What does it mean when a photo has a lot of views and few to no comments? If you read through the archives in the NPN Discussion Forum, among others, you will see that this is a perennial question. I wish I could say that I have the answer(s) to this question, but all I have are personal thoughts.
-Remember that NPN is open to members and non-members alike. I suspect many people are “outsiders” just enjoying the photos and perusing the info.
-I have no idea how the rest of you browse NPN, but I look far more often then I type. I'll often peruse the forum on my Ipod Touch while having morning coffee, and then peek again if I have a slow moment at work (sometimes on multiple computers there). I then may look at the photo on my desktop that evening. I'm often loathe to critique a photo based on how it looks on the Touch or a work monitor, and I may not have time to type out a thoughtful reply when I view it on my desktop for the first time. Nevertheless, the image will now show ~four views and zero comments. If 10 NPN regulars do the same thing, and you toss in 20, or so, guests visiting the forum, you now have 60 views and no comments.
-In addition, I tend to comment in bursts when I'm in the mood and have my thinking cap on without a lot of distractions. That may mean I don't get around to posting a comment for a week or even two after I originally view the image.
-I'm also way more active (especially as relates to the galleries) when I have a photo of my own posted, and less so when I've not been able to get out and have nothing new to add of my own. (Human nature at work here I suppose.)
Regardless of how “good” or “bad” the above behavior may be considered, the important point is that it has nothing to do with how good or bad a posted image is. In other words, I think it is dangerous to judge how well a photo is received, especially in the short term, based on views vs. comments. In the forums, where participation is especially inconsistent, I think it is a good idea to leave a photo up for at least a few weeks before thinking along those lines.
And finally, a digression. If a photographer is looking to improve, I believe strongly that it is far more important to post well thought out comments than it is to post images. I can easily say that my photography has made great strides since I've been active on NPN. While I've certainly learned some from feedback on my photos, I've learned way more from commenting on others photos.
To make a lucid comment I have to really look at the image and ask myself what I like and don't like, and how could the image be improved. Second, I then read through what others have said and learn from their comments. Finally, actually typing out my thoughts clarifies what I'm thinking in my mind.
In this same vein, it is often the most popular and most commented on photos that teach you the least! When I view a powerful photo that I have no nits with, I often say something like “Wow, amazing perfection!” While I love looking at these masterpieces, I learn much more by commenting on the photos that I do have nits with. When I can clarify in my own mind why I think someone's image is less than perfect, I can then use this same suggestion for my own photography.
I agree with what you said, John. I try to comment when I can. I'm not that comfortable, at times, critiquing other photographer's pictures, but I do try. Guess I'm afraid of giving a wrong critique or hurting feelings if I feel there's a need for some kind of correction or improvement to a shot. Just my insecurity. But I also believe that we do have a lot of "outsiders" looking in.
As most of you know I am a full time photorapher. This is how make my living.
Having said that.... heres a few brief thoughts:
1) There are very few (and I mean few) folks I know of here who's input I do not value
2) The best way to get good is to form some think skin and take everyone inout seriously. You dont need to be a working pro to have good knoledge and great inout. There are lot of part timers making as good if not better images than us pros these days.
3) Be honest in your critiques (I really hate that word... evaluation is a better less negative sounding title).... if you like it say so..if not... say so too...
4) I try and internally post 3-4 comments per my own image post.
5) I usually know which images are ones I like and ones I have questions on. Unless its some really amazing light or a really amazing image Id like you all to see, I will usually post images I have mixed feelings about, looking for input on.
6) I remember when the likes of Mark Hudon, Marc Adamus, Davis Cobb, Zack S. et al...etc...;images were disected all the time.... never with malice or negative intent. Knowing these guys, I know they, like me took comments as a positive input.
So as far as I am concerned, dont hold back on my postings. Let me have it when necssary. I;ve been at this almot 30 years.. and I am still trying to get good .
JG
PS--I only wish I had more time to be more active here.I;m sitting in my backyard today as I write thison my 1srt weekend home since Mid march... but like I say... I love what I do. I cant wait to get on the road again... this time taking a group to Icelamd in 10 days!
