Really is it always like this

SharedMemories · Dec 23, 2011

Just a question, as I am feeling pretty embarrassed and pretty low, I posted some pictures for CC and while I got a great comment, I felt horrible because instead of commenting on the technical aspects of the portrait I felt attacked for my use of my military uniforms, and the american flag... I guess being new to the board I was curious as to if this was normal. I dont want to be a problem child but just kinda felt horrible...

bogeyguy · Dec 23, 2011

I'm sure you meant no disrespect nor did you show any disrespect. I liked your post, and you were correct in posting that they were a bit grainy from moving them over from Flkr.

Overread · Dec 23, 2011

When you create something, like a photo, it tends to say something - depending how well and what you create will depend upon what people say and feel about the creations. Sometimes that means you'll make something that is a little "hot", something that touches different people in different ways, and part of learning to be critiqued is learning that its not all just about the technical. The emotional and content based side is just as big a part of photography and just as valid to hear about.

In fact that point where people start to focus more on the content and shift away from the technical says that you might well have taken your work to the point where you are no longer making technical mistakes that distract, but that you are now making photos that pull at emotions and content that has meaning, backed up with solid shooting skills.

In the end you can't fully control critique so you've got to learn to take the good and the bad, to respect the individual opinions of others even whilst they may be disliking your creations.

radiorickm · Dec 23, 2011

I once got a crituque that a photo was horrible BECAUSE my icon photo was creepy. The guys was nuts I think, the photo and my icon are fine. There are just all kinds, and you have to take the good with the bad.

rgregory1965 · Dec 23, 2011

You need thick skin to be here....but check this out....watch for a few days and notice the ones that dislike everythig never post there own work.....watch and see....

SCraig · Dec 23, 2011

What they said.

The first thing every photographer has to begin to do is to believe in their own work. When YOU like what you shoot, when YOU trust in your judgement that it is a good shot then that is what matters. Take comment and critique with the grain of salt that they deserve especially when it pertains to content. Outside of technical issues such as focus, exposure, and so forth everyone has their own idea of what makes a photograph "Good". Listen to what they say and let it guide you but at the same time the path that you choose is yours and not necessarily theirs.

I got fired at on another forum on Veterans Day for a post I made in support of the US Military. Next year I fully intend to make exactly the same post on exactly the same forum on exactly the same day because I said what I believe.

SharedMemories · Dec 23, 2011

Thanks, Everyone!

jake337 · Dec 23, 2011

Always read between the lines....

Remember this and most other forums are filled with individuals from all over the earth. I'm not saying don't post something, just do it! Just be prepared for people who don't care for what you do, and thats just fine because everyone is entitled to thier own opinion.

bazooka · Dec 23, 2011

One person made those comments while SEVERAL others commented on the technical including myself. Is it really worth getting upset over and starting a new thread called "Really is it always like this". Has this happened to you before?

Dillard · Dec 23, 2011

People here speak their mind. Just brush it off and move on. You'll learn, grow, and develop quickly with more advice. Many people like to feed the fire, but just read over it and look for the technical stuff! Welcome aboard!

c.cloudwalker · Dec 23, 2011

Overread said:
When you create something, like a photo, it tends to say something - depending how well and what you create will depend upon what people say and feel about the creations. Sometimes that means you'll make something that is a little "hot", something that touches different people in different ways, and part of learning to be critiqued is learning that its not all just about the technical. The emotional and content based side is just as big a part of photography and just as valid to hear about.

In fact that point where people start to focus more on the content and shift away from the technical says that you might well have taken your work to the point where you are no longer making technical mistakes that distract, but that you are now making photos that pull at emotions and content that has meaning, backed up with solid shooting skills.

In the end you can't fully control critique so you've got to learn to take the good and the bad, to respect the individual opinions of others even whilst they may be disliking your creations.

To the OP: Listen to this guy ^^^^^^^^^

Even when he is wrong, he is right. And I'm not saying he is wrong here because he is quite right.

There are two aspects to images: the technical and the emotional.

It seems to me like your technical was good enough that most everyone went straight to the emotional. And, yes, flag + uniform + "bimbo" will bring out the emotional. So that's what you got.

Now, draw from this and come back with better stuff. And shut us up.

photo guy · Dec 26, 2011

You're not the only one.

Iron Flatline · Dec 27, 2011

Yes, it will always be this way. This is a forum on the internet, which means that people lose all manners and take the anonymity that the net provides and forget all manners or accountability. Also, this is a gear-oriented beginner community, and the comments will be from all over the map.

Over time, you will build your own community of people whom you trust. It's the singularly hardest thing you will do.

jterry85 · Dec 28, 2011

OP, don't feel bad about what you have done but review the technical critiques and if you're getting alot of flak for the content of the photo then just take that that into consideration as well. If you think something is appropriate and a whole lot of people are telling you that they don't feel it is then just look at it as a learning point for what other people view as appropriate. Now I'm not saying that you should cater your photography to what others think by any means but at the same time it's always good to know. For me personally as a currently deployed US Army Infantryman and a father I thought that the age of the girl, the uniform wear and appearance and the poses were a little tacky and slightly inappropriate due to her age however I did not post this as I know that what I think is different than others. As I'm finding out myself as well this site can provide you with GREAT help and information but, like any kind of art, criticism and controversy are abundant and a thick skin is required. Keep at it and you can do nothing but improve!

Mike_E · Dec 28, 2011

SharedMemories said:
Just a question, as I am feeling pretty embarrassed and pretty low, I posted some pictures for CC and while I got a great comment, I felt horrible because instead of commenting on the technical aspects of the portrait I felt attacked for my use of my military uniforms, and the american flag... I guess being new to the board I was curious as to if this was normal. I dont want to be a problem child but just kinda felt horrible...

Some people have crappy lives and they like to share.

Sucks for them but there's no reason you have to accept their "gifts".