I constantly receive requests for new forum sections. In order to keep the core forum simple while allowing for more sections I've implemented user-managed sections.

You can read the description here:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-1-1.html#305265

If you have an idea for a section that you would like to manage, please send me a PM and I'll see about setting it up.

Please make sure you save it as JPEG, not as JPEG2000.

Please try re-saving your file with a graphics program. Even if it's already a JPG file, try saving it as JPG again.

Hmm. That's an interesting use-case. I'm surprised no one mentioned it before.

Right now, there is no way to include another user's attachment in a reply. But I'll look into it. Not sure if it would be possible to implement this feature though.

lindysuewho, if you decide to press charges, then let me know. I'll provide you with my contact information for a subpoena.

I'll be happy to provide the authorities with IP addresses and timestamps of anyone involved in any kind of harassment. Once you have that, the authorities can subpoena the respective internet providers to get customer information and figure out the identity of those people.

Keep the webserver logs of your site. Matched with my server logs, the content of any private messages, their internet provider's logs, and phone company records, it wouldn't be hard for the authorities to confirm the identities of the people involved and establish persistent pattern of harassment.

I don't think iPad's browser supports file uploads like other browsers do.

Yes, there were already some new topics posted with general questions like "What can I do to make it better?" instead of asking for specifics.

I'll be moving such topics to the gallery.

The level of skill doesn't matter. If it's about a specific issue with a photo, then it's OK to post in the analysis section.

I split the Pictures section into two sections: Photo Gallery and Photo Analysis.

Photo Gallery is the old Pictures section. Everything stays the same.

The Photo Analysis section is described here:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-19061-1.html

Photo Analysis Section

Just like the Photo Gallery section, the Photo Analysis section is also for posting pictures. But there is a major distinction.

When posting in the Photo Analysis section, you must:
- Ask a specific question about fixing something particular you don't like about your photo. (Help with retaking the shot or with post-production techniques.)
or
- Post a "mini-tutorial" describing a technique you used to achieve something specific in the photo. (Teach others about framing, lighting, post-processing, etc.)

All other picture posts, such as asking for general critique of some photo, should be placed in the Photo Gallery section. So questions like "What can I do to make this photo better?" should be placed in the Photo Gallery, not in Photo Analysis.

In addition, when asking for help in the Photo Analysis section:
- You must state the settings used for taking the picture (ISO, aperture, shutter speed, any body presets). If you don't have the exact numbers, then please recall them the best you can.
- You must describe the lighting (sources, intensity, locations, weather, etc.). Again, if you don't remember the specifics do your best describing the environment.
- You must list the gear (body, lenses, etc.)
- You must ask specific questions about either improving the existing picture in post or about retaking the shot.

Posts that don't contain the required information or lack description of a specific issue will be moved to the Photo Gallery section.

You can find out how to upload pictures to the forum here.

Photo Analysis section inherits the general rules of conduct from the Photo Gallery section. You'll find those rules here.

I like it! Thanks for the suggestion.

Photo Gallery
Photo Analysis


To address some of the other posts in this thread:

Both sections will be open for critique. The gallery section is for general feedback, while the analysis section is for dealing with specific issues/questions.

Edits and re-uploads will be covered by the existing rules. Nothing changes: unless explicitly stated otherwise by the OP, assume you can't edit and re-upload someone else's photos. No checkboxes, buttons, etc. at this time.

Automatic extraction of the EXIF data (for shutter speed, ISO, aperture) is in the works. Not sure when it will be implemented though.

Most likely first week of January.

To continue this thread: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-7675-1.html

I'm still trying to formulate the purpose and the set of rules for the new pictures section.

The core difference between the two sections as I see it should be entertainment vs. education.

- The existing pictures section should be mostly for showing off one's shots.

- The new pictures section should be mostly for learning how to improve and for show-and-tell posts. Either asking why something specific in the photo didn't come out right, or explaining how something specific in the photo was achieved.

There will be some overlap, but the difference between the two sections should be clearly defined.

The main reason for creating the new pictures section is to make sure that posts with pictures of users seeking help with specifics of a shot don't get lost among the multitude of other pictures which get posted on the forum on a general basis.

Just to clarity. The difference between the two sections will not be (as was suggested elsewhere):
- Only positive comments vs. all honest critique.
- Editing vs. non-editing.
- Post-processing questions vs. shooting questions.

Initially, the set of rules for the new section was as follows:


I'm going to relax this and drop the absolute requirement for describing the settings. It was pointed out that sometimes it's hard to recall them much later, and I agree. So we'll go with "should" instead of "must".

The core of the rules for the new section would be something like this.

You must either:
- Ask a specific question about fixing something specific you don't like about your photo.
- Post a description of a technique you used to achieve something specific in the photo.

I'm stressing specificity over and over because I would like to avoid vague posts like: "Here is a picture of my puppy. Please tell me what I could improve." So posts with general questions like "What do you think about this photo?" should be placed in the existing pictures section. The existing pictures section is for general questions and general critique.

By contrast, the new section should contain posts like (and I'm just making stuff up here to illustrate the point):
- Why is the background too bright while the subject is too dark?
- Why is the wrong subject/background in focus instead of the main subject?
- How to make sure the highlights in the "such and such" aren't clipped?
- Why is there bluish cast on the faces?
Or something like that.

The purpose of the new section is the educational component -- to help people improve on specifics (lighting, gear, techniques, framing).

Keeping all this in mind, I'm struggling with the name for the new section.

We need a name that clearly states the purpose of the new section, so that people don't confuse the two pictures sections.

Any suggestions?

Try My Profile link at the top.