Am I the Only Hog who's Curious? Why do we not post our settings with our photos, especially when downloads are offered? I often see folks asking what settings were used but it must be...

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

Why do we not post our settings with our photos, especially when downloads are offered? I often see folks asking what settings were used but it must be a cultural thing not to voluntarily reveal what you used to get that shot.
I, for one, am always interested. C'mon, give it up.
Thanks

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Raz Theo wrote:

Why do we not post our settings with our photos, especially when downloads are offered? I often see folks asking what settings were used but it must be a cultural thing not to voluntarily reveal what you used to get that shot.
I, for one, am always interested. C'mon, give it up.
Thanks

I do always. Not guilty.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-551496-1.html

agillot

yes you are right also lens / camera used .

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Raz Theo wrote:

Why do we not post our settings with our photos, especially when downloads are offered? I often see folks asking what settings were used but it must be a cultural thing not to voluntarily reveal what you used to get that shot.
I, for one, am always interested. C'mon, give it up.
Thanks

I'm curious, how do they help and how do they affect your interpretation of the image?

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Raz Theo wrote:

Why do we not post our settings with our photos, especially when downloads are offered? I often see folks asking what settings were used but it must be a cultural thing not to voluntarily reveal what you used to get that shot.
I, for one, am always interested. C'mon, give it up.
Thanks

This question comes up often. I always wonder why it matters! I haven’t seen a reasonable need for someone else’s settings yet. It’s one of those old camera club traditions that is probably more harmful and confusing than helpful.

What matters, technically, is that we learn *through our own experience and controlled testing* what effect each of our individual camera controls and post-processing tools does for us.

There are enough variables that my use of another’s basic settings may not yield the results I seek! Been there, done that, bought the ugly T-shirt.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Camera/lens combo might be useful, actual settings? why? your not there at the same time, conditions change, f stop for depth of field? shutter? do you really need to know, and if you do why not check the exif of the shot?

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

agillot wrote:

yes you are right also lens / camera used .

Bingo! 👍 When a poster includes the information it gives me ideas as to improving my own photography. That's how I learn and that's what I use the site for. A hearty kudos and thank you to those who do include that info in your postings!

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

burkphoto wrote:

This question comes up often. I always wonder why ... (show quote)

I prefer to be able to see the settings used, for example of fireworks shots, so that it could put me in the ball park for shooting my own.

Granted, with post processing, EXIF settings matter less and less depending on the skill at processing, but its a start at least for me to go from.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

bobmcculloch wrote:

Camera/lens combo might be useful, actual settings? why? your not there at the same time, conditions change, f stop for depth of field? shutter? do you really need to know, and if you do why not check the exif of the shot?

Correct Bob. But if I ever find myself in a similar environment, would it not be helpful to have some fore knowledge as to the settings used by a poster who captured a stunning image?

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I always make a description of what I have used. The majority of the times I even describe the technique I used. For some, describing the gear used is just show off.

BebuLamar

Raz Theo wrote:

Why do we not post our settings with our photos, especially when downloads are offered? I often see folks asking what settings were used but it must be a cultural thing not to voluntarily reveal what you used to get that shot.
I, for one, am always interested. C'mon, give it up.
Thanks

I never remove the EXIF data from my image file. I do not check them either so I don't know if they are there. If you want to know how I made the image just ask.

tracs101 Loc: Huntington NY

Jakebrake wrote:

Bingo! 👍 When a poster includes the information it gives me ideas as to improving my own photography. That's how I learn and that's what I use the site for. A hearty kudos and thank you to those who do include that info in your postings!

I agree. It helps me also. Makes me think and wonder if I would do it that way or another. Sharing info helps many. If you don't want to share info and read others information, then why come to this website? Then why join a camera club? If you think your way is the best or only way to create your photo then you are staying inside the box. There are sometimes many ways to make a shot work. A recipe for an apple pie is basic, yet there are also a thousand variations posted in books. I am always am curious about the recipe YOU had for your photo.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Raz Theo wrote:

Why do we not post our settings with our photos, especially when downloads are offered? I often see folks asking what settings were used but it must be a cultural thing not to voluntarily reveal what you used to get that shot.
I, for one, am always interested. C'mon, give it up.
Thanks

If it concerns you so much, you should install an EXIF viewer into your browser. Then you can view those settings for yourself.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Yes, common topic and here is a link to a recent thread. https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-551817-1.html

A search of "posting settings" will show more.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

burkphoto wrote:

This question comes up often. I always wonder why ... (show quote)

Maybe it's because we understand the affects of speed and f-stop so we can use what we want for the effect we desire?
Knowing what camera made the shot is superlative, not going to run out and buy one. Not going to duplicate the shot. Anything I shoot that might be similar will not have the same EV, which I would adjust if desired.