How come not a lot of people critique?

[graciousness]

It seems that there's quite a bit of traffic in General Chit Chat forum, but then in critique section, there isn't much. There are viewers, but not a of people comment.

There are really only a handful of people that help in the critique section on a regular basis, even though you can see that a lot of people view them. Are people just too intimidated to comment on other people's photos or just simple lack of interest?

I don't know, I'm just wishing that more people would participate, I guess.....that section is really the gem of this forum, I think. I try when I can, but then I'm just a beginner and I'm so restricted with the advice I can offer.

Anyhoo, that's all. Do you think there's something that we can do to make it better so that more people will post/critique?

[mikerob2334]

I think you nailed it with the beginner comment. A lot of us go there to learn from others. I comment as I can (the few times I actually know what I'm talking about). Take flash for instance. Unless it's something BASIC, I don't feel qualified to critique someones use of flash as I am still trying to wrap my brain around the techniques myself.

[BuddhaPi]

Originally Posted by mikerob2334

I think you nailed it with the beginner comment. A lot of us go there to learn from others. I comment as I can (the few times I actually know what I'm talking about). Take flash for instance. Unless it's something BASIC, I don't feel qualified to critique someones use of flash as I am still trying to wrap my brain around the techniques myself.

Agreed, I see no sense in me adding my 2 cents, when I have no clue what i'm talking about, I've been known to send a pm or 2 to specific users , whose opinions I value and respect and kindly ask them to look at my images and give suggestions.

[graciousness]

Originally Posted by mikerob2334

I think you nailed it with the beginner comment. A lot of us go there to learn from others. I comment as I can (the few times I actually know what I'm talking about). Take flash for instance. Unless it's something BASIC, I don't feel qualified to critique someones use of flash as I am still trying to wrap my brain around the techniques myself.

I know....but I'm wondering how many people are beginners in comparison to more seasoned photographers? It would be interesting to do a poll.....

Even beginners have a lot to say, I think. I force myself to critique so that I can re-affirm what I've learned and also, it's nice and surprising how much you can actually help regardless of what you think about your lack of skills. I don't think it's not a bad thing, either, to even just simply critique based on one's personal taste (i.e. "I think the colours in sepia is just right for this photo", or "I love the centred pose even though it's against the rules of third" etc).

Just trying to encourage others to participate.....it does help a lot in our learning process....

[mikerob2334]

Originally Posted by graciousness

It seems that there's quite a bit of traffic in General Chit Chat forum

Guess I need to add that it's just human nature to want to watch an impressive train wreck if you know what I mean.

I'll try to add more of my opinions in the critique section. If I'm wrong about something, I have no doubt that there are a few here that will point that out.

[BuddhaPi]

Originally Posted by mikerob2334

Guess I need to add that it's just human nature to want to watch an impressive train wreck if you know what I mean.

I'll try to add more of my opinions in the critique section. If I'm wrong about something, I have no doubt that there are a few here that will point that out.

Yeah the trainwreck thing i really hard to avoid. However....

you both bring up good points, even if we do critique and it's off the wall, there are others that will tell us, so not only will the OP be learning but it will helps as well.... I'm turning over a new leaf as of today, going to the crituqe section right now!

Good post Gracie!

[Sloseph]

i normaly have a look round but unless i can't really think of anything worth while to say i normaly just keep quiet

otherwise id spent a large amount of time just posting "good shot" in there, granted its nice to hear when someone likes your shot but i feel sometimes its a bit redundant

might try and chip in a bit more though, i do love the fact you guys have a critique section here than is normaly good honest advice

[graciousness]

Originally Posted by BuddhaPi

Yeah the trainwreck thing i really hard to avoid. However....

you both bring up good points, even if we do critique and it's off the wall, there are others that will tell us, so not only will the OP be learning but it will helps as well.... I'm turning over a new leaf as of today, going to the crituqe section right now!

Good post Gracie!

Oh yey!!!!!! You rock!!!!!!!!!!!

You know what I think is also brilliant about critiquing? Like from my experience where I would hesitate to advice for fear of being wrong, but then I jump at critiquing what is in my mind....and then voila! Others validate what you have advised on and then you feel great, knowing that you are learning and getting validation for that.

Being wrong is also part of the learning and this is when we learn most.

As one of the mods love saying....help us....help you....help us

[Harpo63]

Originally Posted by graciousness

I know....but I'm wondering how many people are beginners in comparison to more seasoned photographers? It would be interesting to do a poll.....

I think I saw some sort of breakdown on DPS of the skill levels of photographers who frequent this fourm... MANY amateurs thirsty to improve their skills. I am grateful that those who are real good in their photographic skills hang around to assist... even if it means answering the same apparently "duh" question for the zillionth time! That can get tiring after awhile... I've felt that sometimes on another non-photography forum in which I have more skills in and am able to share what I hope is good advice.

When I last checked, it seemed the most popular camera of users on this site was an entry level DSLR- the Canon Rebel T2i. That gives you a general feel of the skill level represented here. Guess this camera represents the "top" of the bell curve and on each end we have the p&s crowd then the more seasoned shooters with pro cameras on the other end of the curve. But we got to take that with a grain of salt because there are some who maybe had a pro camera handed down to them and they have no clue how to use it, so they are here for a crash course!

[graciousness]

Originally Posted by Sloseph

i normaly have a look round but unless i can't really think of anything worth while to say i normaly just keep quiet

otherwise id spent a large amount of time just posting "good shot" in there, granted its nice to hear when someone likes your shot but i feel sometimes its a bit redundant

might try and chip in a bit more though, i do love the fact you guys have a critique section here than is normaly good honest advice

I do think that some people (if not, a lot) post their photos to get their egos stroked, but then find themselves being told the opposite of what they want to hear. Then they realise, hey, the truth is better than the generic "nice shot". Well, I hope so anyway.

I think if we all critique a little bit more, then we would find more encouragement, ourselves, to post more of our photos for critiques. We all need to thrive from each other's help!