Do you learn from photo sharing

[Jill H]

I am curious to know what people get out of photosharing through web sites such as DPS, FLickr etc. I find it a great learning tool - learning from others - getting inspired by others - trying new things and making contacts from all around the world.

What do you get out of it?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

[docxnoel]

Photosharing sites really helps me in developing my photography skills.

they keep me inspired,.....pushing myself to take better photos as they did and do it.

it shows new ideas, looking others work opens a new perpective to me and say " i can also try this"

added them as contact helps me to ask them specific question how they did their shots and they willlingly shared.

upon looking at their works, i keep a silent critique to myself, maybe they can do this, maybe if they try that....blah blah blah, and applying to my works.

overall it is a great learning tools for me, since i just rely on them and no formal training in photography. (hope i can have)

of course an ego boosting if someone likes your pics and added to their favorites (but I am much happy if someones critique/point what i can do to take better pictures, it opens a new learnings)

[Krusty79]

I find that Flickr and the SYS section here is good for making contacts with other photographers, but you're not going to get the feedback you really need to improve. That's why I also hang out in the Critique section. I think that's what you should do if you really want to hear how your images can be improved. Giving critiques also helps me to critique my own shots. Even reading critiques given by others is educational and I think everyone should do it. Some folks may be to shy or intimidated to give a critique, but I would encourage them to do so, even if they keep it to themselves and don't actually post it.

Of course, it's always good for the ego to get some positive comments on your work.

[SusanH1970]

Absolutely! I love getting new ideas for poses, lighting, props, locations, etc. from seeing other photographers' work.

[NicolaB]

I get an ego boost from nice comments on Flickr, but get so, so much more from posting here and on other sites for critique.

I would say that 90% plus of what I have learnt is from critiques of my images. It can knock your confidence at times when you think you have made progress, (this site is such a friendly community, most manage to give very constructive criticism) but if you take it in the spirit of improvement, it will help you grow and grow.

oh yeh, reading the thread - what Krusty said ;-)

[RLucas]

It's hindering me at the moment. I spend more time looking than I do shooting. I am in information overload.

[milosh]

In my opinion, a good thing about Flickr is that you can get to know people in your area, you can easily find inspiration and answers to many technical questions (search discussions). A negative thing is that people don't give honest opinions, they pat each other's back with comments and gain publicity that way instead of through great photography.

[SwissJon]

Haven't posted much recently.. Got about 2000 shots to process, and I'm too busy shooting to catch up with the backlog.. Oh well.. When I have posted, the feedback has been incredibly useful at improving my photography, I've really enjoyed this ride.