Unsolicited advice etiquete - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

11/19/2008 06:57:32 PM · #1

I was just commenting on some photos in a current challenge and saw a quick easy editing fix (that I've recently dealt with) to help one of the shots. After making a quick PS edit I posted the edited shot in my workshop and commented on the original photo, linking to the workshop image to demonstrate my suggestion.

I have an uneasy feeling about meddling with someone else's picture without permission, but I can't PM the person during a challenge and I probably wouldn't bother with the effort if I didn't do it during commenting. I did tell the person to let me know if they want me to remove the edited version before the end of the challenge.

So, my question to fellow DPCers is what sort of etiquette do you think is appropriate with this sort of unsolicited advice? Is it best not to demonstrate an editing suggestion on someone's photo during challenges or do you think most people would appreciate the effort to help? I think I'm now leaning towards not risking potential offense, but I' curious what anyone else thinks or has done. On the other hand, I would love it if quickly demonstrating edits with each other's photos was a common part of the culture here.

Lydia

Canon EOS-6D

11/19/2008 07:00:08 PM · #2

I would appreciate the time and effort given to my image and love it if someone felt that they could help me with my processing.

So... I think that's great.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

11/19/2008 07:03:40 PM · #3

I think the first thing to do is remember that, to the photographer, it may not need to be "fixed" -- what you see as a problem may be intentional.

But, expressed in terms of "If this was my photo, I'd do ___" it seems a reasonable way to state your opinion, and most people don't mind a demonstration as well as a description of the technique. I try to make sure the edited image is clearly identified as being taken by the original photographer, and I put it either in my Workshop folder or in a folder clearly labeled as modifications of others' photos.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

11/19/2008 07:04:30 PM · #4

If I think a quick and simple adjustment may help an image, I sometimes pop it into PSP to see if I am right. I don't post it, but do mention that I did so in my comment and if the member wants want to see the difference or has further questions, they can always PM me.

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

11/19/2008 07:05:58 PM · #5

Originally posted by GeneralE:

or in a folder clearly labeled as modifications of others' photos.

Good idea to keep a folder for these edits. I usually put it in my workshop and delete it once the thread gets cold.

Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II for Canon

11/19/2008 07:16:04 PM · #6

Originally posted by GeneralE:

No doubt. I started the comment above by saying that the photo might have been intentional as it was, but if it wasn't and an easy fix would be appreciated....

Originally posted by yospiff:

This sounds like a good compromise to me. I didn't even think I could just put an edit in my workshop and ask the person to PM me if they want to see an example of what I was suggesting.

dsterner

Canon EOS-40D

11/19/2008 07:20:33 PM · #7

Gee, If someone helped me out on something that was very obvious in my photo - I'd have to say it would make my day!

On occasion I even PM'd folks on what they meant by their comment - some heavy hitters too. I made some nice friends that way.

I just keep in mind that I am here to learn.

Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II for Canon

11/19/2008 07:30:16 PM · #8

Originally posted by dsterner:

Yea, I'm was kind of counting on most people being like you when I was commenting earlier. Still, I think to be safe I'll take

yospiff's suggestion to offer to demonstrate a change if they want to PM me. Particularly when I keep in mind

GeneralE's point that something I "fix" might have been the way the owner liked it, I can see where having their own piece altered in an unsolicited way might really be upsetting to some people.

dsterner

Canon EOS-40D

11/19/2008 07:34:16 PM · #9

Originally posted by JMart:

Particularly when I keep in mind GeneralE's point that something I "fix" might have been the way the owner liked it, I can see where having their own piece altered in an unsolicited way might really be upsetting to some people.

But this time it worked out OK, RIGHT? ;)

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/19/2008 07:39:54 PM · #10

Originally posted by dsterner:

Originally posted by JMart:
Particularly when I keep in mind GeneralE's point that something I "fix" might have been the way the owner liked it, I can see where having their own piece altered in an unsolicited way might really be upsetting to some people.

But this time it worked out OK, RIGHT? ;)

Let's just say my life hasn't been threatened yet :P

Beetle

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

11/19/2008 07:47:49 PM · #11

Wow, I find it sad that you should even have to worry about that!

Considering who/where we are, surely we should appreciate any such efforts even if we didn't agree with them.

You sound like you went the right way about it, as I do think the tone is important to many people - don't tell me I'm useless and will never take a good photo in my life, but do feel free to share YOUR vision of it with me.
Offer your version as an alternative, complete with all the "respect" and credit the original deserves, and I'd be thrilled to see what YOU did to it.

Personally, I wouldn't want to have to pm you first. That seems like a bother to both of us.
You already took the time to work on my photo, I'd hate to have to bug you again.

dsterner

Canon EOS-40D

Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II for Canon

11/19/2008 07:48:51 PM · #12

Isn't it nice when you just stumble upon a kind person

bvy

Sigma DP1x

11/19/2008 07:54:37 PM · #13

Originally posted by GeneralE:

I think the first thing to do is remember that, to the photographer, it may not need to be "fixed" -- what you see as a problem may be intentional.

Doesn't that go for commenting too? To the photographer, the image may not need to be "critiqued." What I describe as a problem may be intentional. Probably is. Happens all the time. For that matter, I think what the OP did was just an extension of a comment -- or an illustrated comment, if you prefer. No problems as long as its only shared with the photographer while in voting.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

11/19/2008 07:56:08 PM · #14

Originally posted by bvy:

Originally posted by GeneralE:
I think the first thing to do is remember that, to the photographer, it may not need to be "fixed" -- what you see as a problem may be intentional.

Doesn't that go for commenting too? To the photographer, the image may not need to be "critiqued." What I describe as a problem may be intentional. Probably is. Happens all the time. For that matter, I think what the OP did was just an extension of a comment -- or an illustrated comment, if you prefer. No problems as long as its only shared with the photographer while in voting.

Exactly. :-)