"I shoot only for myself"
Dec 19, 2011 11:18:01 #
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
[/quote]
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[/quote]
George, I respectively disagree in part with your conclusion. Although I agree that there are those who are only interested in hearing how wonderful their photos are there is a group who are truly tying to learn. You really dont learn a lot from atta boy great shot! Even though it might make you feel good. A good constructive critique is much more helpful and there are those who are looking for just that, a good constructive critique.
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[/quote]
George, I respectively disagree in part with your conclusion. Although I agree that there are those who are only interested in hearing how wonderful their photos are there is a group who are truly tying to learn. You really dont learn a lot from atta boy great shot! Even though it might make you feel good. A good constructive critique is much more helpful and there are those who are looking for just that, a good constructive critique.
Dec 19, 2011 12:10:35 #
I also shoot for myself, but when I get that great looking shot I feel the need to share it. It is actually very exciting when the picture comes out as good or better than you expected. I guess the pride enters into it somewhat, but there is nothing wrong with sharing as long as you keep it in reference and ask for criticism, as it makes for a better learning of the hobby (trade).
Old Timer wrote:
I agree that you should shoot for your self, but you can only progress with some cc if it is helpful. We all have are preference just as with anything else we need to consider. I personally do not like a cluttered foreground unless it adds the pic. I like to shoot a little bit underexposed except the subject. Bokeh is good example, I have had people comment that every thing is not in focus.I do not like over saturated colors, but some do. Ever one has to develop there on style
Dec 19, 2011 12:22:16 #
We put pictures up for people to look at, some are good some are not so. It is sooo very cool when someone says "that is a nice shot, good job"
Douglas
Douglas
Dec 19, 2011 12:24:27 #
Dec 19, 2011 12:26:57 #
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
nyweb2001 wrote:
Nothing wrong with a pat on the back now and then !
I totally agree but to say that's the only real reason people post their work is just not true.
Dec 19, 2011 12:47:06 #
I'm interested in what people say about particular shots. Some of the comments and criticisms are unnecessarily harsh and judgmental. There have been times when my personal - emphasis on the PERSONAL - opinion is that a photo should have been deleted in the camera. If I can't think of something useful to say, like "It appears underexposed, try a couple of different exposures next time," or "It's a bit out of focus, you might be able to sharpen it," then I'll keep my opinion to myself. When I see something that catches my eye, I'll try to learn from it so that I can apply it the next time I'm in a similar situation. If someone posts something and no one has commented about it, I'll say something just to encourage the poster, especially if he or she is new here. That long, deadly silence is really an ego crusher.
If I post an image, it's open season. My equipment is pretty low-budget, I don't go out every day and take 100 shots. Lots of times, I'm shooting my family, and I'm not posting those on the Internet. But if I think something is good enough and the subject is suitable, I'll put it up here for people's enjoyment, and I'll take whatever comes. And I'll ignore that which I don't find constructive or dripping with ego.
And I'll save my "Nice shot!" for those images that really stand out, and where I can't think of anything useful to add. Sometimes, I can't add anything even though I may see how I think the shot could have been improved under ideal circumstances, but I know that you don't always get to take that shot under ideal circumstances, it's most likely the shot you could get where you were and when the subject was in view.
If I post an image, it's open season. My equipment is pretty low-budget, I don't go out every day and take 100 shots. Lots of times, I'm shooting my family, and I'm not posting those on the Internet. But if I think something is good enough and the subject is suitable, I'll put it up here for people's enjoyment, and I'll take whatever comes. And I'll ignore that which I don't find constructive or dripping with ego.
And I'll save my "Nice shot!" for those images that really stand out, and where I can't think of anything useful to add. Sometimes, I can't add anything even though I may see how I think the shot could have been improved under ideal circumstances, but I know that you don't always get to take that shot under ideal circumstances, it's most likely the shot you could get where you were and when the subject was in view.
Dec 19, 2011 12:49:59 #
Roger Hicks wrote:
This is a common claim, and to some extent, it mus... (show quote)
My feeling asking for an opinion on any kind of subject is because that person is not secure. The only positive side is that he/she wants to learn.
Also a he/she with a hobby is more interested in his/her own work than that of an other. I also do not know if the opinion/cc is true or honest, because I do not know that person.
I do not feel the need to show my pictures that I take as a hobby. The Real Estate pictures I take and get paid for are all expose to the world. 99% of the Realtors are not able to take a decent picture of a home on the market and I have still not met a person in that business who uses a dslr camera.
As a retired engineer also I have not met one person in that field who does photography as a hobby.
My family in the Netherlands are all involved in photography and also some friends over there.
