and personal critique.
Completely agree.
DM messages would feel rude, patronizing, and ad-personam, in my opinion. Public comments allow to see a full spectrum of opinions and may even lead to an interesting discussion between other users with different views.
 

darr

Well-known member
DM messages would feel rude, patronizing, and ad-personam ...
This can also apply to offering opinions publicly without invitation.

Over at another forum I frequent, they've got this golden rule plastered on two places in their guidelines: Critiques should only be offered if requested by the original poster.
It's in place to prevent a negativity tornado from brewing. Sadly, some humans can't resist twisting feedback into a weapon against those they do not care for.

A positive step is that anyone can start a thread specifically for critiques.

--

Regarding the "Like" button, I happen to like it. :)
When I leave a Like, I tell the photographer I noticed their work and appreciate it.
If I leave a "Love," it is the equivalent of placing a silver or gold ribbon on their photo like received in art school.
If I pass the photo by without leaving notice, that also says something.

People will have differing opinions on all of this, and this is mine.
The one thing that works to help anyone pursuing an art is encouragement.
If my Likes and Loves help give a fellow photographer some energy to continue onward, I have succeeded.
 

rdeloe

Well-known member
Critiquing is a skill. I teach a course for undergraduates who are new to purposeful photography, and new to critiquing. I spend a lot of time teaching them what's useful in critiques, and what isn't. They are nervous at first, but then most are empowered when they discover that they have the capacity to receive direct and constructive feedback, but also to give it.

Andrew Molitor has an interesting perspective on critiquing that I use to give the students some perspective. http://photothunk.blogspot.com/2018/05/critique-yea-or-nay.html
Critiquing can be a power play; Andrew does a good job of explaining how that works.
 

Pieter 12

Well-known member
Critiquing is a skill. I teach a course for undergraduates who are new to purposeful photography, and new to critiquing. I spend a lot of time teaching them what's useful in critiques, and what isn't. They are nervous at first, but then most are empowered when they discover that they have the capacity to receive direct and constructive feedback, but also to give it.

Andrew Molitor has an interesting perspective on critiquing that I use to give the students some perspective. http://photothunk.blogspot.com/2018/05/critique-yea-or-nay.html
Critiquing can be a power play; Andrew does a good job of explaining how that works.
When I was at art school, it was quite common for some students to leave a critique in tears. Encouragement is good, but encouragement to improve is better.
 

chriswebb

Well-known member
907X/CFV100c | XCD 135 with 1.7x teleconverter stiched pano over 4 shots.

Snowy Sunrise II (screen) - 20240229.jpg

I was taking a shot of the sunrise and turned around and saw the light here and took a quick pano before I had time to really compose and setup properly but thought the light and color was striking... By the time I setup a better composition the light had changed. I am still learning how to incorporate Hasselblad/Phocus into my current workflow.
 

cunim

Well-known member
Here's my take on critiquing photos and maintaining the peaceful vibe of this forum: If I ask for it, please feel free to fire away with your thoughts. But I'm just here to share some images, not to engage in a debate about the finer points of composition, etc. My photos aren't up for sale; I'm just in it for the sheer joy of sharing what I see. So, unless I specifically ask for feedback, let's keep the peace in this delightful corner of the internet. I've seen enough virtual smackdowns in other forums where self-proclaimed experts try to school photographers on their work. Let's skip the drama and enjoy the ride. If someone requests your opinion, sure, feel free to share it. But if not, keep the peace and move on.
@darr is the grownup in the room and summarises well. You know, I think it would be fun to have a button you could push for "comments welcome". Actually asking for comments is too formal, but a button..... Those of us in the boonies may have no one around to share photos with. Be nice if we could indicate a few shots that are at the edge of our capabilities and could use help. I would use the button sparingly but, if I think comments on a particular shot could teach me something, why not open it up?

An alternative would be to have a thread titled "Have mercy". We could post there if we felt supremely confident - or masochistic.
 
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