What prompts you to comment/offer feedback

sunnyside_up

sunnyside_up

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I'm curious... what prompts you to comment/offer feedback on photos in the critique sections... If it's really bad or good, do you comment, offer feedback/critique? If it's 'nothing special', do you just leave it? If you've got nothing constructive to say, don't say anything?

I know for me, personally, if I come across an image that has some serious issues, I say nothing, and I'm not sure why to be honest... could be a case of not wanting to burst the photographers bubble, because they probably think it's a really great image. Also could be my lack of technical ability to be able to explain how to improve it. In the same breath, I've come across some amazing stuff and not commented, as it would only re-iterate what had already been said. I'm not sure on how constructive 'Great picture!' is other than to compliment... which I suppose has it's merits. I don't go into every section, as landscape doesn't really interest me, although I know there is some amazing stuff in there.

I've also noticed that when a comment/feedback is made, and it's on the negative side, and the OP doesn't like it or disagrees with it, it ends up being a huge mosh pit and everyone jumps in, even those who might not have otherwise commented in the first place.

So I'm just curious... What makes you want to give up some feedback?

(I hope I explained myself right...)
 
I rarely visit those sections. When I do it's generally in response to the OP having been in touch elsewhere. So if someone is after some technical guidance etc.

Or if I do happen to just open a thread, I'll likely only comment on a few

I've no idea why anyone would offer images for critique and not be prepared to take the critique. That's just odd.
 
If I like an image, I will say so. I certainly don't think there's anything wrong with simply complimenting someone on thier work; nor do I care much if my praise is reiterating something which has already been said. In fact I think when someone has first joined the forums, or only recently taken up photography then compliments can be very constructive indeed. Hearing that someone likes your images can be instrumental in keeping you shooting and learning more.

If I feel there are, as you put it, issues with an image, I will try to offer CC where I can, but I don't claim to be a photographer....just someone who likes taking pictures,l and there is only so much "expertise" I can offer.

If an image does absolutely nothing for me, then in general I won't comment.
 
I have only posted something once asking for critique, I knew nothing about photography back then and wanted help, was fully prepared to be slammed for a crap image, but no comments came. Looking back the image was pretty bad, but it would have been nice to have been told so and how I could do better in the future. This was the thread http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=400260
 
normally if someone has not offered the obvious/what I would have said or if I disagree with a comment.
 
Like Phil, I rarely visit the C&C area, If I spot a title of a thread on the front page that calls to me, I may pop in and have a look see. If I feel I have anything to add (maybe I've shot a similar subject or can offer helpful advice), I'll lob my tuppence in. TBH, I'm more likely to lob that tuppence into threads outside the C&C area which contain pics - people often ask for advice about the more technical side of things which I am better at than the artistic side!
 
I tend to offer suggestions if someone is asking for specific help on an aspect of photography within my area, but not general c&c unless I see a shot I really admire. In general I will only post positively on photographic matters.

However, I also dive in, sometimes quite hard, if I see something blatantly stupid/wrong/ill advised, or if I'm in that sort of a mood, particularly in the 'Out Of Focus' section. :)
 
Interesting question..

I suppose I only comment if I have something to add; so either if the image is excellent or has technical or subjective flaws. Anything mediocre often gets passed by.

I suspect I'm more likely to comment if I like the subject matter too, since it makes the photo more appealing if it's a good 'un, or easier to visualize how it could be improved if it apparently needs it.
 
