A Very Basic Guide to Critiquing Images

[wulf]

Did you check the FAQ? It has an illustrated section on Picasa.

Wulf

[LenDog]

Is it acceptable to submit an image for critique that the photographer intends to enter in a weekly assignment?

I've thought of doing this before to try and improve a photo before submitting it, or to perhaps get feedback that would cause me to select a different photo of the same subject.

It sounds "fair", why wouldn't we put our best attempt forward? but...I haven't seen anyone else do it...

Otherwise, posting it after the contest is closed would generate some useful critique given that the photo was taken with a specific purpose in mind.

[wulf]

Yes - and it has been done.

Wulf

[SusanH1970]

I'd like to add that when GIVING critique, it's completely unnecessary to be a pompous ass (and I've been seeing a lot of that lately). This is Digital Photography School, and people are here to learn. Coming across as a know-it-all and insulting people (both the original poster and the members who have taken the time to comment) only makes you look like an idiot, no matter how much experience you have.

Off my soapbox now.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by susanh1970

i'd like to add that when giving critique, it's completely unnecessary to be a pompous ass (and i've been seeing a lot of that lately). This is digital photography school, and people are here to learn. Coming across as a know-it-all and insulting people (both the original poster and the members who have taken the time to comment) only makes you look like an idiot, no matter how much experience you have.

Off my soapbox now.

+1 internets to you

[RLucas]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

I'd like to add that when GIVING critique, it's completely unnecessary to be a pompous ass (and I've been seeing a lot of that lately). This is Digital Photography School, and people are here to learn. Coming across as a know-it-all and insulting people (both the original poster and the members who have taken the time to comment) only makes you look like an idiot, no matter how much experience you have.

Off my soapbox now.

Plus 2...!

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by candleman

+1 internets to you

Originally Posted by RLucas

Plus 2...!

Thanks for the backup, guys. It's just ridiculous the amount of nastiness going on. As an established, but friendly member, I've had PM's from several people saying that they're leaving DPS because of one particular person who has made them feel, well, like crap. (Darren, please take notice! You're losing members!)

Critique when sought, IMHO, should be constructive, not a battle of "I've been doing this for xx years and so you should too, it's the only way". There are so many styles of photography, and there are guidelines, not hard and fast rules to follow. Times and trends change and those that have all those years of experience need to brush up on that and critique in consideration of that - whether it's posing, lighting or any other aspect.

As a wise friend said to me, "If you can't keep up with the big dogs, get the hell off the porch."

Some need to get a clue, or call it quits.

There's also the old adage "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." And, um, I'm booked solid.

[wulf]

If someone does post a response that seems to be more along the lines of "You suck. You're useless" rather than "This image isn't great. A good starting point for improving it would be..." you can use the report button on the post (little pink rectangle near the top of the post) to alert the moderators. We don't promise to always agree - sometimes people can be too sensitive - but it does help to get over-aggressive posters onto our radar.

Thanks,

Wulf

[neoHUNTER]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

I'd like to add that when GIVING critique, it's completely unnecessary to be a pompous ass (and I've been seeing a lot of that lately). This is Digital Photography School, and people are here to learn. Coming across as a know-it-all and insulting people (both the original poster and the members who have taken the time to comment) only makes you look like an idiot, no matter how much experience you have.

Off my soapbox now.

Amen to that Susan...

[Benji]

Does one really learn a lot about how good a photograph is by listening to the critique of people who say things like great shot, beautiful image, wish I could shoot like that or wow what a great portrait but they failed to see that the image was out of focus, poorly lit, the white balance is off by one mile and the pose and lens choice makes the subject look like they weigh 350 pounds? NO! EVERYONE loves "critique" like that because it makes them feel good but does NOTHING to educate them what a REAL good image should look like. Never mind that they will stagnate as an image maker and never ever get any better because they have been told hundreds of times that their images are beautiful, wonderful, great, excellent, or wow what a great shot.

Tell it like it is (if you know what are are talking about) or don't say anything at all.

Benji