Why no one cares about your Photography - Sean Tucker

[cgw]

That's why I hated Instagram. Every comment was "yo that's fire " or "thats a banger!" or just "" or "" or one time I shared a black and white photo and someone commented "wow you suck at b&w" and another time I shared a picture of some abandoned gas pumps with graffiti on them and someone commented "my least favorite photo you've taken, in fact it's horrible you should take photos of something else ". That's all what Instagram was really, just a popularity contest and it really discouraged me from sharing my crappy photos on there and I had a enough so I deleted my account.

Flickr is a little better in sense of receiving genuine comments. I'm not opposed of being critiqued because deep down I know it's something I need to do if I want to grow but right with the things going on in my life, I don't know if I'm ready for that but at the same time why does it better either if I want to do photography just for the process and joy of taking a photograph. Does it matter if they suck if it gives me something to do, something to take my mind off things and to step away from the world? I think not.

Here's the photo in question, yeah I'm aware its not my best shot. But why does every photo need to be my best? I took this from a car window while in traffic (don't worry I wasn't driving) so its not like I could get out and recompose to make it better. I happened to like it from this angle and besides a week later it was all gone so I can't go back now and try it again haha. it's not my fault the gas station was off set from the pumps.

View attachment 270011

Consider it a "recon" shot. Go back for more.

 

[cgw]

@cgw technically most of the galleries are open for critique. There was a time when posting in one of those would get some serious comments. Unfotunately the winds have shifted, i dont know if its a loss of members, the more advanced members don't have time, or there's been a shift in the experience levels of the members.

It's been an ongoing problem for awhile now. That's one of the reasons for starting the C&C Gallery Terri mentioned above. As one of the moderators for that gallery I can assure you that non serious critique is dealt with quickly. If a member takes the time to follow the guidelines for posting then they deserve thoughtful help/critique from those responding.

I'm in. Do post a how-to guide to upload images+metadata. Frankly, I delete posted images here after 7 days.

 

[Jay2023]

I never personally been a big fan of critique, I get why it's sometimes necessary for growth and to learn but when some people receive really negative criticism it kind turns you off from all criticism. I doesn't affect everyone though, but it did affect me. I also think if you're enjoy taking pictures and don't care, that's fine too as long as you're happy and having fun.

Me personally I am in a place right now where I'm questioning why I'm still taking photos, do I really enjoy doing this? Is it because of social media and the validation I sometimes get the main drive to photograph? I been without social media for over a month now and I have little inclination to photograph now, I'm like what's the point if nobody sees it?

I'm not really sure what to do myself, I been addicted to the numbers for multiple years and as a millennial that's to be expected of me, I grew up around that stuff and it is extremely frustrating to share my work even on Flickr and have it not get many favorites or comments. I often deleted photos and uploaded something else that I know would get more attention and deep down I feel like that's wrong and I'm just using it make myself feel better because I have lack of self worth and it's something I been fighting with.

This video from Sean Tucker makes me think about it in a different way but I'm not having a good time processing it properly because I'm so used to thinking about it in one way less likes = bad photo, more likes = good photos and need to do more of that.

I've thought about giving up photography several times, sometimes feels like its several times a year but for some reason I continue to do it and I don't know why because it's just a hobby. I don't do it professionally and I have no community since deleting my social media besides Flickr which I'm making it an unhealthy place because I'm treating it the same way as I did with Instagram.

Maybe I need a new hobby of sorts or something additional.

Hey Nerwin.. I completely resonate with you. sometime I also feel what happens to all the images that I take. is ti just to have a look at it and then what? everyone takes fantastic images and what makes my image any different! but I guess I love the very essence of taking photos. I am in love with the whole process starting from a research to driving down there composing different images and then processing them to get a ahha image. thats what it all is I guess. end of the day I get a new experience and that will be with me for my lifetime. the camera is just a tool but it kind of motivates you to go and do something instead of just roaming around

 

[zombiesniper]

But it also got me questioning why I post here. I'm not a big social media person and this is the only place I post my photos. I shot mostly to pleas myself and post here mostly to get critique. Sadly, there is not much of that. Mostly you get "likes" or comments like "great shot". The other reason is for the community. But it is hard to build community if you are not giving the likes and comments, an interesting conundrum. Most of the time when I comment I try and give at least one reason I like the photo. Maybe I could do better too.

There is a C&C gallery where if you seriously want help we're more than welcome to however read the rules. I'm not very nice to lazy C&C welcome type of posts.

 

[zombiesniper]

I never personally been a big fan of critique, I get why it's sometimes necessary for growth and to learn but when some people receive really negative criticism it kind turns you off from all criticism. I doesn't affect everyone though, but it did affect me. I also think if you're enjoy taking pictures and don't care, that's fine too as long as you're happy and having fun.

Me personally I am in a place right now where I'm questioning why I'm still taking photos, do I really enjoy doing this? Is it because of social media and the validation I sometimes get the main drive to photograph? I been without social media for over a month now and I have little inclination to photograph now, I'm like what's the point if nobody sees it?

