gessman Loc: Colorado

A big part of the problem happened early after UHH began and before any of the specialty sections were set up. Unsuspecting posters would put something less than stellar in the photo gallery and promptly get "ripped a new one" so Admin set up a rule that we were not to offer criticism or critique unless specifically asked for and not long after that we got a new section devoted to that, and then another, and ano...

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

That may have happened shortly after I joined a few years ago. I once offered a nice, I thought mild critique of a photo saying something about the composition as I recall. I received a scathing reply on how the photo was his photo and how dare I offer criticism of a great photograph. Since then I seldom offer any criticism even when asked. I don't need the aggravation and apparently most people who submit photographs that are already of Ansel Adams quality.

You are right. There are some people who will happily rip a newbie to shreds when he only wants to improve his photography skills. But most try to be helpful with things like the exposure triangle, composition, lighting and so on.

Dennis

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

You just don't seem to get it...

But I love your classification of the "uninspired and over 70". I think you lowered the bar to the lowest notch.

No one including myself is pushing "unsolicited critiques" in the retirement section, period... I's a taboo for the exact reason you keep dictating in your description.

and no I gotchya you

I will now end my subscription. Farewell

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Wabbit!!! We got a jumper

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

And for such a petty reason too. That is a shame that people cannot have opposing views and still get along especially on an Internet forum where the chances of the two meeting are probably in the realm of 50 Gazillion to one.

Dennis

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

She was gone for a while, but came back with her twisted vision of educate she expects others. Too bad.

I just need to figure out the unsubscribe method... I don't see it? any tips?

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

Now you can see how things often become unnecessarily convoluted and tangential and begin to go nowhere real fast! The conversation gives way to semantics, real or imagined forum rules, and psychological assessment of one and other that only result in nasty retorts leaving the original question or subject left to languish away perpetuity. Rather than wasting time with all of this, which can also be considered good fun for some, why no just post images, ask for critiques and let the good times roll!

if any of y'all are really interested in receiving constructive critiques in order to improve your photography, use the same strategy you would use if you were seeking out important opinions in anything else, like plumbing, investing your money, caring for you pedigree cat, or buying a new car. Find someone who possesses relevant experience, expertise and knows, REALLY KNOWS what are talking about. Perhaps get several opinions and come to a consensus in your own mind.

My first employer and mentor taught me an important lesson which I adopted as a virtual commandment and policy. "There are photographers who TALK a good job and photographers who DO a good job, usually they are no the same photographer. So...stop talking, at least for a while and start taking and posting PHOTOGRAPHS. Don't preface your submission with a "pre-excuse" like "I don't really like this shot" or "Well- I had a hangover that morning but..."! Just post the image and the data and take your pick or your pan and use theses to your benefit.

Money or sales have nothing to do with real critiquing. I have seen folks spend good money for bad photography because they love the subject or person in the shot. As a full-time professional photographer, I do care about the opinions or reactions of my clients- some of them are not "civilians" or laymen to graphic arts and photography- some of them are ad executives and art directors and some are just regular folks. The opinion of my peers and colleagues are more important to me when it comes to expert technical opinions. You have to qualify opinion from whom and where they come!

Again, if you want results you gotta do the work. Find a specialized or general section and post your stuff asking for a critique. If you don't get any results, post a request on the main section and provide a link. I personally manage and co-manage 3 special sections on portraiture, commercial and industrial photography, and wedding photography that are open to all members- you needn't be a professional or advanced worker to get professional advice and input from other interested participants. Yet- folks are posting questions and critique requests on other section and frankly and not getting concise nuts and bolts advice in many instances. People are not using all the resources of their own forum and end up complaining rather than exploring.

If the only person you have to please with your photography is yourself, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that- it's you right! Just don't bother with critiques and perhaps specify that you don't entertain unsolicited opinions or advice. In the final analysis, however, why post your images if you don't want othNow you can see how things often becom unnecessarily convoluted and tangential and begin to go nowhere real fast! The conversation gives way to semantics, real or imagined forum rules, and psychological assessment of one and other that only result in nasty retorts leaving the original question or subject ot language in perpetuity. Rater that waste time with all of this, which can also be considered good fun for some, why no just post images, ask for critiques and let the good times roll!

if any of y'all are really interested in receiving constructive critiques in order to improve your photography, use the same strategy you would use if you were seeking out important opinions in anything else, like plumbing, investing your money, caring for you pedigree cat, or buying a new car. Find someone who possesses some experience, expertise and knows, REALLY KNOWS what are talking about. Perhaps get several opinions and come to a consensus in your own mind.

