Curiosity question: When you look at a photograph, do you look for the positive things in the photo first or do you look for things you think need corrected? I guess this is a glass...

grandpaw

When you look at a photograph, do you look for the positive things in the photo first or do you look for things you think need corrected? I guess this is a glass half full or half empty question. Again, just curios.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I look at a photograph to see if I like it, or not.

(I use a mug and it has something in it.)

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

I look at what is needed to make the photo stronger whether it needs cropping, brightening or darkening, sharpening, etc. I guess that means I look at what needs correcting. And I'm a GREAT grandpaw!

Amator21 Loc: California

grandpaw wrote:

When you look at a photograph, do you look for the positive things in the photo first or do you look for things you think need corrected? I guess this is a glass half full or half empty question. Again, just curios.

I'm with LONGSHADOW, the first impression gives me a feel for the composition, what emotions the picture calls up in me. The biggest turn off is a picture that is not in (crisp) focus!
Poul.

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

grandpaw wrote:

When you look at a photograph, do you look for the positive things in the photo first or do you look for things you think need corrected? I guess this is a glass half full or half empty question. Again, just curios.

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Generally, I just look to see if I like the shot or not first. I never look for things I don't like unless the person that took it specifically asks for a critique.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I don't know what this means. When I used to shoot film, I'd get back my pics and out of a pack of 24 or 36 I might find 2 that I really liked. Years later I'd go back and find more that I liked.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

grandpaw wrote:

When you look at a photograph, do you look for the positive things in the photo first or do you look for things you think need corrected? I guess this is a glass half full or half empty question. Again, just curios.

I don't look at photos for the purpose of finding things wrong! but some things stand out like a sore thumb, because of being called over critical I will no longer comment images that are Out of focus, over processed, have appendages "amputated", slanted horizon, crooked buildings Or just plain crap.
However I will make suggestions to the OP in a PM. if I see a potentially good image or good work.
I WILL NOT make "feel good" comments on any image!

traderjohn Loc: New York City

grandpaw wrote:

When you look at a photograph, do you look for the positive things in the photo first or do you look for things you think need corrected? I guess this is a glass half full or half empty question. Again, just curios.

I look at pictures to see what they saw, not to nitpick it to death. None of the family and friends I share photos with are that anal.

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

grandpaw wrote:

When you look at a photograph, do you look for the positive things in the photo first or do you look for things you think need corrected? I guess this is a glass half full or half empty question. Again, just curios.

Firstly, I look at the image to either like it or dislike it. I NEVER critique an image. I do however, comment on how the maker could possibly IMPROVE on the image. Absolutely no derogatory statements...EVER!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

First, do I like it or not; second, why; third, positive and negative qualities.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

I always look to see what I might have done wrong (especially in the good ole film days) and what I can do to improve the image in the present era of photography. Thank goodness for pp. Makes me recall how stubborn I was in the early digital days. "How much for a camera?? And I have to buy all of this other stuff?!" I remember thinking that this never going to catch on. 1st time I was ever wrong :-) I digress... so, to answer your question, I look for the things that need to be corrected. Horizon line, cropping, cut off fingers or toes, pleasant to look at, did I make my point... If I like it, it stays. If not, see ya.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

I look at my own critically, but try to avoid judging others' art. What I think might be a mistake could have been deliberate. Sometimes, however, it is inevitable to look at a photo and think, this would have been much better if the horizon were straight, or that half a person cloned out.

Bunko.T Loc: Western Australia.

grandpaw wrote:

When you look at a photograph, do you look for the positive things in the photo first or do you look for things you think need corrected? I guess this is a glass half full or half empty question. Again, just curios.

I look for the story In it. Every deliberate photo has a reason/ story. Then what I’d like to do with it. Frame it, edit it, or simply delete it.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Manglesphoto wrote:

I don't look at photos for the purpose of finding things wrong! but some things stand out like a sore thumb, because of being called over critical I will no longer comment images that are Out of focus, over processed, have appendages "amputated", slanted horizon, crooked buildings Or just plain crap.
However I will make suggestions to the OP in a PM. if I see a potentially good image or good work.
I WILL NOT make "feel good" comments on any image!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Bunko.T wrote:

I look for the story In it. Every deliberate photo has a reason/ story. Then what I’d like to do with it. Frame it, edit it, or simply delete it.

Yup, sometimes the story is simply that looks purty.