I'm not really sure what to do myself, I been addicted to the numbers for multiple years and as a millennial that's to be expected of me, I grew up around that stuff and it is extremely frustrating to share my work even on Flickr and have it not get many favorites or comments. I often deleted photos and uploaded something else that I know would get more attention and deep down I feel like that's wrong and I'm just using it make myself feel better because I have lack of self worth and it's something I been fighting with.

This video from Sean Tucker makes me think about it in a different way but I'm not having a good time processing it properly because I'm so used to thinking about it in one way less likes = bad photo, more likes = good photos and need to do more of that.

I've thought about giving up photography several times, sometimes feels like its several times a year but for some reason I continue to do it and I don't know why because it's just a hobby. I don't do it professionally and I have no community since deleting my social media besides Flickr which I'm making it an unhealthy place because I'm treating it the same way as I did with Instagram.

Maybe I need a new hobby of sorts or something additional.

I'm going to have to comment here in sections.

Critiques:
I fully agree that overly harsh ones are
A. not normally required (there's a time, place and manner for everything) and
B. less likely to aid in the development of the person looking for help.

Critiques have become mostly useless in many places due to the lack of effort on the person asking. Sounds harsh but it's the truth. "C&C Welcome" "Critique my image" and all the posts like them are just plain lazy.
What I read on this type of site is "I'm too lazy to evaluate my own work and put in the time to learn where I'm going wrong so I can ask about a specific thing. Can you evaluate the entire image for me instead of just the part I need help with"
Since that is what the poster is actually requesting. The difference is that I could write a 5000 word post on how to improve a single image if I have no guidance on what the poster really wants. Seem pretty unfair that the person asking get's to post four or five words and then others are expected to spend all their energy to help.

Image likes:
The following is based on my perspective of it's evolution.
When the like feature started with social media the only expectation is if you liked something you hit like.
OOhh nice photo, hit like.
Funny joke, hit like.
Seems like a pretty simple concept however the ever evolving humans managed to change that too. It became a personal validation.
My post didn't get liked therefore I'm not (insert whatever here). As this trend progressed with the adults at the time it was passed down to the next generation at an early age. A lot of the follow on generations as well as the adult that caused the shift have great difficulty with social media validation now.

You have talked about this in the past about the fact that you were (maybe still are) emotionally tied social media likes and recognition.
I have no real helpful advice on kicking the online habit. You have grown up in an online work that my generation managed to mess up on you and for that I can only apologize. I hope you do find something/someone that can aid you with this.

If it is any consolation I do think you're good at photography and should continue if photography bring you happiness.

 

[smoke665]

I'm in. Do post a how-to guide to upload images+metadata. Frankly, I delete posted images here after 7 days.

Go here first. READ FIRST - Welcome to the C&C Gallery!

The requirements for posting aren't that difficult. They do require some self evaluation on the part of the one posting and frankly if you aren't willing or capable of doing that then you'll lack the ability to make use of any critique. You'll notice that it's quid pro quo for those offering critique.

 

[CherylL]

Interesting. I thought his comments on character vs personality relate to more than just photography.

Agree!

 

[CherylL]

I never personally been a big fan of critique, I get why it's sometimes necessary for growth and to learn but when some people receive really negative criticism it kind turns you off from all criticism. I doesn't affect everyone though, but it did affect me. I also think if you're enjoy taking pictures and don't care, that's fine too as long as you're happy and having fun.

Me personally I am in a place right now where I'm questioning why I'm still taking photos, do I really enjoy doing this? Is it because of social media and the validation I sometimes get the main drive to photograph? I been without social media for over a month now and I have little inclination to photograph now, I'm like what's the point if nobody sees it?

I'm not really sure what to do myself, I been addicted to the numbers for multiple years and as a millennial that's to be expected of me, I grew up around that stuff and it is extremely frustrating to share my work even on Flickr and have it not get many favorites or comments. I often deleted photos and uploaded something else that I know would get more attention and deep down I feel like that's wrong and I'm just using it make myself feel better because I have lack of self worth and it's something I been fighting with.

This video from Sean Tucker makes me think about it in a different way but I'm not having a good time processing it properly because I'm so used to thinking about it in one way less likes = bad photo, more likes = good photos and need to do more of that.

I've thought about giving up photography several times, sometimes feels like its several times a year but for some reason I continue to do it and I don't know why because it's just a hobby. I don't do it professionally and I have no community since deleting my social media besides Flickr which I'm making it an unhealthy place because I'm treating it the same way as I did with Instagram.

Maybe I need a new hobby of sorts or something additional.

Flickr is a social site. I have a core group of about 20 people that we comment on each other's photos. Most are hobbyist into birds, flowers, pets... the same things I have an interest. I am in several pet/dog groups. My schnauzer photos seem to do the best on Flickr. I'm in a few camera specific groups too. I think you would get more interaction on your photos if you join groups and like/comment people that you follow.

Motivation to shoot is hard for me sometimes. I'll try something out that I normally don't shoot to challenge myself. There was a weekly challenge thread on here. You can still try some out and post even if the challenge is over. May bring some inspiration.

