Just a thought...Not sure if this is the place for this...

Im not sure if this is the place for this or not, so her goes it.......I have noticed through reading many threads that many people often give there opinion/critique whether they are new to photography or been doing it for years. I usually look at the work of those that give an opinion/critique....always curious of their work. I have noticed that their work is either really good and that they most likely know what they are talking about, that their work is on "about" the same level of the work that they are criticizing, or their work is awful and they have no room to offer up an opinion....much less advice.

That said, I generally try not to say too much about someones work, especially if I dont care for it. I love photography and have always taken pics, but I have no technical training. I have just been reading my butt off and asking many questions. I dont feel comfortable pointing out some of the problems I find in works of others when my work is far from perfect.....Is this just me?

Im not trying to gripe....I just dont like stepping on the toes of other photographers whose work has helped me learn so much.

 

If someone's photos (in your opinion) are awful, then their opinion is invalid?

 

Very diplomatic attitude.

 

I think you mean 'of no value'.
Validity and value mean different things and are often confused - particularly in photographic discussions

Sorry. Just in the mood for some light pedantry

 

I'll take as many opinions as I can get. Good or bad.

 

It doesn't matter how good or bad someone is. You can't please everyone. I don't critique works that I am not interested in. Just works that I like but see little problems, or problems to me anyway.

Classic example is the harsh lighting and blown highlights. In my experience it doesn't matter how nice a high key shot is someone will point them out.

Even if you don't like someone's work, they offer a different set of eyes and different thoughts about the photo. I have often found myself so engrossed in one area in a photograph that I have completely missed something else. Regardless of what I think of another person if they offer their critique I will examine the facts they present with no regard to who they are or the work I do, and then neutrally pass my own judgement as to if they are "right" or "wrong".

 

Just because they give their advice does not mean you have to take it.

For me, I listen to all point and try to understand their point of view. If I disagree then I move onto the next persons advice.

You don't have to be married to offer great marriage advice and you dont have to be a professional photographer to offer great advice or opinions on photographs.

 

I just posted elswhere that I am frustrated by the lack of creative interaction with the people in my life - they see my images, but they have no comment. Whatsoever.

As such I seek that kind of conversation here. ANY comments or critique is better than none. Anyone's point is valid, because it gets you thinking about your own photography. Don't give lighting advice if you don't know how to light a scene, but feel free to comment creatively. Look, a forum like this isn't only about learning from other people's comments, it's also learning HOW TO comment. Yes, some people lack manners, and some comments lose nuance when written instead of spoken and accompanied by gestures and facial expressions... but you can still comment. And some of us need to grow a slightly thicker skin.

Check out Vazaar, we do a lot of C&C work there.

 

No truer words were ever spoken !

I fall into this pit every so often.

 

I guess its just me...I dont mind C&C and I have learned so much from it, but I truly can't stand it when someone comments on the quality of my image....maybe that it is blown out or blurry for example....and then I view his/her images and they are terrible. I take the comment/advice and leave it. I was only wondering if this bothered others. I will definitely feel free to leave more comments now. I usually steer clear b/c I dont feel that I have any room to speak up

 

:thumbup: