Hi All,
Most of my photography is fairly regional, specific to the Pacific Northwest. As a result, I have mostly been posting images in the regional forum (for feedback, critique, general sharing). In my mind, a gallery is a place to put something when I'm "done" with it (insofar as we are ever done with anything). I'm also not really a pro (although I enjoy pretending to be with my own site and blog), so I'm a little intimidated by the quality of many of the images in the galleries.
Am I approaching this wrong? I love the fellowship and familiarity of the PNWNP forum, but perhaps I should be posting in the galleries as well? Should I approach it as two step process: post in the forum for critique, in the gallery when I'm more satisfied?
I'm interested in answers to the question above, but also how each of you who chooses to respond approaches the decision about where to go: galleries or forums.
When I do have a chance to post, I post in the galleries. I only post things in the AK forum that are really specific to the interest of Alaskans.
Don't be intimidated by the good images; everyone had to start out sometime. But, I can't emphasize enough that you need to make comments on others' images. There are several reasons for this. By forcing yourself to describe how the image affects you and what you like and don't like, you learn what is important in an image, and you will learn much more quickly than if you just wait for others to comment on your images. It's active learning versus passive learning. Besides, if you don't make comments on others' images, people will tire of making comments on your images.
I think that posting in the galleries makes you really step back and look objectively at your image; it raises the bar, so to speak. Go for it.
You're certainly not approaching this wrong because there is no right or wrong. While these are called "galleries," more specifically they are critique galleries. I can understand you wanting to only put something in the gallery when you think it's "done," but I think many people use the critique galleries to help them progress through the image and post works in progress. I too like to post finished work, but people post to hear comments and critiques and look for those suggestions or things we may have missed. And you certainly shouldn't feel intimidated and MOST of the folks posting do not make photography their "profession." I think there many, many members who dabble in print sales, teach workshops, write e-books, sell stock, etc., but it doesn't necessarily mean they earn the bulk of their income from photography. I know I don't. So, have fun and enjoy your regional forum, but don't be shy about posting your images in the other galleries. You'll certainly get a broader audience. Go for it!
Lon
Marylynne, by posting in the regional forums, folks like me (from Africa) never get to see your work. We Africans don't have our forum (there are only a handful of us!) so we hang about in the "global" galleries, never looking at the regional forums. For myself, three years later, I have grown by exposure to the critical but constructive comments from people out there. I look at some of the stuff I posted three years ago and I cringe ... [not, i will confess, that what i now produce could be called mainstream but at least i am momentarily content with it ]. As Lon and Genny say: Go For It!
Yes, Marylynne, I agree with what everyone is saying. I view the local forums as places to buddy-up and share info on local sites and conditions and to show off the region in images taken locally. The critique galleries offer the opportunity to show your work and get suggestions about what to do differently, how to make improvements, and/or to see how you're doing in general and if your photography is headed in the direction you hope. For instance, one of my goals was to develop a personal, recognizable style; the critique galleries helped me to know it was happening. Thinking about your recent posts in PNWNP: the site on the river is good in PNWNP for now, and then when you've got the shot you want, see how it does in the Landscape gallery. The Siletz Bay image-- straight to the critique gallery! Wow!
Hope that helps. Also, I just posted one in Flora, where I was in doubt about whether I had achieved a certain "look." the comments have been most helpful.
Now, jump right in! Comment on others' images for the reason Genny said about how it quickly advances your learning. Your images are worthy of being critiqued!
Discussion
5 repliesMost of my photography is fairly regional, specific to the Pacific Northwest. As a result, I have mostly been posting images in the regional forum (for feedback, critique, general sharing). In my mind, a gallery is a place to put something when I'm "done" with it (insofar as we are ever done with anything). I'm also not really a pro (although I enjoy pretending to be with my own site and blog), so I'm a little intimidated by the quality of many of the images in the galleries.
Am I approaching this wrong? I love the fellowship and familiarity of the PNWNP forum, but perhaps I should be posting in the galleries as well? Should I approach it as two step process: post in the forum for critique, in the gallery when I'm more satisfied?
I'm interested in answers to the question above, but also how each of you who chooses to respond approaches the decision about where to go: galleries or forums.
Don't be intimidated by the good images; everyone had to start out sometime. But, I can't emphasize enough that you need to make comments on others' images. There are several reasons for this. By forcing yourself to describe how the image affects you and what you like and don't like, you learn what is important in an image, and you will learn much more quickly than if you just wait for others to comment on your images. It's active learning versus passive learning. Besides, if you don't make comments on others' images, people will tire of making comments on your images.
I think that posting in the galleries makes you really step back and look objectively at your image; it raises the bar, so to speak. Go for it.
You're certainly not approaching this wrong because there is no right or wrong. While these are called "galleries," more specifically they are critique galleries. I can understand you wanting to only put something in the gallery when you think it's "done," but I think many people use the critique galleries to help them progress through the image and post works in progress. I too like to post finished work, but people post to hear comments and critiques and look for those suggestions or things we may have missed. And you certainly shouldn't feel intimidated and MOST of the folks posting do not make photography their "profession." I think there many, many members who dabble in print sales, teach workshops, write e-books, sell stock, etc., but it doesn't necessarily mean they earn the bulk of their income from photography. I know I don't. So, have fun and enjoy your regional forum, but don't be shy about posting your images in the other galleries. You'll certainly get a broader audience. Go for it!
Lon
Hope that helps. Also, I just posted one in Flora, where I was in doubt about whether I had achieved a certain "look." the comments have been most helpful.
Now, jump right in! Comment on others' images for the reason Genny said about how it quickly advances your learning. Your images are worthy of being critiqued!