Critique Galleries now open!

[PixelRabbit]

So, what defines a "beginner photographer/question" and what makes one no longer a beginner? Is it time? Is it a level of knowledge? Is it a level of ability despite time and technical knowledge? When is someone expected to no longer post in the beginner's forum and move into the rest of the site?As long as there is no clear definition of what qualifies someone/a post as "beginner" everyone will find a way to define themselves as a beginner and continue to post here.. because we can.

You missed the point. The beginners forum isn't for critique. It's for getting a better understanding of photography in general. Personally I think once one gets past being able to get consistent focus and exposure, they should begin to focus on composition and post In the gallery sections for critique.

I'm not sure I'm missing the point, I agree(ish) with what you are saying. I was just trying to say that there is no structure to this forum, the underlined part in the forum description especially makes it a free for all and the only thing that will change that is strict rules and moderation. Left to our own devices we will not change how we use this section.

[h=1]Forum: Photography Beginners' Forum & Photo Gallery[/h] Brand new to photography, or brushing up on some of the basics? Don’t be shy! Talk to other beginners and ask all your basic photographic questions here. Show us some of the photos you have taken so far and get some review - so you can learn where there is room for improvement!



I've participated in enough forums to know that if management want to change something like traffic flow they have to implement new rules/redefine things and spell it out in black and white. Then they have to moderate the heck out of the forum to make sure the new structure is being followed.... All the while weathering criticism and resistance from the masses. You see we are creatures of habit and we tend to not like change.

Want to drive a good portion of the traffic out of this section and into the rest of the galleries? Change it from Beginners to Learning then make set rules for posting a pic for review.
ie. shot settings, what you were trying to achieve, what you like, what you don't like etc...

If you want to learn you will put in the effort, if you want to just post the cool shot from last night and see what people think you will have to post elsewhere.

 

[GeorgieGirl]

Gotta ask... If we are all here reading this and understand the expectations why does it seem like we don't want to comply?

If new people to the site misunderstand what the expectations are that's not quite the same as now being asked to adapt and embrace the change.

I think this is going to be a thousand times better.

 

[paigew]

Gotta ask... If we are all here reading this and understand the expectations why does it seem like we don't want to comply?

If new people to the site misunderstand what the expectations are that's not quite the same as now being asked to adapt and embrace the change.

I think this is going to be a thousand times better.

I don't think its a matter of non compliance, but rather the fact that many members (me included) do not feel their work is 'worthy' of the galleries, which are meant to be for 'pros', or experienced photogs. (at least thats my opinion on the subject)

 

[kundalini]

So, what defines a "beginner photographer/question" and what makes one no longer a beginner? Is it time? Is it a level of knowledge? Is it a level of ability despite time and technical knowledge? When is someone expected to no longer post in the beginner's forum and move into the rest of the site?

These are really good questions. IMO, the answer can only come from each one of you, individually.

Do you remember how proud you and your parents were when you had your first #2 by yourself? I know I could not have been happier when my kids could wipe their own ass.

How long did you ride with training wheels on your bike? Of course you will fall and scrape your knees a few times, but soon enough you will have the confidence to just jump on the saddle and ride off.

How long are you going to wear floaties and stay in the shallow end? Diving off the high board is intimidating at first, but the freedom felt afterwards is well worth the effort.

How long do you want to be coddled with exposure and focus issues? We're mostly adults here...... fill you Wellies. So no, there does not need to be a clear definition. It should come from within to achieve and excel.

 

[mjhoward]

I don't think its a matter of non compliance, but rather the fact that many members (me included) do not feel their work is 'worthy' of the galleries, which are meant to be for 'pros', or experienced photogs. (at least thats my opinion on the subject)

Perhaps we could have an 'Intermediate' level gallery to go with the 'Beginner' and 'Professional' Galleries? I wouldn't quite put myself in the beginner category, but I certainly wouldn't place myself in the Professional category yet either... Intermediate would fit me well

 

[Overread]

The galleries were never meant for anyone - they were meant for photos. Its only in the last year or so that photos have been allowed in the beginners section, and that was mostly a reaction to the fact that most beginner questions needed a photo or two to show what their problem specifically was (or to help identify it).

However since then the area has become - lax. I'd be all for strict enforcement of requirements for posts with photos in there - it certainly makes it a lot easier to moderate when there is a clearly defined ruling as such. It's not my final say-so on the matter, but it is in discussion.

There is - however - a general feeling that beginners should be focused more on the technical and operational side of photography as opposed to artistic - myself I can agree with that viewpoint (learn to use the tool before you learn to be creative with the tool), though I'd welcome input on others who might disagree.