Posted by Scott Smorra on July 9, 2012 at 10:05 PM
Very insightful post John. I agree with everything you have written here and especially agree with the statement about, "learning/improving though commenting on images". Being able to articulate exactly what you like or don't like in an image truly helps you improve your own photography skills. I know this approach definitely worked for me!
Discussion
5 replies-Remember that NPN is open to members and non-members alike. I suspect many people are “outsiders” just enjoying the photos and perusing the info.
-I have no idea how the rest of you browse NPN, but I look far more often then I type. I'll often peruse the forum on my Ipod Touch while having morning coffee, and then peek again if I have a slow moment at work (sometimes on multiple computers there). I then may look at the photo on my desktop that evening. I'm often loathe to critique a photo based on how it looks on the Touch or a work monitor, and I may not have time to type out a thoughtful reply when I view it on my desktop for the first time. Nevertheless, the image will now show ~four views and zero comments. If 10 NPN regulars do the same thing, and you toss in 20, or so, guests visiting the forum, you now have 60 views and no comments.
-In addition, I tend to comment in bursts when I'm in the mood and have my thinking cap on without a lot of distractions. That may mean I don't get around to posting a comment for a week or even two after I originally view the image.
-I'm also way more active (especially as relates to the galleries) when I have a photo of my own posted, and less so when I've not been able to get out and have nothing new to add of my own. (Human nature at work here I suppose.)
Regardless of how “good” or “bad” the above behavior may be considered, the important point is that it has nothing to do with how good or bad a posted image is. In other words, I think it is dangerous to judge how well a photo is received, especially in the short term, based on views vs. comments. In the forums, where participation is especially inconsistent, I think it is a good idea to leave a photo up for at least a few weeks before thinking along those lines.
And finally, a digression. If a photographer is looking to improve, I believe strongly that it is far more important to post well thought out comments than it is to post images. I can easily say that my photography has made great strides since I've been active on NPN. While I've certainly learned some from feedback on my photos, I've learned way more from commenting on others photos.
To make a lucid comment I have to really look at the image and ask myself what I like and don't like, and how could the image be improved. Second, I then read through what others have said and learn from their comments. Finally, actually typing out my thoughts clarifies what I'm thinking in my mind.
In this same vein, it is often the most popular and most commented on photos that teach you the least! When I view a powerful photo that I have no nits with, I often say something like “Wow, amazing perfection!” While I love looking at these masterpieces, I learn much more by commenting on the photos that I do have nits with. When I can clarify in my own mind why I think someone's image is less than perfect, I can then use this same suggestion for my own photography.
And now, back to our regular programming...
As most of you know I am a full time photorapher. This is how make my living.
Having said that.... heres a few brief thoughts:
1) There are very few (and I mean few) folks I know of here who's input I do not value
2) The best way to get good is to form some think skin and take everyone inout seriously. You dont need to be a working pro to have good knoledge and great inout. There are lot of part timers making as good if not better images than us pros these days.
3) Be honest in your critiques (I really hate that word... evaluation is a better less negative sounding title).... if you like it say so..if not... say so too...
4) I try and internally post 3-4 comments per my own image post.
5) I usually know which images are ones I like and ones I have questions on. Unless its some really amazing light or a really amazing image Id like you all to see, I will usually post images I have mixed feelings about, looking for input on.
6) I remember when the likes of Mark Hudon, Marc Adamus, Davis Cobb, Zack S. et al...etc...;images were disected all the time.... never with malice or negative intent. Knowing these guys, I know they, like me took comments as a positive input.
So as far as I am concerned, dont hold back on my postings. Let me have it when necssary. I;ve been at this almot 30 years.. and I am still trying to get good .
JG
PS--I only wish I had more time to be more active here.I;m sitting in my backyard today as I write thison my 1srt weekend home since Mid march... but like I say... I love what I do. I cant wait to get on the road again... this time taking a group to Icelamd in 10 days!