I don't go there often either - but I usually comment on images that I feel could benefit from 'tweaking' - in that there's already lots right but a wee bit extra could make it a cracker

Ones that are poor need far more time & effort to crit, and frankly the OP may often respond badly to that or not even follow what you're suggesting to improve it - Go read a book on photography before you waste any more of our time - is probably not what many are wanting to hear :D

Dave
 
I just say what I feel, if I see something that is wrong I will point it out. If I see something that does not suite my eye I will point it out, however if the image has been posted in any critique section I would expect the OP and others to put their views forward if they did not agree with my thoughts. If they want to start spitting the dummy then tough, they should just post their images on Flickr or Farcebook and get off with all the Oooooo! How lovely comments :thumbs:
 
Milkfloat said:
I have only posted something once asking for critique, I knew nothing about photography back then and wanted help, was fully prepared to be slammed for a crap image, but no comments came. Looking back the image was pretty bad, but it would have been nice to have been told so and how I could do better in the future. This was the thread http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=400260
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I've left you some feedback ;)

I bet you were left with a bit of a sour taste in your mouth with not having any responses, even with asking specifically for it.
 
Thanks everyone, for taking the time to respond. Interesting read... Looking forward to hearing from others on this topic.

For the three of you that said you don't venture into the C&C area often... Is that because you're not looking for feedback (you don't post), or not interested in giving it? Or just plain not interested and would rather get caught up in a discussion?

Sorry for all the questions... just something that's been biting me for awhile...
 
I find it a little sad that so many don't venture into the critique and sharing it's actually what I join the forum for, and I've learnt so much from the section and try and put as much as I can back into the sections, there are part's that I only venture into if there is a UAP in that section but thats only because I A) don't really have an interest in the subject or B) havn't got the technical knowledge

I don't really do it for any reason other than it feels good to have been able to help people with suggestions for improvement or development ideas, I don't really need for people to thank or even acknowlege me, thought it can get frustraiting when someone totally ignores your critique and responds to others in the thread, I guess that would be my only bug bear...

Matt
MWHCVT
 
I tend only to go to the sub-sections that are of interest to me (Landscape and to a lesser extent nature wild and free).
How much time I want to spend browsing is a big factor on whether I comment.
When I am in "commenting mode" I tend to remark on pics I think are very good (I try to say why I think that) or pics that I don't think are good, but I have suggestions on how to make worthwhile improvements.
Most times I don't comment. Simply too time consuming.
 
I tend to try and go for the critique sandwich (it has another name). Good/Bad/Good.

If I can find nothing good to say about an image, I don't say anything. Also if in the OP, or subsequent replies, it looks like the poster is quite sensetive about their art, I also don't bother commenting. No sense in fuelling any fires.

I generally always try to offer suggestions for improvement if I give "constructive" crit, but some times I feel as though I'm either unqualified to comment (Macro & Sports photography for example) or feel as though something is too subjective. My tastes may well not be the same as the photographer. I also tend to ladle caveats in there too.

Giving crit can be rewarding when someone enthusiastically takes onboard your suggestions and is happier with (for example) a retaken shot. It can also be quite unforgiving when you get e-shouted at. I really think giving critique is a skill, and will always try and develop it with something other than "great shot".

That's my two quid.

Ian.

P.S. I have found that the personal challenge sections - in particular the "52's" are great for both giving and receiving feedback & critique. Over a period of a year you tend to get to know the other 52'ers and can feel a little more confident in saying something that's more constructive.
 
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Other thing I should have mentioned. If there has already been a lot of comments then I tend not to bother to add to it.
 
sunnyside_up said:
I've left you some feedback ;)

I bet you were left with a bit of a sour taste in your mouth with not having any responses, even with asking specifically for it.
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Thanks for the response, even though I have learnt about the comments offered in the meantime. Obviously 8 months ago would have been better and more help on the start of my photographic journey.

My 2 cents worth, if people are posting AND asking to be given both barrels, then give it. I wanted to be torn apart, but with some help so I would not make the same mistake again. Even being told to read a book would have been a start. As it was, I left the forum thinking you were all an unfriendly clique.
 
sunnyside_up said:
Thanks everyone, for taking the time to respond. Interesting read... Looking forward to hearing from others on this topic.

For the three of you that said you don't venture into the C&C area often... Is that because you're not looking for feedback (you don't post), or not interested in giving it? Or just plain not interested and would rather get caught up in a discussion?

