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10/05/2004 09:38:59 AM · #1 |
I find that I am having a hard time articulating why I like a photo, or why I don't think it works IMHO. I've read the tutorial, and have read quite a few of the comments left on many winning and non-winning pictures in the challenges, and still am feeling pretty uncertain.
I'm not used to critiquing someone else's photos, so I'm not very comfortable or confident in my ability to do so well.
Is this a common thing that most people encounter, or am I just a little weirdo? ;)
I've been forcing myself to write more comments, and just wondered if anyone had any other ideas for help in this area.
Thanks! |
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10/05/2004 09:44:32 AM · #2 |
This is very common. To start with you could try critiquing your own images. Say why you took the photo in the first place, was it the leading lines, shadows, texture, colour etc. Reading articles and books about visual design can also help.
Just remember, the more you do the better and more confortable you will get. Also, you don't have to know how to correct something to comment.
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10/05/2004 09:48:06 AM · #3 |
| Also spend some time reading the comments left by other, more experienced site members. How do they go about expressing what they like/don't like? How do they criticize, suggest improvements. Reading those other examples, you will gradually develop a feel for how to express such things yourself. |
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10/05/2004 10:44:45 AM · #4 |
Dont think you have to write comments in a certain way. Also dont think that you have to know anything about photography to comment either. There are people who have got to the point where they know that when there is a lot of blur in the image and only one small thing is in focus that it is shallow dof. Anyone could look at that picture and like or dislike the shallow dof without actually knowing what it is or is called. Say what you feel. Do you like it or not? Why do you like it? Why do you not like it? Go back over images that you have commented on and see what other people have said. Is it the same short of thing but with different words? You can pick up the jargon that way if you feel the need to use it. Just remember that it is not always the technical stuff that people want to know. I often will want to know how the viewer feels or reacts to my images or whether they just like or dislike it. I dont always need to have 20 comments with 'this would have been better if X was in focus' and nothing else.
In the end your comment is your opinion and other that following polite comment etiquette you can say whatever you like! |
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10/05/2004 10:50:44 AM · #5 |
| I agree with moodville. Sometimes we want the image to communicate with the audience in a certain way. What you feel about the image matters and when you put that in your own words, it makes a lot of sense. |
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10/05/2004 03:44:55 PM · #6 |
Comment on one image at a time: consider it and compare it to all images you remember having seen or to an image you would like to see. Be open-minded and include unusual and unsettling pictures.
Ask yourself if the image you're examining contributes anything (to the world, to you)? What is it and how does it do this? Are you moved or transported by it? Can it hold its own? Is the image balanced or does it feel lop-sided, weighted to one side or another? Does it offer harmony, symmetry to your sense of composition or, if not, do you consider the effect purposeful? Why? Do the various parts of the picture cohere? Does the title reflect or contribute to the image or does it, in your opinion, distract or weaken it? Why?
Does the photograph have energy, charge? How so? What do you feel causes this? Is there any ambiguity about or in the photo, any redundancies? Do you think they would be avoidable? What is the genre and manner of this photograph? Is it a technically accomplished one, and if so, do you think that the technical aspects contribute to its overall strength? Overall (depending on genre), do you feel it, is a credible, convincing photo? Is it a commercial shot, a commodity, offensive? Why? Does it show or point to something you haven't seen before? Does it present you with a sense of mere novelty, a flash or do you think it is durable?
Ask questions, follow them with question marks. Look at the picture. Do not look at the ghost of a photographer behind it. Do not be afraid of real feelings, beware of sentiment. Leave blanks in your comments for the things you cannot know.
Don't judge (that's what the vote is for), examine and show your findings. Do not use unnecessary words (like I do). ;-)
Message edited by author 2004-10-05 15:46:04.
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10/05/2004 04:00:59 PM · #7 |
Thanks to all, your comments have been very helpful!
I've spent the afternoon perusing the challenges trying to make decent comments, so hopefully some of your wisdom rubs off! |
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