 Katrina McMeans |
Is it considered ok? I was wondering, sometimes I haven't commented on a BetterPhoto staff member's photo because I have felt like it seemed that I would be kissing up to them. I know that would not be my motive at all, but I was wondering how others saw this? ~K
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Mark Feldstein |
Whether your comments are good, bad or indifferent Katrina, if an instructor can't stand the heat (or criticism) they should move out of the classroom. And if it's complimentary, why not? It's not kissing up, it's just expressing a point of view. Last I heard, we still have free speech in the U.S., although it's on a rapid decline. :<( Comment now while you still can, Katrina. Take it light. Mark
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Brian Lobdell |
I say be true to your own sincere feelings about a photo Katrina. If a composition evokes an emotion/reaction for me, I try to follow that stimulus when I respond, regardless of whether the photographer is pro, amateur, beginner or staff! The staff and judges are all human, and there's no way to predict how any one (or all) of them may react to any comment. I personally enjoy and learn so much from the discussion threads that the contest is just icing on the photo, so to speak. So I guess I'm saying "don't worry about it!" We're all here to share and learn and those few who may take umbrage or question the motive of any SINCERE comment should take two steps back and "refocus"!
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Margie Hurwich |
Katrina, I just commented on a photo by Jim Miotke. Yep...felt somewhat strange...but I commented nonetheless as it was an amazing shot.
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Katrina McMeans |
Thank you very much, Mark, Brian and Margie for you helpful input. Margie, did you comment on the one of him in the field? With the purple flowers? I commented on that one but it felt so weird, as it was the first time. I have seen people critique Jim and the other instructors sometimes, and not very tactfully either. It makes me wince a bit, just imagining such things on my own picture, and I'm not even claiming to be a great photographer! Oh, anyway! Thanks a lot, again! ; ) ~K
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Margie Hurwich |
Yes, the one of him in the field. It was great!
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Mark Feldstein |
Hey Katrina ! Insofar as I know all of the photographers I know and work with, including the women, btw, all put their pants on one leg at a time. ;>) I think tasteful / constructive criticism / complements too are usually welcome. Mark
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Katrina McMeans |
It WAS pretty, Margie! I loved it! Thanks for the extra tip, Mark! It's a good thing to remember! You guys are great! Thanks! ~K
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Justin G. |
i don't know about the constructive criticism but I always get the unwelcomed replies when I give some constructive criticism. i've noticed this site leans towrards "great capture" and if its not close to that, then don't comment. that's my my personal experience on the matter. i'd love to get constructive criticism, but it ain't happenin'.
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Katrina McMeans |
Really? I've noticed that most of the comments are 'great shot', but I've never had any one turn on me for giving them helpfully constructive critiques. I HAVE seen it from others though, especially in this thread: http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/Discussiondetail.php?threadID=359768 Sure made for interesting reading! LOL! And I know who NEVER to critique! I always like critique too, provided it is not an outright attack on me. But I value the useful imformation others can pass on to me.
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Corinne M. Thompson |
Hi all...interesting thread! I just want to say that as a "newbie" and not really knowing "all the ropes and protocol", I personally Only comment on photos that I like unless I find it in Critique. My theory is, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all". I have however, if I feel the need to "critique" a photo not in that category...I usually try to nicely "contact" the photographer and explain what I didn't like. As for the particular "thread" mentioned, I saw that photo come thru and wouldn't have touched it with a 10foot pole(lol) and now am glad I didn't send him a "contact msg". And for the reason this thread was started....I say, if you like the image...no matter who the photographer is...Comment!
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
I just saw a Mark Feldstein on NBC Nightly news talking about a well known political reporter that just died. Could it be...
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- Carolyn M. Fletcher  Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
I think if you are going to have to say something negative about a shot, it might be nice to do it by e-mail rather than in the comment section, where it might be taken as an attack. Hard to tell how people will react to a criticism and I think that's why you see mostly "good shot" type comments.