The same with cars. I am a member of a particular Mercedes model club over the whole world, but nobody in my area like these cars like I do.
For me the internet is the only way to communicate with others like you.
As a member of three different photography forums I only read the articles that are of interest to me and hardly look at the pictures, because of having a different interest. Forums gives me information about new stuff, ratings and other possibilities. And the nice part is having contact with the outside world.
Dec 19, 2011 12:51:14 #
RMM wrote:
I'm interested in what people say about particular... (show quote)
Amen !! Totally agree to say SOMETHING on a post that's being ignored ! Even if it's just a simple "I like it " !
Dec 19, 2011 13:07:36 #
Well, everbody's entitled to my opinion, so here it is; I shoot for everyone. I don't think there's anyone out there who takes pictures that doesn't want anyone else to see them. Some pictures I take might be just to solidify them in my own memory, but there's some I'll be posting so that other people can see them. If they want offer their opinions about them, that's ok. But here's my point; I have a picture of a tree across from the Dunkin' Donuts shop in N. Conway NH that I took about 5 years age during an exeptional year for fall colors, and is probably the most colorful single tree I have ever seen. How many of you were there that year/day and did you get a picture? Well, when you see it, I hope you are as impressed as I was with (in this case) natures beauty.
Dec 19, 2011 13:46:28 #
Roger Hicks wrote:
Dear Pete,
That's exactly my feeling. If you don't care what anyone else thinks, why are you showing them your pictures? And even if you're only looking to improve your pictures for your own sake, you must place some value on their opinion.
Cheers,
R.
nyweb2001 wrote:
You may be shooting only for yourself given the fact that no pay is involved, but once you display your work, whether it's on the web or for the wall, you're shooting for all to see.
Dear Pete,
That's exactly my feeling. If you don't care what anyone else thinks, why are you showing them your pictures? And even if you're only looking to improve your pictures for your own sake, you must place some value on their opinion.
Cheers,
R.
I truly do shoot only for myself. Sure, when others see my pictures I'm looking for praise and anyone who says otherwise is lying to him/herself. My favorite topic is lighthouses. I think I may have seen close to 300 different ones. Right now I'm scanning old film pictures. All are posted on flickr (headkeep2). Their is some real crap posted and I don't need anyone to tell me. But, it's part of a collection and must be included. I basically use flickr as an offsite photo storage facility. My lighthouses, covered bridges and waterfalls are there for all to see. Like them or hate them? Clearly prefer the "like" and know the "hate". Think what you will but, I'm having fun and yes, always trying to learn and remember to use what I've learned.
Dec 19, 2011 13:58:28 #
[quote=GEARHEAD6PACK]Well, everbody's entitled to my opinion, so here it is; I shoot for everyone. I don't think there's anyone out there who takes pictures that doesn't want anyone else to see them. Some pictures I take might be just to solidify them in my own memory, but there's some I'll be posting so that other people can see them. If they want offer their opinions about them, that's ok.
There's that fine line between sharing your photos and expecting some sort of positive reinforcement for doing so. None of us live in a vacuum, and I shoot with the expectation of showing what I've done to others.
My wife, the voice of sanity in this household, points out that it is possible to submit work so as to open possibilities that one has not considered. In this case, the photographer is not looking for approval as much as seeing if there is anything that he has not considered or might want to consider in the future. So, in this case, I think it is possible to "shoot only for myself", to share one's vision with others, and to take away something new. I think one has reached a certain level of competence and maturity when he or she is able to say "I hear what you are saying, I have already considered that, and I still like my version best.
There's that fine line between sharing your photos and expecting some sort of positive reinforcement for doing so. None of us live in a vacuum, and I shoot with the expectation of showing what I've done to others.
My wife, the voice of sanity in this household, points out that it is possible to submit work so as to open possibilities that one has not considered. In this case, the photographer is not looking for approval as much as seeing if there is anything that he has not considered or might want to consider in the future. So, in this case, I think it is possible to "shoot only for myself", to share one's vision with others, and to take away something new. I think one has reached a certain level of competence and maturity when he or she is able to say "I hear what you are saying, I have already considered that, and I still like my version best.
Dec 19, 2011 14:09:16 #
Roger Hicks wrote:
Yes one:Any thoughts?
This is a false question that has no answer.
Dec 19, 2011 15:06:54 #
Dec 19, 2011 15:56:40 #
I believe everyone who touches on artistic endeavers has an ego. We want the world's approval. I sometimes disagree with criticism but usually I learn from it. I also have found that we can sometimes learn from amateurs. Be open and if someone really is a jerk, keep reading and don't let it get you down.
Dec 19, 2011 17:08:32 #
When all else fails, I shoot myself....................................................................................in the foot
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