Sorry for all the questions... just something that's been biting me for awhile...
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We all join forums for different reasons, the comments and critique sections have never really been my thing. I posted a couple of times for comment (on various forums) and found it to be largely a waste of time. Like I said before, I generally only offer critique as a follow up to people I've given advice. Like Diddy Dave said though, It's difficult not to scream 'Read a book' at some people who don't 'get' the fundamentals.

I suppose in life we all play to our strengths, and judging other people isn't really my cup of tea. Whilst some people will see the C&C section as the most important, there are others who are more interested in gear, there are other who are technical experts in specialist areas too, who offer brilliant advice. I like to help new photographers with the fundamentals. And a few other areas that I know a little bit about. I also lurk in sections where I have an interest and a lot to learn (mostly reading).
 
That's an interesting thread, I find it a bit frustrating putting up for critique myself: I never seem to get back what I'm looking for these days. It's like people think I don't want to make my images better or something?!

Anyway, I'll coment on something if I feel I can add something for a re-edit or another try unless the image gets me a bit like "where do I start..." in which case if I'd leave it for someone else to stop by...

More often than not I believe in confirming an images status as "good" and will comment appropriately. Sometimes I think an image is ok and would like some comments to either make it better or confirm that I've made something good, either or both would be appreciated and I like to think others post for the same reason.
 
Sometimes I find it difficult to assess a photo and I don't want to say something just for the sake of it ... I try to offer some positive thought followed by suggestions/observations as to how to improve it or perhaps question how/why something was done.
Occasionally I see an image that just makes me feel "wow!" and that can be difficult to quantify :)
I also think it is a shame that so many of the 'pro' members never offer any comments.
 
gramps said:
I also think it is a shame that so many of the 'pro' members never offer any comments.
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Being a Pro doesn't necessarily mean you're any good though, so what you really want is well 'qualified' crit (and I don't mean letters by that)

We've all seen the 'Great shot', 'Fantastic use of light' type comments when that's clearly not the case, but then you're into an argument to explain with someone who's already stuck their neck out, and to be proven wrong isn't good for their ego either so :dummy: get thrown

But being a Pro does mean you may not have that much time to write lengthy crit instead of doing something that you're being paid for

As I said earlier - tweaking a shot by suggesting moving a light source, or subject in the light, may take a few secs to suggest and be really useful to the photo's owner; but having to come in from basic composition, lens choice, aperture, shutter speed, exposure etc. takes hundreds if not thousands of words to offer meaningful advice - easy enough if spending a day shooting together i.e. on a TP meet, but the most simple answer to basic errors really is 'buy a book'

Dave
 
Milkfloat said:
Thanks for the response, even though I have learnt about the comments offered in the meantime. Obviously 8 months ago would have been better and more help on the start of my photographic journey.

My 2 cents worth, if people are posting AND asking to be given both barrels, then give it. I wanted to be torn apart, but with some help so I would not make the same mistake again. Even being told to read a book would have been a start. As it was, I left the forum thinking you were all an unfriendly clique.
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I agree, I figured you'd have already learned the tips that were given by now... But your images are a case in point, you clearly asked for the good, the bad, and the ugly, and received nothing. They're not bad captures, there are certainly worse out there, but they're not 'wow, you're a photographic genius' either..(please don't take offence as none intended). Basically what I mean is they were clearly open to critique with something to be learned from them. And you got nothing. And this is what I don't get. It can be hit and miss with the feedback interaction. There is one person on here, and I won't mention any names, but awhile back, whenever they would post something for feedback, they got hammered on, sometimes quite 'over the top' as well. Mind you, this person didn't accept crit very well to begin with..probably the reason why they would get the hits on their post. But being a bystander, it almost appeared that people would go out of their way to pick pick pick, over and over, at things that had already been said, seemingly for the soul purpose of winding them up! That's just my own observation by the way... Like a flash flood, just like vultures. I will say however that this person has done a 360 on this in their defence...

