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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Examples of Constructive Criticism
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10/27/2003 10:52:08 AM · #1
People complain that their comments are almost personal attacks and not subjective enough to be considered constructive.

I'd like to start a thread about a comment you feel was particularly constructive, regardless if you agreed or not.

Here is one from one of mine...

"I guess the only draw back in my mind that it is kinda boring..."

Sometimes simplicity is translated as boring. Food for thought.
10/27/2003 10:55:44 AM · #2
This was an epiphony of sorts for me!



"The lines and contrasts in this image are interesting, but the overall subject choice doesn't inspire me."

"Yep, its exposed. Not very interesting."

"Good Points:see your idea and like it.
Bad Points:overall it makes for a dull photograph. no interesting focal points of detail or color. "

Message edited by author 2003-10-27 10:57:48.
10/27/2003 10:59:34 AM · #3


"If this was a picture of a bridge it would be better." - shutterbug82

This comment suggested to me that it would have been better if the stairway were actually a bridge, because any old bridge shot is better than whatever you may come up with.
10/27/2003 11:04:22 AM · #4
"I'm not too crazy about the composition with the white dead space on the right."
It helps me when someone states what they like/don't like without implying that the photo is bad or I'm a bad photographer.
Thanks for starting this thread!
10/27/2003 11:05:04 AM · #5
Good one Jimmy!
10/27/2003 11:09:03 AM · #6


chrisab - Although I wasn't around to vote for this one, I have to say.. it's really a great shot! Although I can't help thinking it would be a LITTLE bit better if the guy had been on fire.
10/27/2003 11:10:29 AM · #7
Personally I thought it would have been better if it were a picture of Angelina Jolie getting out of the shower, but, alas...
10/27/2003 11:11:13 AM · #8
...if only...
10/27/2003 11:37:40 AM · #9
Originally posted by bamaster:

People complain that their comments are almost personal attacks and not subjective enough to be considered constructive.

I'd like to start a thread about a comment you feel was particularly constructive, regardless if you agreed or not.

Here is one from one of mine...

"I guess the only draw back in my mind that it is kinda boring..."

Sometimes simplicity is translated as boring. Food for thought.


I see a lot of photos that make me feel the same way. There is simply nothing interesting to look at in the photo. I don't usually comment on these photos myself. I just let them pass by.

10/27/2003 12:03:38 PM · #10
I try to comment on the photos that I can give a brief opinion, so the photographer can look at their shot in another way. Or the best shots to say, great shot-good job-LOL stuff. Like John, I don't comment on the blah-uninteresting ones that are hard to give comment without a dissertation. Van
10/27/2003 12:25:40 PM · #11


"What a great idea! the clarity suffers here; I kind of expect light to be pure and vibrant. Try using brightness/contrast to darken the neutral colors and bring up the the vibrant colors. You can increase the saturation of the colors, too. Really top notch composition, too."


This is a marvelous bit of criticism from dsidwell. He is encouraging despite the poor quality of the shot and suggests ways to improve future photos.

I consider it the gold standard or "Gracious" criticism.
10/27/2003 12:37:48 PM · #12
Originally posted by vtruan:

I try to comment on the photos that I can give a brief opinion, so the photographer can look at their shot in another way. Or the best shots to say, great shot-good job-LOL stuff. Like John, I don't comment on the blah-uninteresting ones that are hard to give comment without a dissertation. Van


Ditto. I generally give detailed comments on photos which, themselves, inspire them. I try to include criticism especially with those images which are clearly accomplished, so that the ambition to learn something, so often quoted here, may be satisfied in a small way. Lately, these comments appear not be received very well by a fair number of competitors. I conclude, that by and large, flattery is preferred to sincerity.

Conceivably, future commenting habits of some of us will reflect this.
10/27/2003 12:42:19 PM · #13
Originally posted by Konador:


chrisab - Although I wasn't around to vote for this one, I have to say.. it's really a great shot! Although I can't help thinking it would be a LITTLE bit better if the guy had been on fire.


Are you saying it wouldn't be better if he were on fire?

I've heard him sing. Fire couldn't hurt.
10/27/2003 12:59:51 PM · #14
Zeuszen - it takes all types. I am one who prefers even blunt criticism to flattery. And knowledgeable criticism is welcome no matter how blunt. What I don't appreciate is a criticism that doesn't point the photographer in a remedial direction (although I guess sometimes the only remedial direction might be into a different hobby - lol).
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