dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Yes I know you say that but then, what is the purpose for your rant. I don't think I am the only one here questioning your rant. You whine and cry about people seeing your photos as you seem to want them to yet you haven't posted any photos for anybody to look at, telling us that you don't need people to look at them, you know they are good. As my mother used to say, you can't have your cake and eat it too. You can't have everyone fawning over your pictures when you don't post them. You have brought all of this upon yourself so please don't blame me or any anyone else for your whining and crying.

Dennis

DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

Good composition tells a story or shows precisly what the photographer is conveying. The viewer shouldn't have to guess what the photo is about. The photo may not be interesting to everyone who views it but it should definitely show what the photographer is conveying. Check out this book at the top list of books for composition:

https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Perfect-Practice-Self-Training-World-Class/dp/0321803531

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

Where are the photos?

R.G. Loc: Scotland

If an actor is doing a really good job of acting, you forget about the fact that they're acting and just get taken in by the performance. The funny thing is, that's exactly what most people want to get out of watching actors perform. Most people don't watch films, TV programs etc with a hyper-critical eye. They want to be taken in by the performance and the storyline. And if that's what happens it's a case of "mission accomplished".

If you've done a good job of taking a shot and editing it, the viewers will be taken in by it, and when that happens it's not necessary for the viewer to understand why they enjoyed looking at the shot. However, as the creator of the shot it will help if you understand the whys and wherefores of creating captivating images. The only people you are likely to get insightful comments from (as far as the technicalities and aesthetics are concerned) is another photographer/editor. "Nice shot" may seem like a glib comment, but at least it's confirmation that the shot was not a failure, and it should be appreciated as such.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

I think that the OP's topic IS an interesting one, but firstly, "nice shot" in this forum seems to have two extra uses - one is as a word of encouragement to newbie photographers, and the second as a "I've had a quick look and it's ok"
I don't really think that pictures are posted with the thought that "It doesn't matter what people think". Usually we think our posted picture is, in some way, successful, and that it would be nice to receive an accolade. I have seen good pictures posted in the "Critique section" which should, perhaps, have been posted in the "Accolades welcome" section.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Aah... so that's what's been missing all these years .

canon Lee

HI let me put my 2cents in... There is a difference between shots from a full time commercial photographer, that makes his living taking photos & one that does not. As a business I shoot for my client, giving them what they ask me for. I have an art background so composition comes naturally... I think a person looks at a photo to see what interest them.. For portraiture obviously its the face and what it relates. Its an open book at what others see in a landscape.... Actually Black&White photography is most dramatic and most difficult to artistically capture.... hope that helps

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I think professional photographers shoot for their own taste as well. Generally people who choose a professional photographer tend to do so because they like the style that photographer imparts to his/her work. Commercial photographers as well tend to have a certain style they offer to companies who choose because of what that photographer can produce. Of course some input will be offered by the client as to what type of, "look", they are after.

Dennis

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

The critical eye takes a little more concentration and a deeper ability to think. Most people do not generate that feeling, so feel thankful from that fact that you have it. If you follow history only a few determine what happens, while the rest follow like sheep. So be wise in your decisions. And another ideas it that others will never recognize you for what you are. What I do find interesting is that most people do understand money no matter how deep their thought processes are.