Pixeldawg Loc: Suzhou, China

Hello one and all,

I have been on this group since 2018, and only have some 300+ posts here- mostly in the photo forum. I have noticed something though and I wonder if anyone else here has as well. In that particular forum, I read a lot of comments that simple say "Nice shot" or "Great series" and nothing more. Then, when I see something and can show someone how to improve their work, they seem to get defensive. Strange to me and I always try to be polite and always ask if I can make the edit to show them what I am trying to explain. I am always told "no". Now, I have been a photographer for 40 years, worked as a photojournalist for most of that time with some of the very largest newspapers and newspaper chains in the country, worked as an editor, wrote for Popular Photography & Imaging and teach photography and photojournalism at a college. I feel that I have something to offer here, and particularly the photo critique forum. Yet, continually encounter this kind of attitude. I find this strange in a space within this forum that is specifically for critiques. Am I alone in this observation? A bit discouraging to try to help someone improve and have it constantly pushed away.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I use an easy to follow rule of thumb: unless the OP state something like "comments and critiques welcome", save your helpful comments for those who do make this comment. We can see this play out in your recent interactions: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-632866-1.html

In the thread above, you might try a more nuanced approach, such as: have you considered a square crop of this nice head shot to better emphasize the animal's face?

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

There are a number of sections here - it might be best to read to rules and watch the interaction in each section you are interested in before you participate. The "Gallery" is where people hang work to be seen; frankly that is what they do - hang and look; customarily there is little negative 'talk' unless the OP asks for critique. At the other end is the "Analysis" section - I have not looked at your comments, but they may be more appropriate there.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Photo Gallery is for sharing; unless specifically asked in the opening, don't offer criticism.

Sections that encourage feedback and suggestions are:
For Your Consideration
Post Processing Forum
Landscape Forum
Photo Critique, which is here

Photo Analysis is technical-problem specific, such as "why are my pictures blue?" There is a guidelines doc that helps explain. That section is administered by site Admin:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-19061-1.html

.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

"Knowing the why" is hugely important IMO. Just as important is understanding that UHH members are not in a classroom, and that there is a great variety of talent, education and interests. One size most definitely does not fit all.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

IMO, those who post images to the Photo Gallery are not particularly interested in a critique of their image. However, there are other sections such as For Your Consideration and Post Processing in which the posters welcome and learn from honest and diplomatic critiques of their work. If you check out other sections here on UHH! you will more than likely discover additional sections whose posters welcome critiques.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Almost all the sections have a "guidelines" doc on their first page. 30 of the forums are volunteer-moderated.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

12 thumbs up to this response, Paul!

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Many are here just for the socializing with other photographers and don't want to turn it into anything else. Others are "the experts" in their own mind and don't want to hear any different.
The sub-forums where you are most likely to get a better reception are:
Photo Analysis
Post Processing Digital Images
Exploration of Digital Artistry
Advice From the Pros
Photo Critique
Professional and Advanced Portraiture
Show Me What You Mean

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

"Show me what you mean" closed down quite some time ago:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-130-1.html

.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

The Photo Gallery is typically for display.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

And stating academic credentials gives the sense of "lording over the mere photographer". Frankly I might have submitted a similar photo, and I just now made a comment to his comment explaining why. My comment is not perfect either, BTW. If I do not understand something, I may post it as a question - "why did you ...", and sometimes I even learn something. 'Artist Intent' is very important in these things, and knowing the "why" should happen before offering suggestions.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I think I meant the "Photo Critique" Section, but thank you for correcting me.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Many folks derive a lot of enjoyment from sharing in Gallery - meeting up with their internet friends every day.

The sadder fact is the number of folks who left due to trolls, rudeness and negativity in general.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Well it is still listed and I never went there. Thanks for the info.