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02/21/2008 09:52:38 PM · #1 |
Is it just me, or is the word 'distracting' overused to a ridiculous degree in comments about photography ? The light's distracting, the background's distracting, the point of the photo is distracting. Does everyone viewing images have some form of advanced ADD and get distracted by the slightest things ?
Maybe we should try to banish it from our vocabulary for a month. It has become distracting. |
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02/21/2008 09:55:56 PM · #2 |
| Heh... you make a good point, and the best thing we can... oh, look.. a penny! |
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02/21/2008 10:04:13 PM · #3 |
LOL @  scalvert.
Brings up an issue about commenting that I noticed about myself after about six months on the site - I read others' frequent and repetitive comments like "highlights blown", "distracting", "tilted horizon" etc. and that seemed to influence me to observe and comment on those same things when normally I might not have thought that. Took me awhile to unlearn those things and I usually try to comment on my initial reaction without reading others comments first. While I still might say something like "that naked woman in the background is distracting" at least now I really mean it. :) |
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02/21/2008 10:15:17 PM · #4 |
Everything is distracting when you are looking for a technically precise snapshot and the photographer has chosen to present you with art; using certain techniques to maximize highlights or shadows or a particular contrast ratio. High-Key/Low-Key entries always get creamed with comments like 'can't get past the blown highlights' or 'too dark'. That cartoon effect finishing that comes with heavy USM or on HDR's really is wonderful under the right circumstances, but inevitably, someone can't get past their own preconceived notions of what a picture 'should' be to realize that maybe the artist meant to finish the image that way.
of course, there always are the people who blow highlights, underexpose or practically invert the curves, just because they don't know what they are doing or aren't even aware of it. I guess we just have to cut the commenters some slack too. In a learning environment, not everybody will always be on the same page or be aware that some things are purposeful technique while others are simply oversights that can be corrected with practice.
Shoot what you like and enter what you love. To hell with the scores.
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02/21/2008 10:52:52 PM · #5 |
| Your post was distracting. I found it hard to read and make sense of it. |
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03/03/2008 07:27:59 PM · #6 |
Ritalin is my solution for distractions! [thumb]307841[/thumb] How's about a lot of color with nothing in focus and bunches going on? Are you distracted yet? :}
I have always enjoyed the amusement of people and their inconsistent application of standards. My favorites are "Nice photo but nothing is in focus!" Then I work exceptionally hard on the focus for the next contest, and I get this comment, "This photo looks like it has been over-focused!"
My reflex says, "Why don't you give me your address so I can put YOU in my next photo! Would it be in focus sufficiently then?"
My all-time favorite "double-talk" was the unintentional instructional duel between the President and Vice-President of the college I attended.
Being a strict private college Dr. Roberson (President) was a stickler for structure, "Alright, Young People! Let's go straight down the line! Let's not veer to the right or to the left!" Then Dr. Faulkner (VP) would follow him with "Okay, Young People, we've got to be flexible!"
Thanks, Gentlemen! I'm right on the page with you both! Life is loads of Fun! :)
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03/03/2008 07:49:56 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Arcanist:
Shoot what you like and enter what you love. To hell with the scores. |
My sentiments exactly!
I live in the imperfect world called life. It rocks!
It's also tilted, often a little out of focus, blown out, oddly composed, but it's real.
I look at my Free Study entries and Best Of entries and wouldn't trade 'em for anything - they are real. |
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03/03/2008 07:58:15 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Brad:
I live in the imperfect world called life. It rocks!
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... and how is that juxtaposed with DPC? |
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03/03/2008 08:00:38 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by cpanaioti:
Originally posted by Brad:
I live in the imperfect world called life. It rocks!
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... and how is that juxtaposed with DPC? |
Cuz' I'd rather photograph the real world. You know - the one full of distractions & imperfections.
(had to edit my spelling - it wasn't perfect - LOL!)
Message edited by author 2008-03-03 20:01:24. |
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03/03/2008 09:03:36 PM · #10 |
I plead guilty. I do use the term distracting a lot. I did just check the 3 comments I've left on your photos and I didn't use it on any of yours. :)
When critiquing a photo I think it's OK to point out what is distracting, after all it's supposed to have a clear subject and if something keeps pulling your eye away from the intended subject then that is a distraction and should be pointed out.
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03/03/2008 09:18:21 PM · #11 |
I think it's a DPC thing personally...where very clean, simple images appear to do the best. Perhaps people use the verb "distracting" to describe an element of the photograph that somehow prevents them from enjoying the image more (i.e. DPC voters like easy to digest/eye candy-esque imagery and these elements tarnish the shine).
N
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03/03/2008 09:44:27 PM · #12 |
Spiff breaks out a thesaurus...
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