i struggle with the suggestion. don't we see that in nearly every other forum? i like your idea of a critique forum for finished works; works that a person feels has been completed to the the best of his/her ability.
...
This is what I thought 'critique' was initially when I first started visiting, and what I think a lot of noobs think when they first see it.
Although, from what I read in the guidelines, the above is not what the forum is intended for.
... would a forum where one can post an image (or images) about a specific problem area to gather feedback make sense? a thread such as this would fit nicely in to such a forum:
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I believe so- almost like the existing 'critique' forum is curently outlined. What I'm thinking for critical feedback is more of a specific question.
ie:
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81015
Actually, if the 'question' is stated as in the example you've provided, that particular thread would go into 'General Gallery.'
Well, I can only speak about myself, but I try to almost always put out some kind of friendly, mild, good-mannered critique in every reply I give to any photo in any of the galleries ...
... Serious Critique Forum for the kind of "critical feedback" you're thinking of, Walter, is not really required, I believe.
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Exactly.
With the exception of the above example, where I did have a problem, I refrain from posting photos in the 'critique.'
[RANT]
When I first found TPF I thought it was great that one of the forums was called 'critique.' I had just come back from a photography workshop where critique sessions were one of the most valuable aspects in regard to learning how to improve. I was excited to post some finished work in there and see how it shook out, and dissappointed to see my work moved to landscape and drop down the page like a rock.
I read the guidlines (later, like many others may have), and although I didn't understand why, only posted in there if I had a 'specific question'- which is somewhat rare for me.
I can live with the bit of critique I get in landscape, after all, I'm not paying for it. But, it does get frustrating to see posts by others that are looking for the same thing I was, remain in the forum. Then to read that each moderator has their own intrepretation and either regard the guidelines as valid (if I post without a specific question) or worthless (if someone else posts without a specific question).
Then, when I really would (did) like a solid 'critique', I think, "can't post in there, I have no question." I take a little 'look-see' and see either 'critique' is either an elite gallery, a mutual-petting-session/fist fight, that noobs are posting work for the same reason I did initially or because their work is dropping down the pages, and occasionally a specific question.
I do like critiquing when I can. It helps me with my work indirectly.
TPF has been invaluable when it came to introducing me to HDR. Also I like to think I've grown a bit from seeing the work of some very fine photographers that post here.
This is really minimal though and until I started paying attention to some of Motcon's posts I didn't feel I was growing as an artist (go ahead, let it out
). This information has been very helpful to me finding materials to do some growing.
Thanks to learning bits about advanced composition and from the discussion thread on 'critiquing the critics,' I find I have to rely on myself for the most part and be my own worst critic. That's the way it should be- the way it was back in the 'olden days'.
[/RANT]
LaFoto (and a couple other sensible critics)- you've taught me that the things I think are '
shakey' (so to speak), really are and that I'm not getting away with anything less than my best. That's very cool and appreciated.
