Controversial Topic: What irks you about other photographers?

Cobra said:
Both my Gramma's are dead, so I'm not sure where that leaves me :(
Click to expand...

You can join me in the no Gramma's club mate it has nice comfy chairs and monkey butlers :D
 
Photographers that are technically advanced and are love to remind you of how much you are not. But then you look at their work and giggle because it sucks! They talk the talk but don't walk the walk....


Sent from my iPhone using Talk Photography Forums
 
big soft moose said:
Exactamundo - Ive no problem with people not taking critique on board if they disagree with it, but it dos get a bit irritating (talking generally not about alex specifically) when you go out of your way to give detailed crit , and the response is "yeah well I like it like it is" - if you like it like it is and don't think it can be improved (and ergo just want to show off how 'orsum' you are with a camera) then put it in photos for pleasure.

If you choose to put it in the crit boards you've got to expect crit, and it won't all be favourable - by all means disagree with it , but at least think about it first and say why you disagree in objective terms rather than " I like it and my mummy likes it and all my friends think I'm great so ya boo sucks"
Click to expand...

It can go both ways of course and personally I find it more common on the net that its not actually those asking for critique that react aggressively but rather those giving it when its questioned, responses like "well don't follow my advice then!" with maybe some kind of appeal to authority seem to often follow when critique is questioned even if its in a polite fashion.

If were honest I think we all know that a lot of critique is about ego boosting for the person giving it rather than trying to be helpful to the person asking for it.
 
Last edited:
Moreorless said:
If were honest I think we all know that a lot of critique is about ego boosting for the person giving it rather than trying to be helpful to the person asking for it.
Click to expand...

really ? - i'm sure thats not a vierw that admin share

imo the bottom line is if you aren't prepatred to listen to the crit don't ask for it (listening doesnt necessarily mean you agree with it, but if someone takes the time to give crit, at least have the courtsey to consider it with an open mind, rather than dismissing it as 'ego boosting' )
 
Moreorless said:
It can go both ways of course and personally I find it more common on the net that its not actually those asking for critique that react aggressively but rather those giving it when its questioned, responses like "well don't follow my advice then!" with maybe some kind of appeal to authority seem to often follow when critique is questioned even if its in a polite fashion.

If were honest I think we all know that a lot of critique is about ego boosting for the person giving it rather than trying to be helpful to the person asking for it.
Click to expand...

That's so far wide of the mark in my experience I don't really know what to say, as to giving an ego boost by giving critique seriously I'd love to know how you've come to that conclusion how on earth is offering advice supposed to boost an ego frankly I feel terrible if I'm finding it hard to find a positive in someone's photo as I know how heartbreaking it can be to have a photo completely picked apart
 
MWHCVT said:
That's so far wide of the mark in my experience I don't really know what to say, as to giving an ego boost by giving critique seriously I'd love to know how you've come to that conclusion how on earth is offering advice supposed to boost an ego frankly I feel terrible if I'm finding it hard to find a positive in someone's photo as I know how heartbreaking it can be to have a photo completely picked apart
Click to expand...

I'd suspect that someone said someting negative about one of his pictures, and this was rationalised as "hes only being mean to boast his ego" because some people are unable to accept that their images arent perfect
 
Haha! I hate this too!!!

inkiboo said:
People who hold a camera like this

HoldingCamera-400.jpg


Or like this:

Girl_holding_Camera_by_Mysterious_passion.jpg
Click to expand...
 
It's April/May... Bluebells are out... 'nuff said.
 
So are the ladybirds... (guilty)
 
My pet hate is actually the retired hobbyist photographer who has all day, every day, to take photos, whereas us working folk only have a few hr a week to do our thing. This is a symptom of various places, they tend to become very loud voices, authorities and almost spam posters on forums - not because they're actually intrinsically any better, but because they just have all day to do their thing.

I also dislike the moderation on various photography forums (not this one!!!). In some places it seems as soon as someone is given a moderator badge they start forgetting that photography forums are for and about individuals rather than being some goal in themselves. That said, this isn't just photography moderating.

Actual photographers, no real problem beyond the usual - arrogance is unappealing, flashyness is unappealing, snobbery is unappealing. I must admit the only other photographers I know are through the local club and they're all very nice people.
 
Pookeyhead said:
How are you defining flashyness? Their work?
Click to expand...
Kit - "you are inferior because you use an ABC. Of course proper photographers use a XYZ 2800dxY, I have one so I must be better"

I don't mind people who are flashy or proud of their work. It's a nice thrill when your stuff is recognised and I admit I am occasionally guilty of getting overexcited too. But if you don't shout out when you do good stuff nobody else is going to say your successes for you. It's a difficult line to draw because excitement and being thrilled can easily come across as bragging and cockiness. Like I'd love to tell people I was #1 on explore on Monday, but how do you do this without it coming across as bragging? I find that hard.
 
