jkaye65 Loc: Chico, CA

I guess it is time for me to take another break from UHH.

I do not say the following to stop anybody from getting the camera out of the bag and shooting. The more shots one takes, the better they get (usually).

It seems to me that UHH is a forum of "snap-shots". No, not every shot is a snap-shot, just a great majority (maybe 95 out of 100 that I see).

I've been checking out UHH for nearly a year. There are image posters here that have not improved one bit in that year.

But hey, maybe it's not their fault. When someone posts an image that is.....underexposed, overexposed, of poor composition, out of focus, etc., the comments by other UHH members are always "great shot", "I like it", "wouldn't change a thing", "you nailed it", etc. Members almost never point out the problems with the photograph. With all the positive comments about a technically flawed image, why would the photographer strive to improve. After all, the community says their work is great.

When I went to college for photography 25 years ago, I had to submit a portfolio of my work just to be accepted.
Most of what I'm seeing here would disqualify the image maker from being accepted to Basic Photography-101 (my instructor was very tough).

I really don't blame the photographer for the problem, it seems to me the problem is the "atta-boy" community we have here.

emrob62 Loc: NEPA

yep, time for you to take a break. Many here don't claim to be photographers but rather people who like photography and are looking to learn. To do that, honest instructive responses needs to be given about their post. If i click on a post and am not interested, captivated or impressed by the shot I move on. If something stirs me to comment, I do. If you want only to view professional level awe inspiring photos, then by all means look for a site that covers that realm.

jkaye65 Loc: Chico, CA

This is what is lacking.

emrob62 Loc: NEPA

Maybe my bad. I got a little hot under the collar reading the leadin to you post that I missed the middle where you actually criticized the repsonders for giving cudos where pointers would have been more helpful. but, if you have such knowledge please share. I know I could use for many of mine (partly why I don't post many)Take care Jkaye

jimni2001 Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA

If that is how you feel why don't you make those comments. I find that when I make those comments that there are others that feel the same way but for some reason they want someone else to break the ice, so to speak. Leaving does not help those that really do want to learn and take honest constructive criticism to heart and learn from them. Some do not want to get any better, for their purposes their photography is fine. Some have top notch equipment and couldn't compose a photograph on a bet but believe that everything they post is National Geographic quality because they have the equipment. It doesn't bother me if you leave or not as I do not know you but, if you have been here for a year and made some honest criticism then you have probably helped some others become better. Just my two cents, for what it's worth.

jkaye65 Loc: Chico, CA

By the time I open a post there are usually already many posts touting the image as great. What good would my one critique be compared to a slew of "atta-boys"?

Every once in awhile I do post a critique, but then I feel like I'm slapping all the previous "atta-boy" posters in the face.

jimni2001 Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA

I think you will find that a lot of those atta-boy people will join your side once you point out the flaws of the photo as long as you are not being cruel with your criticism. I don't worry about what has already been said as long as I am giving my honest opinion and trying not to hurt anyone's feelings.

jkaye65 Loc: Chico, CA

Maybe I have been looking at UHH the wrong way. All those photos in "Photo Gallery" are just for display and those seeking improvement use "Photo Analysis".

jimni2001 Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA

I would tend to agree with you. The photo gallery is an atta-boy kind of place. You might be interested megashot.net if you want to see some more pro quality type shots. Don't give up here though if you have something to offer.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

You are not alone in that sentiment... However, I'm not one to mince words or give praise haphazardly. If someone wants my brutally honest opinion, I'll give it to them. However, some of my feedback is only based on my limited knowledge of photography, so I'm very careful with it, and only give it if asked. Truth is, most people don't really want to know how crappy their snap-shots are. They seek attention and encouragement which may go beyond photography.

I think the other thing you have to realize is that not everyone here is looking to improve their photography---some want to argue about Raw vs. JPG, ask how much they should charge their best friend for a family portrait or ask if it's legal to photograph people in public... :-)

Perhaps your expectations for this forum are a bit misplaced? Maybe you should join another that meets your needs better?

jimni2001 Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA

It has been my experience that those being 'Brutally honest" are far better at being brutal than they are at being honest. There is no reason to be brutal when giving a criticism to someone that wants to make their photographic skills better.

tlc_57 Loc: Saskatchewan, Canada

I am new to UHH and I have only posted in Photo Gallery for right now. I am learning my camera and digital software. Photo Gallery seems to be a place to build confidence.

When I know my camera better and have some of that confidence I will post in Photo Analysis and welcome the critique.

I like UHH precisely because there is encouragement and help and there are amateur photographers at every level, professional photographers and could be professional photographers that post and share and critique.

Happy Shooting!!
Terry

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

Very true. However, I reserve the right to provide whatever type of honesty I choose. Of course, you and others are not obligated to heed any of it. That is the beauty of this forum. If you want praise and encouragement or your ego stroked, then seek those who really care about you personally.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

UHH has a few specialty forums, such as True Macro-Photography: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html , which is geared towards improvement of technique, comparison of equipment, etc. We do not tend to give pat-on-the-head remarks where improvement is needed. It is a forum where photographers teach others how they accomplished a particular style or effect, be it technique or equipment manipulation, like lens stacking or lens reversal.

The Photo Analysis Forum was intended to provide the same critique for general photography.
And you are right in stating that the Photo Gallery is basically for kudos. Novice often need encouragement more than criticism.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

I seldom remark on photos, since I'm here to learn. I just passed up commenting on how I would improve a shot in "Gallery" when I realized the poster didn't ask for "criticism". It was just posted as "here's a photo I shot." But at least I learned from observing things I wouldn't have noticed a couple of month ago.