burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Mark, your name is so familiar... I read Pop Photo from 1967 to around 1999. Were you contributing then?

To your point, many here *aren’t* here to receive constructive criticism, but to show others what they’ve done.

It’s sad, really. The best of us grow the most when challenged and criticized constructively.

From my yearbook advisor in high school and the art director I worked for for eight years, I learned a lot. I encouraged them to make suggestions, because they were seasoned professionals. I developed a thick skin and an ability to learn from different perspectives.

I hope Linda from Maine chimes in here. She has written much on UHH about “critique sensitivity.”

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

The assumption that critiquing people's images is the best way to help them may be flawed.

For many people here photography is not so much about becoming better photographers as it is a matter of capturing memories and subjects that are meaningful to them. Just admire their grand kids, their gardens, their pets - that is what the images are about, not about trying to create art.

Set an example. Create some instructional tutorials for people. Build trust and rapport with the folks here.

Mike

BebuLamar

I know why! It's quite simple. People who posted think their work is great. They don't post things that they don't think are great. So people post and only expect praises. There is nothing you can say except praises. That is why I never visit the critique section. That is why I prefer to discuss only technicals.

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

That’s true. However I’ve seen posters add “critique welcome”. Also, critiques are given when not requested.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I have four comments on page 1, Bill 😊 (I've re-written a few of them as comments and quote replies are pouring in quickly)

Chg_Canon already made an excellent point. And now I see that Blenheim Orange has posted while I was typing. His suggestion about offering tutorials is what I have sometimes said also.

I disagree with your comment "It's sad, really." Perhaps UHH was at one time all about feedback, but it hasn't been for a few years. That is just the reality: Gallery and some of the small sections are primarily social sharing sites. Many derive a lot of enjoyment from this and from 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.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

That is also true, but infrequent.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

You are mis-labeling. Critique Forum is where people do go for critique. You are referring to "Photo Gallery."

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Same here...

BebuLamar

I'm sorry! I don't frequent the Photo Gallery either. Some how I have no interest in seeing other's pictures. And being in the Gallery posters definitely want praises only.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The only real guideline of the Photo Gallery is to post only your own work. Good, bad or why have no bearing, nor should they on a very social sharing section. There's enough people specifically asking for help / ideas, there's no need to force your help onto anyone.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Not sure how many times we have to say it: UHH Photo Gallery is a primarily a social sharing site. There is no shame in that.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Good points...

Perhaps the missing component is *expressed* receptivity to constructive advice. Many folks are not looking for unsolicited advice, but will accept “high praise for their misdemeanors.”

That’s likely why they post where they do.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I often comment that images are "nice" or "good" or some other adjective. It's only because often I do not wish to explain in detail why I like the image. If I don't like it I just don't comment unless the op asks for a critique. I post in the gallery because I believe more people will have an opportunity to view my images in that forum. I don't mind critique when it is offered.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Pixeldawg:

A few comments from the perspective of a 35 year teacher at the 6th through 12th grade levels. This is a whole different world than teaching at college (I did do a few lessons at the college level in classes taught by friends.)

College students are more or less there for and expecting lectures, corrections etc. and mostly do so voluntarily. A volunteer will react to things much differently than other people since they are out to get a degree/skill set aimed at a career. They expect to be told how to do it better. Most here on the UHH are here for fun and socializing.

I found that in most cases the best way to critique someone's work or answers is to start off with something positive - you did that - then frame questions "why did...", "what were you...", "did you try...", "where did you..." etc etc and then gradually introduce more things and suggestions or critiques.

And if you expect any back and forth keep it simple, only one concept at a time. Then work your way through one concept at a time and keep throwing in positive feedback.
If they don't want critique or feed back the best thing is to often back off and possibly in a thread of your own in the Photo Gallery (where more will see and learn about your work) - WITH NO MENTION OF OTHER PHOTOS OR THREADS - post a similar picture done your way. After a while you might get some questions such as "How/Why did you..." etc etc etc. And keep posting lots of what you consider good photography to build up a reputation of being one of the resident experts and then people may come to you for advice like they do some others on UHH.

Save the academic credentials etc for your signature line where it appears subdued and isn't stuck in someone's face.

I taught US, World, California and Western World History, Geography and State and National Government-one year of Basic Photography when our Photo Teacher passed his boards and became an Administrator. I taught it as "History and Practice of Photography" and at the end of the school year I went back to the Social Studies Department then transferred to another school where they needed another History teacher and someone to run a photo club and keep the idea of the subject open while their main building with all the science labs and the photo lab was rebuilt. That was a 5 year project because the building was on the historic places registry and almost all work was done by crews with hand tools and all large materials etc lowered through a non-visible from ground level hole in the roof. It was a 1930 building with a lot of beautiful wood trim, wall paneling and floors so a lot of loving hand work to modernize the building. None of the bulldoze and replace stuff. And at the end just weeks before I could have taught photography in the remodeled building I got caught in a "Racial Balance" transfer and off to a Jr High in East Los Angeles for 15 years then to a Sr High in East LA for 13 years that was so over crowded they had no room for a photo lab or several other elective type classes. Then I retired

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Bill, you are not getting it. Many are internet buddies sharing "memories and subjects that are meaningful to them" and "not about trying to create art." That's what Mike said.

There are a number of folks over 80 who can no longer take pictures, so they share images taken 20 years ago. Some are restricted with health challenges and not able to "up" their game (they might shoot from their car; I do that a lot too!).

There are some topics that begin with "I know this isn't very good, but..." and those can be of great interest to people who have also tried to photograph a belted kingfisher, or have not previously seen a bald eagle or white pelican in the wild. Many photos are from travel, so while there might be certain educational opportunities (e.g. exposure or lighting), there won't be a next time for that particular photo. You can't say, "If I was taking a picture of the Taj Mahal..."