I've posted quite a few images in the crit section, mostly portraits. It's what I love and am continually learning. If I were younger, it may have been something I could have gone into full time. But given today's financial climate, I'll stay behind my graphic designers desk and be content. But, I still want to learn, and this place has been invaluable to me. I've gotten quite a few little tips that have made it to my internal checklist, like don't crop below the knees lol...But have also noticed that my feedback is a bit hit and miss. And that makes me wonder if its because my images just plain suck and I'm kidding myself. I think they're ok, but then we all think our own work is good. Just let me say though, I'm not trying to turn this thread into something about me. I was just using me as another example like Milkfloat.

By the way, I do put in my share of feedback where I can, but I'm not always confident in my responses whereby it may get technical as I can be total crapola at trying to explain myself. And to say for the millionth time as the posters above me may have said 'great shot', I find less than helpful, although in the same breath, give credit where it's due and we all like a good ego stroke now and then... (Really hope I explained myself right...)
 
DG Phototraining said:
But being a Pro does mean you may not have that much time to write lengthy crit instead of doing something that you're being paid for
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Those who come here seem to have a reasonable amount of time available to post - using some of that time to assist other members would be a good thing.
 
gramps said:
I also think it is a shame that so many of the 'pro' members never offer any comments.
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Oh tell me about it... Ive tried many times to get crit from those who really know their stuff...the guys with cliché experience, those who have degrees in the arts so to speak...nothing, nada, no advice what so ever. ...It's the most disappointing aspect of the forum for me as all I want to do is learn more.


Phil Young said:
And to add to that: even worse that some post images to get feedback but never give any! That's really annoying.
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So true :thumbs:... I've been accused of this which is a bit of a joke when if you where to look you'd see that about 7,000 of my posts are giving thoughtful crit to others... the accusation just ****ed me off to be honest.... so little foresight, yet so much selfishness. :gag:

:shrug:
 
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gramps said:
Those who come here seem to have a reasonable amount of time available to post - using some of that time to assist other members would be a good thing.
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Some do. I spend quite a lot of time giving feedback. As to what prompts me, it's usually a reaction to the image. I flick through the crit forums every day, and I tend to just wait until something stops me in my tracks. It could be that it's terrible, or fantastic, or just interesting. I've never stopped to think what makes me offer feedback on one, and not another.
 
Milkfloat & sunnyside_up - I had a peek at recent threads you've started and didn't see any asking for crit in their title (maybe that's the search function for you :shrug:)

Generally, if you want crit its on a single image, not 3 in a thread that are all of a different kind of shot/lighting

If you would like to pick just one image you wish to have me crit I'll happily do that for you, just make it the sort of shot you want to do many more of - not much point critiquing stuff that's not your main focus :)

And I don't mean anyone to take that in a way that suggests my crit is any more worthy than others, rather just to show how I'd normally do it

Dave
 
DG Phototraining said:
Milkfloat & sunnyside_up - I had a peek at recent threads you've started and didn't see any asking for crit in their title (maybe that's the search function for you :shrug:)

Generally, if you want crit its on a single image, not 3 in a thread that are all of a different kind of shot/lighting

If you would like to pick just one image you wish to have me crit I'll happily do that for you, just make it the sort of shot you want to do many more of - not much point critiquing stuff that's not your main focus :)

And I don't mean anyone to take that in a way that suggests my crit is any more worthy than others, rather just to show how I'd normally do it

Dave
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Thanks for the offer - i am sure I will take you up on it. The one and only Crit post I made (linked above) was when I was a total newbie, both to photography and the forum, the images are poor to say the least. I did not know about the concepts of a set of similar photos or just posting one image, I was just hoping for an honest opinion and a crucially some helpful hints to help me improve. The lack of response meant I moved off elsewhere as I was left a little disenchanted. I have learned a little more since then and also know that you are not all horrible people, but as a newbie I was well and truly put off.

Perhaps there could be a section setup for newbie crit and maybe the post explaining how crit works could make further suggestions for newbies.
 