 

[nerwin]

Flickr is a social site. I have a core group of about 20 people that we comment on each other's photos. Most are hobbyist into birds, flowers, pets... the same things I have an interest. I am in several pet/dog groups. My schnauzer photos seem to do the best on Flickr. I'm in a few camera specific groups too. I think you would get more interaction on your photos if you join groups and like/comment people that you follow.

Motivation to shoot is hard for me sometimes. I'll try something out that I normally don't shoot to challenge myself. There was a weekly challenge thread on here. You can still try some out and post even if the challenge is over. May bring some inspiration.

I generally do fine on Flickr. When I was on instagram I used to be pretty popular and then they changed the algorithm and suddenly nobody really saw my work anymore and the community I once had on there disappeared over time. But Flickr is unique, yeah its a social site with honestly pretty poor social tools but it's quite active and only becoming more active it seems. I wish flickr would upgrade their messaging system because it seems to still be from 2006 haha. I'd like to see a more direct message thing where you can easily communicate with other users on Flickr easier to get to know them better. Hopefully they will get there someday. I just don't want it to be like instagram. But overall I really enjoy using Instagram and I'm growing on the platform pretty quickly for some reason.

 

[Don Fischer]

Sometimes I think I only take picture's so I have a reason to make a new frame! I, of course like to hear people like my photo's but the only opinion that really counts is my own. If I don't like it, then need to try again! But a photo that seems to captivate everyone, I've never seen! no matter how good a photo may or may not be there will normally be some that like it and others that don't.

 

[Rickbb]

I learned a long time ago that I do this for me, if I like it then I don’t even have to show it to anyone.

 

[Dikkie]

The reason why I may not get much attention on my images could because I am making more nuance work that means a lot to me and is boring to others because its not as loud as popular photos on social media.

That's true.
It's the same when you write an in-depth article or opinion about some subject, and post it on Facebook.
Result: no one reads it, people scroll further.
However, when you just post: "I'm eating a giant bag of crisps right now"
You directly get a lot of stupid reactions about flavours and other snacks...

People need something that doesn't give much effort, a low threshold.
That's the same with photography.

Most people seem to be happy to see shallow or superficial photos. Even worse: they prefer it.

Go out shooting a photo that took long planning, expedition, timing, right people, detailed composition, editing, ... with a lot effort and you get as a result: "people scrolling further..."
Instead: post a picture of a cat or a laughing baby, and people give you thousands of like: "well done, pretty photo, you're so good in photography", even if the photo wasn't even sharp or well framed at all.

That's how I experience things lately.
It goes even in the direction that when I get nice compliments about it, I suspect the photo is superficial.
Because the more people like it, the more average it could be... depending on the audience.
"oh no, a great compliment from someone you know has bad taste, isn't really a compliment at all"

 

[smoke665]

@Dikkie wow, couldnt have said it better!

 

[AlanKlein]

These comments seem to have one important thing in common, and that is the lack of meaningful critique online. I can't speak to other social media sites or platforms, but right here, at this photo forum, we have a couple of different ways to get that.

Most of us will choose to post our work in one of the Galleries by whatever category seems to best fit the image - then wait for some kind of feedback. Which often times, is limited to fly-by comments like Nice shot or someone clicking a response such as Like. Not much there to help one grow.

But at the very top of the main Gallery section is, in fact, a C&C Gallery where more serious effort can be displayed. There are some special guidelines we ask that you follow when choosing to post in there, basically technical info and your own thoughts on what you were going for. This information helps someone who is interested in offering an in-depth critique a place to start. You should not get Nice shot! type of comments in there - in fact, the moderators of that forum will likely remove them.

The point is, if you want a place to display your more serious efforts for more serious C&C, we have it here. Please, please USE IT! And then you might feel like your work is getting the attention it deserves.

About the video.....I only got about 5 minutes in, so I only got the Newbies are to blame bit. I get bored with stuff like that. It may have some fleeting value, but quite often there is more to the issue than can reasonably be covered in 15 minutes.

Unless the photographer has something specific, they should not say anything about the picture they posted for critiques. That just places ideas in the viewer's minds. It should be left up to the viewer to comment on the picture what he feels about it. After all, when people look at photos, they don't have the photographer there describing what they're seeing.

 

[smoke665]

Unless the photographer has something specific, they should not say anything about the picture they posted for critiques. That just places ideas in the viewer's minds. It should be left up to the viewer to comment on the picture what he feels about it. After all, when people look at photos, they don't have the photographer there describing what they're seeing.

I would agree with you on the general galleries. If you post there you're subject to critique whether you want it or not. There's no effort required on the part of the one posting, consequently there's little effort required by those posting replies. The C&C gallery is a place where you go for specific critique and answers to questions on your image. It's a place of learning, which requires the one posting to first critique their image, and the ones posting replies have to put forth effort. That's why we look for specific questions from the OP, so their questions may be addressed without a lot of rambling useless comments.