| Author | Thread |
|
|
07/21/2002 05:09:33 PM · #1 |
I assume that people submit photos to a public competion with the expectation that they will recieve an honest response from the viewer, subject to the forum social etiquette of using tact and not making it a personal attack when a photo has perceived problems. I realize that not everyone can accept constructive criticism, but that is the point of commenting on the photos. If out of politeness we shouldn't say anything negative, then all we are doing is patting one another on the back, not a good way to identify problems or possible improvements.
For this challenge I have tried to be sincere and honest with my comments, attempting to give constructive feedback where I thought it might be helpful and trying not to be patronizing or overly critical. At the same time, I almost feel guilty pointing out problems with some photos because of the comments that I've read on the forums.
Am I the only one who feels this way or are there others who are torn between giving an honest response -Vs- being polite and not speaking up about what they feel made a photo a low score? |
|
|
|
07/21/2002 05:16:47 PM · #2 |
This challenge was the first one I provided a lot of comments. There were a few images that I really wasnt sure what to say, so I said nothing, but I did leave a comment for most people. A lot of them I did try to provide some constructive criticism, but I also tried to say something positive about the photo as well, if I saw that.
I dont have a problem providing criticism here as long as it's constructive. After all, that's what the point of commenting is right? That, and to praise extremely well done photos.
Brian |
|
|
|
07/21/2002 05:40:49 PM · #3 |
Gene,
Since I''m one who sometimes get''s upset at some of the things people tell me...
I honestly haven''t got any problem with constructive criticism -- I''d hope that those whom I''ve contacted after a challenge is over can see that. I do have a problem with people telling me that something is when it isn''t and vice-versa. Maybe it''s just as simple a thing as instead of saying, "This is wrong," saying, "I think this is wrong."
However, I also know that I''ve been trained to go through the whole constructive criticism process while I''ve seen how much people loathe it that aren''t use to it. (It caused some major headaches at work last year.)
The secret is to be polite and make suggestions not statements. There are a couple of photos this week that I have the feeling will end up with a bunch of comments like, "What the &*$%&*$%^$&$&$ did you enter this for?" All you have to do is treat them like you would any other -- this probably needs to be fixed, you might try a different composition, whatever. It sounds like you''re on the right track to me when you said you''re "trying not to be patronizing or overly critical."
I''m doing my best yet with my photo this week, and all the "attaboy" comments are nice. But what I really want to know is why person X gave me a 1 during any given week. So, I say keep handing out the honest criticism.
* This message has been edited by the author on 7/21/2002 5:41:17 PM. |
|
|
|
07/21/2002 05:42:44 PM · #4 |
| I am new to the site and new to photography, and all I can say is I want the feedback from as many sources as possible. The more people I get feedbakc from the better the chance I won't have an equal number saying 'crop more' and 'crop less' as I have right now. |
|
|
|
07/21/2002 07:04:19 PM · #5 |
I try to be first honest, then constructive but at the same time I'm trying not hurt anyone's feelings. It's a fine line and with so many photos to review I hope not to over step my bounds. Also without knowing if the person wanted that 'out of focus', fuzzy, blur, funny color.....well frankly it's hard to tell. Hey sometimes it works.
<wink-wink>I think I'll start all my comments with a disclaimer. :p
|
|
|
|
07/21/2002 07:16:17 PM · #6 |
| Focus and fuzz are definitely an issue here... if you are ever unsure what the photographer's intention was, you should simply ask yourself if the image works for you the way it is. Soft focus and blur sometimes add a mood to an image... |
|
|
|
07/21/2002 07:31:52 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Focus and fuzz are definitely an issue here... if you are ever unsure what the photographer''s intention was, you should simply ask yourself if the image works for you the way it is. Soft focus and blur sometimes add a mood to an image...
when I seen soft focus, blur, or whatever used that way I try to get into the mindset of the photo''s author and see it more the way it was intended. In some cases this works, in other cases I''ve had to be honest and say that it just didn''t work for me. I really like out of the box creativity and there is lots of that here. However, an effect should be used because it adds value to the photo and not just to make something different. In other words, being different because that is what was needed to make a good photo -Vs- being different just to be different.
<A href="//www.pbase.com/genel/dpchallenge">My Dpchallenge Gallery</A> <A href="//www.pbase.com/genel/outtakes">My Outtakes</A>
* This message has been edited by the author on 7/21/2002 7:56:28 PM. |
|
|
|
07/21/2002 07:43:47 PM · #8 |
I think there is a very broad misunderstanding of soft focus on this site. I have seen some beautiful softly focused photos hammered because of the soft focus... No one really takes the time to consider the issue before they vote or comment on it.
Soft focus is an easy out for someone who wants to be critical... |
|
|
|
07/21/2002 07:55:15 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by bdshort:
This challenge was the first one I provided a lot of comments. There were a few images that I really wasnt sure what to say, so I said nothing, but I did leave a comment for most people. A lot of them I did try to provide some constructive criticism, but I also tried to say something positive about the photo as well, if I saw that.
