In the 4 weeks that I have been a member on UH I have learned much. That any affordable 600 zoom lens will perform as good as the other. That "lighting and getting close" is all important to a sharp image . That morning "golden hour back light " is all important followed by getting as close to your subject as you can.
(thanks imagemeister for driving that home)Upon joining here I immediately posted images and asked for critiques...thank you all. Recently I've posted images and have received unasked for criticism from inept pixel peepers who have never gotten even a good image.

Rule number: 1. If you take the time to criticize then take the time to show a better pertinent image or at
least have an example in your repertoire.

I have recently posted 2 images that received criticism that I was concerned about. I looked at the critic's topics and …….definitely didn't qualify them to criticize. I know that we all have different perspectives and criteria for what we consider to be: "outstanding". As a retired Recon Marine (special forces) and OCD I am striving for perfection (very redundant sentence) I will never achieve perfection in this hobby and that makes me happy. There is no rule number 2 just that if you can't back up your criticism then I would rather that you go on your way.

Hello Mr Victor.
The topic of this discussion welcomes criticism. I’m purely analog. I can’t remember when last I turned on my computer. However, I had my first b&w darkroom at 12 and color at 14 years old. I’ve been on this site for several months now just to see what digital photography entails. I signed up to comment just yesterday. I hope you feel I’m qualified to say this to you.
I feel all of your photographs are wonderful as they are. What I have a problem with is your failure to understand the difference between the two words opinion and critical. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. You however you are the only one here who is critical in the use of the word inept. That’s truly critical. I feel you owe the readers an apology. May I suggest therapy to help you understand OCD and how it affects your views of yourself and others.
Sincerely,

Hello Mr Victor.
The topic of this discussion welcomes criticism. I’m purely analog. I can’t remember when last I turned on my computer. However, I had my first b&w darkroom at 12 and color at 14 years old. I’ve been on this site for several months now just to see what digital photography entails. I signed up to comment just yesterday. I hope you feel I’m qualified to say this to you.
I feel all of your photographs are wonderful as they are. What I have a problem with is your failure to understand the difference between the two words opinion and critical. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. You however you are the only one here who is critical in the use of the word inept. That’s truly critical. I feel you owe the readers an apology. May I suggest therapy to help you understand OCD and how it affects your views of yourself and others.
Sincerely,

In the 4 weeks that I have been a member on UH I have learned much. That any affordable 600 zoom lens will perform as good as the other. That "lighting and getting close" is all important to a sharp image . That morning "golden hour back light " is all important followed by getting as close to your subject as you can.
(thanks imagemeister for driving that home)Upon joining here I immediately posted images and asked for critiques...thank you all. Recently I've posted images and have received unasked for criticism from inept pixel peepers who have never gotten even a good image.

Rule number: 1. If you take the time to criticize then take the time to show a better pertinent image or at
least have an example in your repertoire.

I have recently posted 2 images that received criticism that I was concerned about. I looked at the critic's topics and …….definitely didn't qualify them to criticize. I know that we all have different perspectives and criteria for what we consider to be: "outstanding". As a retired Recon Marine (special forces) and OCD I am striving for perfection (very redundant sentence) I will never achieve perfection in this hobby and that makes me happy. There is no rule number 2 just that if you can't back up your criticism then I would rather that you go on your way.

First rule, please yourself, don't look for approval from others. If you get it that's great, if not, if you like it, that's what matters.

In accordance with your second rule I'll post one of mine of a female cardinal. Is it over saturated as is your first shot? Yes. Is it interesting and in focus with lots of detail and an interesting "pose" as is yours? Yes. Would desaturating either pic make it more ordinary and less interesting? Yes.

You are the artist here. I long ago stopped asking others except my wife for their opinions of my shots. What you say goes. If you are happy with a shot that is all that matters. After all, this is a hobby, not a business.

In the 4 weeks that I have been a member on UH I have learned much. That any affordable 600 zoom lens will perform as good as the other. That "lighting and getting close" is all important to a sharp image . That morning "golden hour back light " is all important followed by getting as close to your subject as you can.
(thanks imagemeister for driving that home)Upon joining here I immediately posted images and asked for critiques...thank you all. Recently I've posted images and have received unasked for criticism from inept pixel peepers who have never gotten even a good image.

Rule number: 1. If you take the time to criticize then take the time to show a better pertinent image or at
least have an example in your repertoire.

I have recently posted 2 images that received criticism that I was concerned about. I looked at the critic's topics and …….definitely didn't qualify them to criticize. I know that we all have different perspectives and criteria for what we consider to be: "outstanding". As a retired Recon Marine (special forces) and OCD I am striving for perfection (very redundant sentence) I will never achieve perfection in this hobby and that makes me happy. There is no rule number 2 just that if you can't back up your criticism then I would rather that you go on your way.