fthomas Loc: Philippines

As I peruse the images and comments I notice a lot of photographs receiving praise and wonder though they are not cohesive in composition and exposure. They are nice "Pic's" , but do they really reach the level of images we could all go out and find on Photo.net or any number of places. There are amazing and gifted photographers using Canon 40 or 50D's and kits lenses to make some terrific images if not stunning!

How could we raise the bar for quality (I'm including me in this by all means and actually was beating myself up as I worked on a number images that I knew could have been better!) on UHH?

Does the bar need to be raised? Do we need to be a encouragement and example to others when possible? I think the answer is yes! Do we need to hold each other to higher standard in order to encourage improvement for us all?

Thoughts!

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

FTHOMASS Stated eloquently above a declaration of the state of photographers, Kudos indeed! One part of his statement stuck a cord with me: "Do we need to hold each other to higher standard in order to encourage improvement for us all?" The answer is indeed we do....

It has long been my believe that in the forum we should not use simple one liner statements such as good, nice, and (cringe) sweet and cute. Rather we make a statement that "This photo is IMO a fine example of composition, exposure a bit bright... etc." Also the critique should make suggestions for improvement. Put forth effort rather than brief one liner critic comments.

One of the advantages of Tampa Bay Camera Club has been the, at times painful, critiques along with on screen crops, shading etc. In a sense a brief lesson for improving or skills. With this my abilities have improved greatly... Thank you TBCC.

Additionally, when a technical debate arises we must do research in the literature and read those references. Followed by giving a synopsis to all and links to the text. One Photographers Opinion. OPO d/p

Dave Johnson Loc: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Excellent topic! In my opinion the biggest kindness you can show a photographer is an honest and constructive critique. Heavy on the "constructive" part.

dpullum mentioned his camera club as being a help to him. That has been a help for me as well. I was able to join a Portraiture Club where we all submit photos, good and bad, and discuss the merits and problems with each other. I've got to tell you, those discussions are GOLD to me. One of the guys said "You learn more from your mistakes than you do from your good shots" and I think that is true. Honestly analizing and accepting constructive feedback is the best way to improove your photography.

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

This touches on one of the biggest issues I have with this site.

Many seem to lack the knowledge to know what a good images is.
They sure believe they do.

I see quite a few photographers that claim they came out of the womb with a camera..... Shooting for more than 50 years....... Been Pro on more than one occasion.
The biggest problem is they were also born blind.


Quality photography is more than technical details.
The best photography is not ISO9000 compliant!

To know and not to do is not to know.

The next time you get advice and want to get better. Examine your source. If I wanted to get get rich I would listen to Warren Buffet or Larry Ellison not Joe Lunch Bucket. This applies to any field of endeavor.

If you just want to talk and be social..... That's great.

"To thine own self be true"

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

PalePictures: "Quality photography is more than technical details. The best photography is not ISO9000 compliant!"

Did you mean PalePictures that the art/creativity aspects may often break the ISO9000 always improving technical aspects of exposure, rule of thirds, etc that fit the established formula photo? One may say that your avatar photo is not technically correct, but it is indeed striking and requires our focusing on your face.

For those not familiar with ISO9000, it is a wheel of product, review, critique, items for improvement, and improved product and then the cycle continues over and over... in a sense looking at the edge it is a spiral upward to perfection never obtainable. Sounds spiritual doesn't but for a manufacturing process it is quite useful.

PalePictures, I did a quick glance at your web-site and was impressed. Do you use PS, PSP, and any package such as Topaz or OnOne?

fthomas Loc: Philippines

I replied with quote because I believe what has been stated is true! I also believe at times I have been gratuitous to members about their images feeling it is better to either say nothing or to truly lay it on the line. There are untold numbers that may view a post and much to my disappointment do not see it worth their while to participate. So, if I am going to take the time to look I should acknowledge my presence. Not being forthright with my opinion is wrong and does nothing to move the discussion in a honest, courteous and truthful direction.

There have been a few times that I have been slammed on this forum, but have a thick skin and really don't mind. Some of the things that were said were relevant, timely and truthful. So I could learn.