Last edited:
nass said:
Kit - "you are inferior because you use an ABC. Of course proper photographers use a XYZ 2800dxY, I have one so I must be better"
Click to expand...

Ahh.. gotcha! Yeah.. just ignore dicks like that.
 
nass said:
Kit - "you are inferior because you use an ABC. Of course proper photographers use a XYZ 2800dxY, I have one so I must be better"

I don't mind people who are flashy or proud of their work. It's a nice thrill when your stuff is recognised and I admit I am occasionally guilty of getting overexcited too. But if you don't shout out when you do good stuff nobody else is going to say your successes for you. It's a difficult line to draw because excitement and being thrilled can easily come across as bragging and cockiness. Like I'd love to tell people I was #1 on explore on Monday, but how do you do this without it coming across as bragging? I find that hard.
Click to expand...

Something you've alluded here to is one of my biggest hated and that is gear/kit snobbery, I'm lucky to own a 5D3 and I do love it, it's an amazing bit of kit, but there are some people on here that are such utter gear snobs it boarders on moronic, I remember a thread were someone new asked what would be a good small travel camera and one particularly bad gear snob suggested looking at used 1D3 or maybe even a 4 or X :(
 
I tell you what, another thing whilst I'm at it - blind brand advocates. I happen to shoot Pentax which is fine for me, but a brand like any other that has limitations. The thing is though, every brand has limitations, and the mark of success for me isn't what you can get out of a camera when everything is spoonfed on a plate for you but more what you can achieve when it's not.

So what I come across a lot in Pentaxland is people who shoot Pentax who have absolutely the biggest chip on their shoulders about Canon and Nikon, and seem determined to prove that Pentax is better than both those (which it's not) because it has weird arcane feature a/b/c. How smallminded is that - why not just be realistic and call your brand's average aspects average, rather than being a brand ambassador? Isn't it a bit stupid to be a cheerleader for the same brand that is trying to make as much money off you as possible??? Some people are so defensive about their equipment choices, it's comical :) It's almost as if they treat their brand like a church, bizarre! It's a tool. That's all.
 
Last edited:
Karen said:
One's that spell LENS with an "e" on the end
Click to expand...

Just another example of using a verb as a noun - although it should more properly be confined to Photoshop :D ("lens" being a verb meaning to macerate, in Photoshop terms you'd apply a liquify filter to a raw file).

Sadly, I find that as a retired hobbyist, I'm now irksome. Happily though, I'm not a gear snob, because my equipment really is objectively better than anyone else's, so I'm OK on that score.

Perhaps the cure to finding photographers irksome is taking photographs?
 
Last edited:
I haven't had a chance to read this thread but I'll bet my pet peeves/amusements have already been mentioned:

* People who will define and judge others according to the equipment they use, I really don't like gear snobs.
* The people who are obsessed with test charts and datasheets, even though their photography is of such a basic standard that the best equipment in the world would not make any difference to their output
* Newbie photographers who ask how to find high end clients, even though their work and their setup ticks none of the required boxes
* Photographers who submit their work for critique or mentoring and who will then refute and dismiss the advice given, unless it's what they want to hear
* Calling oneself an artist, when the work is of a poor standard
* Aspiring photographers who show no interest in learning the basics, but will insist they don't need to because they are an 'artist'. Therefore the blurred photos, blown highlights and poor white balance is deliberate and part of their creativity
* People who go to an event or scenic place with a couple of enormous cameras and lenses strung about their person - but who don't actually appear to take any photos
* Photographers who worry too much about what other people will think of them if they use a small camera - and who will insist you're not a professional unless you're touting the latest enormous full frame DSLR and whale-sized lens
* People who insist you have "cheated" if you do any processing
 
"Photographers" who treat expensive cars at car shows as "props" for them to use as they wish. Yes... I'm talking to YOU the "Photographer" who is a TP member (Despite being tempted... I shall not name... you know who you are) who saw fit to have their heifer of a model sit on my Mustang and scratch my paint the other day... you know who you are. The invoice for repair will be with you shortly.


If you go to car shows... LOOK.. do not TOUCH (Christ it's like talking to kids isn't it). Do NOT squeeze between cars with your stupid, and redundant MASSIVE camera bags full of gear you don't seem to even use. Do NOT lean back against the car behind you in order get the whole car in shot... perhaps use one of the MILLION lenses you have in your stupidly MASSIVE camera "backpack" instead.. a wider one perhaps?

