Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

It is my understanding that replies to posts in this section are expected to be not critical of an image and that criticisms of photos are restricted to the “Critique” section where posters solicit negative as well as positive comments. I understand the thinking that such a forum is designed to be a place to display work one is proud of and looking for ego stroking, but it troubles me that 3 pages of “great shots”, “ 👍s” and “well dones” in response to clearly inferior photos may do the poster more harm than good. I’m not talking about subjective analysis of a particular image. Rather I am referring to photos that are unintentionally out of focus, over sharpened to the point where the halos become the subject, unintentional skewed horizons, unintentional color shifts and other technical issues like a tree growing out of the subject’s head” that are NOT subjective. If a member posts a photo he/she is proud of looking for affirmation and experienced photographers clearly see that the image lacks sharpness, commenting “nice set” will not allow the poster to learn how to improve.

Again - I understand the desire to be supportive of such posters and the reluctance to say something “not nice” as my mother warned me not to do, but reinforcing demonstrably poor technique prevents a shooter from improving. I really don’t have a great solution for this problem, other than to say nothing in response to a post. Anyone else see this as a problem preventing growth in photography skills?

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

This is news to me. I believe you are wrong. Honest critiques are not restricted in this section.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Is it a real problem or a perceived one.

Do the images have to be perfect and/or always interesting?

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

SOMETIMES, I use the philosophy that if you don't have anything good to say, say nothing. I have also seen lots of very poor work being praised! Best of luck.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Obviously it means something to them.
But I understand your point.

If it does nothing for me I just move on.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

The reason I started the thread was because last year I replied to a post in the gallery saying that the image was neither sharply focused nor well exposed and got a firm rap on my knuckles from the forum moderator and several members telling me that only photos posted to “Critique” forum may be criticized. Since then I have accepted my mother’s dogma that if I couldn’t say anything nice, I should say nothing at all.

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

I do so agree - also considering the comments on what I consider are ordinary shots, makes me wonder what Hoggers really think of my posts. I only comment now on what I consider good or interesting shots and probably won't bother posting many myself.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

I think you’re missing my point. If a TECHNICALLY crummy image is praised across 3 pages, how does a person improve?

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

Exactly. There are members of UHH out there who may lack expertise or talent, but who enjoy photography. If they want to post work they are proud of, that is their privilege and we should not do anything to discourage them. Hopefully, over time and with experience, they will improve. As long as they enjoy showing their work, either encourage them or say nothing at all.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

Bingo! I do as well, but the point that I was making is that pages of effusive praise for crummy work is a negative. I was trying to suggest in a somewhat subtle way that members should refrain from posting positive replies to bad pics. If a person posts a technically poor pic and does not receive many “atta boys”, the member might very well ask why there was little response which would be inviting constructive criticism. I am not suggesting that the flamethrowers just bad mouth an image. I just think that politely pointing out weaknesses together with suggested solutions might help a member to become better.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

No, I didn't. I edited my post.

If they want to, they'll ask. If they think there is nothing wrong, they'll just go on their merry way.

Do they have to improve? Or is that your perception.
Maybe it's not one of their top five things to do.

Maybe the people who like them, just like them.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Where did you get that understanding? Have you read the section rules?

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Critique must be asked for. Read the section rules.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

In the section rules it states critiques can be asked for.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I agree.