DG Phototraining said:
Milkfloat & sunnyside_up - I had a peek at recent threads you've started and didn't see any asking for crit in their title (maybe that's the search function for you :shrug:)

Generally, if you want crit its on a single image, not 3 in a thread that are all of a different kind of shot/lighting

If you would like to pick just one image you wish to have me crit I'll happily do that for you, just make it the sort of shot you want to do many more of - not much point critiquing stuff that's not your main focus :)

And I don't mean anyone to take that in a way that suggests my crit is any more worthy than others, rather just to show how I'd normally do it

Dave
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Actually, I thought by posting in the critique section means that you're looking for critique. :shrug:

Just reading through a few more people's posts, and really beginning to notice that more and more people are saying 'looking for feedback, but please be nice'.... so why are people assuming that they're going to get slaughtered? :thinking:
 
sunnyside_up said:
so why are people assuming that they're going to get slaughtered? :thinking:
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Because that so often is the case, however in fairness it tends to be 50/50 rude comments v unable to accept criticism.
 
gramps said:
Those who come here seem to have a reasonable amount of time available to post - using some of that time to assist other members would be a good thing.
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I don't know whether I count as a 'pro' being a part timer, but although I don't give a lot of critique I could hardly be accused of not giving help to other members, many of the other pro's are the same; offering help in gear, basics, general and lighting sections - as well as business.

Critique sections don't appeal to me at all, not just on this forum but on every forum I've been active on. There are too many people who only want compliments, too many people happy to supply that service and too much drama when things get contentious.

The idea that pro's should have to take part in sections that don't hold an interest to them is a bizarre concept:cuckoo:.
 
Well, I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to reply... I appreciate it. I found some of the comments quite interesting....
 
Phil V said:
The idea that pro's should have to take part in sections that don't hold an interest to them is a bizarre concept:cuckoo:.
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Really? The idea that qualified members should help others in improving their photography is a bizarre concept ... sorry but I find that bizarre! :shake:
 
It isn't bizarre if you appreciate that the qualified member may not like critique sections of forums. They don't have to like them or participate in that part of the forum.
They can offer help and advice in many other areas though.
 
I came across this situation as well. I went to give my honest opinion on a pic and it was a very poor one I might add and even though I was constructive in my remarks I felt like I had made a big mistake by giving feedback. I was the only one that said anything negative about the shot in the post and there was more wrong with it than right. I came to the conclusion that I was either the only one being honest or the others were flat out blind. I realized that the "critique " section is not always for critiquing. Now when I put up a shot of my own I got a few pointers. Nothing negative again but constructive pointers. I guess the verdict is out on the one.
 
ChrisGilbert said:
I don't say negative things about people's work. It's too subjective. I will comment when something particularly impresses me.
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I politely disagree. A beginner can really benefit from constructive pointers but I do understand that some can not handle being told their work is not perfect.
 
shaylou said:
A beginner can really benefit from constructive pointers
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Of course. But critique is only valid, IMO, if the intent is known. It's difficult to offer advice when you don't know the difference between what was aimed for and what was actually achieved. For all I know the OP might have been aiming for a badly focussed, incorrectly exposed shot with a wonky horizon and a bent white balance ;)
 
gramps said:
Really? The idea that qualified members should help others in improving their photography is a bizarre concept ... sorry but I find that bizarre! :shake:
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I like the way you selectively quoted me to completely change what I said - Well done, you could get a job on a tabloid.:clap::clap::clap::clap:

Phil V said:
I don't know whether I count as a 'pro' being a part timer, but although I don't give a lot of critique I could hardly be accused of not giving help to other members, many of the other pro's are the same; offering help in gear, basics, general and lighting sections - as well as business.

Critique sections don't appeal to me at all, not just on this forum but on every forum I've been active on. There are too many people who only want compliments, too many people happy to supply that service and too much drama when things get contentious.

The idea that pro's should have to take part in sections that don't hold an interest to them is a bizarre concept:cuckoo:.
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Just to square it up:thumbs:
 
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