But many of you have helped me become a better and more skilled photographer through honest and critical critiques, not only on my own images, but on all the images posted on NPN. Even if you have never once spoken to me directly, you have been mentors.
It can be difficult and daunting to post critiques, and to literally say "I like every thing about the image but ______". That little "but ____" can be the difference between a great image, and a so-so image. And I don't mind telling you, I would rather create great images than so-so ones.
I've learned an awful lot about DOF, from reading comments on my own posts, and other people's posts that now I feel entirely comfortable in the field and without much hesitation I can change on the fly and know what the end result will be. My brain switches into high gear and I can recall comments like "I would have changed the DOF of field to f__ to get more sharpness" and they inspire me to take my skills a step further than I might have 6 months ago. I can now with ease survey the shot through my view finder and think "light is great, I can bump the DOF up to f9 and have a sharper image", or "the light isn't that great, so I need to use f5.6". (just quick examples)
So for all of you who mention DOF, I thank you.
For those of you who mention ISO settings in critical comments on other people's posts, or even critiquing your own original post, I thank you. (I've paid attention when I see some one post I should have used ISO___ but forgot to change it, I've done that myself and wanted to kick my own butt)
I can look at my own images now and say to myself "I should have bumped up the ISO", or "I could have bumped the ISO down in that light". While I am in the field I can now quickly assess the lighting situation, and turn the ISO up or down as needed with out much thought. It was not always that way for me, I struggled with it, but thanks to your posts, I am not struggling with that so much any more.
I've read some places on line you should always shoot at ISO 100 for finer quality images, but what most of them do not mention clearly is that is not always the case. I've learned on NPN if you are getting dark, poor quality images at ISO 100, bump it up. I've learned if you are getting noise at ISO 400, try ISO 340. And so on. Thanks NPN.
For those of you who has hesitated to post a negative comment on one of my images, but decided to stick your neck out there any way and did it, I thank you, because you made me think more about what ever it was that you brought up. Whether it was seeing a sharpening halo, or the colors/WB needed adjusting, the rotation was slightly off, or you thought my composition sucked.
I thank you because you helped me see it from another perspective and even if my point of view differed from yours, it still taught me some thing.
For those of you who mention angles, I thank you. I have found myself laying flat in mud, sand and grass to get a better angle. While I am sure I am providing funny entertainment for people who may wander by, I am also producing better images because of the voices inside my head that are saying "I would have gotten lower for a better angle". In a few places I like to go shooting the morning light isn't at the best angle, so thanks to my mentors here, I rolled up my pants legs and waded out in the water to get better light. I'm really noticing a difference not only in my images, but my thought processes about creating the image.
I could go on and on about the ways that all of you have helped me to become a better photographer, and there are a myraid of ways, but there are only so many hours in the day!
Collectively you have covered the bases, from angles, to lighting, lenses, shutter speed, composition to post-processing techniques and beyond. You are all excellent teachers, outstanding peers and diligent mentors. The reason that NPN is such an amazing nature photography web site is because of each and every one of you who take the time to give thoughtful, inciteful and critical comments.
I thank all of you, and I hope that my comments on your images benefit you as much as yours have me.
I second your entire post from my own personal perspective!! I am a much better photographer and CONTINUE to learn more each day from NPN and offer my own heartfelt THANK YOU to NPN.
Grace
Well said Lia. Sometimes critical comments sting a little at first but they tend to be so helpful in our growth as photographers. I would much rather get dinged on a posted shot than to simply be ignored - in both cases I know that my fellow photographers don't particularly like the image but at least when I'm dinged I know WHY they don't like it and can learn from it.
Lia, Very well said--not only from a technical point of view, but from the heart. Many times I think of you slithering around in the mud and sand to capture the perfect angle. You too are an inspiration.
Lia,
It is always great to have feedback such as yours here on NPN and the regional sites as well. All of us learn from one another, but your comments show the extent of what you got out of it.
I always encouraged my students to use this site for the wealth of information from very skilled photographers of all levels.
I personally want to thank you for showing your support by your feedback. I know since about the same year NPN launched when I became a member, I too have picked up a lot of advice that has helped me grow as an artist and technical photographer.
I think a big Hooah should go out to Jim and the crew that maintain and moderate the sites. This forum has over the years helped A GREAT MANY aspiring photographers go on to greater rewards.
What an awesome post and so beautifully written! I must admit that everything you’ve said applies to me in more ways than one!
The last time I was out shooting some Oystercatchers I needed a slightly lower point of view but it meant climbing into a rock pool to do so – then I though of all your mud baths!
I got the shot needed and a jolly good soaking in the process too!
Well done Lia. In addition to receiving and reading other comments, giving comments to others is yet another way to grow as a photographer. Commenting makes you look closer and with a more critical eye. Soon you will find that critical eye creeping into your own viewfinder as you line a shot up. What better time to be critical of your own work than before you pull the trigger?
A very heartfelt and wonderful post. I've learned many things here and have been motivated to capture more images and only wish I had more time to be out there.
It's always a good thing when folks can help each other out. Thanks for posting this.
What goes around, comes around and this little merry-go round known as NPN is the best ride any photographer can take. Yes Lia, that was an outstanding post and you are an inspiration. Ron
Lia - I agree with you wholeheartedly. Today, I was walking with a spring in my step having seen one of my images in the editor's pics. ALL of my learning has come from this forum and It's hard to imagine where I might have got more help and inspiration. So congratulatoins to those who organise it and sincere thanks to everyone for making it what it is.
