Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Succinct and perfectly put!

ddeufemia

Knowing the technical basics only helps your artistic talents to improve.

wylie Loc: Canada

I'm always perplexed when people judge one or another's opinion(s) as "rude and crude" on an OPEN, UNEDITED forum. The very point of this type of forum is so that anyone and everyone CAN speak their mind. Many, many humans are very comfortable in doing so. And they are very comfortable with other humans judging them. But they obviously aren't fickle enough to believe every time someone sheds a tear demands changing the rules.
Personally, I enjoy a good debate, a shot here and there, and even being on what may appear to be the receiving end. And I usually absorb something worthwhile.
But I tend to refrain from making change for change sake. Or jumping on a do-gooder's band wagon just for a thrill. I'd rather bear down for the long haul and enjoy a good forum with a wide scope of opinion and individual talent - like this one!!

R.G. Loc: Scotland

You're welcome :) :thumbup:

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Your comments bring up another fascinating (to me) question, and I'm going to research for past posts. If none, I'll be baaaack. You said "the profession" so I'd love to hear from more professionals (those who earn their living at photography) about how sophisticated cameras have affected how they are perceived or treated (e.g. less respect because "anyone can do it" ?)

professorwheeze Loc: Maine, USA

Linda:

Excellent questions. IMO, you've developed a new strategy for dealing with rude. There hasn't been any rude replies to your excellent questions. Perhaps only a few opinion preferences that differ.

With respect to Q#1, "technically perfect" is non-existent. Even the master--you know the names--were seldom satisfied with their initial images emerging in the wet darkroom. Even for them, "burn and dodge" was required. Now with digital images, whose to say, for some excellent appearing image, that it should have been shot F4.5678 but rather F4.5680? Or, 0.001250 seconds instead of 0.001235 seconds? Technically perfect is more of a term to describe a "mission".

Two persons, unless they are identical twins, will see the same image differently, given the same viewing environment (lighting, positioning, etc.). Again, also consider that there are billions of colors in a colored print.

So, from my perspective, the image has to create a an emotional connection to me. I've mentored others in the past and my advice to them has always been an image that EMOTES and is satisfactory technically will be a wall-hanger for atleast them, and maybe others.

Consider this fact from a month ago. A woman, using a smart-phone camera, captured a NYC policeman handing a new pair of boots to a homeless man. It was technically lousy. But, it certainly spoke volumes of feelings (yes...I know the rest of the story--but that was a different night)

If it's art you're after, then make it connect with at least you.

Linda, BTW, I enjoyed viewing your moving lamp photo. That's art (to me).

Ray

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Ray, thank you for kind words re my little "flash blur on purpose" exercise! And for bringing up subway cell-phone photo. Great example.

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Linda, welcome to the Hog! "Acountry", "Jerry" and several others answered your question quite accurately. There are always those few who think they must behave in the manner you describe. They are usually those who foolishly place themselves too high on the totem-pole of knowledge, and forget how to be kind, forgiving and courteous. Truth be known, their real status.... well, let's not get into that.

About your comment: I'm with you; if the photo you've taken delivers the satisfaction you were striving for, IT'S A WINNER - regardless of anyone else's opinion or lack of technical implementations.
It IS good though, in our attempts to improve technique, approach, etc. to glean from those we respect and admire work they've done. Please ignore those 'nasties' and enjoy this site. That's what I do and I've learned quite a lot from those who, like me, are anxious to share rather than tear-down. Have fun! If you agree that Photography is an ART, then YOU are the Artist, so enjoy giving birth to your productions. Main thing: Have fun, Linda, (and wear a thick skin:o)!

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

On #1 Not a true answer but an observation. Really there is no "perfect" photo. They could all be improved in some way.

On #2. Thank you, thank you and a hardy welcome to you!

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Look at Capa's D Day Landings - blurry, out of focus, yet some of the icons of photography.

heyrob Loc: Western Washington

#1 Yes definitely, I enjoy many photos that are not technically perfect.

#2 Though I rarely log in and comment, this question strikes a chord with me. I see this trend on many internet forums and comment boards, it seems that the anonymity of the internet is breeding a new culture of disrespect and crudeness. It's like driving, people are in their own little cocoon and therefore insulated from being civil and respectful of others. I wish we would all follow the old adage of "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I think "constructive criticism," when requested, is a great teaching tool, but I do agree about saying it nicely!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

LOVE THAT!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

:) :)