Indepth Critique on challenge entries - questions

04/11/2005 12:01:12 PM · #1

There is a checkbox for challenge entries labeled:
"I would like an indepth critique on my submission."

I selected this as a curiosity on my Self-Portrait III entry back in February. I've not heard anything yet. Is this normal?

I had read in previous forums that critiques were substantially behind because of the high number of requests - still true?

Also, is there any way to know which images you've selected the checkbox requesting an indepth critique on? I've selected it on one other challenge entry but can't remember which one it was now. I know the only way I will know a critique was completed is to keep checking the comments...yes?

Thanks.

04/11/2005 12:06:37 PM · #2

Me being a new member I can tell you there are over 300 photos in the que. I will start putting in some critiques this week. When I volunteered for this I was told to make sure I sign it from the "Critique Club" and to email the person once this was done so they knew. Hope this helps.

Message edited by author 2005-04-11 12:08:12.

04/11/2005 12:20:23 PM · #3

Thanks. That does help some. 300 in queue - Yikes!

Now if only I could remember which other photo I selected...must be getting old! ;^)

Keep having fun!

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

04/11/2005 12:23:17 PM · #4

I don't know the order in which they come up on the critique page but my first click was a cemetery entry. If Manic or Konador see this thread maybe this will be explained as I thought it would go from oldest in the que to newest. If not then I will critique it once I get home this afternoon if you wish and they can take it out of the que if it is still there.

tristalisk

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

04/11/2005 12:26:33 PM · #5

Critiques are removed from the que after a while. The 300 that are waiting are just from current challenges or recent ones.. If you have waited moe than 3 weeks or so for a critique it has probably been removed. To my knowledge we have never managed to complete all of the requests. As for the exact time a photo stays in the que I don't know for sure..

HBunch

HP PhotoSmart 315

04/11/2005 12:32:38 PM · #6

If it is still working like it used to, the photos waiting for crits are there for one week after the actual voting ends. So photos from old challenges are not still on the list. Voting ends, results are posted, those photos go into list of photos waiting to be critiqued, old challenge photos tossed out of the list waiting for crits. So if you've been waiting more than a week, I'd say you were not getting one. There is no guarantee that you'll get one, but you increase your chances by giving critiques and helping to reduce the number of crits waiting in line. :)
That's how it was, It may have changed since I was on it last though.

theSaj

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/11/2005 02:25:54 PM · #7

The sad thing is people out there ask for critiques on EVERY photo. Then people like me who want it on just the occaisional submission never get ours.

I think EVERY member should receive 1 or 2 guaranteed critiques / year with membership. These would remain in the pool until critiqued. It might take a while but you'll get it.

I myself have wanted an in depth review/critique of the following shot

I just renewed my membership and it's frustrating to think that I've not gotten a single official critique. :(

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/11/2005 02:32:56 PM · #8

Originally posted by theSaj:

I think you have a nice critique and suggestions from Robert's (bearmusic)comment on the image.

theSaj

Canon EOS-20D

04/11/2005 03:06:31 PM · #9

bear_music

Actually, I thought that was a good one, except being a novice I was unfamiliar with several of the terms. I sent him a PM asking for clarification.

"I'd think soem careful use of levels and USM could work very well here."
[[[I just learned today that USM refers to "UnSharp Mask" and I inquired what was meant by levels? (brightness/contrast?)]]]

"muddiness of the rendering is offputting"
[[[Was this a reference to the softness and lack of detail...as I am not sure if one could get a superb clarity as this is a reflection on a granite slab which isn't a perfect mirror source. Or is he is referring to another aspect? Am curious how I could improve such under the circumstances? ]]]

Was that an "official" critique? How would I be able to tell if such was an "official detailed critique" ???

- The Saj

04/11/2005 03:19:12 PM · #10

Originally posted by theSaj:

It would be labeled from the "Critique Club" I will try to help and critique it when I get home if you wish but probably will just say over what Robert has already said

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

04/11/2005 04:02:40 PM · #11

Originally posted by hbunch7187:

taterbug

Nikon D300

04/11/2005 04:46:40 PM · #12

Originally posted by glad2badad:

"...but you increase your chances by giving critiques and helping to reduce the number of crits waiting in line.

This raises another question in my mind...it sounds like anyone can volunteer to give "Indepth Critiques"? No disrespect intended to those working on this endeavor currently, but what is the criteria to be one to hand out indepth critiques?

When I saw that checkbox to request an indepth critique I had visions of long-term members with substantial photo experience being the ones doing the critiques. I've been a member a little over 4 months now and I still hesitate to comment on others' photos for fear of not having enough background to provide good direction...could I be considered to give an "Indepth Critique" if I wanted to volunteer?

Originally posted by hbunch7187:
If it is still working like it used to, the photos waiting for crits are there for one week after the actual voting ends. So photos from old challenges are not still on the list. Voting ends, results are posted, those photos go into list of photos waiting to be critiqued, old challenge photos tossed out of the list waiting for crits. So if you've been waiting more than a week, I'd say you were not getting one. There is no guarantee that you'll get one, but you increase your chances by giving critiques and helping to reduce the number of crits waiting in line. :)
That's how it was, It may have changed since I was on it last though.

Certainly don't take what I say as gospel, and someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but yes, anyone can join the official critique club. It does seem like a daunting task, with the sheer numbers of requests for critiques. These folks, in my opinion are giving of their most valuable resource, time, for the sake of possibly helping others to get feedback and improve their skills. :-) My opinion is, there really isn't such a thing as a "bad" critique. Of course, as always, dealing with a group of different people, you will find some may seem better, or more in depth than others, you may "connect" more with the way some may put things. But really, don't you think anything beyond the "cool shot", or "this sucks" comment is at least helpful in some way.
As far as the feeling of being not experienced enough to offer an "official" critique, I think an aweful lot of people feel this way, or start out feeling this way, but there are many, and I agree, that one of the best ways to improve yourself is giving out critiques. And like anything...practice, practice, practice. You could start out working on it without being an "official" critiquer. Just pick out the occasional photo, whether it be a challenge or just browsing, and give it a go. You may not feel like a technical expert (most of us aren't :-D), but take some time, look at it, and just start saying what you like and or don't like about it in simple terms that make sense to you. This is where I'm at, and I like to think my comments have been getting better over time. I personally try to avoid giviing just a "cool shot", or "don't like it" comments, I try to always point out some thing or things why, even if simple like, this has great colors, or I like the balanced feel of the shot, or the background seems very busy it might help to isolate the subject and simplify things.
Oh well, sounds like I'm rambling, but there is my 53 cents worth (inflation you know)

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/11/2005 06:24:14 PM · #13

Seems like posting an image in the appropriate forum and saying "What do you think?" is a more effective way of getting critiques, albeit not formal. That, in conjunction with the comments people leave on the photo itself seem like they would be more valuable than a single critique from even a professsional. JMO.

04/11/2005 06:35:20 PM · #14

Agreed mostly - I thought an "Indepth Critique" would provide feedback (point out flaws) in all areas including composition, contrast, DOF, etc...from an individual or group with substantially more experience. The forums are good, and it seems more beneficial at this point...

Originally posted by kpriest:

Message edited by author 2005-04-11 18:35:59.