prestonphoto Loc: Bath, NY

I like your pictures as alot of others do but if a little criticism or opinion is going to bother you this much, why are you here????? What - everyone is suppose to be nicey, nicey? Ain't going to happen.

Fred Stuckmann Loc: Ohio

Unfortunately, I didn't take the time to research photo guy's
threads. My apologies for that oversight. Still, I'd like to say:
I do not consider helpful advice or criticism as a venom filled post, I welcome and encourage those. I have however,
seen comments that did nothing to improve anyone's ability
to take better pictures or edit them more correctly. It's these
that I refer to. I work on another site as well and I've received
both compliments and advice. It's part of the process of growth, at least for me it is. If you don't like what I've done,
that's alright, not everyone will. If you feel that you must
comment on it, then please tell me how to improve my effort.
I'll welcome that. If it's not your style, that's OK too. I get that.
Hope this helps to clear up my intent in my earlier post.
Thanks to all who contribute and make this a great place to
get helpful advice.

snowbear

I was not going to post in this thread but I've changed my mind, at the risk of being considered a basher.

I suggested this forum to you thinking you may get fair C&Cs without any attitude; I could see that wasn't going to happen on the other forum. I feel you have been given just that, here - fair critique and no attitude. The people here are much more friendlier, and there is some very good talent here.

You have posted a few very nice shots. You have also posted a few that are not so great. Don't worry, we all have. I understand your camera limitations and the challenges of your selected subject. But it seems you get defensive very easily when you are given a less than desirable critique.

My first photo critique was devastating. I took my portfolio to my photo instructor to see. Out of ten shots that I really thought were good, She thought one was worthwhile. She is a first of all a professional freelance photographer, published several times in the Washington Post; she knows what she is talking about. I learned from that experience, and have (I think) become a better photographer.

Please listen to the good people here and don't get so defensive. They are not criticizing you, personally, but are trying to help your photography. We all can improve in one way or another.

PhotoMan1929 Loc: Virginia, USA

Forum Decorum. Perhaps all of us should step back and re-read the Gallery rules which say, in part:

This section is for posting pictures you took. If you want to ask others to comment on your choice of subjects, composition, settings, show off your pictures to others, or ask for general critique, then please do so in the Photo Gallery section.

It seems to me that the letter and the spirit of the Gallery rules require that we refrain from egregious, un-asked-for adverse analysis or comments. No one should set themselves up as self-appointed arbiters of photographic quality. To do so as a matter of course is inappropriate. It is arrogant and rude.

Some of the forums on other websites have descended in mere arenas for bickering. Let us try to avoid that on this relatively new forum.

On the other side of the coin, those who post their work on the gallery should not be too thin-skinned about the comments they receive. Wise members will post only their best work. If someone wants a Photo Analysis, they should post in the appropriate forum section,

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Very nice unit. Where was this located? I love it. Nice Work.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

I sincerely hope you can appreciate the irony of coming out as being the arbiter of who should be the arbiter of photographic quality. By your own standard you are now being arrogant and rude.

The fact is...when photos are posted with "tell me how I did..." statements, then we are going to do just that...and folks should learn the difference between criticizing a photograph and attacking a person personally.

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

I will see if I have that book so I can check and if not I will track a copy down. Thanks

Wheezie

A lot of people here have some degree of expertise, ....When people critique you don't feel the tone of their voice, you only read the words and that is hard if not impossible to interpret.
We need to learn how to critique without coming off as bashing. Many of us here on this forum have sat through PPA affiliated print competitions and when those judges speak we listen!!! Never in all the years had I or my colleagues felt that we were being "bashed".
So I would suggest to continue posting photos of your passion and when asked for critique, "what if you did this?" or "would that make your photo a little better?" "I'd probably try to do" might be a little more polite?
Remember there are a lot of people that want to learn from this forum and if we can guide them to their next level without totally discouraging them, how cool is that?

photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI

Thank you for this. If people would like, I can post some more information on what I have to know as well as equipment I use, and some more background on some of the challenges I face on some calls if that would help.

buckwheat Loc: Clarkdale, AZ and Belen NM

When it comes to critique, I would rather have a negative but constructive comment, than a "good capture" comment. First, I can learn from negative feedback, but not the other. I can get that from F and F. I have my pet peeves about photography rules; I see them broken all the time, and usually it is because no one notices things like tilting horizons. (#1 peeve) I have quit commenting on those. I also don't remember any "bashing". I see photos all the time here that do nothing for me, but I also see those same photos praised. If anything, I think we need more critical observations on work than we do praise.

CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA

Show us... tell us. Nightime challenges? Foul weather challenges?

jolly1

This column is quickly becoming another old story of "Quit kicking a dead horse."

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

Photo guy - the attached is just for you. My regards. I photograph this monument to our fallen fire fighters her in Colorado Springs. This is my HDR rendition. Continue what you do.

FALLEN FIRE FIGHTER MEMORIAL - COLO SPRINGS, CO

maxamillion Loc: Hampden Maine

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Nevada Chuck

Hi Fire Guy:

I should admit from the git go that I don't read every word of every posting here, but I can't recall an example of what you're talking about. Could you post an example of one of your shots that you feel received unjustified commentary, together with the comment?