Ok, so i have a problem or a concern, its when to say something about others images when i feel they not following the same quality or output they normally do. I'm going to try and keep this short as i know i can ramble on a bit, i know we have the thread for posting images for CC etc, but when it comes to images in the "post your pictures" forum there tends to be the "say something nice or not at all" vibe, to which yes i'm happy to follow and let sleeping dogs be and leave any CC to those asking for it but here is my dilemma, Not saying something when i see images either not looking right or sliding away from a persons normal style or quality feels like i'm not doing anything to help by staying silent and adopting the say nothing policy, for sure i get its a place people can post and be happy but this is my question to both the admin and the users here, Should one point out when images are either not to the same quality of someone who has previously posted good images or indeed point out things that look off in general, specifically in the post your picture forum the reason behind this is i like helping people, though i'm only in my third year of doing photography with a "proper" camera i have helped out alot of people on facebook groups and when i think i can help on the other forums here, maybe i'm not always right to which i'm happy to admit that. i wanted to post this in a higher traffic spot but maybe not appropriate but i guess thats for admin to decide
Greetings Caladina, I believe you have presented your case very well. The reason a Critique Section was created was to avoid what was becoming a serious problem for the owners and members of this and many other sites. You would not believe the number of heated and inflammatory exchanges occurred merely by someone offering to be helpful. I suspect that a huge part of the problem is our own illustrious English language. Offering someone "Constructive Criticism" is still, well, "Criticism." I will first send a Private Message to the shooter and say something like: "You know, I really like this or that image of yours. You seem to have a very good eye for photography. However, I wonder if you would mind my offering a few helpful hints and suggestions."? Appears to work every time. In fact, it may not be a bad idea to name the section, "Helpful Hints and Suggestions Section." Just as an aside, you might enjoy this one. I have two good friends in the U.K., on in Bristol and the other in Manchester. One said to me, "Tony, there are a couple of things that separate our two great countries, one is a very large body of water and the other, a language." )) Again, thanks for writing what you did. Great job and many thanks for being someone who enjoys helping others. Cheers, Tony
I guess that we are all going to have our own opinions with this. But this is a public form. I think that it is okay to post your thoughts about an image in the thread. I don't see it as criticism so long as you are being constructive and honest. In some ways, I wish that there was more discussions about images on this forum. I think that it is a good idea to throw around ideas to help each other grow and develop. Let's be honest. No one is an expert on everything, and we could all take some advice from someone. Or even a how did you do that sort of question, you never seem to see that in the post your image thread. I would like to hear people thoughts about my images, and not just that is a nice image sort of comment. Like you, I like to help, but of course you run the risk of your thoughts not being listened to or ignored. I think that we all have our own pet hates when we see other peoples images. I for one am not a fan of wonky horizons. But that is just me. If you do comment on someone's image, and the thread starts to go south, explain what your thoughts are, and maybe follow it up with a private message. If you think that someone's standards are going south, say it, but say it with respect. You may find that other members chip in and support what you are noticing. Gary
Caladina. I have read your post and the replys to this. Personally I have found that when you critique an image, it is done to give advice on how to improve the image. This is what we do as a community, helping each other out and seeking help ourselves. I have found your advice you give to be down to earth and usually in a area of photography I am unfamiliar with, please keep doing this as it is what this forum needs to knit together as a community and ensure its longevity.
So, do any of the replies to your question actually answer the question? Or are you still looking for the answer? Gary
yes, especially where you mention the discussion around an image, its not always necessary but from a learning point mentioning the basic settings help others etc i think it was also a post to clarify what is behind me asking questions of some images, its not me just rubbishing them but seeing if i can help but also realizing that some people are happy with what they are producing and may not want any help. with online friendships you don't really know what someones limitations are either, maybe they are much older or with their own personal limitations either physically or mentally, its something you usually have to second guess
