Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

First, about myself, I am a collector. When I was a kid, I collected tangible things like Matchbooks, Stamps, insects and Books. By age 12 I was primarily collecting bird species for my life list, daily birding trip lists anything to do with field birding and of course bird books. In 1968 when I bought my first Nikon F I began collecting pictures.

Now as to why I Post Photos: For recognition of course! Fortunately I no longer have to invite friends to dinner so I could bore them with an hour long slide show of my wonderful pictures. I can post pictures, occasionally really good pictures, sometimes good pictures, sometimes "OMG did I really post that” pictures in front of strangers.

As far as where do I post: My pathetic first attempts at Post Processing were treated kindly by many fine people on "Post Processing, Digital Images" and "For your Consideration". Over time, participation in these forums decreased and therefor their value, has decreased by the same amount. Now helpful comments or criticism have mostly been replaced by "Good Shot" or "Nice Work". Now I post mostly on Photo Gallery because that’s where people are looking, and some will make kindly comments about my work.

I therefore vow:
I will no longer post pictures in “Photo Gallery” or double post just to beg comments.
I will support Specialty Forums both with my posts and with useful comments.
I will make meaningful comments when I respond to other’s posts.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

A thoughtful essay, Jack, and there is much I identify with.

First, specialty forums: if people don't post because of lack of participation, those folks are part of the "lack of participation" problem 🤔 Your acknowledgement of that conundrum (paradox?) is appreciated.

I started attempting to make "meaningful" comments in Photo Gallery after being the grateful recipient of several. I find doing this to be rewarding. Even in sections that encourage feedback, positive comments accompanied by the "why" are so much more instructive and enjoyable than simple thumbs-up. I'm well aware that it takes time and effort to expand beyond the basics, and I find myself often employing the same adjectives on the fuzzy-brain days 😊

But, regardless of which section you or others choose to share their work, asking for feedback - especially with specific questions - will almost always result in more meaningful comments and open the door to learning/teaching and conversation.

Thank you for this topic 🤗🤗

Ourspolair

With you since I joined the Hog.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I understand your feelings. When I first joined the forum, one of the old regulars advised us that we should not offer corrective responses unless the OP requested that input. I think that is how many feel and if you don't ask for a critique most just let you know they appreciate your posting.

Ourspolair

Smart as usual, Linda.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Nice post!

Ok, sorry about that. I understand where you are coming from, Jack. But sometimes it's just a word or two or no response at all. Not sure that's fair. Especially to the Newbies. I think a lot of them really appreciate any response.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Personally, if I have a photo I just want to share with everyone I post it in Photo Gallery. If it is a photo I want critiqued, I post in "For Your Consideration". If I require assistance I post in "Photo Analysis".

For the inexperienced and photographically uneducated "good job" or "nice shot" may be the encouragement they need to continue to grow.

I admit to being part of the "lack of participation" sect due to Covid and other issues that have arisen. It doesn't mean I don't want to post and participate only that I currently have no photos to offer. As the saying goes, "the best laid plans......"

Dodie

User ID

Amen

Bill_de Loc: US

That is in the section rules in the Photo Gallery only. It's a place to really just share your photos.

"This section is for posting pictures you took. If you want to ask others to comment on your choice of subjects, composition, settings, show off your pictures to others, or ask for general critique, then please do so in the Photo Gallery section.

But if you need help with a specific issue, then please post in the Photo Analysis section."

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Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

I like to look at myself as a nobody. Just another Joe doing his daily grind for his family. To some degree, I am one of those "been there done that" person and although it is nice to be in the limelight, it also attracts bad mojo. Having lived a bouncy life, I really prefer to live quietly in the shade.

My own intention in sharing images is just that -Sharing. When I see something "wow", I try t capture it and hopefully cheer someone somewhere. Otherwise I am sharing my experiences and learning with the hope of informing, helping or encouraging others to step up their game.

I like to post in UHH because there are plenty of seeds here as well as fully grown trees. I can give and grow at the same time even though I often have a vastly different point of view. Perhaps the reason why my posts gets transferred in other sections

I never grew up. I still believe in knights and boyscouts. Hence I do not intend nor ever want to wrong anyone and would only shove back if the need arise.
Life is short. Sooner or later I too shall pass. All in all, I only wanted the learning to go on and the solutions I found for my mistakes be shared to those who would follow. Hence, I give praise to those deserving and rather ignore a post than to give encouragement for a job half done.

But if someone dare ask for a thought, I offer nothing but these knowledge that works for me. No drama, no personal motives, no personal gain. Just note that I have no flowery words to give it by.

P.S. Sometimes i do post just for fun...

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

For clarification, Admin runs Photo Analysis. I'm often confused about his moving some topics out of Analysis and into main discussion, such as this one posted yesterday.

The guidelines doc for Photo Analysis is here. It was written in January 2012.

Post Processing Digital Images is a volunteer-managed section created by James Eslinger in July 2013, but run by Searcher (also a James) for many years. PP Forum's guidelines, history overview and other pinned docs are here.

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Bill_de Loc: US

I read this post twice, just to see if I missed something. Nope, I didn't learn a darn thing about how to improve my photography.

I sure did enjoy reading it, both times. Thanks for the early morning pick me up.

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Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Sorry Bill, I was just taking side with the OP and neither post teaches anything about photography.

But here are some post I did in the past that does;
I hope you find a few of them interesting.

Something for beginners:
1. 12 steps to a (mostly) good photo
2. A sample application of the 12 steps
3. Cropping to improve composition
4. DOF & Keeping things sharp

Some technical stuffs explained:
1. Pixels & bits
2. SOOC vs Process vs Edit/Manipulate
3. Rule of Shadows
4. Turning what I saw to what I imagine

Something about other processes & tools:
1. Carving a display piece
2. Making a composite image
3. Photo using a scanner
3. Making an animated GIF

Bill_de Loc: US

Don't be sorry, I really did enjoy reading your post. It had a happy feeling to it.

Thanks for the links!

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Wallen Loc: Middle Earth