Input is MORE than welcome, in fact NEEDED!

Sonoma · Apr 2, 2011

.......and another one bites the dust.........

LiquidGrace · Apr 2, 2011

You can't let people's constructive criticism get to you so much. When you post in a beginners forum many will assume when you couple that fact with the 9 days out of the box comment, that you are new to photography.When reading your title I pegged the OP as a person who wanted to get some feedback... no I retract that... NEEDED feedback. I understand it sucks when something we view as good work is not so well received by others. Use this as a means to grow as a photographer.

Perhaps this attitude of not receiving constructive criticism well, is what has held you back from truly growing as a photographer over the 6 years you've been shooting. This is a wonderful place to grow as a photographer. I've been a lurker for a while now and have learned so much. But there comes a time when 'reading' just isn't enough. Applying what you learned bit by bit helps. There is nothing better then getting advice from strangers who happen to know a thing or two about photography. Albeit I am not one of those individuals as I consider myself a beginner as well.

You came here looking for help, looking for some kind of direction. The advice and comments given here have done just that. Unfortunately I can't see the photos so I can't really judge. What I can judge is how quickly you gave up. Is this your first time truly seeking the advice of photographers? Friends and family aren't always the best people to go to, in order to grow. Most of the time they will say "Oh that's a nice photo!" when sometimes they don't mean it and are just being nice. Heck I'm even guilty of doing this once or twice.

Just don't give up that easily. Yes you've been at this for 6 years but how much knowledge have you really gained? How much of that knowledge that you learned were you applying to each shoot you did? Really apply yourself if this is something you truly want to do. Watch your talent improve as you take the constructive criticism and apply it to better yourself.

All the best.

misstwinklytoes · Apr 2, 2011

This is a friend of mine. A very close friend. I've been so inactive on the forums lately that I didn't even get to see these pictures when they were up. I only saw the ones on facebook.

Shooting digital is WAY different than shooting film. I think that's probably addressed somewhere in the forums.

I am the one who suggested she join this site cause I've learned so much here. I probably should have warned her that things can be pretty rough here as well. It took me a long time to ignore things that weren't constructive and just focus on the things that are.

I'm upset that I've recommended this forum and it's upset her so much.

The pictures weren't bad in my opinion and since we have the same camera I'm still more than willing to help her and offer any advice that I can.

She's got a passion for photography and I can totally understand that. Hell, it's admirable.

Anywho.

RauschPhotography · Apr 2, 2011

misstwinklytoes said:
This is a friend of mine. A very close friend. I've been so inactive on the forums lately that I didn't even get to see these pictures when they were up. I only saw the ones on facebook.

Shooting digital is WAY different than shooting film. I think that's probably addressed somewhere in the forums.

I am the one who suggested she join this site cause I've learned so much here. I probably should have warned her that things can be pretty rough here as well. It took me a long time to ignore things that weren't constructive and just focus on the things that are.

I'm upset that I've recommended this forum and it's upset her so much.

The pictures weren't bad in my opinion and since we have the same camera I'm still more than willing to help her and offer any advice that I can.

She's got a passion for photography and I can totally understand that. Hell, it's admirable.

Anywho.

You should encourage her to come back. Taking criticism is something that's pretty routine on TPF, but with an open mind, can be really beneficial to her growth. I can't say that I saw her pictures, but I really wish she had kept them up so that we could at least give her some advice.

andynrach · Apr 2, 2011

I definitely agree that she should come back. Yes, there was criticism in there, but it was good criticism (and no, not just mine

) I heard: creative backdrop, have fun learning, some are good without the processing, look forward to future work, decent exposure, and "not trying to be mean." There were obviously statements of things for her to work on, but isn't that what we're all doing? Working on skills? I thought people were quite nice in comparison to some other threads I've seen on here. She should come back, absolutely! It's awful that she got so upset, truly it is, but C & C includes points for improvement....it's the way we grow. If no one ever points out areas for improvement, then no one will ever improve.

LiquidGrace · Apr 2, 2011

misstwinklytoes said:
This is a friend of mine. A very close friend. I've been so inactive on the forums lately that I didn't even get to see these pictures when they were up. I only saw the ones on facebook.

Shooting digital is WAY different than shooting film. I think that's probably addressed somewhere in the forums.

I am the one who suggested she join this site cause I've learned so much here. I probably should have warned her that things can be pretty rough here as well. It took me a long time to ignore things that weren't constructive and just focus on the things that are.

I'm upset that I've recommended this forum and it's upset her so much.

The pictures weren't bad in my opinion and since we have the same camera I'm still more than willing to help her and offer any advice that I can.

She's got a passion for photography and I can totally understand that. Hell, it's admirable.

Anywho.

Truthfully I don't think that the advice was all that bad. I think if honest criticism hurt her to the point that she wants to stop, it makes a person wonder. With photography it's all a matter of opinion. She came here saying she 'NEEDED' feedback. But because it wasn't the kind of feedback she wanted to hear she left. We can't control how people internalize advice and criticism. All we can do is offer it and hope they know it was done with the best intentions. We're all here to grow as photographers.

To me Constructive criticism and career growth (or hobby) goes hand in hand in order to make the best of your talents. Without constructive criticism all we hear is "Oh that's a really nice photo." It doesn't challenge us to ever improve. We think what we do is great as others have said and we just never strive to become better. Because we already think we are. I really hope she didn't take anything said to heart. But at the same time I hope she thickens her skin a bit if she does want to pursue any kind of career in photography. I honestly mean that in the nicest way possible. I'm sorry she left but I dont' blame those giving her the advice. She left of her own will... she let the words get to her in a personal way. She needs to learn how to use what is said and use those words to her advantage and better herself.

