A few people contacted me about setting up a new section for pictures to be used solely for advice and critique, as opposed to simply showing the photos.

The one problem I see with having two pictures sections is that people would be misplacing their topics. Those who simply want to show off a photo (not necessarily looking for critique) would sometimes post it in the advice section and vice versa.

So without clear guidelines, deciding what should go where and moving misplaced topics would be difficult.

One solution I see is having a restrictive set of rules for the advice section.
Something like:
- Must state the settings used for taking the picture (ISO, aperture, shutter speed, any body presets).
- Must describe the lighting (sources, intensity, locations, weather, etc.).
- Must list the gear (body, lenses, etc.)
- Must ask specific questions about either improving the existing picture in post or about retaking the shot.

Any topic that is placed in the advice section without the required info/questions gets moved into the pictures section.

Such set of rules would probably help with keeping the advice section focused on its intended purpose. But at the same time, I'm not sure what to do abut open-ended posts like "Here is a picture, how can I make it better?"

Any suggestions/opinions are welcome.

All the requied fields you sugest are good ones,and can that be done, make them requied fields without those fields present it wont post.
And what about posting full size files so they maybe downloaded and viewed in full.
Critique is a great learning tool and a seperate section is a great idea.

One solution I see is having a restrictive set of rules for the advice section.
Something like:
- Must state the settings used for taking the picture (ISO, aperture, shutter speed, any body presets).
- Must describe the lighting (sources, intensity, locations, weather, etc.).
- Must list the gear (body, lenses, etc.)
- Must ask specific questions about either improving the existing picture in post or about retaking the shot.

Any topic that is placed in the advice section without the required info/questions gets moved into the pictures section.

I don't know about others, but when I busy taking photos, I do not pay attention to what my camera settings are, I adjust to what I think will give me the best shot for that moment, Sun one moment, and maybe shade 5 minutes later. I adjust for each exposure, and keep shooting. I'd have to carry a pad and pen to record each shot, and I don't have time for that. I'm out to have fun, not write a technical article. I thought this was suppose to a fun family forum to show what photos we have captured.

If you asked me what exposures, or setting I used on any of the photos I posted, I couldn't tell you. That doesn't mean I still might not be able to advise someone else that's having a certain type of trouble capturing a certain shot, with try this setting or this exposure.

If I wanted to Join Professional Photographers Forum, that's what I would have done. I agree "Keep It Simple".

That's just my two cents......

Mike

I'm aware of that, and I sometimes strip this data before posting online, but not always. I just think if we have to get that technical on info, you need to be on a site for professionals, that's all.