The Thumbnail, or "What makes you click"

So what makes you click on a thumbnail in one of the critique galleries or perhaps what makes you pass on by without taking a further look?

The question comes to mind occasionally while I am perusing one of the galleries and I see images with several hundred views and an image posted about the same time with barely a hundred views. (I?m speaking mostly of the ES&S forum in this example). There has to be something that causes one to click to see the larger version and perhaps leave a comment or critique or equally some reason that we don?t feel drawn to look further.

I sometimes see comments on photographer?s images such as, ?the thumbnail doesn?t do this image justice? which makes me think that a good image may not always render a good thumbnail but I also wonder if an appealing thumbnail always indicates a good strong image.

I know the advertising business indicates that a print ad (even large ads) has to ?hook? someone in a matter of a few seconds or the message is lost as the viewer or potential customer ?drives on by? and never returns. So, how do we, or can we, create more of ?the hook? or curb appeal, if you will, to get viewers interested in taking a deeper look at our images? (Obviously, it helps by starting with a strong image in the first place)

Okay, I do know that most of us will click on any thumbnail of an image by Darwin Wiggett, Guy Tal, Marc Adamus or many of the other established photographers. We?ve come to know and expect that we will see quality and most likely a stunning image even if the thumbnail may not give much of a clue of how the photo actually appears in the larger version.

Here are just a couple of my thoughts. I suspect that thumbnails that show dramatic skies and bold colors will usually draw more interest than some of the more subtle scenes. That?s not to say a subtle scene doesn?t ever draw a lot of views but a thumbnail with a clear visible subject in it seems to get more people to look. Also, a title that catches interest and is, of course, appropriate to the subject and image usually causes me to want to look further.

So, would any of you care to weigh in and/or share your comments and observations? Let me qualify my posting by stating that my observations are not meant to be critical in any way nor have I been upset about the number of views that my images receive. On the contrary, my images seem to get more views than I would expect. As a beginner, I?m actually quite surprised and always grateful that so many have viewed my photos and especially have left helpful critique. This is more of a discussion starter for those who want to get the second look and hopefully receive comments and suggestions for improving our work. It would also be great to hear thoughts and observations from those of you who market your work over the internet and other media where you have just a thumbnail in which to advertise your image.


Okay, sorry for the long post. I?ve probably lost most of you by now but I?m sure you have many more ideas and thoughts you could share. If I am way off track on this?feel free to let me know too! I'm sure you will!

Just because of the amount of time involved, I usually view everything in the macro and flora gallery. In other galleries, I usually need to know the photographer personally, or have had e-mail or other contact with that person. When I recognize the name as being new, especially new to photography, I'll make it a point to look at their work. With a little more time, I'll look at the "name" photographers like Guy and Marc. Nothing against their work, or against the other people here, but there is just too much good material.

I think Dan and John's responses are a good indication of the community aspect of NPN. It's very much a give-and-take exchange, not only in the sense of "I'll critique yours if you critique mine" but also in the quality and honesty of the critique given/received. All the more reason for people to become more engaged and provide quality feedback. In the long run it pays dividends in the type and amount of feedback you receive from others.

I also find that those who don't offer the same level of critique as they receive eventually end up having their work skipped over.

This is not a good/bad judgment, just an observation of the dynamics at play.

Personally I try to look at all images on ESS (unless I don't have computer access for a while in which case I'll try to catch up though probably won't be able to see everything). I find that some things "jump up" more (bold color, interesting form etc.) but I'm still often favorably surprised to find great images where the thumbnail are not doing them justice.

Guy

Thanks for the replies. I also agree alot of it has to do with getting to know other photographers and their work and building/maintaining an online relationship with them through comments and critiques. I find myself also looking at images with subjects that interest me more. For example, I am drawn to most of the images of the American west...especially the mountain images and I am less likely to look at some of the coastal images (though almost all of them that I see here on NPN are very good).

Thanks again for your responses Dan, John and Guy.

I try to comment as much as possible. I click the "big names" more often, but I also try to leave comments on images that do not strike me in the fírst place from the thumbnail.
I think it is also subject-matter related - If you are much into seascapes, you will probably click every thumbnail that looks like a seascape image. I open every slot-canyon shot, or aspen shot just to name two subject matters. Then there is this random element as well - just click on stuff that looks somewhat promising but is not "understandable" from the thumbnail. Then there are images that I see and judge from the thumbnail and decide not to look further - but this is unfair, and I eventually miss some great images. So what makes me click?: The big names, subject matter I like and things that look strange and make me curious...

There are certain people who post consistently fine images and also stretch the imagination so I always view their posts. I also view those that catch my eye via color or unusual composition. I view those that are dark, so I can see what they are presenting in a larger size and usually I'm pleasantly surprised.

I try to be as impartial as I can when it comes to commenting on other's images. I actually ignore the thumbnails. When I post an image in the Avian forum I take the time to comment on the last 10 image posts after mine. This way I show no preference to any one photographer. Eventually, I make the rounds of all the photographers who post consistently in the Avian forum. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I am attracted by composition. Well composed photographs usually look well composed even when squashed down to a thumbnail. If I see an interesting composition, I click it to get a bigger view. I pay no attention to who posted the photograph, nor do I comment to repay those who've commented on mine.

Pete D.

I'll save myself some typing and simply echo what Pete said.

Thanks again for the replies. I think you've all answered this honestly.

I guess I'm a little different than most in that I very rarely look at the thumbnails. I tend to use the "All Photos" link and then use the "Next Photo" link a lot....

When I'm not traveling and I'm in my normal routine, I open the earliest post I haven't viewed, and then I use the previous photo button to view every other photo I have time to view during that sitting. Usually I comment as I go, but other times I make a mental note to come back to comment when I have more time. I don't skip photos based on the thumbnail, even when I'm sure they won't be appealing to me because sometimes those posts offer the perfect opportunity to leave a productive comment.