Again I hope she does return as it would be a shame that she'd let herself quit over some constructive criticism on her work that she asked for.

misstwinklytoes · Apr 2, 2011

I actually didn't take it as one of those assy threads either. I asked her to come back and look at some of my earlier threads and the things that were said in them. :lol:

I hope that she continues whether here or not. I think she has a good eye and will be a great photographer.

LiquidGrace · Apr 2, 2011

misstwinklytoes said:
I actually didn't take it as one of those assy threads either. I asked her to come back and look at some of my earlier threads and the things that were said in them.

I hope that she continues whether here or not. I think she has a good eye and will be a great photographer.

I look forward to her possible return.

thebutler4 · Apr 2, 2011

Some times the feed back here can be brutal but that is no reason to give up .. my first post on this board was less than warm .. but I took what everyone was saying and put it to good use .. and I can clearly see a difference in my photography. I have learned so much on this forum and I am sure you will as well.

I cant seem to find my first post at the moment .. but again don't give up ..

found it .. lol .. you think your was bad .. check this one out. lol .. again I am thick skinned and can take feedback .. I just put it to good use

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...239312-few-pics-my-work-feed-back-please.html

o hey tyler · Apr 2, 2011

I read a statistic not too long ago, 91% of people take photos to document memories, and 7% take photos to improve their craft. The remaining ~2% just don't take photos. Think of this as your transitional phase from the 91% group to the 7%. The 7% that's alongside with you will help you wherever they can. Sometimes there's some bullshit to read through, but you can draw some good information out of the posts if you can get past the BS. For example reading posts to this point, it can be assumed that you should work on one or some of the following to start with:

1. Not being so heavy handed with post processing (stay away from picnik if at all possible, The GIMP is a better, and free alternative)

2. Researching the 'rule of thirds", and artistic composition in general.

3. Learn about the exposure triangle and how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO work together.

These are just a few of the things that I've aggregated from the posts I've read so far, as you've removed the photos and made your flickr private. Not everyone's going to like your work, but there are a lot of people that are going to offer suggestions as to ways you can improve it. If MissTwinkly referred you to this site, she can speak from her own experiences and body of work to SHOW you that she's improved since she's been here. It's obvious in her quality of work. She took criticism, applied what fit, and worked with it. Ultimately growing as a photographer. Something you could do as well, OP. However, if photography truly isn't your passion, you can ditch your gear just like you said and give up. It's not for everyone I suppose.

LillieBelle · Apr 2, 2011

I probably will not be leaving but will become more of an observer. I know that I have a TON to learn about my digital camera but I also know that there was some good in my photos. I know that they are not traditional strip down and bare all maternity but it is what she wanted and I honestly believe in listening to what people want and not dishing out what I want them to have. I am sure that all of you, my friend included, could have outdone me by a long shot. But without talking to her and knowing that her big hair, clothing and everything about her is HER and the fact that there was MORE to see in the frame than just her was important to my self conscience alone without her husband for the first time during her first pregnancy it ended up being the best for her.

I totally agree that I have TONS AND TONS to learn because MY camera was always a film one until 10 or so days ago....I am not a run of the mill follow the masses or even the far other side. I like to challenge what the norm is in people's minds, hence maternity shoot on railroad tracks and the beginnings to an Abbey Road cover. It is different, that is why I do it, no rules. I am not quitting my photography, I was referring to this forum. I am not that swayed by criticism that I request....

Fern · Apr 2, 2011

I shot in auto for 7 yrs, (mostly film also) then recently started learning that I know nothing about my camera and how cool all the settings are. I am loving what I am learning, but it is still a long way from where I want to be TECHNICALLY. Now like you I happen to like the atmosphere and mood and personality I capture even if the technical stuff sucks (which I work on every day now).
With that said I would like to add my comments.
Bravo! You captured the essence of your sister, and her joy at being pregnant. You made her feel very confident and relaxed - a big key in shooting people especially those who may feel "fat or ugly" during pregnancy.
I did go to Flickr and see your shots. The softness of the one in the long dress is appealing - I would have gotten closer to capture more of her face, she had a neat content look on her. Remember to always focus on the eyes.
The night one was cool but you can't tell she's pregnant by the angle.
I think the railroad one would have been fun if she had totally went old style "ghetto" like in a rocking chair with her belly stuck up there.
Many of your shots could have been improved with a bit of a differant angle to make her belly stick out more. Such as the Abbey Road one, have her tip back or turn toward you a little more- that one was distracting though because I was afraid that car was going to hit her - either make the background fuzzy with the aperature or wait until there are no cars.
Same with blurring the background on the one of her balancing on the tracks.
The pose of her in front of the fence is very lovely and her hair and face look great, perhaps you can wait until it is shadier so it is not so washed out or set your fstop on a real high number or get a filter.
Hopefully you can get back there and shoot some more of her, she is such a fun subject.
I don't know anything about post processing so I just work on taking better photos.

LillieBelle · Apr 2, 2011

Thank you, unfortunately this was my only shot at it. She live 1300 miles away from me and was only here for a little over a week.....I have TONS more of her and even some that have been removed from that set but just had a few that she really liked and that I thought were good enough for her to have. :meh: I know I have TONS and TONS to learn and am honestly working hard at it. Just a long road........