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Katrina McMeans |
I see your points, Corinne and Carolyn. I guess I go by how the photographer seems to respond to critique. I was about to throw in my two cents about the picture in that thread, but when I saw how he turned everything around on the others, accusing THEM of having no taste and obviously no photographic and artistic knowledge...well, I'll leave HIM alone! Thanks again for adding your insights! ; ) ~K
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Justin G. |
We shouldn't have to avoid people to avoid hurting their feeligns. A constructive critique is NOT an attack on the photographer. It's a way to help them make better images. This site is called BETTER photo; how am I to make a "betterphoto" if everyone says "good image, nice capture" that's not helpful at all. And in the photo comments area or wherever it is, there's a section for contstructive critiique. Oh well, see I really would like to critique people and have them critique me, b/c I will never get better. Maybe we should call it "goodcapturephoto.com" And it SHOULD be left in the comments area and NOT in email. I think that's obsurd. When I look at people's images I want to see what others think too so I can learn from that as well. The link doesn't say "discuss photo with good comments only" it simply says "discuss photo" and I should be able to say "well maybe if you didn't center the image it would look better". We get theses people with centered images and everyone's writing "good capture" no its not, rule of thirds. granted you can break the rules, but rarely. I think it's an insult to the new photographers (including myself) to not help them. but whatever. this is what frustrates me about this site.
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Katrina McMeans |
It's bugged me too...and even when I point blank BEG for critique, I rarely get it! Those of us who want to seriously give and take critique should probably start a little 'club' of our own...come to think of it, that's not a bad idea! ~K
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Samuel Smith |
good or bad as long as the comment comes from honesty and a willing to help,even though mine are a bit harsh at times,go ahead. i made someone so mad they said some really nasty stuff about my gallery.i laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. c'mon, sam
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Katrina McMeans |
I say don't critique unless you can do it nicely. There's nothing more demoralizing for a beginning photographer than to have their best efforts blasted away by someone's sarcastic and unhelpful critique. Being honest and to the point, yet tactful, is the key. ~K
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Terry R. Hatfield |
I Cant Agree With Your Post Justin, Thats's Why We Have Different Categories To Choose How You Want Your Images Discussed,Im With Carolyn Some Photographers Just Cant Handle The Constructive Critique And Will Take Offense To It. If You Have The Need To Do It Do It By Email! Their Is A Category Just For Constructive Critique Use It! You Can Choose Your Own Category For Discussing Your Image If You Would Like Too,Thats The Way This Site Is Structured Whether Its Helpful To YOU Or Not..
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Katrina McMeans |
Hi Terry! I thought Justin was saying basically what you are...that the constructive critique category is good. I think he was only saying that he wishes more people would use it! ~K
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Terry R. Hatfield |
You Shoud Read His Post Again Katrina:-)
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Katrina McMeans |
Would you mind re-saying your post, Justin! I can't quite figure out everything you're saying! ; D ~K
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Samuel Smith |
tactful, I think I need to write that down.
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Katrina McMeans |
; ) Couldn't hurt anything! ; D ~K
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Justin G. |
basicaly what I was saying in a nut shell is that it gets old when people upload thier photos on a site that's about helping people do better then they get all grouchy when you try to help them. if you tell them what would have made it better a lot of times they blow up. and with all due respect to katrina (just making debate here) I PERSONALLY (my opinion only) that it isn't demoralizing to someone. just because you try your hardest doesn't make it a good photograph. but that's just me. there's stuff I try my hardest on and it just sucks. I don't believe effort really plays a roll in this field where it's all about the end result. (which gets into a discussion of photoshop manipulation, but that's a whole nother thread!)
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Samuel Smith |
thanks katrina, now if santa will give me a personality for xmas i'll be all set. just having fun, sam
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Sharon Day |
"I see your points, Corinne and Carolyn. I guess I go by how the photographer seems to respond to critique. I was about to throw in my two cents about the picture in that thread, but when I saw how he turned everything around on the others, accusing THEM of having no taste and obviously no photographic and artistic knowledge...well, I'll leave HIM alone!" IF you're talking about the one I think you are, the best and most gifted photographer/instructor in BP would not be able to convince the photog of that thread that the snapshot (and yes, it was a snapshot) was anything but wonderful. A total waste of time, and I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole either. I know this is a rather tired old joke but arguing with this person is like wallowing in the mud with a pig, pretty soon you realize the pig is enjoying it!
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Katrina McMeans |
In response to Justin: Okay, I get it now. What I said was I think it is demoralizing to do your best and then be sarastically and unhelpfully slammed. Insults do not help anyone. And most would be, well, insulted by them. Especially people with not as thick a skin as some of us. I or anyone else is not to blame if a person blows up when we have politely and nicely critiqued their photo. But if we do it in a way that shows we don't care about their feelings...that is simply uncalled for. Sharon, yes, we are thinking about the same guy! Wasn't he awful!!! It was quite amusing though!!! LOL!
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Justin G. |
Oh ok I see. Yes that is bad.
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