Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Beats me... I don't care in what category a photo is located, it's still a photo.

People like to separate and categorize,
a lot!

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

If I like a photo I will say so. If I don't, I say nothing. Pretty simple.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

We live in such a critical time, critical in the sense that any little difference expressed is taken as a personal attack - and too often that is true. I once posted my avatar and received suggestions as to how they would improve/change it but one of our regulars who seems always has a chip on his/her shoulder attacked it. We have to realize there are people who relish criticizing and tune them out. In the main our fellow UHHers are good and understanding persons.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Your ego is very healthy!

Jim Plogger Loc: East Tennessee

Thanks Linda

R.G. Loc: Scotland

The Photo Critique Section was created because there was a perceived need for a section where criticism could be given safely. The Photo Gallery is primarily for sharing, and many of the posters don't expect (and aren't looking for) any kind of criticism. That's why giving unsolicited negative comments is a bit of a minefield.

Constructive criticism has huge value in terms of helping us to progress, and those that are willing to give that kind of feedback think it's odd that some people prefer to get just the compliments (which frequently tell us nothing about how we can improve). Giving constructive criticism involves a certain amount of honesty, but if criticism isn't being sought, that honesty won't be appreciated. In the Photo Gallery it's up to the poster to decide if they want feedback or not.

Generally speaking, the specialised subsections are places where critique (i.e. criticisms) can safely be given, because there is an understanding that the OP is either expecting feedback or is at least open to criticism.

Here are a couple of places in UHH where guidelines for giving critique can be found:-

The Photo Critique Section - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/tpr?p=12908871&t=728140

For Your Consideration - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/tpr?p=7766613&t=462442

Firstdance_2000

[quote=yorkiebyte]
~ So, today someone posted a flower image (one of many - every day, and I'm also guilty). The Poster was VERY proud of their image and said so in the Title and Body of the text in their post. I personally was not enamored with how the image was processed, so I refrained from posting my thoughts on said image.

There are a number of places that I comment on others photographs. I have enough pro photographers as well as excellent semi-pro shooters that offer some great critique's and help to improve my own photos in many venues. Therefore, I don't feel I should tell them what is wrong as much as point out those things that are good with to their photos. Encouraging others can only help them on their personal road of improvement!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

This is a social site, not a photography site. No one needs to 'want' to get better, just like we all don't need to own the same brands, or models, or software titles. Post what you want to share in the Photo Gallery and ask for critical comments, if desired. Give attaboys or silence, based on what you find and like. Save your actionable feedback for those who express an interest in receiving feedback and improvement.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Many UHH members (including yourself) have posted informative threads about photography. The fact that there's a place for them here is proof that UHH is more than a social site. The fact that it's also a place for learning is one of the more valuable aspects to it, and that's something that a lot of people here appreciate.

stanikon Loc: Deep in the Heart of Texas

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

I think critiquing is healthy and fosters learning and improvement, however, some folks do not like to be criticized unless the criticism is accompanied by accolades and compliments. I therefore never offer critiques, especially online, unless I am asked.

More problems- some folks do not know how to offer a constructive critique and perhaps an underlying well-meaning criticism turns into an unpleasant exchange. Some folks just enjoy mean-spirited rants that are far from constructive.

Other folks don't know how to accept or process a critique and the battle ensues. Oftentimes they ask for a critique and then resent the responses. My advice in these cases is "If you can't take a punch, don't enter the ring"! Also, there's no reason to "punch" anyone. I am asked to critique an image I feel is a total 'DUMPSTER FIRE", I simply decline and say I do not understand the image and am not qualified to judge it. Who knows?- to someone else it may be a masterpiece!

The ironic aspect of this and many other forums is the admins and some of the "moderators" or "self-appointed police" will complain about a misplaced or miscategorized post or image and yet allow and sometimes participate in all kinds of protracted infighting- weird!

My advice- If you ask for a critique, just take it for waht it is worth and consider who/where it comes from. Whether you like or not, thank the critic and move on. If you receive an unsolicited critique- do the same and move on. Do not feed the trolls- they flourish on pushback and arguments.

Online forumes are just like everywhere else- PEOPLE. You have the good, the bad, and the ugly. Enjoy the good and ignore the bad!

By the way- being a professional photographer isn't all fun and glamour. I am surrounded by and inundated by critics- clients, co-workers, staff, art directors, ad agency account executives, my lovely wife, kids, and grandkids, and I can swear that even our cat gives me a "dirty look" when he disagrees with his menu. As Roney used to say "I get no respect"!

My response to a scathing and nasty criticism is "Thank you, I'll make a note"!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I think when we view it as a social site first, the emphasis on every image exhibiting the highest technical competence is lessened. The same lower standard for discussion topics and content changes too. We can each participate as we feel best to our needs and abilities and interests.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Try adding the user to your blocked list instead ...

terryMc Loc: Arizona's White Mountains

Sometimes this place is like driving by a major wreck. You know you shouldn't slow down to look, because if you do, you might see a mangled body or two full of blood, and you don't want that, do you? Yet that is of course exactly why you slow down, isn't it?

I have long held strong opinions on this topic, and I will now forgo sharing them here...

I saw the flower. I moved on.