rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Consider Vivian Maier
from a topic introduced by photodaddy on Dec 16

Opus Loc: South East Michigan

I shoot for myself but feedback, both positive and critical, helps me become a better photographer. Just what does “shooting for yourself” mean. I my case I want to show people, so I am shooting for them also, the things I love. Whether is be a place, birds, animals, or whatever, if after looking at my website or one of my pictures somebody wants to go see and photograph something I have shown I am happy.

Millismote Loc: Massachusetts

I wouldn't be here if I didn't want comments on my work. This forum has been very instructive, thank you all.

Freddie Loc: Orlando, FL

I've some interesting responses here, all with merit. I think some members use this as a social site more than a learning tool. Some find entertainment here. Sharing photos and moments in time is a natural thing to do on a forum like this, and can be very personal. The photos we share almost always look better on our computer screens, they lose something when uploading into the web. I know I have posted photos that I really liked, but didn't get the same feeling when seen here. There are so many qualities to a photo (composition, focus, colors, shadows, etc) and we are all looking for that ahhhh feeling. We are all learning, even if we don't realize it. We all have our own methods, likes , and dislikes. I enjoy seeing other photographers work, it gives me ideas, even if I may want a different result.
I say thanks for sharing your photos and thanks for sharing ideas. If you are asking for criticism, please accept it even if you don't agree. If you are not asking for criticism, please make that clear when you post so we will keep it to ourselves. I do find it entertaining to read all the different perspectives on your photos. I keep the criticisms in mind when I shoot similar subjects, even if the original poster may not.

Emmett Loc: Onalaska, Texas

I hope I can make this sound like it does in my head. I think everyone with a camera has some kind of artistic side, and it is a way to express it. So, the image is, in their mind, what they perceive it to be. Critique of that by someone that is crude, rude, and vulgar about it, is a real put down of their expression. Ego's are a funny thing. I shoot for myself too, that's why I don't post many photos. When I want to try something new or different, I'll ask for others advice. I know there are some on here that really know their stuff. I'd be honored if they help me improve. The other thing, when it's not done in a civil manner, I'd just ignore it. Life is too short. Merry Christmas.

dbardt Loc: West Palm Beach, FL

Ansel Adams said "There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer." Photography is art and it will influence people differently. If everyone saw everything the same way, the world would be a very boring place. Critique has its place but I tend to take it more seriously when I respect the other person's photography. Otherwise, it is just an opinion that may or may not be of value.

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

[quote=Roger Hicks]
But a lot of people say they shoot only for themselves, then ask for others' opinions of their pictures. Unless they get substantially unqualified praise, they reject any advice or criticism on the grounds that they are shooting only for themselves.

There is a certain inconsistency in this.

I think we need to distinguish between "absorbing technique" and "wanting opinions". I may want to know how to photograph a waterfall so that the water appears like silk, but once I produce my picture I should have enough confidence in my vision to no longer need confirmation that I have accomplished my goal; especially if I claim to be "shooting for myself".
It is understandable, even cute, when my 4 year old grandson wants praise for his artwork; but it is neither when an adult essentially solicits it.

nikondon Loc: Southeast Minnesota

I Couldn't have said it any better, Pepper. I shoot to record history; grandchildren baking cookies...opening presents or showing friends pics I took of the grand canyon. Every shot I take doesn't necessarily have to be museum quality. (although it's good if it is) I am a devout UHH participant to learn how to make those pics even better in both light quality and composition.

George H Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Roger,
The minute anyone asks for or solicits review they are shooting for the approval of others. I don't care what they say. We all shoot for ourselves in some way or other, we still like the validation of "Oh that is a beautiful picture". Need anyone say more?

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanakkah.


George

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

I'm relatively new to the digital system. I love it because computers allow quick and easy viewing of other peoples pictures and giving me some constructive ideas.
I'm not a professional so I don't critique pictures. If I see a photograph that impresses me (which most of them do) I post something good. If I don't like it or it's ho-hum to me it does no good to criticize it since it may be just my point of view.
I don't care much for most HDR since they tend to be artificial or overdone to me. However as an art form this might appeal to a lot of folks who see things I can't.
I've not posted any pictures yet since I'm still on a learning curve with my new (actually used) bridge camera.
It's a good thing I'm not using an Argus C-3 digital; I'd still forget to take the lens cap off.

nyweb2001

You're wrong in your thinking that you're not a professional, so your opinion won't have merit !! It doesn't take a pro to see an image is under exposed....a beginner just might not be familiar with the term exposure ! You might not like a portrait taken outside because the back ground is too distracting. That just means you're not familiar with the term composition !! Your eyes work as good as the best photographers in the world !

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

You're wrong in your thinking that you're not a professional, so your opinion won't have merit !! It doesn't take a pro to see an image is under exposed....a beginner just might not be familiar with the term exposure ! You might not like a portrait taken outside because the back ground is too distracting. That just means you're not familiar with the term composition !! Your eyes work as good as the best photographers in the world ![/quote]

Opinions don't have merit, only knowledgeable ones. If I do not understand how Cubism evolved and criticize Picasso because "it doesn't look real" I am simply being a dolt. If I am trying to express something by design, by intent, through an underexposed image then criticizing it as "too dark" is an invalid opinion that should have no impact on what I am trying to do. The point is that art involves a mastery of technique, mental involvement in creation, and the strength to wait for the world to catch-up to your thinking. Of course if you truly are a "professional", meaning earning your daily bread from sales of your art, compromises might have to be made.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Para 1: An excellent distinction: thanks.

Para 2: Too right!

I liked your views on opinions in the subsequent post, too. It is simply not true that all opinions are of equal value. First, there are informed or knowledgeable or simply well-observed opinions. It's not necessarily a question of what credentials you may claim: it's a question of how far the opinion explains/fits the facts. Second, there's the question of how much importance the recipient chooses to attach to the opinion. I have a very much higher regard of some people's opinions than of others.

Cheers,

R.

photog11 Loc: San Francisco

Asking for an opinion implies acceptance of both praise and criticism. I do not understand those who ask for help but do not include EXIF info (camera, lens, ISO, f/stop, aperture, shutter speed). PLEASE INCLUDE THIS INFORMATION when submitting a shot and asking for ways to improve or alter the photo.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Why? Who cares, unless there are clear technical faults? And unless a particular camera or lens is noted for a particular fault, why should it matter at all whether the photographer uses a Canon, a Nikon or a Leica?

Cheers,

R.