Given the breadth of experience here I just feel it is time that we start to be honest with one another and help those just starting out to guide them in the right direction and hold those with experience feet to the fire.

Recently on a post I made "Sweet Moment between Woman and Child" I received some very constructive critique that I agree with and actually had tried their suggestions but felt I lost a sense of place that the image was taken. It wasn't posed and was a street shot taken in a split second. Fortunately I was ready and caught it. Regardless, their comments rung true. I have sense posted a hasty image conforming to their suggestions.

This I can learn from. This challenges me to think through the entire process from the capture of the image all the way through Post Processing! I want more of this not less!

I want to improve and learn! I want your comments and critique in a constructive manner. Help me grow as a photographer and an artist!

We all like the beautiful sunset, flowers and pretty shots. Mine are anything but pretty. They are on the streets of Manila and are gritty. Like the life here. Regardless, did I show you an image that gave you that feeling? Did I succeed! I will only know if the viewer of the image walks away with what I wanted and tried to communicate. How will I know if you only take a passing glance and have nothing constructive to say? Take time to comment! I believe we all learn from the experience!

jenny Loc: in hiding:)

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

This is by far a social group. If you want to hold yourself to higher standards, cruise sites like http://500px.com/ and throw your photos in the ring. With thousands of quality photos to look at, if yours is chosen or even look at your starting to scratch the surface. If you want praise just ask your family, if not, it's a tough world out there. As mentioned, if you want advice be leary, I found the ones that give the most advice, post the least amount of photos.. Remember we can be anyone we want on the internet, even a professional photographer.

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

Jenny,

But how do we set the standard as to who has the knowledge to know?

Look at their images. Can you tell the difference? You will end up with the same quality of the images photographers you admire, follow and listen too. Go to 500px.com and look at the editors choice selection. Do you believe they are better images than what you see here? Is that something you would aspire to produce?

Everyone has to start somewhere. At first everyone's pictures suck. After you do it for a while they get better, but you have to change yourself to make that happen. Changing what is on the inside of each of us to know and recognize what is better will take you further than all the technical mumbo jumbo spewed forth.

If you don't know what's good go to 500px.com.. If you already know what's good and it's your stuff...no one can help you...

I'm still trying to get good......

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

And this is why your images are so good!

PalePictures Loc: Traveling

Only two plugins in Photoshop CC.
Silver Efex Pro.
Color Efex Pro.

That's it.

Beagleman Loc: Indiana

I know I am way over my head in even thinking about commenting in this topic.....

HOWEVER, I meekly venture this:

The first time I posted here I shared a pose from my granddaughter's wedding, because of the tender love that came through in the pose. Immediately, a poster that I had never seen on the site before or since came down on me like a ton of bricks with "Why didn't you take out that crack in the barn siding behind them? etc etc." Frankly I didn't know HOW to do that or I would have. I don't have lightroom or photoshop. I do have Irfanview, but am struggling to use even that. I have gotten that sort of response a few times since then also. Not always, but sometimes when I know I need help, but don't get it.

Many of us KNOW what is wrong with a photo, but all too seldom does anyone offer the HOW TO that we need to improve it. I am probably out of line in even saying this, but CC should be helpful so that a person can learn and grow from it.

--Beagleman

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

This topic has come up many times - people giving quick compliments to photos that don't deserve compliments. The thing is, most of them are posted in the Gallery, not in the Photo Analysis section. Most people post there just to show a nice image. They're not auditioning for a national publication. I'm one of those people who say "Nice," or "Good shot" because I want the poster to know that someone looked at the picture and liked it.

People who post images in the Gallery usually don't ask what's wrong with their picture. If members are afraid that their post will be analyzed and every possible fault pointed out, maybe they won't post at all. I think there is difference between someone posting a nice picture and someone asking how a particular picture could be improved.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

:thumbup:

francesca3 Loc: Sausalito, CA

I have to agree with your humble posting, above.
Although it is ALSO true that pablum comments are not at all helpful (cause me to cringe, too), there is a wide range of expertise among UHH members. Truthfulness is best, written forthrightly without condescension (sp).
I liked the comment that was written earlier about our (UHH) responsibility to respond honestly if we view a post and have something relevant to say. Wow.