My first employer and mentor taught me an important lesson which I adopt as a virtual commandment and policy. "There are photographers who TALK a good job and photographers who Do a good job, usually they are not the same photographers. So...stop talking, at least for a while and start taking and posting PHOTOGRAPHS. Don't preface your submissions with a "pre-excuse" like "I don't really like this shot" or "Well- I had a hangover that morning but..."! Just post the image and the data and take you to pick or your pan and use theses to your benefit. Don't forget the STORE IMAGE box- tick it off so folks can access the data. If you want post-processing information, remember to post permission for others to edit your images.

Money or sales have nothing to do with real critiquing. I have seen folks spend good money for bad photography because they love the subject or person in the shot. As a full-time professional photographer, I do care about the opinions or reactions of my clients- some of them are not "civilians" or laymen to graphic arts and photography- some of them are ad executives and art directors and some are just regular folks. The opinion of my peers and colleagues are more important to me when it comes to expert technical opinions. You have to qualify opinion from whom and where they come!

Again, if you want results you gotta do the work. Find a specialized or general section and post your stuff asking for a critique. If you don't get any results, post a request on the main section and provide a link. I personally manage and co-manage 3 special sections on portraiture, commercial and industrial photography, and wedding photography that are open to all members- you needn't be a professional or advanced worker to get professional advice and input from other interested participants. Yet- folks are posting a question and critique requests in other sections and frankly, and not getting concise nuts and bolts advice in many instances. People are not using all the resources of their own forum and end up complaining rather than exploring.

If the only person you have to please with your photography is yourself, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that- it's you right! Just don't bother with critiques and perhaps specify that you don't entertain unsolicited opinions or advice. In the final analysis, however, why post your images if you don't want others' reactions? Beats me!

Besides, I am sure there are folks here who regularly give and take critiques, enjoy and appreciate the experiences and opinions, both positive and negative, and continue to post their images.

Besides, I am sure there are folks here who regularly give and take critiques, enjoy and appreciate the experiences and opinions, both positive and negative, and continue to post their images- Check it out!

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

With respect to you I do not share your thoughts about Linda but then again they are your thoughts. From my observation here for a few years now I believe most of the members would agree with me that Linda is one of the most helpful and knowledgeable members of the group. I do realize that not everyone feels that way.

I would urge you to not leave the forum as your photos and other contributions are highly valued as well. You and Linda may not agree on something. So what. Are you not able to get over it and move along. You need not have contact with her at all if that is your choosing. I have people here, in The Attic that talk to me every single day. I simply do not reply and you have that option too. But that is The Attic where that kind of person is common. I know of one person here in the normal photo sections of UHH that blocked me at some time. I have no idea why and of course being blocked I was unable to be a man about it and ask him. Apparently I did something to offend him but I have no idea what that might have been. No matter. I won't bother him and if he has problems with me then hopefully he will be man enough to send me a PM so we can iron them out.

If you just have to leave over something most would call silly then simply do not reply any longer OR contact Admin and have him/her remove your name.

I wish you well,

Dennis

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I'm glad you added the smiles so we know you're just funnin' us. Someone of your professional accomplishments and talent isn't going to care what little ol' Linda thinks

I do hope you'll consider creating some teaching topics. We have many professional complainers here, but never enough leaders and teachers.

In addition to some sections and specific topics I've already mentioned, here are a few more folks who have provided value to the site with their tutorials and discussions:
Chg_Canon
MinnieV
Ed Shapiro
Steve Perry
RichardTaylor
R.G.
The PP Forum Tutorials by UHH users

.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Darn, Paul a photographer and a philosopher! This string has been very interesting and, to a degree, educational, but your point is well taken.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

I have so missed you, LFM! Great string with you keeping it real.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thanks so much, Mike! I'm not really back; I just under-estimated the strength of the force field

For the OP, an older UHH critique discussion topic to browse:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-544398-1.html

And How Judges Critique Photo Competitions

And one of many dozens of thought-provoking online articles (Google is your friend!):
What's Important in a Photograph and What Isn't

Another tip: see if your local library offers a free subscription to lynda.com
Lots of great teaching topics, as well as demonstrations of critiques. If not free, there may be a 30-day trial period through the site itself.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you guys / gals would serve up some more softballs, I could better transition to a new role of site sage ...

spaceytracey Loc: East Glacier Park, MT

Just wanted to thank you for pointing out the "all sections" link. Honestly, never noticed it before. Signed up for about 8 new sections of interest to me. Again, thanks.