W/R Prospective Hogger' Dilemma: I received the following email from a prospective Hog and I quote it in essence with his permission. Hello, I am what would be called a novice with...

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

I received the following email from a prospective Hog and I quote it in essence with his permission.

Hello, I am what would be called a novice with digital photography and I would welcome lots of help.

I would like opinions on how to improve my technical knowledge and found out that the UHH is one of the best sites to get help but I was a bit disappointed because although I found a section called the Photo Critique Section which looked at first like a place to get good advice but as I looked through I was not sure.

It appears to be about six or eight friends showing their photos to one another and getting praise but that is not what I am looking for.

Is there a section at the Hedgehog where I can get advice on where I might be going wrong and what I can do to improve?

I dont want to just fix my mistakes afterwards with my computer.

Thank you and regards,

Whatever happened to the PC & A Forum?

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Photo Critique & Analysis Forum
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-117-1.html

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Nikonian72 wrote:

Photo Critique & Analysis Forum
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-117-1.html

I think he was being cynical.

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

Nikonian72 wrote:

Photo Critique & Analysis Forum
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-117-1.html

Thanks but that is exactly where the fellow looked but all that he found was "about six or eight friends showing their photos to one another and getting praise",

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

tainkc wrote:

I think he was being cynical.

Me too.

Clyde141

Some critiques are helpful and some are not. There are often many positive comments that really are not critiques. "I like it." and "Beautiful" are not critiques. There usually aren't many in the "I like it because..." or "It might be improved by..." category. There was another thread here on a similar subject - about the weekly photo contest I believe. Anyway, critiques of any kind require some discernment. Some are worth heeding and some are not. Once in a while the "critiquer" doesn't know what they are talking about. On Ugly Hedgehog I think there are many of the "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" persuasion and they may post a photo but not really want any critiques from viewers.

Nightski

There is not one person who has posted on this thread so far that comes to the section to give honest critique with the sincere intention of helping those who need it, on a regular basis. At least a couple of you have come to make "nice shot" comments and have broken the rules of the section. I am willing to bet that other people who come to post on this thread will be people that are guilty of the same thing. Everybody likes to sit out here and cackle like a bunch of cranky old men, but nobody wants to put the time in to help.

Put Up Or Shut Up!

That's all I have to say.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

winterrose wrote:

I received the following email from a prospective ... (show quote)

I don't bother with the PC&A forum. I post in the Photo Gallery and if I have a photo I want critiqued I make sure to specify that, or any other specific questions I have. In one instance I asked Hoggers to edit the photo and then explain what they did. Very informative. Make sure to use "Store Original" anytime you have a question. Like most threads it will either peter out quickly or get off topic, but just the same, I've gotten some very useful info in this manner. Tell your friend to just go for it and post some photos. I've learned more on the UHH since I joined a few months ago then I have since I first picked up a camera in the '60's.

Nightski

LFingar wrote:

I don't bother with the PC&A forum. I post in ... (show quote)

and yet another cackler . :roll:

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Nightski wrote:

There is not one person who has posted on this thr... (show quote)

You are doing a dis-service to some very good people here on the Hog. I've gotten some great feedback simply by asking for it. Everything from detailed instructions to links to editing of my photos to show what can be done. Members like Nikonian72 are above reproach IMO. He has never failed to provide a knowedgable critique or the answer to any question I have put to him. Jerryc41 is another Hogger who will answer professionally when asked. There are more then a few others like them on the Hog. I've never had to do any more then ask and I have gotten the information I needed.

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

The gentleman who contacted me was also questioning how it is that the people on the Critique section can on the one hand be apparently experiencing such a significant degree of uncertainty regarding their results that they request assistance on a very regular basis yet on the other hand quite freely provide their opinions as though they are very well versed on the subject.

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

Nightski wrote:

and yet another cackler . :roll:

You are not being very kind, Nightski, all that LFingar is saying is that he doesn't want to interrupt your little party.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

winterrose wrote:

The gentleman who contacted me was also questioning how it is that the people on the Critique section can on the one hand be apparently experiencing such a significant degree of uncertainty regarding their results that they request assistance on a very regular basis yet on the other hand quite freely provide their opinions as though they are very well versed on the subject.

I visited the PC&A forum when I first joined and got the same impressions as your friend. Haven't been back to it since. A waste of time in my opinion. Tell your friend that after they have been in the mainstream of the Hog for a while they will learn whose opinions have value and who are just background noise.

Clyde141

winterrose wrote:

The gentleman who contacted me was also questioning how it is that the people on the Critique section can on the one hand be apparently experiencing such a significant degree of uncertainty regarding their results that they request assistance on a very regular basis yet on the other hand quite freely provide their opinions as though they are very well versed on the subject.

Well said. That has also been my observation.

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

Do you get free pizza if you critique? Folks, ENJOY the forum!! I love the daily ritual of seeing what folks have posted. Some interesting - and not so interesting - images and back stories appear; love it all!! The mouse does an excellent job in passing over what I don't want to see.