If you come near my Mustang again the next person to see your D610 will be a proctologist.
 
Last edited:
Pookeyhead said:
"Photographers" who treat expensive cars at car shows as "props" for them to use as they wish. Yes... I'm talking to YOU the "Photographer" who is a TP member (Despite being tempted... I shall not name) who saw fit to have their heifer of a model sit on my Mustang and scratch my paint the other day... you know who you are. The invoice for repair will be with you shortly.
.
Click to expand...

That's atrocious. I go to car shows and I have never ever seen anybody behave like that, in fact I have never seen anybody who would even touch any of the cars. I hope they rectify things promptly.

I suppose some car shows are better run than others and there are only certain places I will take my car for that reason. Not sure where you live, but Goodwood attracts a very respectful crowd, and the cars are never parked too close together. It's Supercar Sunday in a couple of days and providing you turn up early with an appropriate car there is usually no problem at all with getting a display slot.
 
Pookeyhead said:
"Photographers" who treat expensive cars at car shows as "props" for them to use as they wish. Yes... I'm talking to YOU the "Photographer" who is a TP member (Despite being tempted... I shall not name... you know who you are) who saw fit to have their heifer of a model sit on my Mustang and scratch my paint the other day... you know who you are. The invoice for repair will be with you shortly.


If you go to car shows... LOOK.. do not TOUCH (Christ it's like talking to kids isn't it). Do NOT squeeze between cars with your stupid, and redundant MASSIVE camera bags full of gear you don't seem to even use. Do NOT lean back against the car behind you in order get the whole car in shot... perhaps use one of the MILLION lenses you have in your stupidly MASSIVE camera "backpack" instead.. a wider one perhaps?

If you come near my Mustang again the next person to see your D610 will be a proctologist.
Click to expand...


Thats terrible David I hope that they do the decent thing and pay the repair bill
 
Pookeyhead said:
"Photographers" who treat expensive cars at car shows as "props" for them to use as they wish. Yes... I'm talking to YOU the "Photographer" who is a TP member (Despite being tempted... I shall not name... you know who you are) who saw fit to have their heifer of a model sit on my Mustang and scratch my paint the other day... you know who you are. The invoice for repair will be with you shortly.


If you go to car shows... LOOK.. do not TOUCH (Christ it's like talking to kids isn't it). Do NOT squeeze between cars with your stupid, and redundant MASSIVE camera bags full of gear you don't seem to even use. Do NOT lean back against the car behind you in order get the whole car in shot... perhaps use one of the MILLION lenses you have in your stupidly MASSIVE camera "backpack" instead.. a wider one perhaps?

If you come near my Mustang again the next person to see your D610 will be a proctologist.
Click to expand...

It's rubbish some tool did that to your pride and joy (what the hell made him think it would be alright to get his model to sit on your car?) but I can't help but giggle at the tone you've written this in!
 
Pookeyhead said:
"Photographers" who treat expensive cars at car shows as "props" for them to use as they wish. Yes... I'm talking to YOU the "Photographer" who is a TP member (Despite being tempted... I shall not name... you know who you are) who saw fit to have their heifer of a model sit on my Mustang and scratch my paint the other day... you know who you are. The invoice for repair will be with you shortly.


If you go to car shows... LOOK.. do not TOUCH (Christ it's like talking to kids isn't it). Do NOT squeeze between cars with your stupid, and redundant MASSIVE camera bags full of gear you don't seem to even use. Do NOT lean back against the car behind you in order get the whole car in shot... perhaps use one of the MILLION lenses you have in your stupidly MASSIVE camera "backpack" instead.. a wider one perhaps?

If you come near my Mustang again the next person to see your D610 will be a proctologist.
Click to expand...

Bummer about your car David.... hope whoever it was does the decent thing....
And, like Paul I also had a little chuckle at your tone....
Hope it all gets sorted though.
 
People who set up right in front of you thus meaning you can't get your shot now. Also when taking shots of birds people who talk too load so there is no chance of the bird coming within range for a shot or even being seen.

Tim.
 
I guess the only things that irks me is when i see someone with a fantastic camera, a fantastic lens and I see them taking a picture of something in the distance, a landscape or bird for example, and just before the shutter clicks, the on-camera flash pops up!

All the gear and no idea....