I dont have a problem providing criticism here as long as it''s constructive. After all, that''s what the point of commenting is right? That, and to praise extremely well done photos.
Brian
I try to be honest with discretion. I certainly don''t wanna hurt feelings. When people give me constructive critique I am genuinely grateful. My daughter is submitting a pic to the current challenge, for the first time ever. She is so nervous. Of course I hope everyone is gently honest. Actually I think hers will do better than mine. Hopefully she will be encouraged to pursue photography. (isn''t that the whole point of criticism?)
* This message has been edited by the author on 7/21/2002 7:59:28 PM.
|
|
|
|
07/21/2002 07:58:39 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
I think there is a very broad misunderstanding of soft focus on this site. I have seen some beautiful softly focused photos hammered because of the soft focus... No one really takes the time to consider the issue before they vote or comment on it.
Soft focus is an easy out for someone who wants to be critical...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I'll agree that there may be some that don't know the difference in 'soft' focus and 'out of focus'. My gosh without soft edges, and soft focus we'd see our super stars in photos the way they really look.
After all it's done wonders for the gals in Playboy. <g> |
|
|
|
07/21/2002 08:35:54 PM · #11 |
Gene L.
I whole-heartedly agree with the points you?ve made in this thread. I catch myself making the majority of my comments on the best photos ? (go figure) I guess I like to see if my comments echo the same recommendations as the masses. I am one who will never get upset if I do not agree with a critique. I just like hearing the variety of opinions. I have received 317 votes so far in the ?free study? ? that?s impressive, The law of averages with that many votes is giving all of us a pretty good indication of how our photos are being accepted by the general populous. I do like the comments that detail what they like about the photo as well as what they don?t like. ? The numbers don?t lie. If the picture just isn?t interesting, it shows in the ratings regardless of how technically sound it is. But should I leave a critique that the picture is boring? ?
On a good note, I?ve received many great constructive comments on my picture this week, most of which I agree with. I can?t help but wonder if this is a result of the new requirements of the sight.
|
|
|
|
07/21/2002 08:45:20 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by kee:
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
[i]I think there is a very broad misunderstanding of soft focus on this site. I have seen some beautiful softly focused photos hammered because of the soft focus... No one really takes the time to consider the issue before they vote or comment on it.
Soft focus is an easy out for someone who wants to be critical...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I'll agree that there may be some that don't know the difference in 'soft' focus and 'out of focus'. My gosh without soft edges, and soft focus we'd see our super stars in photos the way they really look.
After all it's done wonders for the gals in Playboy. <g>[/i]
Do they have photos in Playboy? I just read the articles... |
|
|
|
07/21/2002 08:47:23 PM · #13 |
I agree also..I to have made he mistake of just voteing on a photo because I like it...I did how ever judge the Free Study on the effort someone took to get the shot, not what they can do in Photoshop...I have had many comments on my photo in the free study..Thank you to all..I have had alot ask why I didn't do it in color, well thats why I didn't, everyone else would have...I have alot of fun in this site...
I LOVE TAKIN PITURES!! |
|
|
|
07/21/2002 10:24:11 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by Gotcha:
Gene L.
But should I leave a critique that the picture is boring? ?
My City Life shot got several comments that just said "Boring"... I was offended at first but then I took a good long look at it... They were 100% on the money. I've try'd (with limited sucess) to be less boring in each challenge since.
This is proof that "This is boring" is a construcive critique that can help someone improve :) Thanks to all that were honest :) |
|
|
|
07/22/2002 12:38:18 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by Gene L.:
I assume that people submit photos to a public competion with the expectation that they will recieve an honest response from the viewer, subject to the forum social etiquette of using tact and not making it a personal attack when a photo has perceived problems. I realize that not everyone can accept constructive criticism, but that is the point of commenting on the photos. If out of politeness we shouldn't say anything negative, then all we are doing is patting one another on the back, not a good way to identify problems or possible improvements.
CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM IS FINE, BUT MOST THE COMMENTS ARE JUST NOT FITTING. A CLOSER LOOK AT SOME OF THE PICTURES MIGHT GIVE MORE HELPFUL RESPONSES INSTEAD OF INSULTS. OF COURSE YOU CAN'T READ MY MIND, BUT ANOTHER LOOK WOULDN'T HURT
For this challenge I have tried to be sincere and honest with my comments, attempting to give constructive feedback where I thought it might be helpful and trying not to be patronizing or overly critical. At the same time, I almost feel guilty pointing out problems with some photos because of the comments that I've read on the forums.
Am I the only one who feels this way or are there others who are torn between giving an honest response -Vs- being polite and not speaking up about what they feel made a photo a low score?
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Prints! -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 04/25/2024 08:15:46 AM EDT.