I was happy to see so many responses to this thread.
I basically wanted people to know that your comments, your critiques, and the time involved in writing a critique does make a difference. Sure it is great to get those pats on the back, but the value of a critical comment is also immense and helps to keep NPN from being just another superfical photography site.
I know without a shadow of doubt that I am a better photographer because of the people here, the editors & moderators, and the wealth of knowledge available to me.
What a nice post! I surely agree with you. I've been hanging around here for several years by now, learning and growing from the comments and suggestions people have been kind enough to offer, and am very grateful for the growth I have undergone.
This is a wonderful community of people all sharing a part of their lives that inspires and rewards them.
sandy r
Discussion
20 repliesIt can be difficult and daunting to post critiques, and to literally say "I like every thing about the image but ______". That little "but ____" can be the difference between a great image, and a so-so image. And I don't mind telling you, I would rather create great images than so-so ones.
I've learned an awful lot about DOF, from reading comments on my own posts, and other people's posts that now I feel entirely comfortable in the field and without much hesitation I can change on the fly and know what the end result will be. My brain switches into high gear and I can recall comments like "I would have changed the DOF of field to f__ to get more sharpness" and they inspire me to take my skills a step further than I might have 6 months ago. I can now with ease survey the shot through my view finder and think "light is great, I can bump the DOF up to f9 and have a sharper image", or "the light isn't that great, so I need to use f5.6". (just quick examples)
So for all of you who mention DOF, I thank you.
For those of you who mention ISO settings in critical comments on other people's posts, or even critiquing your own original post, I thank you. (I've paid attention when I see some one post I should have used ISO___ but forgot to change it, I've done that myself and wanted to kick my own butt)
I can look at my own images now and say to myself "I should have bumped up the ISO", or "I could have bumped the ISO down in that light". While I am in the field I can now quickly assess the lighting situation, and turn the ISO up or down as needed with out much thought. It was not always that way for me, I struggled with it, but thanks to your posts, I am not struggling with that so much any more.
I've read some places on line you should always shoot at ISO 100 for finer quality images, but what most of them do not mention clearly is that is not always the case. I've learned on NPN if you are getting dark, poor quality images at ISO 100, bump it up. I've learned if you are getting noise at ISO 400, try ISO 340. And so on. Thanks NPN.
For those of you who has hesitated to post a negative comment on one of my images, but decided to stick your neck out there any way and did it, I thank you, because you made me think more about what ever it was that you brought up. Whether it was seeing a sharpening halo, or the colors/WB needed adjusting, the rotation was slightly off, or you thought my composition sucked.
I thank you because you helped me see it from another perspective and even if my point of view differed from yours, it still taught me some thing.
For those of you who mention angles, I thank you. I have found myself laying flat in mud, sand and grass to get a better angle. While I am sure I am providing funny entertainment for people who may wander by, I am also producing better images because of the voices inside my head that are saying "I would have gotten lower for a better angle". In a few places I like to go shooting the morning light isn't at the best angle, so thanks to my mentors here, I rolled up my pants legs and waded out in the water to get better light. I'm really noticing a difference not only in my images, but my thought processes about creating the image.
I could go on and on about the ways that all of you have helped me to become a better photographer, and there are a myraid of ways, but there are only so many hours in the day!
Collectively you have covered the bases, from angles, to lighting, lenses, shutter speed, composition to post-processing techniques and beyond. You are all excellent teachers, outstanding peers and diligent mentors. The reason that NPN is such an amazing nature photography web site is because of each and every one of you who take the time to give thoughtful, inciteful and critical comments.
I thank all of you, and I hope that my comments on your images benefit you as much as yours have me.
Your comments & critiques DO make a difference.
Danny.
Grace
Carol
It is always great to have feedback such as yours here on NPN and the regional sites as well. All of us learn from one another, but your comments show the extent of what you got out of it.
I always encouraged my students to use this site for the wealth of information from very skilled photographers of all levels.
I personally want to thank you for showing your support by your feedback. I know since about the same year NPN launched when I became a member, I too have picked up a lot of advice that has helped me grow as an artist and technical photographer.
I think a big Hooah should go out to Jim and the crew that maintain and moderate the sites.
Guy
What an awesome post and so beautifully written! I must admit that everything you’ve said applies to me in more ways than one!
The last time I was out shooting some Oystercatchers I needed a slightly lower point of view but it meant climbing into a rock pool to do so – then I though of all your mud baths!
I got the shot needed and a jolly good soaking in the process too!
I’m still glad I don’t do your laundry though!
Happy shooting!
I hear the NPN voices every time I'm out shooting, and it does make a difference.
A very heartfelt and wonderful post. I've learned many things here and have been motivated to capture more images and only wish I had more time to be out there.
It's always a good thing when folks can help each other out. Thanks for posting this.
Lon
David M. Cobb
I basically wanted people to know that your comments, your critiques, and the time involved in writing a critique does make a difference. Sure it is great to get those pats on the back, but the value of a critical comment is also immense and helps to keep NPN from being just another superfical photography site.
I know without a shadow of doubt that I am a better photographer because of the people here, the editors & moderators, and the wealth of knowledge available to me.
Again, my thanks to all of you.
This is a wonderful community of people all sharing a part of their lives that inspires and rewards them.
sandy r