jlocke wrote:
I am of the "don't say anything if you can't say something nice" crowd, especially when the photo is posted in a section that isn't open to criticism. On the other hand, if I don't think the photo(s) are especially nice, I just move on without leaving a comment.
Not long ago I posted some photos of a woodpecker in our backyard, and one comment was to the effect that some of them looked a little soft. I don't mind that criticism, I shot through the kitchen window, so yeah.
I agree with you, with a few necessary comments to explain.
I will not disparage anyone posting photos here. I think there is a wide range of talent and technical abilities within this group, from beginner to expert.
I use this forum widely for several reasons and use it judiciously for others. I seek technical expertise from those who have knowledge that I lack, and I try to contribute knowledge I have for those seeking assistance. I have found some fantastically generous and knowledgeable people here who have truly helped me for which I am grateful.
I am in the group of people who don’t say anything unless it’s nice. I don’t appreciate nasty comments from snarky, grumpy folks. I will occasionally leave constructive comments and suggestions, only when specifically asked to by the OP. While I do like to encourage people who do post images, I will not leave a comment if I do not feel the image warrants positive feedback as that reduces the value of my commentary.
While I do look at the UHH galleries, I do not typically use them for inspiration as many of the posted images fail to qualify under my personal definition of quality images that have either technical or artistic merit.
I am personally striving to be a better photographer in both the technical and artistic fronts. I have and continue to become more educated in the world of fine art photography. I do converse with others and have found other people and forums besides UHH for better, different, or more qualified feedback on the artistic merits of photography.
Having said the above, I do very much enjoy this forum and am here daily. I do learn from others and hope that I contribute to it in meaningful ways. I only post images that I feel represent a quality of image that demonstrates a technical skill, unusual subject material, thought or emotion provoking, or showing some artistic merit, which can be subjective.
I certainly do not want to quash enthusiasm by anyone who participates in this forum, I encourage people to participate, and I encourage people to be thoughtful about what they post, why they post it and what their expectations are in return from the community.
I think this is a good subject and post.