Alright! First EVER session! C&C

[ClickAddict]

Why should I blindly expend the energy to critique your photos? There is a consistent theme in your images and I made mention of that fact. If you want further dialogue about WHY I made such comments, then it is up to you to foster that dialogue because at this point, my job is done....

Kundalini,

Why should you blindly expend energy to simply tell her she isn't good without giving tips on helping her improve? It serves no purpose.

You said "
A lot of potentially good shots are ruined by a photographer due to lack of knowledge about light and how to manipulate it. All of these are prime examples depicting that lack of knowledge. Apologies for being curt, but sometimes the truth stings a bit. "

If you don't want to give helpfull advice don't post. It's the equivalent of me saying

"Kundalini, you may be an awesome photographer (I don't know, I'm new here) but your critiquing is simply juvenile".

Doesn't help you much and is more insulting than helpfull.

If I said "hey look, I know you have some goods ideas on why they missed the mark on these photos, but telling them it's bad without giving them some hints really isn't helping them any. Try giving at least specific thing to look for when they shoot etc...."

Now that would be a critique of your critique.

Do that and I guarantee you will be getting much better responses.

 

[sam_justice]

Kundali, first off I want to say this isn't a dig at you, this is a dig at what you have posted on this thread.

"A lot of potentially good shots are ruined by a photographer due to lack of knowledge about light and how to manipulate it. All of these are prime examples depicting that lack of knowledge. Apologies for being curt, but sometimes the truth stings a bit."

The above is not constructive criticism, it is you acting incredibly smug. You are not her editor explaining why you won't use her shots, you are not a client explaining why you don't want to buy them. You are posting on a forum where people are after help to improve a hobby they have taken up.
Firstly, the thread is called First EVER session. That should signal the approach you need to take into the thread.
Secondly, instead of posting that incredibly redundant post (which I personally think you posted to see what kind of response you got, annoying someone to see if they snap). Why didn't you point her in the direction of where to start to gain knowledge about manipulating light, or some useful tips which she can use to do a reshoot with family members.

LittleItaly I hope this hasn't put you off joining in on discussions, sometimes ego gets in the way on this forum. That is why there is a fantastic ignore list feature.

 

[kundalini]

A lot of potentially good shots are ruined by a photographer due to lack of knowledge about light and how to manipulate it. All of these are prime examples depicting that lack of knowledge. Apologies for being curt, but sometimes the truth stings a bit.

That comment was intended to spark a conversation, a dialogue, an exchange of ideas, a query. If someone were to make a similar comment on one of your photos, what would be the first thing that goes through your mind? WHY? It certainly was not meant as constructive criticism, only a launching point to discuss what could be improved upon and considered in the future. I see potential in her shots and expect improvement will be a natural progression, but at the moment she is not seeing the larger picture.

Unfortunately that did not ensue, rather, Little Italy wanted to strike back with talk of anatomy instead of lighting in photography. All the 'atta-girl' responses in front of me were not addressing any constructive criticism either, apart from flameshots ..... 13 posts down.

Spoon feeding raw talent is a disingenuous form of gathering knowledge. It does not stretch the grey matter. Consider me an a$$hat and place me on your Ignore list along with Little Italy. Look deeply into my eye. Do you see it.... all the concern? I was only attempting to help. Your approach may differ.

 

[sam_justice]

A lot of potentially good shots are ruined by a photographer due to lack of knowledge about light and how to manipulate it. All of these are prime examples depicting that lack of knowledge. Apologies for being curt, but sometimes the truth stings a bit.

That comment was intended to spark a conversation, a dialogue, an exchange of ideas, a query. If someone were to make a similar comment on one of your photos, what would be the first thing that goes through your mind? WHY? It certainly was not meant as constructive criticism, only a launching point to discuss what could be improved upon and considered in the future. I see potential in her shots and expect improvement will be a natural progression, but at the moment she is not seeing the larger picture.

Unfortunately that did not ensue, rather, Little Italy wanted to strike back with talk of anatomy instead of lighting in photography. All the 'atta-girl' responses in front of me were not addressing any constructive criticism either, apart from flameshots ..... 13 posts down.

Spoon feeding raw talent is a disingenuous form of gathering knowledge. It does not stretch the grey matter. Consider me an a$$hat and place me on your Ignore list along with Little Italy. Look deeply into my eye. Do you see it.... all the concern? I was only attempting to help. Your approach may differ.

Well you failed, I hope you take all this constructive criticism from other board members and think about what you type. As for the image post, well done, you can use a macro lens with a wide aperture, congratulations.

 

[Chamelion 6]

A lot of potentially good shots are ruined by a photographer due to lack of knowledge about light and how to manipulate it. All of these are prime examples depicting that lack of knowledge. Apologies for being curt, but sometimes the truth stings a bit.

That comment was intended to spark a conversation, a dialogue, an exchange of ideas, a query. If someone were to make a similar comment on one of your photos, what would be the first thing that goes through your mind? WHY? It certainly was not meant as constructive criticism, only a launching point to discuss what could be improved upon and considered in the future. I see potential in her shots and expect improvement will be a natural progression, but at the moment she is not seeing the larger picture.

Unfortunately that did not ensue, rather, Little Italy wanted to strike back with talk of anatomy instead of lighting in photography. All the 'atta-girl' responses in front of me were not addressing any constructive criticism either, apart from flameshots ..... 13 posts down.

Spoon feeding raw talent is a disingenuous form of gathering knowledge. It does not stretch the grey matter. Consider me an a$$hat and place me on your Ignore list along with Little Italy. Look deeply into my eye. Do you see it.... all the concern? I was only attempting to help. Your approach may differ.

I get what you're saying and I understand your intent. But if you're wanting to provoke thought about the image a possibly more constructive approach might have been to simply ask why she did what you think she did wrong... "Why did you pose them in harsh sunlight? Why didn't you turn them so the sun was more balanced in the image?" The let the discussion grow from that.

I've look at some of the stuff you've posted here and you do excellent work. I believe you have a great deal of insight to offer, but your approach to coaching just needs to be a bit more... well... approachable.