BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

Besides here, I am my worst critic. I vary from being too forgiving to being too harsh, depending on mood. On FB the only "friends" I have are family, so ones that are technically not great are still greeted with likes and nice comments. I share on UHH to show what I think might be of interest as well as helpful or encouaging comments.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I learned in high school to be my greatest critic... from a journalism advisor who could really rip into every detail of moment, exposure, lighting, composition, story... She was great. Fortunately, she criticized only in private! I was never embarrassed, and it was all constructive. That was 50 years ago.

The smartphone companies have HUGE teams engaged in imaging research. They know that making the phone into an Internet connected camera was the smartest thing they have ever done. They have taken A.I. and automation to extremes. They could teach the camera companies a LOT.

That said, the whole point of owning an adjustable camera is to adjust it. Automation is great, until it isn't. So you have to know how to adjust things on the fly, and account for shortcomings in the technology. Practice makes perfect, or some facsimile thereof.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Upload your image(s) and be prepared to:

a) Ignore the flotsam and jetsam that will be tossed your way, loosely disguised as "critique" or "good advice" - it may take the form of well-meaning commentary, or an instructional about what you did wrong and how the critic would have handled it, or it could be in the form of mean-spirited ad hominem from Keyboard Kommando Bullies - encouraging you to not give up your day job and immediately put your camera on eBay.

b) Accept truly considerate and helpful critique at face value

c) Ask questions if you don't understand. People genuinely trying to help will provide additional explanation just for the asking.

d) Be ready to take said advice and incorporate it into your shooting.

e) Keep shooting and posting. It's the best way to learn.

f) Don't get discouraged with your progress - I've been at it 52 yrs and it's a rare day that I don't learn something new about photography.

g) Don't be afraid to experiment. Adjust one parameter (setting) at a time and see what it does to the image. If you learn by taking notes, then get a thick composition book.



Lastly, you may feel alone and totally inadequate. This is good to a point - it will provide the impetus to carry on. One thing that helps is to seek out a local photo club. There will likely be others in your situation, as well as seasoned photographers who are willing to share - you can all explore and learn together.

To answer the question in your topic title - it's me - I am my "greatest" critic - my method is to review the work I did the previous year and look for signs of improvement. If I see a few, then I am continuing to learn. If I see an image that I might be able to improve upon by using a new post processing tool or technique - I will try it and compare to the original. That is a good goal - be a better photographer today than you were a year ago.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

You need to use quote reply so we know who you are thanking.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

It appears that because so many individuals are making very acceptable images with cell phones, that these same image-makers fail to understand, and are critical of, those who spend thousands on the best cameras and lenses. The cell phone crowd logically expect something more in the images made by the serious hobbyist with the big expensive camera and impressive lens.
So what?
It becomes easy to feel defensive; but the truth is, I carry the big cameras by choice, produce images that I like, and have become “comfortably numb” to any amusement or wonderment from the cell-crowd.
I will continue to spend the time and money, carry the big cameras; and take personal pleasure in my results.
Who knows when I will catch that one shot in a million?

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I start with this Caveat: I am not recommending it over any other suggestion nor am I claiming any or all of it is 'right'.This is what I believe and it has worked for me over the years.

I shoot a D7200 and was where you are not so many months ago. This is what I learned:

First it is important to shoot acceptable pictures right from the start or you will get discouraged and list the camera on e-bay. That means setting the camera on A for a week or so and blast away at anything that tickles your fancy. Make sure the camera is set to save jpg fine only. Worry about post processing after you start getting photos you like in jpg format.

Second: Remember manuals are for experienced shooters not beginners. Get a good book on the D7200. I recommend David Busch's 'Nikon D7200. Read, and reread the first three chapters to learn your way around the camera. When you start Chapter 4 'Nailing the Right Exposure' is when you get out of 'A'.

There are masses of information on the internet covering Nikon cameras, Post Processing of every type of shooting discipline i.e. wildlife, portrait, landscape, closeup and it just goes on and on. The same for Post Processing software, much of which can download as free trials.

Ugly Hedgehog forums: Most of the people who post and respond to posts are nice well meaning folks. They are polite, gentle and willing to help. What forums you follow and use depends on your personality. If your feelings are easily hurt, like mine were at first, move slowly in the Main Photography discussion. For general comments on your photos, the Photo Gallery section is relatively safe and can be really informative. As you get into Post Processing more seriously consider subscribing to the' Post Processing' and the 'For Your Consideration' forums.

Good luck with your journey and keep shooting

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

#1: Don't put the images on Google Photos until you are ready for your #1 Critic.
#2: Go ahead, upload something here. Participation in the group is how you learn to better your craft.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

As others have implied, learn how to be your own worst critic. You will have to learn when a critique is constructive or just plain mean. A good critique almost always points out the good points of your work then how you can improve it.

I replied mainly to comment on your wife's critiques. I never show my wife unprocessed images. I choose the best from a shoot, process them THEN show them to my wife in slideshow mode. When I hear "WOW" or "I REALLY LIKE THAT ONE" then I know it's a keeper.

pico

Thanks!

pico

We do grow from critiques as you have described. And, you are so very correct about what has happened with cellphone technology and cameras that have 1.9 aperatures and sensors that produce high quality photos! That can be intimidating for someone who is interested in adustable lens cameras sporting Nikon or Canon around their necks. I am very committed to the practice to get better. According to Malcolm Gladwell who wrote in one of his books, "it takes about 10,000 repetitions" repetitions of whatever you are doing to begin to achieve closeness to perfection.

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

My greatest critics are my buyers because I know them and they know me. Thus, I get unsolicited praise and unsolicited criticism quite often. "Hi, Russel. I really like your _________ shot but I didn't buy it because ______________." I love my buyers.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Also experiment, experiment, experiment!!!!!!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I start with over 400 images, I narrow it down to 50. Before I do a show those 50 photo's first get viewed by my wife and she picks her favorites. Then the photo's go to my son who is a graphic designer, those photo's go around his work place and he sends his picks back to me. Then I send them to my photo finisher and she shows them to her photography buddies, she sends me back their picks.
Any photo's that get picked by all three go to the show. It has worked out well so far..
You learn through this process what others like, it is not always about how you feel about an image but rather how others view it that count.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Learn what you like ... what sort of photos please you. Learn how others make those photos ... what they hope to convey, how they set their camera. Make images that YOU are happy with, assuming that at 80yrs you are not intending to embark on a career in photography. Then decide who it is most important for your pics to please. If that answer is YOU, mozzle tov.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I am my harshest critique!!!!!!!!