R.G. Loc: Scotland

Indeed.

srt101fan

Well said. The word "interest" describes what I'm talking about better than "stimulation".

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I am impressed by well-crafted and composed photographs of just about anything or any subject. There are many kinds of photography that I do not do because I don't have the time or the necessary equipment but I never write anythg off. I am a city kid- I hardly know the difference between a pigeon and a chicken but a love detailed images of birds. The only wildlife I am really familiar with was the rowdy neighbours when I loved in New York City. OK, I sometimes shot pictures at the Bronx Zoo! When I worked for a couple of years in Western Canada, I did get into more landscape work and the odd wildlife shot- the mountains inspired me. My granddaughter is an expert horticulturist and landscape designer- seems I missed that part of the gene pool- to me they are just pretty flowers- I don know any of the technical names and species! So I slap on the macro lens and shoot!

So, when I see some good images that are out of my box, I tell myself, "I think I can do that" and put it on my "eventually to do list" and perhaps I will get to it when I retire.

I don't "hate" any style or genre of photograhy. Perhas I wold no decorate my walls with cert subjects but I respect good work of many kinds.

If you don't challan yourself to try new things, your photography will take on too much sameness-that ain't fun!

BebuLamar

I don't have any opinion on any subjects or types of photographs. In fact I don't pay much attention to photograhs posted here.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I have always said I am a "Picture Taker" not a photographer. I take pictures of birds, bugs and flowers mostly. I take them because that is what I am interested in. That doesn't mean I don't look at other subjects on UHH. I even comment on the ones that I like. My responses are things like "Nice set" or "Well Done" just to acknowledge that I saw and like the post. I like to know when someone has looked at my pictures and think other people do to.

I almost always make the decision on if I am going to like a picture in the first 4 or 5 seconds after viewing the thumbnail. My decision is almost always a gut reaction, did it grab me or not. I never read the narrative until after I have viewed the shot(s). Reading the narrative from people I "know" often adds personal interest to the post. Narrative can also aid in understanding the motivation for a particular set.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

There is a "view" counter for the threads, but that doesn't help with understanding a viewer's thoughts......
Just says how may people viewed the thread.

User ID

Yes, I do need to be drawn in somehow, maybe intellectually but maybe just by outright fascination with what’s going on within the frame or scene.

Sometimes I’ll refer to vapid “pretty pictures” as being the “Hallmark Cards Aesthetic”. A judgemental moniker, but I’m neither exaggerating nor candy coating my reaction.

When viewing the galleries, I wouldn’t volunteer my reaction to Hallmarkism. No need to comment. What doesn’t interest me is also just none of my business. But in discussions about styles and aesthetics I’ll speak my mind.

srt101fan

I appreciate your thoughts on this.
I think you understand where I'm coming from. Most people seem to think that "likes" and "dislikes" are a matter of taste and that is certainly part of it. But I think there is more to it....

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Subconscious for many.

srt101fan

Very true....