"share your shot" habits

[ncbcymtechie]

One of the things I've taken to recently is commenting on threads with only a couple responses, like less than three. (It takes me back to when I first shared my shots and I would get pretty giddy every time somebody responded. So now I try and do the same—especially when the person is a new member.) Does anybody else do this too?

Additionally I try and point out a couple things I specifically liked about the photo rather than just telling them it was an excellent shot and thanks for sharing (which may be true; I just try and tailor my answers to the individual photo).

What are your "Share Your Shot" forum habits?

[CaptainNH]

I am a daily visitor to DPS and each day I take a look at the new posts. Depending on the day of the week, this can run to 16+ pages of posts with probably about 95% appearing in SYS.

Quite simply, I don't have time to go through each of the posts (hats off to the mods, I don't know how you do it), so I too have implemented a system.

Firstly, I look posts where people are looking for help, guidance or critique (ie NOT the SYS posts)
I then return to SYS which I approach in the same way as the OP.

Personally, I'd much rather see people posting in the critique sections - seeking comments and guidance and seeking to improve their photography - rather than it simply be a show and tell.

Though, conversely, there's a great deal of talent and creativity on display in SYS, which provides motivation and inspiration to many.

[junglebear]

Thats a nice way of doing it, I tend to quickly scroll down until a title or author makes me stop and click. If it is a fairly new member posting then I'll feel more obliged to leave a comment, as long as I do actually like it!
I always point out what I like about a photo rather than just 'great shot', so people know what they've done well. That seems to be a lot more constructive.

[ZannieGirl49]

Originally Posted by CaptainNH

Personally, I'd much rather see people posting in the critique sections - seeking comments and guidance and seeking to improve their photography - rather than it simply be a show and tell.

Though, conversely, there's a great deal of talent and creativity on display in SYS, which provides motivation and inspiration to many.

What is difficult for me personally, and maybe for others, about the Critique section is that many times I either know what I did wrong and try to improve on that area or I may not have a specific question. Sometimes I'm just not sure what could make the shot better so seems like a circumstance for an area in between SYS and the critique sections.

That being said, I've had less time recently to respond but I do tend to try and start with shots that I like that have been posted by people who are either new or don't have too many comments on the thread. I agree with the giddiness factor, it's a great feeling when someone appreciates your work.

[CaptainNH]

Originally Posted by ZannieGirl49

What is difficult for me personally, and maybe for others, about the Critique section is that many times I either know what I did wrong and try to improve on that area or I may not have a specific question. Sometimes I'm just not sure what could make the shot better so seems like a circumstance for an area in between SYS and the critique sections.

Don't tell the mods, but I'm happy to critique even if the member hasn't asked any specific questions.

[ZannieGirl49]

Originally Posted by CaptainNH

Don't tell the mods, but I'm happy to critique even if the member hasn't asked any specific questions.

Your secret's safe with me! Maybe I'll post a few in the Critique section and see what happens.

[sk66]

I tend to not go thru the SYS section, it is just too overwhelming. I will click thru if there is a particularly interesting title on the "todays post" list....I might even comment...

Asking "what could I do to make it better, something's not quite right but I don't know what it is" is a valid question for the critique section.

[ZannieGirl49]

Originally Posted by sk66

I tend to not go thru the SYS section, it is just too overwhelming. I will click thru if there is a particularly interesting title on the "todays post" list....I might even comment...

Asking "what could I do to make it better, something's not quite right but I don't know what it is" is a valid question for the critique section.

Thanks for the heads up. After reading Captain's response, I started a thread in the Landscape Critique section. Your response also makes me feel a bit more comfortable about posting there.

Oh, and sorry ncbc...I didn't mean to hijack your thread.

[dakwegmo]

Originally Posted by sk66

I tend to not go thru the SYS section, it is just too overwhelming. I will click thru if there is a particularly interesting title on the "todays post" list....I might even comment...

That's pretty much the way I do it. I find the SYS to be pretty useless because the person posting will never know what's not being said. Sure they may get a couple of 'attaboys, but they'll never know what they could be learning from a shot until they open it up for a complete critique.

[ZannieGirl49]

Originally Posted by dakwegmo

That's pretty much the way I do it. I find the SYS to be pretty useless because the person posting will never know what's not being said. Sure they may get a couple of 'attaboys, but they'll never know what they could be learning from a shot until they open it up for a complete critique.

I agree with the need for both. Sometimes people take a shot that they think is good and maybe want a few 'attaboys, nothing wrong with that. If you're a hobbyist and want to find a community who may appreciate what you're doing I think that SYS is great. Then, when you're not so sure about a shot or are really looking to hone your skills go ahead to the critique section.