Posted by Jason Kim on November 2, 2010 at 11:11 PM
I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject of critiquing images here on NPN. One of the reasons I really enjoy this website is the fact that everyone here, by and large, is very polite and helpful - especially so, considering internet standards.
I'm trying to participate more, because I think that critiquing others' work really helps me grow as a photographer. That being said, I find that I don't really "let loose" because I'm afraid I might offend. I'm not talking about being rude, but where do you all draw the line when it comes to absolute honesty in your critiques?
I am especially careful when critiquing obvious beginners or people new to NPN, but what about people who are more experienced? I really want people to be brutally honest with me, because it's those critiques that often hold the most value. Does everyone feel the same? I figure that most of you skirt this fine line in your critiques...
I admit it isn't always the case, but I genuinely try my best to offer some valuable input in my critiques, and I fear that I hold myself back in order to come across as being positive. Perhaps I shouldn't worry about this so much, but at the same time, I don't want the people who participate in this fine community to think that I am a jerk!
I'm just rambling now, perhaps the result of too much red wine tonight... I would be interested to hear your input, though.
Posted by Lon Overacker on November 3, 2010 at 12:17 AM
Hi Jason,
I think common sense and common courtesy prevails which is one of the enduring factors that makes NPN such a great place.
Common sense and courtesy say that there is a difference between: "I think this is a lousy picture" and "This image isn't really working for me, and here's why...."
Here are a few thoughts:
- Almost always try to find something positive OR something that a beginner can work on, or work towards. ie. "This looks like a great location to return during a different time of day or season..."
- If the image isn't working for you, offer reasons why and what could be done differently.
- If you are being polite and constructive most folks will appreciate the honesty.
- For the more experienced, I think it's important to really pay attention to how the image is posted and what is said. There are many who are just posting to share and really don't care to argue about saturation or have to explain their compositional choices. Many are just the opposite and request direct feedback: "What do you think of the saturation?" And when someone states: "All comments and critique welcomed," then I think it's an open book, provided it's courteous and constructive.
I would think your thought process is just like many. Keep it kind, honest and constructive and you shouldn't have a problem.
good topic.
Lon
Posted by Mat Malone on November 3, 2010 at 1:01 AM
Hey Jason,
Your thinking is pretty close to mine. I think critiquing images is a great way to hone your own eye. If you can quickly pick out what you like and don't like in an image, it should help you spot a good comp in the field (or so I hope). When I do comment I usually try to post one thing I like about the image, and one thing I think could be improved. If nothing can be improved then it's as good as I can imagine it, and that's really impressive. If a poster didn't leave any description with the image, or almost nothing, I will often skip commenting on it. I'm not exactly sure if they just want the eyeballs or they want a critique. For newbies I usually try to find something I like, then a couple critiques -- hopefully without being mean.
And a big reason why I'm a member here is because this is about the only internet site where I get useful feedback. If an image isn't doesn't work perfectly for someone I'd really like to hear why. And if it does work, well that's great but it's even better to hear why. Whenever I get a generic "nice image" comment, it always begs the question: OK why wasn't it a WOW image? So I usually explicitly state in my image posts that I want honest criticism.
Posted by Jason Kim on November 4, 2010 at 2:26 AM
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject, fellas. Good points, all.
Posted by Paul Duval on November 9, 2010 at 9:06 PM
The whole purpose in my estimation is the feedback we receive and give on this website. Sometimes it's really hard to be constructive or hard to find something positive about the image. Some seem to comment on only what they really like or knocks their socks off. If I do see an image that's posted that does that for me I try to explain why, when I'm critiquing or offering advice I sometimes feel like a rank amateur and ask myself do you really know what your talking or thinking about? But there are valid reasons for not being captivated by an image and if there's a way to express that in a constructive non-demeaning way I think you'll find it here most often, Jason.
Discussion
4 repliesI'm trying to participate more, because I think that critiquing others' work really helps me grow as a photographer. That being said, I find that I don't really "let loose" because I'm afraid I might offend. I'm not talking about being rude, but where do you all draw the line when it comes to absolute honesty in your critiques?
I am especially careful when critiquing obvious beginners or people new to NPN, but what about people who are more experienced? I really want people to be brutally honest with me, because it's those critiques that often hold the most value. Does everyone feel the same? I figure that most of you skirt this fine line in your critiques...
I admit it isn't always the case, but I genuinely try my best to offer some valuable input in my critiques, and I fear that I hold myself back in order to come across as being positive. Perhaps I shouldn't worry about this so much, but at the same time, I don't want the people who participate in this fine community to think that I am a jerk!
I'm just rambling now, perhaps the result of too much red wine tonight... I would be interested to hear your input, though.
I think common sense and common courtesy prevails which is one of the enduring factors that makes NPN such a great place.
Common sense and courtesy say that there is a difference between: "I think this is a lousy picture" and "This image isn't really working for me, and here's why...."
Here are a few thoughts:
- Almost always try to find something positive OR something that a beginner can work on, or work towards. ie. "This looks like a great location to return during a different time of day or season..."
- If the image isn't working for you, offer reasons why and what could be done differently.
- If you are being polite and constructive most folks will appreciate the honesty.
- For the more experienced, I think it's important to really pay attention to how the image is posted and what is said. There are many who are just posting to share and really don't care to argue about saturation or have to explain their compositional choices. Many are just the opposite and request direct feedback: "What do you think of the saturation?" And when someone states: "All comments and critique welcomed," then I think it's an open book, provided it's courteous and constructive.
I would think your thought process is just like many. Keep it kind, honest and constructive and you shouldn't have a problem.
good topic.
Lon
Your thinking is pretty close to mine. I think critiquing images is a great way to hone your own eye. If you can quickly pick out what you like and don't like in an image, it should help you spot a good comp in the field (or so I hope). When I do comment I usually try to post one thing I like about the image, and one thing I think could be improved. If nothing can be improved then it's as good as I can imagine it, and that's really impressive. If a poster didn't leave any description with the image, or almost nothing, I will often skip commenting on it. I'm not exactly sure if they just want the eyeballs or they want a critique. For newbies I usually try to find something I like, then a couple critiques -- hopefully without being mean.
And a big reason why I'm a member here is because this is about the only internet site where I get useful feedback. If an image isn't doesn't work perfectly for someone I'd really like to hear why. And if it does work, well that's great but it's even better to hear why. Whenever I get a generic "nice image" comment, it always begs the question: OK why wasn't it a WOW
Paul