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DPChallenge Forums >> Rant >> Harsh criticism and the beginner
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Showing posts 1 - 9 of 9, (reverse)
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 05/19/2004 03:28:42 PM · #1
I've come to the conclusion that harsh criticism is really detrimental to an amature's progress. Obviously, we have come to this site to show our work to improve as photographers. Comments and criticism come with the territory. However, some comments that I have seen are akin to yelling at a 7 year old for not riding their bike the right way. Beginners need encouragement, even if it in the form of 1 nice compliment or an improvement that could be made to their photo. By focusing SOLELY on the negatives of the photo, and doing it in a bitter angry way, I'm more than sure we are killing the spirits of many would be great photographers. Or maybe my skin is too thin. Who knows.
 05/19/2004 03:41:52 PM · #2
Originally posted by matiscro:
I've come to the conclusion that harsh criticism is really detrimental to an amature's progress. Obviously, we have come to this site to show our work to improve as photographers. Comments and criticism come with the territory. However, some comments that I have seen are akin to yelling at a 7 year old for not riding their bike the right way. Beginners need encouragement, even if it in the form of 1 nice compliment or an improvement that could be made to their photo. By focusing SOLELY on the negatives of the photo, and doing it in a bitter angry way, I'm more than sure we are killing the spirits of many would be great photographers. Or maybe my skin is too thin. Who knows.

I think the first thing you will learn from this site is DON'T submit a photograph that you know is not very good, ie. out of focus, badly lit, washed out colours,etc... be critical yourself first.
Obviously you can't post a challenge entry for critique in the forums but you can post others and ask for comments.
Sometimes it is not what you want to hear but listen and learn, get the basics correct and the results will come.
And that is coming an expert :):) ( at getting criticism that is )
 05/19/2004 03:49:06 PM · #3
I agree completely. However, I think that I have a really good internal filter for what is good/not good of my own photos. I wouldn't submit one that I didn't think was a good photo, which is why I've only submitted 2 in since I joined a couple months ago. I'm not only referring to my own photos, but others as well, and the unduly harsh criticisms they get. Another analogy...would you knock over a toddler while he is taking his first steps? Of course not. A lot of the photographers here are toddlers, and I see a lot of pushing, rather than helping. That's all.
 05/19/2004 04:01:53 PM · #4
While maybe some people could be more polite, this is not a photography school, but a photography contest.
 05/19/2004 04:06:35 PM · #5
Originally posted by StevePax:
While maybe some people could be more polite, this is not a photography school, but a photography contest.


Good point, I withdraw my rant.
 05/19/2004 04:06:52 PM · #6
Originally posted by StevePax:
While maybe some people could be more polite, this is not a photography school, but a photography contest.

I agree about the politeness bit, but it is certainly a school, I have had lots of good answers to my queries, overall a lot of good eggs.
There you are , thats my crawlin done for the day.
 05/19/2004 04:13:50 PM · #7
By the way Steve, I like your profile pic. I had the entire 3rd edition of those things...I remember the day I acquired the one that completed it, KO'd Kody.

As for polite, I don't necessarily mean that either. I meant, insightful, thoughtful, intelligent comments. Not just matter of fact half assed opinions.

05/19/2004 04:14:07 PM · #8
Originally posted by StevePax:
While maybe some people could be more polite, this is not a photography school, but a photography contest.


You're wrong Steve, this is a photography school. The vast majority of the members are here to learn, and the competition factor just adds to the fun.

As for the other comments. Thoughtful critiquing is an art form. It has to be learned the same way as DOF. Many think that critique means criticize. These people are in the same infancy as many of us are in as photographers.
 05/19/2004 06:00:38 PM · #9
Harsh, honest citicism is the best way to learn. I hate the fact that when I'm scoring well I get a lot of comments that say great job, but when I score lower I get a few comments that say great job.

I want more comments that tell me what I could have done better. That's how I'll get better.
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