wmralls Loc: Kansas City

There is polite, but there is also fear. My money is on fear as the real reason people do not post or do post but only with the "polite" review. I see that people are fearful mostly that posting an honest review will be seen as rude and generate flaming attacks aimed at them or generate true reviews of their work (some do not really want truth, just want acceptance).

Could also be simply that we have been schooled over the years to idolize the graphic, moving or still, good or bad.

If you want open, honest reviews of your pics, then stop acting like your pics are your kids. Nobody wants to tell an adoring parent that their kids are really little monsters (your pics arn't).

Now, the "you asked for it" column.

Overall, your pics are way above the "snap-n-go" variety. You evidently take time to consider the subject matter, the framing, light, and texture, as well as pattern. I have noticed you have an amazing variety of subject matter. I also notice your subject's faces are a bit dark sometimes, especially around the eyes. Your composition tends to center rather than offset the key point in the photo and many times there is not a central key point in the photo, that is not a big deal, just a minor observation as the pics are still very good.

All that said, as we disconnected a bit over one post, I would caution you to watch the rebuttal-type replies as there is a million ways a person could have meant what they posted. When in doubt, clarify rather than accuse.

Mike (tellin' it like it is and waiting for the salvos :)

notnoBuddha

Well - that was interesting. First, I would like to say that no offense was meant to anyone, and of course all are free to commentt or not as they wish. I was just curious as to what others were thinking - their expectations, if any. Personally I am constantly amazed at how we all often see, hear, and feel differently even when expoused to the exact same thing and enjoy when their vision is shared. I have enjoyed seeing the pictures posted on this thread and will go back and take a closer look. I have some battle related pictures posted on my web site on the "reflections" page. These are mostly in regard to WWI and WWII but I am going to the DC area next week and hope to visit some battle sites and cemeteries. Thanks to all & enjoy what you do.

notnoBuddha

Attn; wmralls - I did enjoy reading your comments, always nice to hear from you & please continue to share your thoughts and prints.

notnoBuddha

Attn' CCC -
"Yes we are polite. It is the way to allow a person even if we don't agree with them. I like to make constructive comments".

Thanks - always glad to hear what is on your mind.

notnoBuddha

Attn Sinatraman - I do appreciate you taking the time to commnent and share your prints. I'm not too sure I agree that it is just the young that can be rude or maybe thoughtless would be more accurate. Many are conviced they are the busiest person in the world and at least a few of all ages are so wraped up in their world - if it is not all about them then it just don't count. I have found in my life that works out fine I also don't really care about them. There are now over 6 billion people in the world and I can get along fine by not speaking to some of them. Thanks once more & I'll be watching.

notnoBuddha

Attn;Phyllis wrote -

"As for me, I feel that I am not qualified to be a photo critic so I don't say anything unless a photo really catches my eye. Then I will compliment the photographer."

Don't know if I can but, I'ld like to dissuade you from that thought process. Regardless of ones background or what they consider a lack of knowledge - we all know what we like, we know what makes us feel good. We all know when colors appear pleasing, when something is crooked or out of focus. Many want to know what does not seem right as much as what does. Most, I believe are their own worse criticis and want to know what others see. Jump right in - the water is fine.

notnoBuddha

Attn;usmc1063-"Since I am new to Photography I reserve my comments on another's photographs. But I do like the honesty when my photographs are critiqued. It will help me better understand the art involved."

Yes - several seem to believe so. I would ask you to consider the fact if you know what you like in your photos, you also know if what you are looking at in others are pleasing to the eye. I for one - and feel certian their are many that woulld welcome your eye, your perspective.

I have trip to the DC area next week and hope to get some photos of the memorials / cemeteries, and historical sites. I enjoyed the pictures you have added and will be watching for new additions.

I have added one that gets mixed reviews. It is of the WWI cemetery in Ypres Belguim. Don't know your knowledge of that part of history but this area was pivotal. The other is a picture of Omaha Beach Cemetery at Normandy. Please free to comment on anything I add or write.

usmc1063 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA Area

Yes I have a good deal of knowelege when it comes to history. Especially the WWII. My Father landed on Omaha beach on the second wave of assault troops. I like your first picture very much but the second one is most impressive. Thanks for sharing.

notnoBuddha

attn; wrote -"Yes I have a good deal of knowelege when it comes to history. Especially the WWII. My Father landed on Omaha beach on the second wave of assault troops. I like your first picture very much but the second one is most impressive. Thanks for sharing."

I have added another one that you might like to see. While at Normandy this last May my two brother-inlaws got invited to help raise the flags for the day at the Omaha Beach Cemetery. The other picture is of Point du Hoc - a look out point located between Omaha and Utah Beaches.I got to take some rather poor pictures. You may want to click on my proflie > my web site . then the "reflection" page.

usmc1063 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA Area

These are great pictures I will check out your site.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

Yes there are rude people in every generation. It just seems there are alot more of them in the kids of these generation. i guess they dont teach being polite on facebook and myspace. Occasionaly I run into someone from the older generations that is illmannered and it never fails to shock me. Course what do I know I am only 50.

henrycrafter Loc: Orem Utah

I really dont care what somebody says because they are reacting to something that I have created.
If they like it fine. If they dont like it fine. At least I can get reaction!

CCC

Thank you all:

Here is an image for you. Please enjoy!

sincerely,

CCC

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

Photography is a personal thing that as someone else here said, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." People ask for critical reviews of their shots but they really want to hear what they did well more than they want to hear how they did it wrong.

I don't like to deflate somebody's pride in their work, especially a newbie who could be discouraged and quit because of it, by commenting negatively so I don't comment.

I also may not like the subject matter of the shot, or may not be familiar with how to shoot that type of subject better because I haven't done it myself, so I also don't make a comment. We also don't know how well the shooter knows how to post process and make them compatible with Internet file size limitation, so their resolution and clarity may not be as good as their prints - so we can't really comment on that either.

Unfortunately, that leaves a photo poster wondering if no comments means their shots suck or if there's just nobody out here who wants to comment. That seems unfair too.

Then again, should newbies who are not technically adept comment on shots by newbies who are also not technically adept, or comment on shots by someone who is seasoned and maybe a professional?

And how long do you suspect it would take for some individual whose work was criticized to jump to their own defense and a flame war ensues? That ruins the forum completely. I'm sick to death of other sites where conversations become childish because of egos. I guess I'd rather see this forum make mostly positive complimentary comments and polite suggestions than to ruin it.

Phyllis Loc: NE PA

Right on, notnoBuddha. It's difficult to honestly critique someone else's work when you don't know them personally and don't know how they will respond to a negative comment. It is also difficult when you don't have the technical or artistic knowledge yourself to offer the photographer on how to improve their photos.

But, art is subjective and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. I have entered, in my opinion, some of my best images in a couple photo contests, and nothing. The few photos I have posted here have received almost no reaction. So, my only conclusion is that there is really nothing to say.

Oops, I didn't watermark this.