I'm a relative newbie and love this site. I have observed that the UK/Europe Forum is very consistent in posting camera, lens, exposure and post processing info with their photo submissions. I find this information extremely helpful and interesting and would respectfully encourage all contributors to consider doing the same.
Posted by Ed Cordes on January 21, 2009 at 7:24 AM
Robert, you are correct. If someone is submitting the image for true critique and not just for image sharing it is a lot easier for us to offer constructive input if we know these details.
Posted by Larry Puckett on January 21, 2009 at 10:43 AM
This drives me crazy too and I've even resorted to sending folks who don't regularly provide that info a personal email asking them to do it. It would be real nice if Jim would add a tickler reminder to the posting page reminding folks to do that. In addition to providing valuable information for newbies on techniques, it also makes it a lot easier to give constructive comments on photos that are posted--LJP
I agree. I feel strongly that settings are inherent to the review process.
But some reviewers don't feel they need them. Cool.
And some photographers feel it's too much trouble. Too bad. If it's too much trouble for the photographer, then it's too much trouble for me to review their work. I refuse to review or comment on any photo that doesn't have them. Period. Easy for me, but not helpful to you.
Posted by Jim Jirka on January 21, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Hank,
It is also easy for you to take this stand. I put shooting info in my posts, and I don't believe in the 5+ years I have been around here you have ever commented on one of my images. So easy for you, not so helpful for anyone else.
Sounds like some hot air coming out of the great white north.
Nah. Jim. Personal aspersions aside, it's a sign of another fact of life up here.
Our dialup ISP has deteriorated so badly that download rates often drop below 1k. NPN-sized images are bad enough, but so many folks are now posting humongous files on other servers and linking to them. I've waited over 20 minutes for some images to open. I'm out of the habit of reviewing now, but if you look at the # of replies on my signature line, well over half of those are image critiques from the past. I can even remember commenting on some of yours way back when, so without returning the personal aspersion favor my conscience is clear and smooth.
I'll be critiquing again just as soon as I get a faster connection up here. But not on images without shooting data. I'm WAAAAAY too busy for folks that are too busy for me.
# Equipment information. By telling us what kind of equipment was used we will have a better feel for what we can suggest. Try to include information about the camera and lens used, if a speedlight (flash) and/or tripod was used or any filters.
# Camera settings, including shutter speed, aperture setting and exposure compensation can also be useful to those offering their comments.
Posted by Larry Puckett on January 21, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Hank--yes it is there but how many people read that? There are some posters who give the lens, f stop, and exposure time, some who list a camera and lens, some who give very detailed info, and some who give nothing. It would be better to include the information in the instructions at the top of the message box that comes up when you go to actually post a photo. That way there is no way it can be missed and it is constantly being reinforced--Larry
I'm seeing that as a good recommendation for Jim, Larry.
Hey Jim!
Oh Jim.......
Posted by Stan Rose on January 21, 2009 at 11:31 PM
I generally post shooting info, and i generally appreciate when others give the same because it helps with technical critique. But occasionally ive simply forgotten to transfer file info, or EXIF just isnt available for some of the older files ive posted. I dont think it should be made into some kind of "duty". If someone doesnt post info, that person should simply realize that they're not going to get critique from others, like Hank, who expect the info from them. Then they don't get those comments. If they dont like that, then post the info! Problem solved, no need to make any new rules.
Mr. Rose, I initiated this thread in the interest of perhaps making this great site even more useful and enjoyable for all of us friends of photography. There was no thought of "duty." Just an observation gleaned from the UK forum and a respectful suggestion that others might want to consider doing the same in the interest of making the site better. Some will voluntarily and some won't. I think we will all benefit from those who will but there should be no obligation imposed on those who choose not to. Let there be peace
Posted by Larry Puckett on January 22, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Stan--I've always appreciated the detailed info you usually provide--thanks. However no one is suggesting new rules, these are existing posting guidelines that are so well hidden that I didn't know they even existed. To find them you have to go to the top of the gallery page, click on About This Gallery, then click on the Posting Guidelines link provided there, then click on Photo Posting Tips to find the guidelines that Hank provided above. Given how well these are hidden it's amazing that anyone provides technical details at all. Now if an abbreviated version of those tips were provided above the text box where you post a photo then that would save a lot of hunting to find something you might not even know exists--Larry
Discussion
12 repliesBut some reviewers don't feel they need them. Cool.
And some photographers feel it's too much trouble. Too bad. If it's too much trouble for the photographer, then it's too much trouble for me to review their work. I refuse to review or comment on any photo that doesn't have them. Period. Easy for me, but not helpful to you.
It is also easy for you to take this stand. I put shooting info in my posts, and I don't believe in the 5+ years I have been around here you have ever commented on one of my images. So easy for you, not so helpful for anyone else.
Sounds like some hot air coming out of the great white north.
Our dialup ISP has deteriorated so badly that download rates often drop below 1k. NPN-sized images are bad enough, but so many folks are now posting humongous files on other servers and linking to them. I've waited over 20 minutes for some images to open. I'm out of the habit of reviewing now, but if you look at the # of replies on my signature line, well over half of those are image critiques from the past. I can even remember commenting on some of yours way back when, so without returning the personal aspersion favor my conscience is clear and smooth.
I'll be critiquing again just as soon as I get a faster connection up here. But not on images without shooting data. I'm WAAAAAY too busy for folks that are too busy for me.
Pete D.
Actually it's in the NPN Posting Guidelines:
# Equipment information. By telling us what kind of equipment was used we will have a better feel for what we can suggest. Try to include information about the camera and lens used, if a speedlight (flash) and/or tripod was used or any filters.
# Camera settings, including shutter speed, aperture setting and exposure compensation can also be useful to those offering their comments.
Hey Jim!
Oh Jim.......