EDIt
The professional galleries are here: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/business-district/

The galleries linked to before are nothing more than the sites general galleries for all members of all skill levels.

 

[enzodm]

These are really good questions. IMO, the answer can only come from each one of you, individually.

My individual answer is: It's passed so much time from when I took my first dSLR that I have no more excuses, I'm no more a beginner. This does not mean I'm a good photographer: I could have well wasted all this time without becoming a decent photographer, but it is time not to hide myself behind a too comfortable definition .

 

[GeorgieGirl]

Ok so maybe a better characterization is apprehension rather than non-compliance. ...

 

[HughGuessWho]

I am SSSoooooooooo confused. :er:

 

[sm4him]

Ok so maybe a better characterization is apprehension rather than non-compliance. ...

^+1
I called Lightspeed out, mostly because it shocked me that he thinks his photos are "beginner level" and that made me think, "geez, if THAT's Beginner, I might just as well hang it up and make a chew-toy out of my camera.

But the truth is, there are a LOT of us--and I am among the worst of them--who are just a BIT apprehensive about playing with the "big boys."
Honestly? I knew when I came on here that I am NOT a Beginner, though I had just gotten my first DSLR, I'd been taking pictures with *something* for 30+ years. But, I also knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm not that great. I'm okay, decent even, and once in a great while I even manage a shot beyond decent. But I'm NO pro, and not even an elite amateur.
And diving into the deep end seemed like a great way to drown, so I thought it'd be safer to play in the wading pool. Until I discover that all the Big Boys were in the wading pool, too!

So...I'm coming out. I admit, and I repent. I am NOT a Beginner, and I will NOT post photos for C&C in the beginner section. I will--though the idea terrifies me--post them in The Galleries!
As long as we all understand, as enzodm said: Just because I admit I am NOT a Beginner, it does NOT mean I am claiming to actually be GOOD.

 

[LightSpeed]

Like I told Overread, I should be happy about this.
It's what I worked for. To be better than beginner and be good at photography.
I am happy that I've gotten better, but I'm not happy being kicked off the beginners forum.

In reality tho It's not fair for the new guy to come in, who just got his first DSLR, and posts a decent image of a flower , or something, and then for me to come right behind him and post, what some may perceive as a quality image.
Never thought I was good enough to be ousted from the beginners forum.
That's where I've always been, since I've been here.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Ok so maybe a better characterization is apprehension rather than non-compliance. ...

^+1
I called Lightspeed out, mostly because it shocked me that he thinks his photos are "beginner level" and that made me think, "geez, if THAT's Beginner, I might just as well hang it up and make a chew-toy out of my camera.

But the truth is, there are a LOT of us--and I am among the worst of them--who are just a BIT apprehensive about playing with the "big boys."
Honestly? I knew when I came on here that I am NOT a Beginner, though I had just gotten my first DSLR, I'd been taking pictures with *something* for 30+ years. But, I also knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm not that great. I'm okay, decent even, and once in a great while I even manage a shot beyond decent. But I'm NO pro, and not even an elite amateur.
And diving into the deep end seemed like a great way to drown, so I thought it'd be safer to play in the wading pool. Until I discover that all the Big Boys were in the wading pool, too!

So...I'm coming out. I admit, and I repent. I am NOT a Beginner, and I will NOT post photos for C&C in the beginner section. I will--though the idea terrifies me--post them in The Galleries!
As long as we all understand, as enzodm said: Just because I admit I am NOT a Beginner, it does NOT mean I am claiming to actually be GOOD.

Thats just it though...Plenty of beginners post in the gallery section.

Critique you get won't be any harsher because you post there, instead of here.

The only thing it *might* do is lessen the "I Like it" comment from other beginners, who aren't savvy enough to give valuable critique.

I think this thread was started by a rogue moderator that tried to initiate something, without the ability to actually change anything. His posts are repeatedly misleading and *flip-floppy* as to the intent of the thread. To make real change, forum descriptions need to be changed, and he doesn't have that authority. So here we sit, confused. Nothing is changing, nothing is new.

We've had this discussion several times, and we are told "they" will disuss it. Then, nothing happens.
Just chalk this thread up to being another dead fish.

 

[AgentDrex]

Thanks Bitter, will do....

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

OMG!​

It changed! The beginner forum is no longer a "Gallery"!

Overread proved me wrong and got it done!!!!!!!!

Let me be the first to thank Overread for getting "things" done! Including bringing back the monthly contests!

 

[Overread]

Thanks Bitter

We'll hopefully get some new descriptions onto the galleries and beginners section sometime this week as well. Plus we still have a "job" slot open for anyone willing to run the monthly Photos Challenge competition. Have a peek in the section for details and hopfully we can get that competition running smooth next month as well.