Constructive Criticsm on TPF

[Overread]

What I think we really need is a ticket system -- limiting how many C&C debate threads members are allowed to take part in per year. That way we can get a bit of fresh air in these debate threads



Though I'm willing to waver the tickets for more backlitshots

 

[ArizonaSun]

Thats because art of any form is subjective. Its not that people are getting soft,

 

[myvinyl333]

After reading every post on the thread (word for word, Green and Red LOL) I want to thank everyone who have given me HONEST C&C. I have been shooting for 14 months. Fourteen months from now I hope to be better in part to HONEST C&C, hopefully on TPF.:thumbup:
jorge

 

[The_Traveler]

After reading every post on the thread (word for word, Green and Red LOL) I want to thank everyone who have given me HONEST C&C. I have been shooting for 14 months. Fourteen months from now I hope to be better in part to HONEST C&C, hopefully on TPF.:thumbup:
jorge

I generally like to give and receive more constructive criticism.

This has been said before in more detail by much more trustworthy and respected members than myself but let me repeat my own version here.

The best ways to get better and more honest C/C:

1) Don't identify with the picture. Don't say 'This is the best picture I have ever taken of my only child. My mother held onto life with a terrible wasting disease until she could die holding this picture. What do you think of it?' or something close. Just post the damn thing. Say what you wanted to get across and maybe say something about the conditions.

2) Post one or two at a time - preferably one rather than posting 4, 5, 6, 7 or even 8 greatly different pictures and asking for C/C.

3) Signal your willingness to take comments by picking out a questionable point in the image and asking about it. That gives viewers a place to start and a hint that you won't start crying about any negative comments.

4) Post your best stuff.

• Don't post 10 variations of the same picture; no one, and I mean no photographer, really gives a crap about 10 variations on your baby's smile.
  
  (I am reminded of a photographer on another site who routinely posts technically competent pictures of her children - every single one in the same pose and from the same pov. There's no need to look at her post; it's always little Ferdinand and Isabella smiling up at the camera at the same angle. One would think they were stuffed except that they're growing. It's good they're growing because she, as a photographer, is not.)​
• Don't say this is SOOC - unless you really think it doesn't need any PPing or you think that something truly magical and mysterious happened inside there.
• Don't say, "I was just messing with these'- why would anyone spend their time to look, think and respond if you are 'just messing'?

my own small personal annoyances

If someone makes an effort to give you C/C - even if you don't agree, even if that person is a total ravening twit - thank them for their response. You asked for comments, be polite.

If you give c/c, be honest but respect the OP, their work and their subject.

If you give c/c, don't say 'well, I'm new at this' or 'well, that's just me.' Your responses, opinions, likes and dislikes are valuable and your input should be judged on its own merits.

If you PM someone to look at a picture, send the person the link. Please don't assume your contact actually keeps a list of your submissions, sorted by original posting date.

 

[jake337]

Here's a thread from another forum I emjoyed reading with some suggestions on giving C&C. I found it helpfull. Maybe others here will too.

Comment & Critique 101 - Open Photography Forums

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

That forum has 52 sub-fora. :shock:

 

[jake337]

That forum has 52 sub-fora. :shock:

Something for everyone, eh!

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Well, I hope your links help drive traffick there!

 

[jake337]

Well, I hope your links help drive traffick there!

Should I have posted just a copy of the text?

 

[JWellman]

That forum has 52 sub-fora. :shock:

That would drive me insane. If you ask me this forum has too many sub-forums as well.

And P.S. Thanks so much for the help everyone has shown. I've learned so much from being here.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Yeah, I thought this place had too many.

 

[Overread]

Bitter - your worst (forum) nightmare: BirdForum - The Net's Largest Birding Community, Dedicated To Wild Birds

 

[JWellman]

Bitter - your worst (forum) nightmare: BirdForum - The Net's Largest Birding Community, Dedicated To Wild Birds

I joined that forum but never participate because it's crazy big!

 

[Overread]

I mostly just lurk in the photography section there - but the other sections can be a great help for tapping into info fast and without having to register on "another" forum for the info. But yeah it is crazy big!