Question - comments vs. critique: I have a question, as I don't want to cross over the forum etiquette line. When a poster asks for "comments" are they looking for things like: * Good...

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

I have a question, as I don't want to cross over the forum etiquette line.

When a poster asks for "comments" are they looking for things like:
* Good Job
* Great Photo
* Wonderful

or are they really asking for critique of the image, like:
* Your lighting is a little flat, try bouncing your flash.
* It's OOF, trying selecting your focal point and placing it on the outer corner of the eye.

I've seen this a couple of times on the forum and I'm curious about this and don't want to offer critique when they were just looking for a pat on the back.

Please discuss.

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Of course, everybody is different, but I have a feeling that when they say "comment", they really mean "my friends told me I'm a great photographer, please say so too..." but when they say 'critique', they mean "is there anything wrong with this shot.." with their literary fingers crossed in hope that no one will say "yes..."

And, I think some people get tied up between giving/getting artistic criticism versus technical criticism. They're two different things, which I believe a lot of people don't take into consideration.

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

oh there is a huge difference between artisic and technical. I try not to give to much artisic C&C as it truely is in the eye of the beholder.

Unless it's just an all out strange photo and then I'll ask "Why?" :mrgreen:

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

i agree with the bunny. plus throw in those who want a critique but can't spell to well so add comment. I believe you can be truthfull if a photo isn't very good yet still say something encouraging and make suggestions that are relevant without coming across like a pompous jerk. to many brutall honest means liscense to bully. For the record every critique I have given has been honest, no holding back, but given in such a way that it doesn't come across mean or snotty. the world is ugly enough allready, be nice instead.

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

In general, I think most people here no matter what they say just want you to say WOW GREAT PHOTO..I'm thinking HELP is the key word if they really want advice. I dont even bother asking because some of you wizards say things and Im embarrassed because I dont even know what you mean sometimes.

Mary P

Ditto. I think they mean different things to different people, but for me, they mean the same thing. And I believe you can critique without bullying and putting someone down. If photo is way off (in my opinion), I'll pick what I feel is most obvious and give them a starting point instead of overwhelming them with tons of advice. I don't feel that is being dishonest, do you?

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

not at all Mary. its being helpfull.

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

Oh don't get me wrong I try to give the positive sandwhich as much as positive (postive comment, what needs work, postive comment) and I don't think I bully or put anyone down - If I have I sure hope someone points me out on it.

OK that one time, with a certain poster, but that's the only time, I did not use my positive sandwhich. ;)

fawlty128 Loc: LI, NY now in Allentown, PA

JimH wrote:

Of course, everybody is different, but I have a feeling that when they say "comment", they really mean "my friends told me I'm a great photographer, please say so too..." but when they say 'critique', they mean "is there anything wrong with this shot.." with their literary fingers crossed in hope that no one will say "yes..."

I think JimH hit the nail on the head.

When I set up my flickr acct a few years ago I was hoping to get "Real" constructive critiques. Unfortunately, for the most part I received, "nice shot", "cute dog", "pretty scene". Ego booster maybe but helpful, No.
The 1st time someone gave me a crop suggestion, I was thrilled, they not only showed me where to crop but why. That is how you learn. But I agree with JimH a lot of the people here want confirmation that they are good photographers. Truth be told, if you really are a good photographer, you're most likely making money from it and you don't need confirmation from the people here.
Personally, especially on landscape shots, I prefer learning how to take the photo correctly in the 1st place instead of being told how to fix the mistake I already made.
But must admit, have learned to appreciate the effect a little post processing can have on an image.

photogrl57 Loc: Tennessee

I'm not looking for any pats on the back...those aren't going to help me learn. Constructive criticism is much more effective. Saying things like great shot or that really sucks isn't going to help either, believe me if the photo sucks I already know it. What would help me more is knowing what you would suggest I do to avoid that same outcome in future photos.

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

I think the point of my question was missed (and I didn't help much as I got off track as well).

I'm not asking how to give or who likes to get C&C. What I'm asking is if a poster asks for Comments, what do they really want.. a pat the back and a "job well done" or are they looking for critique?

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

According to Dale Carnigie. Criticism doesn't work if your attempting to influence people in general. If help is solicited a recommendation is much preferred. I've worked on this my whole life and I still fall short. We influence others much more by our own work than what we find wrong with someone else's. Taking the approach "did you consider" is much better than "you should" I only wish I could do what Carnigie says to do more often. Who among us?

fawlty128 Loc: LI, NY now in Allentown, PA

MWAC wrote:

I think the point of my question was missed (and I didn't help much as I got off track as well).

I'm not asking how to give or who likes to get C&C. What I'm asking is if a poster asks for Comments, what do they really want.. a pat the back and a "job well done" or are they looking for critique?

I think if someone asks for "Comments", they probably want the pat on the back and "job well done" type of comments. Those who actually want constructive criticism, most likely will specifically ask for it.

Heather Anne Loc: Moncks Corner Sc

I say comment because it is the first thing I can come up with, I want to get better so I hope I get more when I post pictures. Of course we all love to hear our pictures are great, but I am not afraid of being told how I can improve my picture.

forbescat

I must admit that I am bemused by some of the images that are posted with c/c requests. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell if a picture is out of focus or if one side is completely blownout or if limbs are chopped off or if there is no, and I mean no, redeeming feature. It's as if someone who has never seen pictures picks up a camera, shoots, and then says "What do you think?" expecting that they have created a masterpiece. Beginner or not, there has to be some thought given to the process. I would be mortified to associate my name with some of the images posted. Guess that's why I use an alias...