Oh well, i guess you have to start somewhere!! :)
 
"Irk" is a great work. It suggests mild to medium frustration, but not enough to really vent about it. Clearly some have moved from "irks you" to "sends you into a rage" though ;)

I only really have one:

1. Photographers who think something about my work "hobby output" but won't tell me.

It can be positive or negative, but I find it mildly frustrating when people keep comments to themselves. I realise most of the time it will be because the comments are negative and they don't want to offend. Please do try! I have very very thick skin. I'm also learning the ropes and it's so much easier if I receive feedback, good and (especially) bad.

Things that make me smile (but don't irk as such) are a bit more plentiful:

2. My kit's better than your kit... (substitute brand for kit, also) yes it probably is. Well done you.
3. Brashness, cockiness, etc... I don't mind that in other people - most of the time it probably means they're chuffed with themselves (so well done them!)
4. People who look at me / my kit and think I clearly don't have much idea - you're right! But hopefully I make you laugh a bit with my efforts...
5. People who get worked up... you clearly care. I like that and hope you like caring as much as it seems you do!
 
Last edited:
I have come across an attitude from quite a few pro photogs that they are reluctant to give praise on others work as they somehow think that will devalue their own work!
 
1. Gear snobs

2. No EXIF data for images online

Part 1, self explanatory. You get it with bikes, cameras, clothes, cars ... all sorts. Never liked it really and it will always be a gripe for me.

Part 2, I ought to explain. I learn by making mistakes and looking at what others are doing 'right' (in my eyes). To see how someone achieved a result, with what settings and equipment, is something I like to see a lot. When it is 'hidden' on the likes of Flickr. The accountant in me assumes something to hide, but of course I know that's not the case. It's just an irrational annoyance if you will.

Rationale or not - it irks me, as I just like to know how things work!!
 
MWHCVT said:
That's so far wide of the mark in my experience I don't really know what to say, as to giving an ego boost by giving critique seriously I'd love to know how you've come to that conclusion how on earth is offering advice supposed to boost an ego frankly I feel terrible if I'm finding it hard to find a positive in someone's photo as I know how heartbreaking it can be to have a photo completely picked apart
Click to expand...

I didn't say "all" or indeed "most" critique takes that route but I think the kind of exchanges were talking about here do often stem from someone looking to boost there ego on the net.

It seems pretty obvious to me why people would do it, offering a critique that points out a weakness in somebody elses work in your view can give the impression of superiority.
 
thesilverfox said:
1. Gear snobs

2. No EXIF data for images online

Part 1, self explanatory. You get it with bikes, cameras, clothes, cars ... all sorts. Never liked it really and it will always be a gripe for me.

Part 2, I ought to explain. I learn by making mistakes and looking at what others are doing 'right' (in my eyes). To see how someone achieved a result, with what settings and equipment, is something I like to see a lot. When it is 'hidden' on the likes of Flickr. The accountant in me assumes something to hide, but of course I know that's not the case. It's just an irrational annoyance if you will.

Rationale or not - it irks me, as I just like to know how things work!!
Click to expand...

I've found that in relation to exif that it seems the birders often strip or hide the exif, obviously this is purely an observation than proved fact as quite often I'll look to see what focal length etc is used purely out of interest as I'd like to get batter...but nearly always it missing :(
 
PMN said:
What does that have to do with anything?
Click to expand...

Digital vs Film..
From a newbies look at the post it looked like in order to get the best out of film it needs to be converted to digital:hug::naughty:
 
MWHCVT said:
I've found that in relation to exif that it seems the birders often strip or hide the exif, obviously this is purely an observation than proved fact as quite often I'll look to see what focal length etc is used purely out of interest as I'd like to get batter...but nearly always it missing :(
Click to expand...
My only thought is that it could be part of the digiscoping whatsit, but that still involves a digital camera of sorts (at least somewhere). I'm sure I'm not the only person to find this gripe - I'd be amazed it if hadn't already been mentioned.

Another irk/gripe: when people buy a DSLR (or any equipment really) and expect world-class award-winning photos out of the box without trying and proceeding to then 'give up' without learning a bit more first :) Always seems like a waste to me - have seen it a few times in my family alone!
 
Moreorless said:
I didn't say "all" or indeed "most" critique takes that route but I think the kind of exchanges were talking about here do often stem from someone looking to boost there ego on the net.

It seems pretty obvious to me why people would do it, offering a critique that points out a weakness in somebody elses work in your view can give the impression of superiority.
Click to expand...

Personally I'd say your massively over analysing intentions of almost everyone offering critique...IMO though its interesting I did get accused recently of picking faults for the sake of it by someone on Facebook :( that's didn't particularly bother me though the abusive PMs were annoying
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top