Poor photos posted to Photo Gallery (Page 18): We now have 18 pages on this topic. The simple solution is..."IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL".

EJMcD

We now have 18 pages on this topic. The simple solution is..."IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL".

Bazbo Loc: Lisboa, Portugal

Rick from NY wrote:

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.

I have had some negative things about some stuff I have posted in Gallery and it does not bother me at all.if you see any of my photos anywhere here feel free to offer a critique. I always appreciate the comments even if i do not agree with them (e,g, when I have purposefully violated some technical rule). The minute I think I know everything there is to know about photography than I will give my gear away and find another hobby.

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

Longshadow wrote:

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.

Maybe it is just me, but I can't imagine someone who takes photos that doesn't want to improve their photos!! Thanks BE SAFE!!

Tom

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Longshadow wrote:

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

If it does nothing for me I just move on.

Me too but the poster was referring to poorly executed images not meeting minimal standards not whether it's of personal interest. Moving on is fine but praising the aforementioned posted images doesn't do anyone any kindness

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

tshift wrote:

Maybe it is just me, but I can't imagine someone who takes photos that doesn't want to improve their photos!! Thanks BE SAFE!!

Tom

Believe it or not, there are people who simply like to take pictures of what they see.
Not everyone wants to become a great photographer.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

suntouched wrote:

Me too but the poster was referring to poorly executed images not meeting minimal standards not whether it's of personal interest. Moving on is fine but praising the aforementioned posted images doesn't do anyone any kindness

Absolutely correct!!!

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

Jim Bianco

Rick from NY wrote:

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

That's why I post pics once in a while, I want people give me there honest opinion.I know I do this for a hobby, so please give me your your honest opinion,I won't be offended.

alberio Loc: Casa Grande AZ

This is what I read in the Photo Analysis section.
Photo Analysis Section:

Just like the Photo Gallery section, the Photo Analysis section is also for posting pictures. But there is a major distinction.

When posting in the Photo Analysis section, you must:
- Ask a specific question about fixing something particular you don't like about your photo. (Help with retaking the shot or with post-production techniques.)
or
- Post a "mini-tutorial" describing a technique you used to achieve something specific in the photo. (Teach others about framing, lighting, post-processing, etc.)

All other picture posts, such as asking for general critique of some photo, should be placed in the Photo Gallery section. So questions like "What can I do to make this photo better?" should be placed in the Photo Gallery, not in Photo Analysis.

Bayou

EJMcD wrote:

We now have 18 pages on this topic. The simple solution is..."IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL".

I agree...this is my practice, but is it in any way helpful to lie by reflexively doling out "attaboys" for poor quality work? Yes, critical words should be carefully chosen, but I do not agree that it is of benefit to the OP to issue false praise. This is how we treat children. Is that appropriate here?

I do take your advice and say nothing at all in these instances. In fact, I have seen so many poor photos in the gallery that I rarely open a thread there unless the title is of unique interest.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Abo wrote:

A photo can have 101 faults and still be worthy of praise
for what the poster of the image got right imho.

Having said that, a colour cast/bad white balance really irks me,
and a crooked horizon is just plain lazy.

Unfortunately many of the poor photos getting heaps of unbridled praise, to which the OP is alluding, don't have any qualities that are particularly praiseworthy. I have seen many poorly exposed, poorly composed, noisy, out of focus, and crooked, images of not terribly interesting or unique subjects being praised on numerous occasions.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

mwsilvers wrote:

Unfortunately many of the poor photos getting heaps of unbridled praise, to which the OP is alluding, don't have any qualities that are particularly praiseworthy. I have seen many poorly exposed, poorly composed, noisy, out of focus, and crooked, images of not terribly interesting or unique subjects being praised on numerous occasions.

Unfortunately, it seems that there are those who praise anything and everything - sometimes in gushing terms. This certainly is of no benefit, and may well cause harm (as to progress in the realm of photography). It's nice to "feel good", but at what cost?

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

rlv567 wrote:

Unfortunately, it seems that there are those who praise anything and everything - sometimes in gushing terms. This certainly is of no benefit, and may well cause harm (as to progress in the realm of photography). It's nice to "feel good", but at what cost?

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

rlv567 wrote:

Unfortunately, it seems that there are those who praise anything and everything - sometimes in gushing terms. This certainly is of no benefit, and may well cause harm (as to progress in the realm of photography). It's nice to "feel good", but at what cost?

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

lowkick wrote:

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.

They will not be able to approve if everyone tells them a crap image is great, because they will not know the difference between a crap image and good image. That's the whole point of what the OP is saying.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Perhaps we should just say things like "This is a great photo in spite of …". I’m being a bit snarky but I agree with those who think that undue praise in more harmful than it is beneficial. And keep in mind that a critique itself can be unworthy. The OP can make that judgement for themselves, take it or leave it.